Mini Vacation!

             Hey everyone!

So I just wanted to give you a little heads up, I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon to go to my college orientation (yay! :D) and I won't be back until late Tuesday, SO, you probably won't see much activity on here until probably Wednesday. I have two reviews I'm working on right now, so those might be up some time tomorrow before I leave, but most likely they won't be up until Tuesday/Wednesday. Also! I am participating in a Cover Reveal for Clare C. Marshall's new book 'The Violet Fox'. I'm supposed to reveal it July 3rd, which is the day I return home from my orientation, so it probably won't be up until that evening or later at night, but look for it!

I believe that is all for updates. Hope you all have a great rest of the weekend, and I'll be sure to finish those reviews for you guys soon!

Reviews Coming For:

Choker

byElizabeth Woods

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The Last Echo (The Body Finder #3)

 

byKimberly Derting

 

 

What's Next (1)

I am excited announce that I will be participating in a new meme every Thursday hosted by Iceybooks. This meme is designed to help bloggers get some help from our readers on what to read next. Every week I will post 3 to 5 books that I am trying to decide between and you guys can vote on which one you think that I should read next. You can cast your vote in the poll at the bottom of the post.

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When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York—and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn't think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari's family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future.

When misfortune befalls Blake's family, he pulls away, and Ari's world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?

Connor, Risa, and Lev are running for their lives.

The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.

At the start of her senior year in high school, Sara wants two things: to get into a top college and to find true love.Tobey also wants two things for his senior year: to win Battle of the Bands and to make Sara fall in love with him. However, a popular jock named Dave moves in on Sara first. But Tobey’s quirky wit and big blue eyes are hard for Sara to ignore. Plus, he gets the little things that matter to her. Can a slacker rock-star wannabe win the heart of a pretty class brain like Sara? Hilariously and movingly told through Tobey and Sara’s authentic voices, Susane Colasanti’s debut novel sizzles in its portrayal of two young people searching for The One.

What book should I read next?

Other Words For Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

Create your own poll

(Probably going to pick the book with the most votes sometime this weekend. I'm almost done with one of the current books I am reading so will need something to read soon! :))

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

For almost 200 years, Pride And Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen herself called this brilliant work her "own darling child." Pride And Prejudice, the story of Mrs. Bennet's attempts to marry off her five daughters is one of the best-loved and most enduring classics in English literature. Excitement fizzes through the Bennet household at Longbourn in Hertfordshire when young, eligible Mr. Charles Bingley rents the fine house nearby. He may have sisters, but he also has male friends, and one of these, the haughty Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, irks the vivacious Elizabeth Bennet, the second of the Bennet girls. She annoys him. Which is how we know they must one day marry. The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and Darcy is a splendid rendition of civilized sparring. As the characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, Jane Austen's radiantly caustic wit and keen observation sparkle.

I'm going to come out and say that I LOVE Jane Austen! I never had been particularly fond of classic novels, especially British Literature, because reading them in school just drove me insane; I never knew what the characters were saying and reading Shakespeare gave me a headache. But one day I decided to give Jane Austen a try. I read Northanger Abbey and actually enjoyed it very much. I then realized I didn't have a problem with classic literature, I just had a problem reading books they assgined in school. See, I don't like being forced to read. I found when I gave classics a try outside of school, I liked them. So, since I had this miraculous epiphiny, I have read 3 Austen novels, P&P being my third.

Pretty much everyone has heard of this book so naturally, I had some basic knowledge going into this book, which was pretty much nothing really; I knew it was a love story about a Mr. Darcy and some girl names Elizabeth but that's it. I also knew people either loved this book, or hated it.

I loved it, as I previsouly stated. I find Jane Austen very comical. I guess you need to really understand what you're reading to see it. I actually read along with the audiobook for most of this book. I found it much more amusing listening to the audio. I also watched two different versions of the upon completing the novel. The Colin Firth version, and the recent one with Keira Knightly. Both were good and made me realize how weird Mr. Collins is, and how annoying Mrs. Bennett is.

