tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52420049623357540692024-03-13T21:17:34.961-04:00Buried In BooksNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-70435103490394170402011-06-27T23:12:00.000-04:002011-06-27T23:12:32.660-04:00Becca FitzpatrickI don't know about you, but I luuuurve Becca Fitzpatrick's series Hush, Hush and Crescendo. Now the third book in the series is coming out soon! I can't wait! Aren't the covers soo beautiful? I think they're some of the best covers I've ever seen on books. What are your thoughts? Here is the cover and summary:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO8NncA3FZJMi-zi6zbhgRUgj-lA3vzz-tkosMfzCU-uKr3FGVeb5uZn0QKKRVxsW58uWwR2WPZ-Wa2Cb5ZJQWTUCM6j8FwmMihpBFUh5gar_2F7NvVZ8HO6vMPsBy-gCzUVLICS_scc/s1600/silencecoversmaller-1%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO8NncA3FZJMi-zi6zbhgRUgj-lA3vzz-tkosMfzCU-uKr3FGVeb5uZn0QKKRVxsW58uWwR2WPZ-Wa2Cb5ZJQWTUCM6j8FwmMihpBFUh5gar_2F7NvVZ8HO6vMPsBy-gCzUVLICS_scc/s320/silencecoversmaller-1%255B1%255D.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><em>The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.</em> <br />
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Also, does anyone know if this is the last book? I thought it was a trilogy but it doesn't say on any website that it's the last book. I don't know.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-73039865081240976872011-06-26T22:27:00.000-04:002011-06-26T22:27:19.542-04:00In My Mailbox (10)IMM is a meme hosted by Kristi at <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/2011/06/in-my-mailbox-130.html#more">The Story Siren.</a> It's for us bloggers to show everyone the new books we got his week. This week I got:<br />
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The Chaos by Rachel Ward<br />
From Scholastic-thanks so much!<br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What did you guys get in your mailboxes this week?</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-4293336543755350452011-06-25T21:22:00.000-04:002011-06-25T21:22:03.264-04:00Clockwork Angel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVNdfDHe2avzGXH_T595AZonsS3L2ZHpO1yAMA9fOWDMEpNfw_iEpWKuSUW1UrgEVOT6NsAx52Oo1gvWfTzWwf3IxNKzpwjQ8jZODDPMXktAqaugijdZOsMK37E2nPIDqDWl3c0QKX1w/s1600/7171637%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVNdfDHe2avzGXH_T595AZonsS3L2ZHpO1yAMA9fOWDMEpNfw_iEpWKuSUW1UrgEVOT6NsAx52Oo1gvWfTzWwf3IxNKzpwjQ8jZODDPMXktAqaugijdZOsMK37E2nPIDqDWl3c0QKX1w/s320/7171637%255B1%255D.jpg" width="212" /></a>Author: Cassandra Clare<br />
Rating: 5/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <span id="freeText17516359290370976371"><em>Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.<br />
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When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. <br />
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Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own. <br />
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Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. (From Goodreads.com)</em></span><br />
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So about a year ago I picked up City of Bones by Cassandra Clare because I've heard so many good things about the series, and that pretty much everyone loved it. And it was okay, but I didn't really get into it. But now that I've read Clockwork Angel, I am in love with the world of these books and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. Clockwork Angel is one of the best books I've read in awhile; I just couldn't put it down. <br />
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I was in love with every single one of the characters. Even the villains I loved to hate. I loved Tessa, and I loved how the group at the Institute was like a family, and I especially love Jem and Will. I NEED to get the next book in the Infernal Devices series because I NEED to know what is happening with that love triangle! <br />
I really don't think that I can say one bad thing about this book, I loved it so much. I even love the cover, with the clockwork angel necklace and the guy tipping his hat, with London in the background. Is that supposed to be Will? I don't know. <br />
There was never a dull moment in this book, whether it was the creepy parts in the beginning, or the budding romances, or the different missions the Shadowhunters were going on. And each part of the plot and each little mystery was woven together so perfectly, I don't know how the author did it.<br />
I would reccomend this book for anyone. I think that middle schoolers and adults alike will love this, because it has a little of everything, and the writing is such good quality, it's hard not to like this book, and I really cannot wait for the second in this series. I'll be getting the rest of the Mortal Instruments series and reading them soon, and I'll be posting about those as well. Have you read this yet, and if you read her other series, which one do you like better?Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-47753365312597107442011-06-22T22:45:00.000-04:002011-06-22T22:45:37.696-04:00Prophecy of the Sisters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3Zl7WOJLGWzdb0mpdqx-SqYveVJpyaq4gdec0UX2tgRrxb2rGdXyn-1UHJbVBObjTJyb6ZSuaJVBwwbUxvaCKHoMLxIxHR5eMa-ezKDI4mu7G7cdRolGZgRbxuNn9ke3Q6n1BKpZciU/s1600/n294977%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3Zl7WOJLGWzdb0mpdqx-SqYveVJpyaq4gdec0UX2tgRrxb2rGdXyn-1UHJbVBObjTJyb6ZSuaJVBwwbUxvaCKHoMLxIxHR5eMa-ezKDI4mu7G7cdRolGZgRbxuNn9ke3Q6n1BKpZciU/s320/n294977%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a>Author: Michelle Zink<br />
Rating: 4/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <em>An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-<br />
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One good...<br />
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One evil...<br />
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Who will prevail?<br />
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Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets. <br />
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Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.<br />
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They just know they can't trust each other. (From Goodreads.com)</em><br />
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Hmmm, what to say about this one. Well, first of all, the setting. From reading the summary, I did not expect this to be taking place in the late 1800s to early 1900s time period. I thought it was present day, until they started talking all old and everyone was dressed in floor-length skirts. But I thought that the historical setting was really well done. I think it's pretty hard to do that, and Zink did it perfectly. I really felt like I was in that time period. <br />
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I also really liked the imagery in the writing. I can picture perfectly the grand house the family lived in, and the cold gushing river that drowns people. I love when authors have good imagery, it makes it all the more real. <br />
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The plot was very mysterious, and I was constantly guessing what was going to happen. It was like trying to fit together a puzzle. But that made the plot move very slowly, and it only picked up at the end. Also, I know this isn't a romance novel, but the main character did have a boyfriend from whom we heard like two sentences out of! Well, maybe I'm exhaggerating, but he was barely part of the book at all. If the plot is going to lag a little so that the plot will go smoother, then at least have some romance in there! <br />
