LOREN CHASE The YA LO-DOWN

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #7

2011-06-24T08:05:00.000-04:00

Q. In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer...let's talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?

My favorite story that revolves around the fae would have to be Tithe by Holly Black. I read it back in middle school and it was the first novel (not including fairy tales) I read that didn't portray fairies as these cute things with wings!

How about you?

Giveaway Winner! True Blood DVD Set

2011-06-23T18:17:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Ai_Luv_Love! You won Season 1 of True Blood on DVD! I’ll send you an e-mail soon so I can get the DVDs out to you asap! Thanks to everyone else for entering!

Winner selected by random.org

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #6

2011-06-17T10:54:00.000-04:00

Q. Genre Wars! What's your favorite genre and which book in that genre made it your favorite?

I would have to agree with Parajunkee on this one and say YA Dystopians. I love The Hunger Games (which I'm reading right now) but the real clincher was when I read Divergent. That book is amazing, beautiful, and heartbreaking. I loved every second of it.

How about you? What's your favorite genre?

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: #3 - Eve by Anna Carey

2011-06-15T03:47:00.000-04:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

This week my selection is: EVE by Anna Carey

Publication Date: October 4, 2011

From Goodreads: The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

What are you eagerly anticipating?

BOOK REVIEW: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

2011-06-14T12:51:00.001-04:00

I can’t help the huge smile that is plastered on my face right now after turning the last page in SPELLBOUND. To say I enjoyed SPELLBOUND would be an understatement. I know I always say this but I didn’t know what to expect with SPELLBOUND. I didn’t expect to find myself grinning from ear to ear after I turned page after page. This book was not only funny, filled with mush, and sarcastic remarks, it was also able to balance the lighthearted with some pretty dark situations. Here’s the synopsis from Goodreads:

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

Emma was not only funny; she was strong headed and stood up for herself. She was an easy character to relate to, her sense of humor made her endearing, her need to stand up for the ones she loved made her admirable, and her past made her seem that much stronger as a person. I related to her on all different levels and it was great to see her character change and grow.

Her love interest, Brendan, was a knight in shining armor; he was strong, smart, and would do anything to protect Emma. I fell in love with him just as much as Emma did. The chemistry between Brendan and Emma was perfect.

Once I started, I couldn’t put the book down. SPELLBOUND kept me riveted, even though I wanted more Witch-tastic-ness (because I found that really fascinating and I want more Witch books out there!) there was just enough to hold my attention and leave me wanting more. This book is a must-read with enough love to keep you satisfied, enough humor to keep you grinning, and enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat. You should definitely pick it up when it comes out on June 28^th!

Karsten Knight: Author Video

2011-06-10T08:33:00.004-04:00

Check out Karsten Knight, author of WILDEFIRE in this video from Simon & Schuster. I thought this was pretty hilarious!

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #5

2011-06-09T03:53:00.000-04:00

Q. The magic book fairy pops out of your cereal box and says "you and your favorite character (from a book of course) can switch places!" Who are you going to switch with?

Umm... I don't know! I think I would switch places with the obvious answer, Hermione Granger. She's smart, she doesn't take crap from anyone, and she's powerful! If I picked a non-magical person I think it would have to be... Tris from Divergent or Ginny from The Only Alien on the Planet, both are strong female leads and I love that about them. Can you tell how indecisive I am?

Who would you pick?

Check out my 200 Follower Giveaway! ;)

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: #2 - Supernaturally by Kiersten White & Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

2011-06-08T00:01:00.004-04:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

This week my selection is: SUPERNATURALLY by Kiersten White

Publication Date: July 26, 2011

I have been waiting for this book since I finished the last page in PARANORMALCY so I'm super psyched for SUPERNATURALLY to come out.

From Goodreads: Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

My second selection is: ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD by Kendare Blake

Publication Date: August 30, 2011

From Goodreads: Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

What are you eagerly anticipating?

Mini RANT: The McDouble

2011-06-06T19:46:00.000-04:00

How hard is it to fully cook a burger??

I know, my rants tend to be focused on Fast Food places, specifically the McDonald’s down the street from me. But is it really that hard to cook a burger so that it’s not pink and gray inside? This has happened to me the past threeeeee times I’ve been there. Each time that much worse.

I’m all for people wanting their burgers rare, medium rare, raw! But when it comes to my processed, packed, meat patty; I would like it to be well done. I would like to order a burger that doesn’t taste like chewing gum in my mouth and that doesn’t have dead lettuce clutching onto the ketchup for dear life. That my friends, is not a good burger. And that is the end of my mini RANT. Thank you for taking the time to listen.

200 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY

2011-06-06T13:01:00.010-04:00

***Contest Closed***
Hey guys! Since I've made it to 200 followers I thought I should do another giveaway to thank you guys for being such great followers and blogging buddies! There will be three winners: Winner #1 gets their first choice of which book they want, Winner #2 second choice, Winner #3 third choice.

Here are the super awesome books up for grabs:

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Almost To Die For by Tate Hallaway

Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler

Look Both Ways by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley ARC

Plain Kate by Erin Bow ARC

Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda ARC

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

Rules:

You must be a follower (That's it!)

To earn extra entries you can:

Follow me on Twitter @lo_chase

Become my friend on Goodreads

Post my giveaway button on your blog (Can be found at the top on the left sidebar)

Blog about this giveaway

Tweet about this giveaway

Good luck! And thank you so much to all of my followers for being so great!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry, it makes them way easier to count!

This is open INTERNATIONALLY

This giveaway ends July 17th @ Midnight
Please leave your e-mail in the comments. If you don't I'll just contact you through your blog or Google Connect.