There was so much going on in the book so I was always entertained. I loved the characters; they were all so different and had their own stories. I particularly liked Elizabeth, Jane, and Mr. Darcy (once it was established that he wasn't a jerk). Mr. Collins was annoying and such of cocky. He was all, "You're justing saying no to my proposal because that's what women do. They want men to ask a second time." Of course, that's paraphrasing, but same thing. I don't know why he would think that. Silly man.

And Mrs. Bennett. She was nuts! Haha. I loved how when she sent Jane over to Mr. Bingley's house on horse back, when she found out she was sick Mr. Bennett said something along the lines of, "Yes, when Jane dies, it'll be nice to know that she did all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley under your instruction." (so that's definitely not word for word, just off the top of my head :)). Reading the actual conversation between the two is more amusing than my little paraphrase. Lydia, she was also a tad annoying. I guess it was because she was so young and naive.

I loved when Elizabeth asks Mr. Darcy when he knew he loved her:

“I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.” 

I also veyr much enjoyed these quotes:

“For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?”   

“Angry people are not always wise.” 

 “I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh.” 

Overall, P&P did not let me down. It just made me all the more eager to read more of Austen's works, which I now pretty much own the majority of thanks to my Kindle & used books stores.

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

Wow. So where do I even start with this review? I guess I'll begin with saying how much I love this series. I literally devoured (okay maybe not literally) the first book and couldn't wait to get my hands on the second. And once I finished the second, I just had to read the last book and find out what happens. I was really torn between 4 and 5 stars for this book, so let's just say its a 4.5

These books are intense! Well, for the most part. I have heard mixed feelings on the ending of this series/book. Most people I know didn't like it. They liked who Katniss ended up with (I won't say who in case some of you haven't read it yet), but they didn't like the rest of it. I agree that maybe it's not the best  book in the series, but I'm fairly happy with it. The two days I spent reading this, I just could not put it down for anything. My sister kept asking me to do stuff with her and I would say, "Okay, just let me finish this chapter." But I would get to the end of the chapter and something big would happen and I'd be all, "Ohmygosh!", and I wouldn't be able to stop.

So, with the Quarter Quell taking place in this book, and it being a big deal and all, I just knew President Snow would have something horribly devious up his too colorful sleeves. And boy was I right. Even though I sort of saw it coming, it still didn't prepare me for when I read Snow's announcement. I was like, "Are you for real?!?!" Seriously, these people have been through enough, why would he do that? Well, to answer myself, he's a sick, twisted little man in need of some other form of amusement because the whole Hunger Games thing is just cruel.

I found the parts where Katniss was in District 13 just a tad dull because she didn't really do much; they're underground so there's not much you could really do. I found the whole follow-Katniss-around-wherever-she-goes-and-film-her thing slightly irritating. I understand that it was used for propaganda but she's trying to save the world basically and can you imagine how annoying it would be to have someone all up in your face with a camera all the time? But in the long run, the videos did help so I can't really complain.

The whole time Peeta was in the Capitol I was pretty mad. Well, you know, I didn't want him to die or anything; I wanted him to be back with Katniss. And then when he finally gets rescued, he's all psycho and trying to kill her. The whole time he was brainwashed, I kept thinking I'm going to be majorly upset if he winds up still hating her in the end.

And Gale...GAAAHH! I hated that whole I'm-going-to-kill-everyone-in-the-capitol-even-innocent-children attitude he had going on. I don't understand how they could set bombs off on children. That was ridiculous. And if it was him that killed Prim accidently, if I were Katniss, I would never forgive him. I understand that he was angry at the capitol, but don't go after the innocent. A whole population doesn't need to suffer because the actions of a few individuals; which is why I don't approve of wars.

I felt like the ending was rushed in a way. One minute, she's watching the bombs fall, the next, she wakes up in a hospital bed and the war is over. I wished they would have said more on what happened to everyone else in the epilouge, like Katniss's mother and Gale. And I was so crushed when Finnick died, but glad he got to marry his love before he died.