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Then, the cover. LOVE the cover. It's so... creepy and mysterious, which is the feeling of the whole book, so it's a perfect cover for the book. At first glance, you think the two statues are the same, but if you stare at it for a little, you realize that there are subtle differences in the faces, which the main character talks about. She and her sister are identical twins, but there are some small differences in their faces, and big differences in their personalities. <br />
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If you really like fantasy, and don't mind there being no romance and the plot lagging a little, then this is the book for you. I enjoyed it, but it won't stand ou tto me when I think of my favorite reads this year so far. <br />
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By the way, check ou this website dedicated to this series! <a href="http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/prophecyofthesisters/index.html">http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/prophecyofthesisters/index.html</a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-83188220729918870222011-06-22T21:55:00.000-04:002011-06-22T21:55:36.003-04:00Waiting on Wednesday (15)Wow is a meme hosted by Jill at <a href="http://www.breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine.</a> It's to generate buzz about all the awesome books that are coming out soon. This week I'm waiting on:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb49ZiMvR4Q9kCKnQIK65D-l7DhWAWqpvPPgsJsCDgyxN0OcCXVabVCq7AsvlzK5kTKIn6rTYB_W6Mg-N8sIxI2zXfJT7vMphaNUyx5s1ZXNoImaGia8bhWRFo3PTIE9mZyzgjdi3k4Io/s1600/femoral+fracture%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb49ZiMvR4Q9kCKnQIK65D-l7DhWAWqpvPPgsJsCDgyxN0OcCXVabVCq7AsvlzK5kTKIn6rTYB_W6Mg-N8sIxI2zXfJT7vMphaNUyx5s1ZXNoImaGia8bhWRFo3PTIE9mZyzgjdi3k4Io/s1600/femoral+fracture%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>Fr</em></strong>acture by Megan Miranda<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Summary:<em> Delaney Maxwell survives a fall into a Maine lake, and subsequent brain injury, only to discover she now has a strange and frightening affinity with the dying.<br />
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When Delaney is pulled from the icy waters of Falcon Lake by her best friend, Decker, she is blue and her heart isn’t beating – everyone knows she’s dead. And yet.... Six days later, she awakens from her coma, healthy enough to look at scans of her own damaged brain. Is she a miracle, a freak of nature – or something much more frightening?</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is not the cover. The cover hasn't been released yet and I didn't know what to put, so here is a picture of someone's fractured femur (is that how you spell it?)!! I know tons of people got ARCs of this, and the cover just had the title and author on it. Sadly, I did not get one. :( What are you waiting on this week?</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-86980099470992584902011-06-19T21:33:00.000-04:002011-06-19T21:33:49.981-04:00In My Mailbox (9)IMM is a meme hosted by Kristi at <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/2011/06/in-my-mailbox-129.html#more">The Story Siren.</a> It's for us bloggers to show everyone the books we got this week. This week I got: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh377ynAxVfGLfBnCBrHi0_SScs0G-rfWo_PV_XTcIgPfn8_6nF2u04kZDid9rps3MmXZ3IZJij5rFvpxumEKncZxqRFQ_Qpn4SJbJUX2AlmYSdrmYTdbr6E-sDB_kWOyaJbzN5YQd_vh8/s1600/fly300%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh377ynAxVfGLfBnCBrHi0_SScs0G-rfWo_PV_XTcIgPfn8_6nF2u04kZDid9rps3MmXZ3IZJij5rFvpxumEKncZxqRFQ_Qpn4SJbJUX2AlmYSdrmYTdbr6E-sDB_kWOyaJbzN5YQd_vh8/s320/fly300%255B1%255D.jpg" width="213" /></a>The Summer I Learned to Fly by Dana Reinhardt from Random Buzzers<br />
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What did you get in your mailboxes this week?Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-44366245235064158172011-06-14T16:49:00.000-04:002011-06-14T16:49:23.712-04:00The Body Finder<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpDTgnlGVphx-8vX4Zd5ssdMVzV2bvrGiFgvtPROQqGecw5X_Et474gGiXlRbIN5UExN5DikDfr-AiD6akM6ot5LSWOUzrMp9GBw5Bx975UhpmNjPPiQViqud9ppR6pireumbKqjdSqU/s1600/bodyfinder%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpDTgnlGVphx-8vX4Zd5ssdMVzV2bvrGiFgvtPROQqGecw5X_Et474gGiXlRbIN5UExN5DikDfr-AiD6akM6ot5LSWOUzrMp9GBw5Bx975UhpmNjPPiQViqud9ppR6pireumbKqjdSqU/s320/bodyfinder%255B2%255D.jpg" width="206" /></a>Author: Kimberly Derting<br />
Rating: 4/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <em><span class="dropcap">V</span>iolet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers. <br />
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Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. <br />
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Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself. </em><br />
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I started out reallly liking this, but then in the middle of the book, everything pretty much came to a complete stop and got really boring. But I can see how that would be nessecary so that there was not an insta-romance. Speaking of the romance, I loved it! Usually it's the same thing over and over with the romances, but Violet and Jay had been best friends thier whole lives, so it wasn't so sudden. <br />
I really did like the aspect of the main character being attracted to dead bodies, because it's so different from anything I've read in YA lately. Plus, there was a serial killer on the loose, and every couple of chapters was in his point of view, which was creepy but interesting. <br />
But other than that, it was kind of following the same standard format for all YA novels. It was predictable. But I know a lot of people will like this book, because it is similiar to contemporary fiction, and it's like a murder mystery without the scary parts. I think this is a really good book to give to the younger group of YA readers, as it's easy to read, and exciting in parts, but not too scary. It's good for readers in between moving from Middle grade literature to YA literature. I just felt like it was a little too watered-down if you know what I mean. <br />
That being said, my TBR pile is almost gone, and I need you guys to reccomend some good books for me that you want reviewed that are relatively new. I can't really buy any books right now though, because it'll just be more stuff to move. But I can order it from the library or get it when I move. Also, I'm really really bad with formatting websites, as you have nopticed. I just figured out how to put those count down thingies of the sidebar. So if you have any suggestions on improvements, they are welcome!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-72347367950284955352011-06-06T19:03:00.000-04:002011-06-06T19:03:33.068-04:00The Seven Rays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BejQp8DpmBWN86KctB6sTbkes67Lw4Y8IYwlkuVNL8SAmju0tRDkzCXwO4LHKDNnwWUG3Or4gaCjvHW_PVELVhB9XpnmIG5SCFyG42KkXNrpo1WNUIHjodW0zFoonGn7T2nniyRsRTU/s1600/The%252BSeven%252BRays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BejQp8DpmBWN86KctB6sTbkes67Lw4Y8IYwlkuVNL8SAmju0tRDkzCXwO4LHKDNnwWUG3Or4gaCjvHW_PVELVhB9XpnmIG5SCFyG42KkXNrpo1WNUIHjodW0zFoonGn7T2nniyRsRTU/s320/The%252BSeven%252BRays.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>Author: Jessica Bendinger <br />