IN MY MAILBOX: #4

2011-06-05T08:16:00.000-04:00

In My Mailbox is this great meme hosted by Kristi @The Story Siren where you get to showcase the books you've received that week.You get to see the books people have bought, borrowed, or received for review. This week I totally caved and went crazy... My bank account hates me. I also took pictures this time! Let me know what you guys think! Pictures I take or Web book cover pics? Here they are:

BOUGHT:

KINDLE:

FOR REVIEW: Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams

WON: Thanks to Tiger Holland @ All-Consuming Books

What did you guys get?

BOOK REVIEW: Evernight by Claudia Gray

2011-06-04T08:54:00.001-04:00

I’m not quite sure what to say about EVERNIGHT. I have to admit I’d been avoiding this book because of the cover but finally decided to read it when another blogger recommended it. When I started EVERNIGHT I knew I was going to love it, the first pages pulled me in right away and I knew I would be hooked. What I wasn’t expecting was the story to lull for awhile; making me put the book down more than once.

Here's the synopsis from Goodreads:

Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

While I could relate to Bianca’s character, her swooning over Lucas left me feeling a little woozy. She fell so hard so quickly that I didn’t have enough time to fall in love with Lucas myself which left me feeling a bit off balance when I hardly even knew the guy. The one character I did fall in love with was Balthazar; he was a gentlemen, he was confident, smart, and he genuinely cared about Bianca. (I was quietly rooting for him throughout the entire book).

What I think a lot of people have felt deceived about was the twist in the second half of the book, which I already knew about due to some spoiler-filled reviews. But the twist, even knowing it, didn’t bother me in the least, although I think some things should have panned out differently, Gray knowingly put the pieces together so that it wouldn’t be such a shock when the reader finally got to that twist.

By the end, the story had picked up and I couldn’t put the book down. I was turning page after page trying to figure out what was going to happen next. The tension is definitely in the second half of the book. So if you haven’t picked up EVERNIGHT yet you definitely should.

BLOGGER HOP: #2

2011-06-02T23:40:00.002-04:00

"Share your favorite post from the last month and tell us why it’s close to your heart!”

One of my favorite posts would have to be my review of Divergent by Veronica Roth. But my ALL TIME favorite post would have to be of my review for Dust City by Robert Paul Weston because he contacted me on Twitter and thanked me for the kind words. That definitely brightened my day!

How about you guys?

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #4

2011-06-02T22:32:00.003-04:00

Q. What are you doing to prepare for an upcoming zombie apocalypse and/or the return of Mel Gibson to the silver screen? (Both of which could be terrifying.)

Ooh... this is a hard one this week... I'm ransacking as many stores as I can to find all the Jelly beans in existence. Who can survive without jelly beans?!?!? That's like asking me to stay underground for two years without water, it's not gonna happen. I'm also training my spider-monkey kitteh to fight! She needs to know how to defend... me. Against all those dead dudes/gals. On the other hand I could try to make peace with them with an offering of everyone's flesh but my own... I don't know how the rest of you feel about that but I think I'd be pretty happy in my imaginary basement eating jelly beans and watching re-runs of The Vampire Diaries... Did I really answer this question...?

What would you guys do??

BOOK REVIEW: Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

2011-06-02T12:17:00.000-04:00

First Impressions: RIVETING

I’ve got chills running up and down my arms right now. I don’t know what I can tell you about ULTRAVIOLET without giving away the entire intricate plot. It’s a story that weaves mental illness with science fiction and it does so brilliantly. Alison is a relatable character filled with fears, the absence of confidence, and an inner strength I wish I had. ULTRAVIOLET kept me riveted from the first chapter to the last and everywhere in-between.

Here's the synopsis from Goodreads:

Once upon a time there was a girl who was special.

This is not her story.

Unless you count the part where I killed her.

Sixteen-year-old Alison has been sectioned in a mental institute for teens, having murdered the most perfect and popular girl at school. But the case is a mystery: no body has been found, and Alison's condition is proving difficult to diagnose. Alison herself can't explain what happened: one minute she was fighting with Tori -- the next she disintegrated. Into nothing. But that's impossible. Right?

I wasn’t expecting so much from this book about a girl in a mental institution who is more than she seems. And I definitely wasn’t expecting the twists and turns this story took towards the second half of the book. Alison is different from other people; where there are sounds Alison sees colors and where there are words Alison tastes flavors. She’s sent to a mental institution because they think she’s murdered the most popular girl in her school. And the only one who believes her innocence is not who she thinks they are. So without giving away any spoilers, I need to tell you to get this book when it releases on September 1^st (US)! This book definitely caught me by surprise and spun this unbelievable tale of believing in yourself no matter what anybody says.

Cover: I really think a different cover would be more appropriate for the story...

IN MY MAILBOX: #3

2011-05-29T07:24:00.004-04:00

In My Mailbox is this great meme hosted by The Story Siren where you get to showcase the books you've received that week.You get to see the books people have bought, borrowed, or received for review. This week I tried to be good and only bought three books. So I know my bank account is semi-happy. Here they are:

For Review: Netgalley

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Legacy by Cayla Kluver

What did you guys get?

BLOGGER HOP: #1

2011-05-27T00:08:00.006-04:00

"What book-to-movie adaption have you most liked? Which have you disliked?"

I'm going to be totally cheesy and say Harry Potter! I think the movies have just gotten better and better as they go! As for which ones I disliked... I can't really think of any! I don't think there have been any that I completely disliked. EDIT: After looking over everyone's answers I realized I didn't think about this answer enough! So I'm changing it! I really loved The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Lord of the Rings. And the movie I disliked the most would have to be Blood & Chocolate! On it's own, it was alright but compared to the book it was horrible! Okay. End rant. :)

What are your favorite adaptations?

