BOOK REVIEW: MATCHED by Ally Condie

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!

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

***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...

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

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!

Book Giveaways…

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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...

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

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.