Rating: 5/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <i><span id="freeText15798768972705273839"><strong>You are more than you think you are.</strong> <br />
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THAT IS THE ANONYMOUS MESSAGE that Beth Michaels receives right before she starts seeing things. Not just a slept-through my-alarm-clock, late-for-homeroom, haven't had-my-caffeine-fix kind of seeing things. It all starts with some dots, annoying pink dots that pop up on and over her mom and her best friend's face. But then things get out of control and Beth is seeing people's pasts, their fears, their secrets, their desires. The images are coming at Beth in hi-def streaming video and she can't stop it. Everyone thinks she's crazy and she's pretty sure she agrees with them. But crazy doesn't explain the gold envelopes that have started arriving, containing seeing keys and mysterious tarot cards. To Beth, it all seems too weird to be true. You are more than you think you are? But here's the thing: What if she is?(From Goodreads.com)</span></i><br />
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I've been waiting to read this book for ages and when I finally finished it, it didn't disappoint. I was intrigued from the first page of this book. I felt like I read a huge whopper of a book in just a few hundred pages. That's how fast the pace was. I was never bored. I was always trying to figure out what would happen next, and it was hard to because I've never read a book like this before. Other reviews I've read on this book called it weird and odd, but that just made me love it even more! First I was caught up in Beth's new romance, then when she started seeing things, and then she fought with her best friend, all the while trying to figure out what secrets her mom was keeping from her. The list goes in, but I don't want to summarize the plot for you. But while the book was a whirlwind of events, I still connected with the characters; they were very well developed.<br />
I also loved the main character, Beth. She was pretty much a clone of me, haha. She was just going with the flow, even if people thought she was crazy. She was impulsive, but all the while kept her eye on what she wanted. I really connected with her, and that's something I rarely do with main characters, because they're usually shy and timid at first, but then break out of their shells a little, but not much.<br />
Another reason why I loved this was because the events that happened felt like they were unfolding like a journey, and that's exactly what it was. The first half of the book was completely different from the second half, but they were so perfectly woven together I didn't even notice the change until I looked back on the story.<br />
I think fans of action and adventure books will really like this book. I thought that the writing and the way the plot played out reminded me of Libba Bray's Going Bovine and James Patterson's Maximum Ride series. By the way, here is the book's website. I really like the playlist; I think it captures the book's events perfectly. And just because I feel like it, the new Coldplay song, Every Teardrop is A Waterfall captures the whole book perfectly, if you're into playlists for books. Here's the link: http://www.thesevenrays.com/Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-9311909203747914432011-06-06T11:38:00.000-04:002011-06-06T11:38:33.263-04:00Between<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg089imaifStIjJuNHhCnipONEJhDE23jZgOcaX-CJhFh7ailRPPUjqzVVboHq146TFzkTNETrXFcOJHRegN6aUdHu_eCe7A6n5XCVp9YJy080xAbOY0vLJz2WTKjaAtTXkxkD22cdUs/s1600/Between_Front_Cover_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieg089imaifStIjJuNHhCnipONEJhDE23jZgOcaX-CJhFh7ailRPPUjqzVVboHq146TFzkTNETrXFcOJHRegN6aUdHu_eCe7A6n5XCVp9YJy080xAbOY0vLJz2WTKjaAtTXkxkD22cdUs/s320/Between_Front_Cover_Final.jpg" width="213" /></a> Author: Cyndi Tefft<br />
Rating:1.5/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <i><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><em>Sometimes death is just the beginning...</em><br />
<br />
It just figures that the love of Lindsey Water's life isn't alive at all, but the grim reaper, complete with a dimpled smile and Scottish accent.<br />
<br />
After transporting souls to heaven for the last 300 years, Aiden MacRae has all but given up on finding the one whose love will redeem him and allow him entry through the pearly gates.<br />
<br />
Torn between her growing attraction to Aiden and heaven's siren song, Lindsey must learn the hard way whether love really can transcend all boundaries.</span></i><br />
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<br />
So this is the first book I've ever reviewed where the author emailed me and asked me to review it. How exciting! But the thing is, I didn't like this book. There was absolutely no character development, first of all. The book just jumped into where the main character all of a sudden is in a car that's hurtling off the road. Then, she meets Aiden and BAM they're in love. Everything is just so perfect that she doesn't even have one thought about her life before she died. It was a little unrealistic and cheesy. Then, like two chapters in when they were in the blissful lovey stage, they visited old Scotland and France, and that was just boring.<br />
I feel kind of bad writing this bad of a review, but I'm just being honest here. The book really did have potential. The premise for the story is interesting, but it was kind of just...empty. I had not connection with Lindsey or Aiden. I just didn't care what happened to them. Maybe it was just me. I'm other people with different tastes than me might like it. If you're into that whole fantasy wizards thing. That's kind of what it reminded me of.<br />
I think that if you like fantasy, you'll like this, but fantasy's not really my thing.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-1864036733778993932011-06-03T16:42:00.001-04:002011-06-03T16:44:42.279-04:00Wanted and an update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZa4A2piCMcN7BnvqdO2S45AEKQEimA2HT5FwUREOa9bK8E8MW0661X3hykvxFH6IntRFF-YrjlWZ_i9YhsIxNgYMPBZTQM21hnFq8zCz-K6E6HWfruYUhHIoJZHg6RI9CwGzeh3WHI/s1600/PLL_Wanted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRZa4A2piCMcN7BnvqdO2S45AEKQEimA2HT5FwUREOa9bK8E8MW0661X3hykvxFH6IntRFF-YrjlWZ_i9YhsIxNgYMPBZTQM21hnFq8zCz-K6E6HWfruYUhHIoJZHg6RI9CwGzeh3WHI/s320/PLL_Wanted.JPG" width="206" /></a></div> Author: Sara Shepard<br />
Rating: 5/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <span id="freeText5005695340912038260"> <i>In Rosewood, majestic estates sprawl for acres, and Tiffany toggle bracelets dangle from every girl's wrist. But not all that glitters is gold, and the town harbors secrets darker than anyone could imagine—like the truth about what <i>really</i> happened the night Alison DiLaurentis went missing. . . . </i><br />
<i> Back in middle school, Ali plucked Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer from obscurity and turned them into the beautiful, popular girls everyone wanted to be. Ali was the best friend they ever had. But she also made them do <i>terrible</i> things and taunted them with their worst secrets. Now, three years later, all their questions about Ali have finally been answered and they can put this awful chapter of their lives behind them. Or so they think. </i><br />