Let me know if you're a new follower so I can follow back! And if my GFC box still isn't working you can follow by clicking on the follow link on the bar at the top of the page! :)

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #3

2011-05-26T22:25:00.009-04:00

EDIT: If I said I followed you but my image isn't showing up in GFC please LET ME KNOW! So I can try and follow you again. All these glitches are driving me batty. Have a great weekend!

Q. How many books do you read in a week? And in what format do you read them, or listen to them?

I read about six books at one time and finish about one or two per week. It takes me longer to get through books because I'm reading so many at one time! I read hard copies and E-books on my Kindle!

How about you?

Let me know if you're a new follower so I can follow back! And if my GFC box still isn't working you can follow by clicking on the follow link on the bar at the top of the page! :)

BOOK REVIEW: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

2011-05-25T09:42:00.004-04:00

I admit I initially wanted to read this book because of the cover, I mean, look at it! It’s absolutely stunning. And then I started reading… And I was pleasantly surprised. This was my first Steampunk novel and I was immediately swept away.

Cross’ world is littered with metal contraptions and interesting characters. The main character is captivating, daring, naïve, and strong all wrapped into this little package. In other words, I LOVED this book. I don’t want to give away the entire premise because then I’d be giving away some spoilers but I’ll just let you read the synopsis from goodreads:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

I was utterly surprised by this book, although I loved the cover, I didn’t expect to love the story as much as I did. And now I’m in love with this Victorian world filled with metal machines and robots. It’s definitely different from the books that I normally read but it kept my attention and was captivating and intriguing.

I loved Finley because of how much she progressed as a character throughout the story. She wasn’t a one note character, she grew and changed and became stronger and I felt like I was with her during that entire journey. And although there was chemistry between Finley and Griffin, it didn’t overwhelm the story. I was more interested in the mystery that was taking place and the tension was an added bonus!

I kind of felt a bit disconnected from the rest of the characters but I think that’s because the perspectives changed so much. And although I loved the character of Jack, Finley’s attraction to him seemed a bit random. The ending definitely made me feel like I was watching “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” So you can probably count on this being book one in a series. I would definitely check out THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET if you haven’t already. It’s such a great intro into Steampunk if you haven’t read any before!

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: #1 - The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

2011-05-25T00:49:00.002-04:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

This week my selection is: THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting

Expected Publication Date: November 15, 2011

From Goodreads: In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she’s spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can’t be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country’s only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

What are you eagerly anticipating?

BOOK REVIEW: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

2011-05-23T10:32:00.000-04:00

Favorite line: “Maybe he was afraid I had Stockholm Syndrome after all, the kind where your captor makes your arms tingle.”

(Writing this during my lunch break) I expected to like GOING TOO FAR, I even expected to enjoy it, what I didn’t expect was how much I’d love it. This is my first Echols novel and it definitely will not be my last.

Here’s the synopsis from Goodreads:

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over....

I wanted to shake Meg throughout the entire story until the reason behind her outrageous behavior was eventually explained. And then I still wanted to shake her. But I still empathized with her and wanted her to make it through, even if she was kicking and screaming the entire time.

I didn’t expect to get so many laughs out of GOING TO FAR. I was laughing throughout the entire book at Meg’s antics and her quirky southern phrases. The way Echols has written GOING TOO FAR pulls you into the story so you don’t feel like a bystander but a significant part of the story, and Meg is pulling you along the entire way.

Not to mention the incredible chemistry between Meg and John. I was rooting for them throughout the entire story until the very end. So if you haven’t read GOING TOO FAR I would definitely recommend checking it out!

IN MY MAILBOX: #2

2011-05-22T09:31:00.002-04:00

In My Mailbox is this great meme hosted by The Story Siren where you get to showcase the books you've received that week.You get to see the books people have bought, borrowed, or received for review. I was supposed to be cutting back but I couldn't help myself this week! So hopefully (fingers crossed) I won't be buying any more new books for a couple of weeks... (Like that's gonna happen) Here are my books!

Bought:

Hardcover

Paperback:

Kindle:

For Review:

The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Warped by Melissa Guibord

Enclave by Anne Aguirre

Wither by Lauren Destefano

Pulse and Life's Blood by Kailin Gow

XVI by Julie Karr

Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Steel by Carrie Vaughn

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shaltz

The Girl In The Steel Corset by Kady Cross

What did you guys get this week?

BOOK REVIEW: Divergent by Veronica Roth

2011-05-20T12:32:00.001-04:00

First Impressions: OMG! YES!

Last Impressions: OMG! YES YES YES!

I just finished DIVERGENT during my lunch break and OMG I can’t describe the emotions that are running through me at the moment. I have this lump in the pit of my stomach and butterflies trying to fly out of my throat and my heart is so full and heavy! Indescribable!

I have to admit, I was wary going into DIVERGENT because of the hype and the synopsis. It just didn’t sound like my cup of tea (or any caffeinated beverage…). But it went above and beyond any of my expectations. This has to be the best book of the year, no, the best book EVER.

Here’s a synopsis from Goodreads:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

I laughed, I cried, I did both at the same time and my stomach was in knots the entire time! Right when I felt relieved, something else happened, and then something else happened. I do have to warn you, there is a lot of violence, like, a lot of violence and it’s not for little kiddies to read at bedtime…

This is definitely a character driven story. Tris’ character is relatable; sometimes I wanted to scream at her and other times I couldn’t believe her bravery. She was selfish and selfless and everything in-between, she was HUMAN. And I think that’s something I find a little hard to find in YA literature lately. HUMAN characters that aren’t cut from cardboard boxes and flung into unbelievable circumstances and somehow make it out alive. Tris was believable, relatable, and I was emotionally connected with her from the first moment her voice rose from the pages. If you haven’t read DIVERGENT… What are you waiting for?? Get it YESTERDAY, yes, I said yesterday.