<i> Not every story has a happy ending, especially when four pretty little liars have done so many wicked things. In the dramatic conclusion of Sara Shepard's bestselling Pretty Little Liars series, Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer could get everything they've ever wanted—unless A has one more horrifying twist in store. (From Goodreads.com)</i></span><br />
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<br />
Woah. I'm in shock. I mean, woah. I just finished the last book in the Pretty Little Liars series and I loved it and can't believe what just happened. I did not see that one coming. I wanted to mention on here that I'm done with the series and loved the whole thing, but I can't really review it specifically or I'll give everything away and ruin it. Also, my review of the book before this one is up <a href="http://buriedinbooks21.blogspot.com/2011/02/heartless.html">here</a> and pretty much reviews the whole series.<br />
Also, an update. Since this isn't technically a review I'll just add this in. At my school, they give everyone our own mac laptop to keep from September until June. And now the school year is ending and I'll have to give back my laptop and blog from my crappy home PC. :( Also, In July and August I won't be able to post often because I'll be going on vacation, then as soon as we come back, my family is moving to Tennessee. I don't think I'll have access to my computer until we move into our new house, which will be in mid-august, and that's right when I start school. So that's what's up. What are your summer plans? :)Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-59608547398911615832011-06-02T21:32:00.000-04:002011-06-02T21:32:11.607-04:00Bumped<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3q6UYbStzVYOHKIpimvrO0AyMzEY3MGsINku4Mh9W5Md0lSMTZOiL4lOdZYcbnEYAPsFpUouZjglq6hWtWObUTxwm8eOlIp_db9hzzYQbizXECtKRMfWpJC6jx15iVNGEoB7Gs1eX2g/s1600/8517207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3q6UYbStzVYOHKIpimvrO0AyMzEY3MGsINku4Mh9W5Md0lSMTZOiL4lOdZYcbnEYAPsFpUouZjglq6hWtWObUTxwm8eOlIp_db9hzzYQbizXECtKRMfWpJC6jx15iVNGEoB7Gs1eX2g/s320/8517207.jpg" width="211" /></a></div> Author: Megan McCafferty<br />
Rating: 4/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <span id="freeText13190374406222889591"><i>When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food. </i><br />
<i>Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job. </i><br />
<i>Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from. </i><br />
<i>When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common. </i><br />
<i>From <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author Megan McCafferty comes a strikingly original look at friendship, love, and sisterhood—in a future that is eerily believable. (From Goodreads.com)</i></span><br />
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I was soo looking forward to this book, and it was different than I expected. Not bad, just different. I really liked the plot, though. I hope Megan McCafferty writes more of these books. The whole virus-causing-sterility-and-teens-have-to-have-the-babies thing was so cool and so fun to read about. I especially liked it is because I want to be a Physician's Assistant for obstetrics, and I'm a teenager, so it was fun living in that world where all the teenage girls were pregnant, and proud. In fact, it was even considered pretty to be pregnant in that society, and you could buy fake bellies at the mall.<br />
The two main characters, Harmony and Melody, were also really different. They were identical twins, but they were complete opposites. I really liked Melody, but oh my god was Harmony annoying. I kind of dreaded reading her point of view every other chapter because she got on my nerves so much.<br />
Wow, this is a really short review, but I can't think of anything else to say about it, as it was a good book, but not a very exciting one, as far as dystopians go. It was more like a contemporary within another world. It only took me a few hours to read this book from start to finish; it was a fun, quick read.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-20789058397991414382011-06-01T18:33:00.000-04:002011-06-01T18:33:22.085-04:00Waiting on Wednesday (14)WoW is a meme hosted by Jill at <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>. It's for us bloggers to show everyone all the new books we're excited for. This week I'm waiting on:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-DkJ_J-o_-DLGzbfrQCmFpIosZZrnCI5rQP5IesuyDX6Nf-EJViI2HzWZu1DlqruPy6CKzLDZSUjwV6JmplS6sIqHY6n55n0fEZ_tpoZVKWV9hiinuVi_3Fo-LK2b4V0v-52rlOuZaY/s1600/cvr9781442402041_9781442402041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-DkJ_J-o_-DLGzbfrQCmFpIosZZrnCI5rQP5IesuyDX6Nf-EJViI2HzWZu1DlqruPy6CKzLDZSUjwV6JmplS6sIqHY6n55n0fEZ_tpoZVKWV9hiinuVi_3Fo-LK2b4V0v-52rlOuZaY/s1600/cvr9781442402041_9781442402041.jpg" /></a></div>Author: Kelly Creagh<br />
Summary: <span id="freeText7868181838502229909"><i>While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself "Reynolds." <br />
Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster's ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe's presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen's innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger. <br />
When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love. (From Goodreads.com)</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText7868181838502229909"> I read and reviewed the first in this series, Nevermore, and you can read my review <a href="http://buriedinbooks21.blogspot.com/2011/04/nevermore.html">here.</a> The summary sounds really good, but this cover.... well frankly it's crap. Sorry, but it is. I always hate when there is a full on face on the cover, and the way these are edited together just is not good. Hopefuly they'll change it before the book comes out, but that's not likely. :(</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-9914196502526830822011-06-01T18:11:00.000-04:002011-06-01T18:11:00.707-04:00Skunk Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpsIybZUIMO-XegZDZiC6clYNStf_86rBXbDXUZ7aP_0uaJwWZ5M16qmWlHzPCc9kDJ8BUa_1HvMuc4jrLw3RfCXv2eFp-xzYhhSUAN-sIuAzn1790irZDDjgipqLIAXfhBtX8yojzvc/s1600/Skunk%252BGirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpsIybZUIMO-XegZDZiC6clYNStf_86rBXbDXUZ7aP_0uaJwWZ5M16qmWlHzPCc9kDJ8BUa_1HvMuc4jrLw3RfCXv2eFp-xzYhhSUAN-sIuAzn1790irZDDjgipqLIAXfhBtX8yojzvc/s320/Skunk%252BGirl.jpg" width="212" /></a></div> Author: Sheba Karim (Sheba's my dog's name!! haha)<br />
Rating: 4/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <span id="freeText4266835191206497099"><i>If Nina Khan were to rate herself on the unofficial Pakistani prestige point system – the one she’s sure all the aunties and uncles use to determine the most attractive marriage prospects for their children – her scoring might go something like this: <br />
<strong><br />
+2 points </strong>for getting excellent grades <br />
<strong>–3 points </strong>for failing to live up to expectations set by genius older sister <br />
<strong>+4 points </strong>for dutifully obeying parents and never, ever going to parties, no matter how antisocial that makes her seem to everyone at Deer Hook High <br />
<strong>–1 point </strong>for harboring secret jealousy of her best friends, who are allowed to date like normal teenagers <br />
<strong>+2 points </strong>for never drinking an alcoholic beverage <br />
<strong>–10 points </strong>for obsessing about Asher Richelli, who talks to Nina like she’s not a freak at all, even though he knows that she has a disturbing line of hair running down her back In this wryly funny debut novel, the smart, sassy, and utterly lovable Nina Khan tackles friends, family, and love, and learns that it’s possible to embrace two very different cultures – even if things can get a little bit, well, <em>hairy</em>. (From Goodreads.com)</i></span><br />
<br />
So, I thought this book was about a girl who turned into a skunk-like creature. You know, like those books where the character turns into a mermaid or a fairy or something. I thought that this was a really unusual thing to turn into, so I've been trying to find a copy of this book for forever. But once I got it and started reading it, it turns out it's actually about a Pakistani girl and her conservative Muslim family and their life in a small town. Whatddya know?<br />
This book really taught me a lot about the Muslim culture and lifestyle. I had no idea they were so traditional! They even still arrange the marriages for the girls! I never knew. I did enjoy reading about the main character's life because my life in the complete opposite. I've been raised super duper liberal and encouraged to do anything I want to, and Nina and her family were the complete opposite. Although this was not one of those books where the main character wants to rebel and ditch her lifestyle. Nina was loyal to her family and her religion the whole book. Also, Nina's personality was the complete opposite of mine. She was so hesitant to do everything, and she was shy and kind of bitchy to some people some of the time. I was shouting in my head to her "JUST DO IT ALREADY STOP BEING SO TIMID". But I know a lot of people could relate to her because many people are really shy, especially those who read often.<br />
I really did enjoy reading this book, and I think others should read it too, because the Muslim religion is so misunderstood in these times. Also, it was a cute coming-of-age novel. You should pick this one up if you see it at your library.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-88292928475520324712011-05-23T21:20:00.000-04:002011-05-23T21:20:06.935-04:00Wherever Nina Lies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRkwkHdwa-l383VevQkJQWfmY1HbjEBg-uuy5vn7Yo5mZq7ClD4bLkd7ro78pyiNM9ct3uIcF_k-jGieJkoZt0Lpn9FvZbZKSSVeGvY0dNxSoNstK1WkZzi7rdx0kPlTNCxZI0aMT5kE/s1600/WNL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRkwkHdwa-l383VevQkJQWfmY1HbjEBg-uuy5vn7Yo5mZq7ClD4bLkd7ro78pyiNM9ct3uIcF_k-jGieJkoZt0Lpn9FvZbZKSSVeGvY0dNxSoNstK1WkZzi7rdx0kPlTNCxZI0aMT5kE/s320/WNL.jpg" width="210" /></a></div> Author: Lynn Weingarten<br />
Rating: 5/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <i><span id="freeText312048801138138896">Nina was beautiful, wild, and adored by her younger sister, Ellie. But one day, Nina disappeared. 2 years later, everyone has given up hope that Nina will return, but Ellie knows her sister is out there. If only Ellie had a clue where to look. Then she gets one, in the form of a mysterious drawing. Determined to find Nina, Ellie takes off on a crazy, sexy cross-country road trip with the only person who believes she's got a chance - her hot, adventurous new crush. Along the way, Ellie finds a few things she wasn't planning on. Like love. Lies. And the most shocking thing of all: the truth.(Goodreads.com)</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm on a book streak where I'm only reading really really good books, and I don't want it to end. Wherever Nina Lies was so refreshing from all the other books I've been reading lately. I've never heard of the author before, but now I'll have to keep a lookout for her new books because I loved her writing in this book. The plot of this book... well it was crazy. At times I felt like I was on an acid trip then in a romance movie then in a horror movie. There was a huge shocker at the end that just makes you say OH MY GOD. I did NOT see that one coming. I thought this was going to be an innocent fluffy little book. But was I wrong. It went all Pretty Little Liars on me.<br />
If I were to have shared my thoughts on this book when I was halfway through it, I think I would have said the exact same things as I am now. All of the characters did a complete literary 180. Like, it just boggles my mind how surprising it all is. The people who read or watch Pretty Little Liars will get what I'm babbling about. If you like PLL then you will definitely love Wherever Nina Lies. It's pretty much a book everyone will love. Oh, and another really cool thing about this book was that there were pictures in this book that were supposed to be drawn by Nina, and they were really cool. Kind of like the drawings in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cathys-Book-Found-Call-266-8233/dp/0762433469/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1306199902&sr=1-2">Cathy's Book by Sean Stuart</a>. So read it and love it. :)Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-12691214563636823932011-05-22T14:44:00.000-04:002011-05-22T14:44:01.705-04:00In My Mailbox (8)IMM is a meme started by Kristi at <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/">The Story Siren</a>. It's for us blogger to show everyone all the books we got this week. This week I got:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqkoP7igBOM9BuzdmkzKkaKA1mfyzrTWE45oUO0wkO5MrzorQsLGb83spoKwCL80gLUcEzXrAwrEV6VakImCg0qa4NE6b2gXuJSuRGvJ0CW67SW23NDbQZTwsFgNpK0CpKAYkCyF6NoE/s1600/Photo+on+2011-05-22+at+14.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqkoP7igBOM9BuzdmkzKkaKA1mfyzrTWE45oUO0wkO5MrzorQsLGb83spoKwCL80gLUcEzXrAwrEV6VakImCg0qa4NE6b2gXuJSuRGvJ0CW67SW23NDbQZTwsFgNpK0CpKAYkCyF6NoE/s320/Photo+on+2011-05-22+at+14.17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>All of these were from a nearby library.<br />
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Bumped by Megan McCafferty<br />
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Wanted by Sara Shepard<br />
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Skunk Girl by Sheba Karim<br />
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Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten<br />
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Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink<br />
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The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger<br />
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The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting<br />
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What did you all get in you mailbox this week?Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-81083090399384045612011-05-21T22:30:00.000-04:002011-05-21T22:30:19.757-04:00Like Mandarin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMqMhKev1SnzVe71g6Vhd4m2nYqf2eZvgbLcTwvIC1VaFFf1yikxWaZnk_XAhfeEaB3IYrlaAbwIB_5v1zfc_xGgtx10Uc4KOwzKCm8AAvyT9jjtEpugz_rEbV1hum-gTdlm8UdnM-sU/s1600/LikeMandarin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMqMhKev1SnzVe71g6Vhd4m2nYqf2eZvgbLcTwvIC1VaFFf1yikxWaZnk_XAhfeEaB3IYrlaAbwIB_5v1zfc_xGgtx10Uc4KOwzKCm8AAvyT9jjtEpugz_rEbV1hum-gTdlm8UdnM-sU/s320/LikeMandarin.jpg" width="204" /></a>Author: Kirsten Hubbard <br />