Random paragraph: I look at my reflection in the mirror on the back wall and see a stranger. She is blond like me, with a narrow face like mine, but that’s where the similarities stop. I do not have a black eye, and a split lip and a bruised jaw. I am not as pale as a sheet. She can’t possibly be me, though she moves when I move.

And does anyone else think the Divergent just have ADD…?

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #2

2011-05-19T22:30:00.002-04:00

Q. It's circle time. Time for us to open up and share. Can you tell us FIVE quirky habits or things about you? We all have them...

5. I have severe ADD so I have to be reading 6 or more books at a time to keep my interest.

4. I have a crazy weird obsession with jelly beans, they help me focus, no joke!

3. I eat mentos ALL THE TIME. I eat about a pack a day, it's gross, I know.

2. I fold my underwear and socks... does anyone else do that??

1. I have an obsession with Bollywood movies! They litter my room! Shhh though!

What are your quirks or habits?

Giveaway Winner! Beauty Queens & Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

2011-05-17T10:50:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Jenny from the Supernatural Snark! You won my copy of Beauty Queens by Libba Bray as well as a copy of Rebel Angels by Libba Bray. I’ll send you an e-mail soon so I can get the books out to you asap! Thanks to everyone else for entering!

Winner selected by random.org

IN MY MAILBOX: #1

2011-05-15T10:00:00.003-04:00

My first In My Mailbox meme hosted by The Story Siren is where you get to showcase the books you've received that week.

Bought:

Hardcover:

Paperback:

NetGalley:
For Review

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

Signed Copy of Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

The Eternal Ones by Kristen Miller

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Bite Me, Try Me, & Fang Me by Parker Blue

Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

What did you get this week?

GIVEAWAY: True Blood Season #1

2011-05-13T13:48:00.002-04:00

***Contest Closed***

EDIT: You may enter if you're under 18 as long as you have your parents permission.

I know this isn’t a book… But its series is based on some awesome books I’ve JUST started reading. I’ve been wanting to do this giveaway for awhile now and since there’s about a month until True Blood’s new season begins, I thought now would be the perfect time! This giveaway is definitely for you vampire lovers! You'll get a brand new unopened dvd set of TRUE BLOOD Season #1.

To enter: all you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address and be a follower of my blog

I take no responsibility for the content of this series.

Or get extra entries by tweeting, blogging, adding me as a friend on goodreads, or by following me on twitter @lo_chase.

This giveaway will end on June 16th.

This is open Internationally.

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #1

2011-05-13T12:59:00.000-04:00

Q. The Blogger Apocalypse made me a little emotional. What is the most emotional scene in a book that you have read lately?

Can I copy Parajunkee's answer and say DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver??

That's all I can say at the moment, I *just* finished it this morning.

Has anyone else read Delirium?

WRITING: Outlining Your Story…

2011-05-10T08:37:00.000-04:00

Does anyone else have a problem with this? Because I always feel like I’m the only one who grapples with writing scene after scene in chronological order in a list-like format. It just never happens, and when it does I lose all motivation to write the story (or novel) in the first place.

So I googled ‘Outlining Your Novel’ and came across links that I used a lot when I used to outline like crazy; and I think some of them could be useful for a few of you. Here they are:

The Ominous Snowflake method: Snowflake Method

This method… (Probably the most well-known) takes an astronomical amount of time (for me), which can be good, get to know your characters… But I’m impatient, very impatient. And by step 3 I’m on to the next outline website...

The Writer’s Digest Outline: Writing.com

I really like this way of outlining but I never feel like I have enough information to use when I’m finished, but for some people this has worked miracles!

Notecard Plotting: Notecard Plotting Under Pressure

This one is probably one of my favorites and I love Holly Lisle so I guess I’m a bit biased. She has great articles on writing and plotting and character development; just google her name and all of her websites will pop up!

Outline Your Novel In 30 Minutes: 30 Minute Outline

This is another favorite, not only does it only take 30 minutes (it actually took me a little over an hour) it helps me to flesh out my characters motivations and that helps me to brainstorm more scenes.

Do you guys have any recommendations on how to outline? Or do you not outline at all?

Giveaway Winners! DUST CITY by Robert Paul Weston

2011-05-09T09:26:00.000-04:00

Yes, PLURAL.

As in TWO winners. I couldn't help myself! This is such a wonderful book and it should be read by as many people as possible! So I’m giving away both of my copies of DUST CITY (Yes… I own two) to the winners:)

Congratulations Brittany Gale and Kourtney Heintz! You’ve both won a copy of DUST CITY by Robert Paul Weston! I’ll send you guys an e-mail soon so I can get the books out to you asap! Thanks to everyone else for entering!

Winners selected by random.org

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Beauty Queens ARC by Libba Bray

2011-05-05T07:51:00.003-04:00

***Contest Closed***

EDIT: I'm adding another book to this giveaway! REBEL ANGELS by Libba Bray!

Another book giveaway so soon…? Yes! I’m giving away the ARC for BEAUTY QUEENS by Libba Bray. Here’s the blurb from goodreads:

…The story of a plane of beauty pageant contestants that crashes on a desert island.

Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to email. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.

It’s funny! Believe me :) But I can’t post my review until it comes out, so! All you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address and be a follower of my blog to be entered.

Or get extra entries by tweeting, facebook, or blogging!

This giveaway ends on May 15^th at Midnight! Happy sunny days!
Open to US and Canada.

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Dust City by Robert Paul Weston

2011-05-01T13:05:00.000-04:00

***Contest Closed***

This book didn’t receive ENOUGH hype. I loved it from the first lines:

“Once upon a time, fairydust came from where you’d expect. From fairies…”

To the last line. DUST CITY features a smart heartwarming main character that happens to be a wolf. This summary from Goodreads sums it up pretty well:

Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?

His son, that's who.

Ever since his father's arrest for the murder of Little Red Riding Hood, teen wolf Henry Whelp has kept a low profile in a Home for Wayward Wolves . . . until a murder at the Home leads Henry to believe his father may have been framed.

Now, with the help of his kleptomaniac roommate, Jack, and a daring she-wolf named Fiona, Henry will have to venture deep into the heart of Dust City; a rundown, gritty metropolis where fairydust is craved by everyone and controlled by a dangerous mob of Water Nixies and their crime boss leader, Skinner.

Can Henry solve the mystery of his family's sinister past? Or, like his father before him, is he destined for life as a big bad wolf?

This book was gritty and had me cringing at some moments but the mystery, the description, the way Weston easily leads you from one page to the next kept me riveted. I loved this book and I think it deserves a lot more attention than it got. So I’m giving away my copy!

All you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address and be a follower of my blog.

This giveaway ends on Sunday, May 8^th at Midnight!

Check out the authors website here.

BOOK REVIEW: CRAVE by Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz

2011-04-15T10:17:00.000-04:00

When I picked up CRAVE from Borders I was ecstatic, I’ve been waiting for this book forever and it took me long enough to finally get it. And that wait was completely worth it. I loved every moment of CRAVE even though I wanted to shake Shay the main character more than once. It drew me in from the beginning and it’s definitely a quick read; it took me less than a day. But once you start reading you won’t want to stop.

Shay has lived with a blood disorder her entire life, she’s known as the “Sick Girl” to everyone in town. Her best friend is as obsessive about her health as her mother and her stepfather is a famous doctor. When her stepfather finds a new concoction of blood for Shay that seems to work miracles, Shay begins to take risks she was never able to before. But with the new blood comes visions, visions of Gabriel. And Gabriel is more than he seems.

I really enjoyed this book and the cliffhanger in the end definitely annoyed me because now I have to wait for the next book. Is it sad that I’m getting used to books stopping right in the middle of the action? Almost as if they intended to write a longer book but the word count was too high so they chopped it in half? Other than that this book was great, Shay is a relatable character (even though I wanted to yell at her sometimes because of her “I feel better, I can do anything without consequences” attitude) and her wants and dreams are recognizable. Although I did want to kind of roll my eyes at the romance aspect (which kind of just popped up) I would definitely recommend this book and the next one ARISE when it comes out in September.

Random Quote: “And it needed a home. So did all the other sad toys in big bin at the end of the aisle, but she couldn’t rescue everybody.”

Coming up: HUGE gift (not only books) giveaways… (I need to let go of some books…) And some giveaways for Vampire lovers... :)

BOOK REVIEW: MATCHED by Ally Condie

2010-11-30T14:48:00.000-05:00

I’m posting this in-between exams so I hope it’s coherent…

I fell in love with MATCHED, the dystopian 1984-esque world, and the two boys who fall for Cassia. I’m going to warn you now; huge complaints from people have been that the book was too slow, boring, and action was nilch. This reminded a bit of what I said about PEGASUS by Robin McKinley; the book was more like an introduction to the characters, the world, and the action to come. Except in this case, the action does not come until the last 30 pages or so.

Cassia lives in a world where everything is decided for her; her meal portions, uniformed outfits, and who she will marry. After her Matching ceremony a glitch on her viewscreen reveals another boys face for a moment, the boy she is not meant to be with. Or is she? And following the death of her grandfather, Cassia begins to question all of the rules and laws that govern her life.

When I first started reading I was able to put this book down several times and come back to it… until Ky entered the story. He is mysterious, intelligent, and he quietly rebels against the Society. Their chemistry is palpable and sometimes I wanted to yell at Cassia to DO something even though I know she can’t. It wasn’t until the end that I felt Cassia woke up and the story really began. I also fell in love with Xander, her Match, who seems to be more free-thinking than he lets on. The only complaint I have, which really isn’t a complaint, is that I wanted to know more about the Outer Provinces. There is so much information there and I know Condie will go into it more in the next book but the waiting is torture. I really fell in the love with the characters and the huge story that I know is coming, don’t let the comments on the pacing put you off! You can get MATCHED on Amazon today! (Or your local bookstore)

Giveaway Winner!

2010-11-26T22:54:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Krispy! You won my copy of MATCHED by Ally Condie. I’ll send you an e-mail soon so I can get the book out to you asap! Thanks to everyone else for entering!

random.org

BOOK GIVEAWAY: MATCHED by Ally Condie

2010-11-21T21:24:00.001-05:00

***Contest Closed***
My first contest! And I’m giving away a copy of MATCHED!

I was planning on including this in my December giveaway but I changed my mind. I’ll be posting a review on the day before it comes out. Here’s a synopsis:

“Do not go gentle into that good night.” Cassia’s feelings of security disintegrate after her grandfather hands her a slip of paper just before his scheduled death at age 80. Not only does she now possess an illegal poem, but she also has a lingering interest in the boy who fleetingly appeared on her viewscreen, the one who wasn’t her match, the man she will eventually marry. What’s worse, she knows him—his name is Ky, and he is an orphan from the Outer Provinces. How could she love him as much as Xander, her match and best friend since childhood? (Amazon)

All you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail.

+Get extra entries for Following on Blogger or Subscribing on Wordpress.

This giveaway ends on November 25^th at 11:59PM.

Only open to U.S. Residents.

Harry Potter's Biggest Fan...

2010-11-18T23:46:00.000-05:00

Is NOT me.

This guy has me BEAT.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is in theaters in 3 minutes!

BOOK REVIEW: PEGASUS by Robin McKinley

2010-11-02T19:26:00.000-04:00

First thoughts: "But this is only the beginning!"