Rating: 5/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <br />
<div class="readable stacked" id="description" style="right: 0pt;"> <span id="freeTextContainer8906663402137131767" style="display: none;">It's hard finding beauty in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming, but 14-year-old Grace Carpenter knows it's not her mother's pageant obsessions, or the cowboy dances adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild-girl Mandarin Ramey: 17, shameless and utterly carefree. Grace would give anything to be like Mandarin. When they're united for a project, they form an un<br />
<a class="actionLinkLite" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8574517-like-mandarin#" onclick="updateMoreLink('8906663402137131767'); return false;">...more</a></span><span id="freeText8906663402137131767"><i>It's hard finding beauty in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming, but 14-year-old Grace Carpenter knows it's not her mother's pageant obsessions, or the cowboy dances adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild-girl Mandarin Ramey: 17, shameless and utterly carefree. Grace would give anything to be like Mandarin. When they're united for a project, they form an unlikely, explosive friendship, packed with nights spent skinny-dipping in the canal, liberating the town's animal-head trophies, and searching for someplace magic. Grace plays along when Mandarin suggests they run away together. Blame it on the crazy-making wildwinds plaguing their Badlands town. Because all too soon, Grace discovers Mandarin's unique beauty hides a girl who's troubled, broken, and even dangerous. And no matter how hard Grace fights to keep the magic, no friendship can withstand betrayal. (From Goodreads.com)</i></span></div><br />
I wasn't really expecting much from this book because I hadn't heard anything on it before and I've never heard of the author. But surprisingly, I really loved this book. It was set in the badlands of Wyoming, and it was the exact opposite of the part of Wyoming the characters were in in the book Unearthly. Everything was plain and dry and windy. It really reminded me of the town where the book The Anatomy of Wings takes place. Actually, pretty much everything about this book reminds me of The Anatomy of Wings. Beth, the character in The Anatomy of Wings who is the older sister who does drugs and sleeps around is like the exact same person as Mandarin. Mandarin is also older than the main character in this book, and she also smokes and sleeps around with older men. The book also had a really surreal feel to it, like I was seeing the characters through a dream or a fairy tale. The lighting of the picture on the cover completely covers the whole feel. Also like TAOW there is so much symbolism and metaphors in this book. The main character, Grace, also grows and matures during the novel. I really like to watch her grow and connect it with the other parts of the plot that went along with her growth.<br />
If you liked TAOW or just want a good read, you should pick up Like Mandarin. It's pretty much for everyone. I know some people don't like paranormal or romance novels, and if you are one of those people then you will really like this book.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-27333455253062311332011-05-21T14:16:00.000-04:002011-05-21T14:16:55.383-04:00WoopsI'm really really sorry that I have been MIA for the past month, but those of you with blogs on this same website know that it signs you out of your account every three weeks or so. Well, I lost my password and I couldn't sign back in. THen I finally realized what the problem was. I had the wrong email in there. I thought I had by blog under the email I check all the time, summer2113@aim.com but it was actually under niixcoleex21@aim.com. And it turns out people have ben emailing me about book reviews on that email and I had no idea! So if you are one of those people, I'm really sorry and I hope it's not too late to accept them.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-85869626919247447102011-04-17T11:29:00.000-04:002011-04-17T11:29:25.065-04:00In My Mailbox (7)In My Mailbox is a weekly meme started by Kristi at <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/">The Story Siren</a>. It's to show everyone all the new books we got this week! The week I got:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIV6ulEEYIbjEPaI4S8KyTSxHmEdd7rk2W5GKrQV18fGJ5NDF8cOqLZNKQr1H4M8ZjRw-jINYZnmf__conubeOpTsXEO5J_vuyi9MhIEVu4u9wYuxoaYEKiG0CI1PLVO5UxrjRT_VKOE/s1600/Photo+on+2011-04-17+at+11.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIV6ulEEYIbjEPaI4S8KyTSxHmEdd7rk2W5GKrQV18fGJ5NDF8cOqLZNKQr1H4M8ZjRw-jINYZnmf__conubeOpTsXEO5J_vuyi9MhIEVu4u9wYuxoaYEKiG0CI1PLVO5UxrjRT_VKOE/s320/Photo+on+2011-04-17+at+11.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard from <a href="http://www.randombuzzers.com/the-buzz/participate/galleries/">Random Buzzers</a><br />
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What did you get in your mailbox this week?Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-7678182956179476602011-04-13T20:45:00.000-04:002011-04-13T20:45:02.894-04:00Waiting on Wednesday (13)Waiting on Wednesday is a meme started by Jill at <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>. It's for us bloggers to spread the word about upcoming books. This week I'm waiting on:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rPSlSleIIFbyH6QBts4oJ3ehDtmBZBf_Jouq2fjjHtVHWf8AVXpaydFI2PdpDTdESCZZGn4oi65cX5S8Z1RIwRf7RzuU8TknAiL76pYseJIglSFGLG94dEdF3wcMh1T5X7mw08OIvOA/s1600/beautifulchaos1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rPSlSleIIFbyH6QBts4oJ3ehDtmBZBf_Jouq2fjjHtVHWf8AVXpaydFI2PdpDTdESCZZGn4oi65cX5S8Z1RIwRf7RzuU8TknAiL76pYseJIglSFGLG94dEdF3wcMh1T5X7mw08OIvOA/s320/beautifulchaos1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Authors: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl<br />
Summary: <span id="freeText9685045648393890040"><i>Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, <em>strange</em> and <em>impossible </em>have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?</i><br />
<i>For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask. </i><br />
<i>Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.</i><br />
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I've read the first of this series, Beautiful Creatures, and I loved it. The setting is my favorite part of this series; I used to live in the deep south, and this series makes me miss it so much! I can practically hear the cicadas and see the heat waves when I read the first book. The authors' writing is so pretty, I love it, and I can't wait to continue this series with Beautiful Darkness and Beautiful Chaos. </span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-49820292126025888812011-04-06T15:46:00.000-04:002011-04-06T15:46:12.885-04:00Waiting on Wednesday (12)Waiting on Wednesday is a blogging meme started by Jill at <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>. It's for us bloggers to show our excitement about upcoming books! This week I'm waiting on:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeedRhjPXRNXHdxwEVQ5Gz_pKxx15DU-vKft_da_dtyPZq1JssDWvgduEosf_7PDez6O7OrhgBYDTtggMQd0wexq2m9lZzgywOc4izn2mVqlYSuFlgKo5L1aFXrBhgdyPXl9QDvyrD3Hs/s1600/51fRoiiEdrL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeedRhjPXRNXHdxwEVQ5Gz_pKxx15DU-vKft_da_dtyPZq1JssDWvgduEosf_7PDez6O7OrhgBYDTtggMQd0wexq2m9lZzgywOc4izn2mVqlYSuFlgKo5L1aFXrBhgdyPXl9QDvyrD3Hs/s1600/51fRoiiEdrL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>Author: Mary E. Pearson<br />