I got this book exactly two months ago and I’m still twisting myself in knots about it. If you’ve read Robin McKinley before, you’re probably familiar with her open-ended endings. They’re usually full of unanswered questions and unexplored possibilities; one reason why her writing pulls me in. And at the end of every book I’m usually hoping that the sky will open up and a sequel will fall into my lap… and it never happens. So at the end of PEGASUS I was left feeling even more forlorn than usual when I read the last line and realized that this was the end.

Because of a thousand-year-old alliance between humans and pegasi, Princess Sylviianel is ceremonially bound to Ebon, her own pegasus, on her twelfth birthday. The two species coexist peacefully, despite the language barriers separating them. Humans and pegasi both rely on specially-trained Speaker magicians as the only means of real communication.

But it’s different for Sylvi and Ebon. They can understand each other. They quickly grow close—so close that their bond becomes a threat to the status quo—and possibly to the future safety of their two nations. (Goodreads)

When I read the last line my first thoughts were: But this is only the beginning! A reaction I’m used to having but never actually validating. PEGASUS ends right when the action begins to start. The entire book felt like an introduction to an even larger story and adventure. It reminded me of the beginning of THE HERO AND THE CROWN but instead of coming full circle it ends on the climax.

When I read the first line I was zapped into this word of winged horse-like creatures and Rocs, and I was reminded again of why I love to write. It reminded me that details aren’t always the enemy in this quick-read world. Even though I felt like the entire book was an introduction to the world and the relationship between Ebon and Silvi, I couldn’t put the book down when I tried. I was enamored from Ebon’s first line to Silvi, “Aren’t you excited, or are you just a dull stupid human?” And from there I fell in love with their world and their families. I can’t help feeling like there’s more to this story; I know there is more to this story. I’m just wondering if I’m going to have to leave what happens all up to my imagination.

EDIT: I just read Robin McKinley's blog and a sequel has fallen into my lap! There will be a book II! So go read PEGASUS!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:26:00.000-04:00

Book Giveaways…

2010-10-30T03:02:00.000-04:00

THE point system; 2 points for posting on twitter, 3 points for posting on your blog, 1 point for leaving a comment, 2 points for following… I hate math.

I have YA books that I would like to give away… and this point system (that I see everywhere) drives me nuts. Any advice on how to do giveaways? (I will not be using a point system)

(a.n.: I am not giving away THE GIVING TREE, although it is a wonderful book...)

The Vampire Diaries: Masquerade

2010-10-29T23:36:00.000-04:00

I don’t know if I was the only one praying that this episode of The Vampire Diaries wouldn’t turn into Gossip Girl. Specifically the episode with the masked ball where everyone inevitably kisses everyone in the first season and OMG, I didn’t realize I kissed your boyfriend… I couldn’t recognize him with a strip of fabric across his eyes…

In this episode Katherine moves in for the kill. Without giving anything away… Bonnie may have stolen this episode with a new (possible?) love interest that I was not expecting. And a few mishaps lead to a couple of unexpected… or expected deaths. I do think Alaric needs more screen time, and more of a subplot. The flirting with Jenna is cute… but he was much more involved the first season; he wasn’t just the supplier of cool weapons or Elena’s babysitter.

I do hate cliffhangers… but this makes me even more excited for next weeks episode.

The next episode (Rose) airs on November 8^th @ 8pmE on The CW.

Cat Got Your Tongue? Part 2

2010-10-23T18:08:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had writer’s block? Because I have… and eating an entire bag of jelly beans in an hours’ time does not kick start that engine.

When I was in middle school, there seemed to be a limitless supply of ideas to put to paper. There were girls who wanted to be knights in kingdoms, fairies at royal balls, a murderer photographer, and a few short stories that I’d rather never speak about again. When I wanted to put pen to paper, there was always an idea to pull from. I was filled with an enthusiasm that has considerably ebbed over the years.

When I was in high school, it was a bit harder; I reined my imagination in a bit. I had to be realistic, grades needed to be accounted for, my friends were getting their driving permits, everyone was talking about college, I was worried about fitting in, and weekends with friends weren’t spent playing dress up and pretending to be chased by dragons, they were filled with trips to the mall, or chats about guys. I used my imagination to escape into the worlds of my favorite books instead of creating those worlds.

In my first 2 years of college I stopped reading and writing altogether unless it was for school work. I was frustrated with professors, my 18-credit schedule had me stressed, and any free time was spent asleep. Responsibilities started to build and I decided I had no free time to “play” with writing, and reading for enjoyment was out of the question.

Wouldn’t it be great to tap into that treasure chest of childhood where the imagination is limitless? I always had ideas to pull from because I didn’t have expectations about THE ULTIMATE NOVEL. I wasn’t trying to be perfect then, I wasn’t trying to fit an ideal. I find that when I write now I make a mold before I begin writing and try and fill it with rocks. I’ll never fill it perfectly. Although I do know some writers who plan an extensive outline and follow it step by step; I also know some writers who free-write and watch an idea unfold. I do neither of these successfully.

I’d like to get back to the time when ideas were limitless because I wasn’t choosey; I wasn’t searching for a specific idea. I was writing down the worlds I wanted to escape to, ideas that were simply there because I wasn’t searching for them. How do you deal with writer’s block?

Cat Got Your Tongue?

2010-10-22T20:19:00.000-04:00

I’m thinking about adopting a cat… what do you think?

Also, check out Holly Black’s first book in the Curse Workers Series WHITE CAT Released on May 4, 2010:

Cassel, 17, is an anomaly as the only untalented one in a family of curse workers. While his mother, grandfather, and brothers make their living by illegally performing death curses, manipulating memories, and casting emotion charms, Cassel relies on his quick wit and con-artist skills to convince his private-school classmates that he's normal, despite bouts of sleepwalking and patchy memories of standing over a murdered friend named Lila. Nightmares about a white cat that resembles Lila, his family's ties to organized crime, and evidence of a mysterious plot against him threaten to pull Cassel into the world he's fought hard to resist. (Amazon)

RANT: McDonald’s Milkshakes

2010-10-21T03:38:00.000-04:00

All I have to say is... What happened?

I am by no means a McDonald’s connoisseur, but I feel as an upset customer I should say something. A couple of weeks ago my mom and I decided to treat ourselves with Milkshakes, (we would get them as a treat when I was younger) so she ordered a strawberry and I got the vanilla. I know, plain Jane. We were excited, despite the new clear plastic container with McCafé and a cherry printed on the outside… What does a cherry have to do with my milkshake?

So we get to the window (drive-thru) and the guy asks, “Do you want whip cream and a cherry on your milkshakes?” Whip cream and cherries? Why would I want whip cream and cherries on my already sweet milkshake? If I wanted a gourmet shake I wouldn’t go to McDonald’s. We frown, glance at each other and quickly shake our heads.

“They don’t want it either.”

My mom gives me a puzzled look and says to the window guy, “I guess the whip cream isn’t popular.”

“Nobody wants it.”

When we get our milkshakes we see the new clear containers and in the light my “vanilla” milkshake looks like a caramel yellow; my mom swears her milkshake is cherry but they don’t have cherry shakes… My milkshake tastes like super sweet butterscotch. We chalk it up to one bad experience.

Until the next week… When we decide to stop at another McDonalds to get a burger. When we get to the window to get our order, “Would you like a free milkshake?” Uh, yeah.

BUTTERSCOTCH. It has no vanilla flavor to it at all. I don’t know if this is a Cleveland thing but my mom and I would like to say, McDonald’s, you’ve failed us. For the few times we do go, we’re excited, and now, we won’t be buying milkshakes from them anytime soon or in the future.

BOOK REVIEW: PARANORMALCY by Kiersten White

2010-10-20T01:14:00.000-04:00

First thoughts: “OMG, where can I get a pink Tasey?”

PARANORMALCY features a blonde, pink stiletto boot wearing heroine where “OMG” and “Oh, bleep!” consistently litter the pages. By the end of the book I was saying, “Oh bleep! How am I going to survive until the next book?”

PARANORMALCY is Buffy meets The Bourne Identity… Evie works for IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agency) and she “bags-and-tags” those paranormals who aren’t registered with IPCA. She’s being romantically pursued (can stalking be called romantic…?) by a faerie ex-boyfriend, paranormals are mysteriously dying, and a new shape-shifter in containment is hiding more secrets than Evie can imagine.

When I drove to Borders to get PARANORMALCY the day it came out, I couldn’t find it. It was nowhere to be seen. It was hidden behind another book and there were only THREE copies. I was counting down the days, looking for giveaways, and trying not squeal when I finally held it in my hands. And after I read the first page, I knew it wouldn’t disappoint. Let’s not forget the gorgeous cover which actually does refer to an important scene in the book (even though a number of reviewers say it doesn’t…)

As high as my expectations were for this book, it was still able to exceed every one of them. Almost every chapter has a new revelation; it was a refreshing change from those YA books that like to drag out those nail-biting questions until you’re at the end of the book and you still haven’t learned anything new.

PARANORMALCY is one of the first books to make me LOL the entire time I read it. It is my favorite YA book out this year. You won’t be disappointed to have this one on your shelf.

One of my Favorite Lines: “Wait—seriously? There are unicorns? You’re lying.”

A.N.: The next day at Borders there were no more copies… the next week the shelf was full of them!

Check out Kiersten White’s hilarious and info-filled blog (here)!

BOOK REVIEW: NIGHTSHADE by Andrea Cremer

2010-10-18T21:09:00.001-04:00

I was excited for the release of NIGHTSHADE and ecstatic when I received a copy a month ago; I put it aside in my pile of to-be-read. I wanted it to be a reward for finishing my school work… I read the first couple of chapters and kept reading (I finished my school work after).

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of… alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything - including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice? (Flipkart)

Many readers will definitely find similarities between BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE by Annette Curtis Klause and TWILIGHT. The forbidden boy she shouldn’t be attracted to (because he’s human) and the lothario Ren who seems to date anything that moves.

It definitely took the first few chapters until I was swept away into Calla’s world. But after those few chapters I couldn’t put the book down. I fell in love with her human interest Shay and was definitely groaning in frustration with the cliffhanger in the end.

This book is in stores and Amazon tomorrow!

A.N.: Be prepared for a long read, 452 pages.

Book Giveaways COMING SOON!

Goals... Or Lack Thereof...

2010-09-21T23:28:00.000-04:00

Do you treat goals like a grocery list, are they motivation, or do they paralyze you?

Long term or short term; goals are why that car cut you off this morning on your way to work. If only to get a couple of feet closer to their destination (I hate it just as much as you). Goals are why you didn’t eat that apple pie this weekend because you’re on a diet.

I’m not a goal-oriented person. Let me rephrase that, I make goals and forget about them. Goals, big or small, doing the laundry to getting that novel published seem to run away from me. (Okay, I run away from them.) I hate having deadlines looming over my head; instead of motivation they make me procrastinate even more.

I’m in my last year of Undergrad and all I can think about are all of the deadlines I’ve avoided, forgotten about, or didn’t know about. And I think about those goals I’ve made nagging my every thought. And yeah, that bachelor’s degree sounds pretty good but so does that bowl of ice-cream and shiny new book cover on my bookshelf.