Summary: <span id="freeText18428234241892751892"><i>Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other—Jenna, Locke, and Kara. And after a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, their three minds were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together. At least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Locke and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries. </i><br />
<i>Two-hundred-and-sixty years later, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Locke and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead. </i><br />
<i>Everyone except Jenna Fox. (From Goodreads.com)</i><br />
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I lololoved the first book in this series, The Adoration of Jenna Fox, and I know tons of other bloggers who loved it too. I had no idea the author was making a sequel, and I guess she didn't either at the time, because there was an epilogue that occurred like one hundred years in the future. And it was a total surprise to me that Locke and Kara were saved the same way Jenna was. I can't wait for this book!</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-50651711773921221662011-04-05T19:24:00.000-04:002011-04-05T19:24:53.390-04:00Unearthly<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8Skupqz98U-LStNGY2v5gEDgBmZb5QeGs2VBFmINK_LwM36yrJoh6It_SVGRd-4waucXG2yMNR5HBhZxIm5-cKWzkzCywVTcBy_urSsDDZCRywm2RlOuIVy9PnrjkEhGdlbvvANN8hc/s1600/Unearthly%252Bby%252BCynthia%252BHand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8Skupqz98U-LStNGY2v5gEDgBmZb5QeGs2VBFmINK_LwM36yrJoh6It_SVGRd-4waucXG2yMNR5HBhZxIm5-cKWzkzCywVTcBy_urSsDDZCRywm2RlOuIVy9PnrjkEhGdlbvvANN8hc/s320/Unearthly%252Bby%252BCynthia%252BHand.jpg" width="211" /></a>Author: Cynthia Hand<br />
Rating: 5/5 Stars<br />
Summary:<span id="freeText11463601794012504731"> <i>In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . . </i><br />
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<i> Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a <em>purpose</em>, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy. </i><br />
<i>Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side. </i><br />
<i>As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny? </i><br />
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<i><em>Unearthly</em> is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart. (From Goodreads.com)</i></span><br />
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I really loved this book; pretty much everything about it I loved. I loved Clara and her family, and I loved both of the boys and her friends and the setting and the angel part. First, I had always thought that Wyoming was miles and miles of corn and sheep and grass. Well, was I wrong. In the book Clara's family moves there, and I could just see the mist in the mountains and the clear river in the summer that they jump into. I actually want to visit Wyoming sometime. <br />
And the love triangle. Oh Tucker, oh Christian I love you both. It's impossible for me to choose one. Actually it isn't, I would go with Christian. But you don't know what I'm talking about because you probably haven't read it! Anyway, and I also love both of Clara's new friends Wendy and Angela. I love that they're total opposites yet they're both so awesome. Angela's so sassy! Haha. <br />
I've read a lot of paranormal romances where the creature is an angel, (Hush, Hush, Fallen, Crescendo, etc.) but this book portrayed them so differently than the other books, which is amazing because that's like trying to create a unique type of vampire for a book. It's just so hard because everything's already been done! I really liked how the background of the angels didn't get all bible-y, because I'm just not really into that.<br />
Another thing that I really liked was that I never saw anything coming. Usually I'm really good at predicting what will happen, and I did a little in this book, but only like a paragraph before it happened, so I liked that I could be so surprised. The ending especially. Didn't see that comin'! <br />
I really think you should read this, even if you're to really into the whole angel scene. I'm on one of those book rolls right now where I've been reading so many good books and I have so many awesome ones with me to look forward to reading in the next couple of weeks. When this stops, I'm going to be really bummed.<br />
P.S. You know me, I can't help myself if the cover is pretty. The cover is even better in real life because it's got like a shimmer or shine to it. It's really cool.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-35691858652726228782011-04-03T21:37:00.000-04:002011-04-03T21:37:28.603-04:00In My Mailbox (6)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeLZ75cGAi5FDk_9uWRn8YV4AfD5ublL9ZsJ6bMr7LPSLE_F1I6SJ5Yejh_1VrluTR9PQs69U2JWIjCV5FI7y_lDWEXR2DscfPeJV62txA52iuPqs2swUST8uaXspUNmEXBjtA6_KcdI/s1600/Photo+on+2011-04-03+at+21.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeLZ75cGAi5FDk_9uWRn8YV4AfD5ublL9ZsJ6bMr7LPSLE_F1I6SJ5Yejh_1VrluTR9PQs69U2JWIjCV5FI7y_lDWEXR2DscfPeJV62txA52iuPqs2swUST8uaXspUNmEXBjtA6_KcdI/s320/Photo+on+2011-04-03+at+21.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In My Mailbox is a meme started by Kristi at <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/">The Story Siren</a>. It's for us bloggers to show everyone the awesome new books we got this week! This week I got:<br />
Fallout by Ellen Hopkins<br />
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Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves<br />
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I Will Always Love You by Cecily von Ziegesar<br />
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The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney<br />
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DELIRIUM BY LAUREN OLIVER<br />
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I got all of these from my local borders that's closing soon. They had everything in the store at least half off, but most of the shelves were empty. I really had to scrounge for this awesome bunch. I can't believe I got Delirium. It's my dream come true. I'm so happy, this is the best day ever. Sorry the picture is so dark, but I'm too lazy to move to another room of the house that gets better lighting. I also got a book on netgalley but I'm not really sure what is it. I've never heard of it, but I requested it anyway and got it. Here it is: <br />
Lost in Dreams by Roger Bruner <br />
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By the way, I'm reading Unearthly right now, and the review will probably be up sometime this week. But I'm kind of like, I have so many books to read right now and it's kind of freaking me out. Sometimes I like that. Like I'll go to the library and request like 20 books from the computer and then they all come in in like throughout the course of a week, and I become a speed reading beast. But I have a lot of books to read online and I don't have an ereader, and I really hate reading form my computer screen, but I want to read and review these books before they come out. But I also want to jump in my new pile of books. So I don't know. But anyway, what did you guys get in your mailboxes this week??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-22070012982001061962011-04-02T16:05:00.000-04:002011-04-02T16:05:04.925-04:00Nevermore<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf0EKuS2XLFq_X8fq4EnIetWWl6ESwSD8Yga_QL7MdLtQcXpMPUtGTHhSLz03fLZDCdIDY8h-Jz8vfDzHGLMtE2A2yfZBqfl9SE8cPIeuX-xWEjahuK_JJcIbofeuhEUtMSzvzodd9DE/s1600/NevermoreBC.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf0EKuS2XLFq_X8fq4EnIetWWl6ESwSD8Yga_QL7MdLtQcXpMPUtGTHhSLz03fLZDCdIDY8h-Jz8vfDzHGLMtE2A2yfZBqfl9SE8cPIeuX-xWEjahuK_JJcIbofeuhEUtMSzvzodd9DE/s320/NevermoreBC.png" width="210" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoMVo_ehXh80eCklKiFsGfSzdkOiFBWL7p5NqeFuolGSqtGzVYOqRuc5-MI3b5h192zwB8iaSWV3jyyUFP27nHpitrzADLRXszqUcoVJSlDrR9k1QlFLwyr8HZktX4cOws-JeAf12YUA/s1600/NevermoreKellyCreagh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a> Author: Kelly Creagh<br />