So I’m making it my goal (that sounds skeptical doesn’t it?)… I’m making it my “assignment” to make some goals. ATTAINABLE goals; because if they aren’t attainable in your mind, you’ve defeated yourself before you’ve even started.

With every goal, think about why you want to achieve that goal, what will it accomplish for you? Why is it so important? Identifying these reasons can push you that much closer to achieving them.

Book Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

2010-09-20T23:25:00.000-04:00

PERFECT CHEMISTRY by Simone Elkeles is the book I kept bypassing every time I went to the bookstore (which is a lot). I’d seen it online, I’d read the reviews and I refused to give in and read it. Why? I have no idea, because now that I have it in my hands and spent the entire night and morning reading it, I feel like I should kick myself.

A retelling of Romeo & Juliet; Brittany Ellis is the seemingly perfect popular girl who has secrets hidden behind her designer façade, while Alex Fuentes is a Latino gang member from the other side of town who may not be as tough as he seems. When they’re assigned to become lab partners and Alex accepts a bet from his friends, romance ensues.

I’m not sure if you’ll find very many surprises in this quick read but the tight writing and Perfect Chemistry between the two main characters had me turning pages till the end.

#1 Favorite Book And My Birthday

2010-09-19T23:28:00.001-04:00

So my favorite book of all time is… Drum roll!

The Only Alien on the Planet

by Kristen D. Randle

I first picked up this book when I was in middle school. It was in the teen section and I was on a Sci-fi high (not a Sci-fi book). I saw the cover and instantly thought, yes! And then I took it home to read. Not only is it not a sci-fi book about a lonely alien trying to get back home, it’s not your average teen read. At least that’s what I thought when at eleven I wanted to read it over and over again. I grinned, my eyes got teary, I got angry, all from this book. The new cover… I’ll admit, not a fan of.

Old Cover (very 90s)/New Cover:

Smitty Tibbs is the boy who doesn’t speak, doesn’t laugh, and students avoid him like the plague. Ginny Christianson has just moved to town and doesn’t realize there are unspoken rules about interaction with Smitty. With her persistent curiosity Ginny is able to unmask a secret about Smitty some would have rather kept hidden. I love this book and still re-read my battered copy.

Check this out: Breaking Rank – by Kristen D. Randle This novel challenges stereotypes and stigmas when an unprecedented friendship develops between two teens of rival high school groups. "Randle is adept at conveying ingrained prejudices as well as the frustration and alienation that leads some youths to forsake the `straight' world for a more friendly and accepting one of their own making” (PW).

EDITED: And! Today happens to be my 21^st birthday! And I was sick all day… Yay!

Where Are My Bookstores Going?

2010-09-17T23:57:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I took this picture(1)/And in January this closed(2):

Do I really need to tell you how I felt? Those two bookstores accounted for almost 76% (total guesstimate) of the book traffic in my area. (Maybe exaggerating?) Of course we have other bookstores, a sort of new Joseph-Beth about 15 minutes away, another borders about 18 minutes away (filled with boxes that have been keeping its customers company for over a year now, and newly emptied book shelves…) What the heck? I feel like they’re slowly killing off my best friends. They’re cementing their doors shut and when I talked to some employees, they’re not being relocated.

What really gave me a headache was walking into Wal-Mart the other day and seeing their newly expanded book section across from the party supplies and streamers. I found books that were sold out at Borders or hadn’t been shelved yet for 75% to almost half the price of my local bookstores. As exciting as that was… Wal-Mart??? I just want my B&N back with its carpeted floors and atmospheric lighting…

If B&N is selling (read article here) then what does that mean for the rest of the bookstores across the country? No more SSR?

Red Glove by Holly Black

2010-09-16T23:36:00.000-04:00

Umm… Have you seen this gorgeous cover for Holly Black’s Red Glove?

LOREN CHASE The YA LO-DOWN

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #7

Giveaway Winner! True Blood DVD Set

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #6

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: #3 - Eve by Anna Carey

BOOK REVIEW: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Karsten Knight: Author Video

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #5

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: #2 - Supernaturally by Kiersten White & Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Mini RANT: The McDouble

200 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY

IN MY MAILBOX: #4

BOOK REVIEW: Evernight by Claudia Gray

BLOGGER HOP: #2

One of my favorite posts would have to be my review of Divergent by Veronica Roth. But my ALL TIME favorite post would have to be of my review for Dust City by Robert Paul Weston because he contacted me on Twitter and thanked me for the kind words. That definitely brightened my day!

How about you guys?

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #4

BOOK REVIEW: Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

IN MY MAILBOX: #3

BLOGGER HOP: #1

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #3

How about you? Let me know if you're a new follower so I can follow back! And if my GFC box still isn't working you can follow by clicking on the follow link on the bar at the top of the page! :)

BOOK REVIEW: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: #1 - The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

BOOK REVIEW: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

IN MY MAILBOX: #2

BOOK REVIEW: Divergent by Veronica Roth

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #2

5. I have severe ADD so I have to be reading 6 or more books at a time to keep my interest.

4. I have a crazy weird obsession with jelly beans, they help me focus, no joke!

3. I eat mentos ALL THE TIME. I eat about a pack a day, it's gross, I know.

2. I fold my underwear and socks... does anyone else do that??

1. I have an obsession with Bollywood movies! They litter my room! Shhh though!

What are your quirks or habits?

Giveaway Winner! Beauty Queens & Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

IN MY MAILBOX: #1

GIVEAWAY: True Blood Season #1

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #1

WRITING: Outlining Your Story…

Giveaway Winners! DUST CITY by Robert Paul Weston

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Beauty Queens ARC by Libba Bray

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Dust City by Robert Paul Weston

BOOK REVIEW: CRAVE by Laura J. Burns & Melinda Metz

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