Rating: 5/5 Stars<br />
Summary: <i><span id="freeText1388911950021563144">Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. <br />
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Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look. <br />
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Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. <br />
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As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. <br />
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Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares. <br />
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<em>His life depends on it. (From Goodreads.com)</em></span></i><br />
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I was initially drawn to this book because I love Edgar Allan Poe's stories. I love how they are so creepy and eerie and gothic. Which was exactly what this book was. Everything was dark and mysterious, which I loved in contrast with the main character, Isobel, who is a preppy blond cheerleader. I really liked how even at times she felt stupid, but she stayed true to herself. She was a really strong and stubborn girl who stuck up for what she believed in.<br />
The romance between her and Varen wasn't an insta-romance like it is a lot of the time, either. At first, they didn't even like each other, but gradually as they were forced to work together, they became friends, and then they started to acknowledge their feelings.<br />
I also really liked how there was references to Poe and all of his works throughout the book. They were bot in the dream world and the real world. If you aren't already familiar with some of Poe's works, I recommend you read a couple of his famous works before reading this, like The Raven and The Cask of Amontillado. Also, I found it extra creepy how some of the characters form his stories came alive and haunted the catacombs of the dream world.<br />
I really liked reading this book, and I think it's for almost everyone. It's got the mysterious factor, but it also has a little bit of contemporary mixed in, which is really hard to do when writing a book with unrealistic things. But it kind of stays like a contemporary fiction book until it starts leading up to the climax towards the end. But you should definitely read it.<br />
P.S. As I was looking for a picture of the cover, I noticed that some of the covers have Varen with a lip ring, and some don't. Personally I like it without, and I also think the hard copies are missing it too.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-27662854764813538792011-03-30T19:03:00.000-04:002011-03-30T19:03:21.791-04:00Waiting on Wednesday (11)Waiting on Wednesday is a meme started by Jill at <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>. It's for us bloggers to show our excitement about upcoming books. This week I'm waiting on:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VedY0lr9vMBVenX7fdZby_e1b3kFzNnpfICWGOW0fFFMCAT4rS7Ukr-3DLM2pyv1Gbi96m05t2bICTpqFV525Q7swgV6DO0FAsfGrIk8d3xumvf3rdW5m-NUC6Oq-lDcQQhLTmero3Q/s1600/8609299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VedY0lr9vMBVenX7fdZby_e1b3kFzNnpfICWGOW0fFFMCAT4rS7Ukr-3DLM2pyv1Gbi96m05t2bICTpqFV525Q7swgV6DO0FAsfGrIk8d3xumvf3rdW5m-NUC6Oq-lDcQQhLTmero3Q/s320/8609299.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>Author: Stacey Jay<br />
Summary: <i><span id="freeText16885590929471359203">"These violent delights have violent ends <br />
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, <br />
Which as they kiss consume." <br />
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare <br />
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The most tragic love story in history . . . <br />
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Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love. (From Goodreads.com)</span></i><br />
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<span id="freeText16885590929471359203">My class read Romeo and Juliet for Language Arts earlier this year, so I'm pretty familiar with this play, and this sounds so good! I never liked Romeo! But mostly because he cries and whines too much. But I really liked Juliet's character, and I'm excited to read about another version of her. Plus, isn't that cover beautiful?? So, what are you waiting on this week?</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5242004962335754069.post-47308848377697081332011-03-24T20:48:00.000-04:002011-03-24T20:48:35.688-04:00RantingSo, in my Language Arts class we're reading A Separate Peace by John Knowles, and I need somewhere to rant about it. Since my teacher is close-minded and thinks we're wrong if we don't have the same opinions as her on all the books we read, it's hard to discuss things in class. So anyway, I'm about three quarters done with it, and at first it was fine. Although I thought it was a little too descriptive. It went on about things that didn't move the plot forward. But the thing that really bothers me about this book is Gene and Finny, the two main characters. First of all, Gene is a total nut-nut! He is so paranoid that everyone is out to get him, and it's like THE WORLD DOESN'T REVOLVE AROUND YOU, GENE. He is also really arrogant, which is one of the most annoying qualities in a person, in my opinion. Then, Finny. Oh, Phineas. How I hate you. (By the way, this book takes place in the middle of WWII.) Finny is convinced that there is no war on. That is just so insulting! Millions of innocent people died in the Holocaust, and he thinks it's all fake! ARRGGHH. Anyway, I don't even know why I'm posting this because you guys don't care. Oh, well. I feel better now. I'm a very picky person about my quality literature that is required reading in my school. My favorite books that were required reading are To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (I wish Atticus was MY dad.) and Slaughter-House Five by Kurt Vonnegut. (I think it's so awesome that this book is required reading. It's on soo many banned books lists, just because it talks about some trippy alien stuff and mentions the f-word a few hundred times.) But I guess my school board is just really liberal. But last year we had to read The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, and it was really good writing, I just really despised Holden Caulfield. He thought everything was so PHONY. Well, you know what I think? I THINK YOU ARE A PHONY HYPOCRITE, HOLDEN. Does anyone else feel the same way about these characters as I do? What is required reading in your schools? Do you also wish Atticus Finch was your dad? Okay, rant over. So it goes.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015425111484228097noreply@blogger.com0