Overall, I did like this book very much, despite what my review says that might contradict that. I'm so sad it's over but hope to see more from Ms. Collins in the future because these books are definitely in my top favorite series; up there with Harry Potter (which is always #1 of course xP).

Our Purpose: The Nobel Peace Prize Lecture 2007 by Al Gore

The lecture given by Vice President Al Gore for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize

~~~~~~~~~

I had picked this book up at a dollar store because I have always been fascinated with global warming and Al Gore. This book contained his Nobel Peace Prize speech and a few excpets from his novel An Inconvient Truth.

I view Al Gore as a very intelligent man, and have admired his stance on global warming and climate change. I have often wondered what would have happened if he would have won the 2000 election over George W. Bush; if my state hadn't screwed up the election, would Gore have won? Would we be a more environmentally friendly country? Would we have been better off overall with him in the office instead of a drunken, power-hungry, oil loving President? Who knows; the past is the past. I was only 6 or 7 at the time of that particular election.

"I'm a strong proponent of the restoration of the wetlands, for a lot of reasons. There's a practical reason, though, when it comes to hurricanes: The stronger the wetlands, the more likely the damage of the hurricane."- George Bush in New Orleans, March 1, 2007 (discussing wetlands work after Katrina)

this explains his environmental policies.

But onto this book (you don't want to get me started on Bush lol. Even though I dislike him, I am loyal to my country and our Presidents, but I don't have to agree to everything they say or do), it was a beautiful speech. If I had not already been concerned with the state of our environment, this would have made me see the light.

The only thing I didn't agree with in this speech, was how Gore kept refering to people as the cause of global wraming; there I don't agree. I actually wrote a paper on this topic in my junior year. Global warming is a form of climate change. And climate change is a natural process. What people don't often realize is that climate change is "a long-term change in the earth's climate", this does not limit it to only a rise in temperature; it would also be a decline. To put it in simple terms, everyone knows about the Ice Age, correct? Okay, so that was a form of climate change. Now what does this have to do with my disagreement with Gore? Well, we certainly were not the cause of the Ice Age. The Ice Age happened because of natural elemants and processes. Therefore, wouldn't it make sense to assume that Global Warming, which is another form of climate change, would happen eventually on its own as well? I believe that even without humans, this process would run its course. However, I do believe we, as humans, are increasing the speed at which this process is occuring because of our own careless actions. We are adding more than the natural allowment of CO2 into the air, therefore trapping infrared radiation in our atmosphere which in turn, prevents heat from being released out of the atmosphere, resulting in the rise in temperature of Earth.

I honestly cannot understand how people can listen to this man, and not believe that we are indeed facing a global crisis, but they readily accept the lies that other politicans let roll of their tongues. Critics of Gore love to repute his theories, but never have to scientific data to back their case, yet people still side with them. Why? Because people are in denial; they don't want to accept that our actions have consequences and that even if those consequences don't reveal themselves until way after their own lifetime, they are still important. Some people don't care to do anything because they feel they'll outlive the consequences. Well that's probably true, and great for you, but what about your children? Grandchildren? Future generations of people who had nothing to do with this, who are going to face the blunt of our actions. Are we, as humans, willingly to let the future of our species suffer because we didn't feel the need to fix it because it's not our problem? Well here's some news for you: it is our problem. And unless we do what is necessary to turn things back around, the problem will only get worse. You can't reverse global warming; once it starts, that's it. But you can slow it down, you can lessen the harsh effects. We can make this a better place for us and those after us. But we have to be willing to work together, to make sacrifices, we have to care.

This book was inspiration, and sorry if I got a little rambling, or intense. I just feel very passionate about this particualr topic :)

Currently Reading...

(Sorry the image is blurry; there was only
one picture of the book & it was really
small :/)

~The Promise by D.D Chant~

Received this book from the author D.D Chant in e-book format for review. Really excited to read it!

GoodReads Summary:
Dear Reader,

I wish to tell you a tale that began with a promise destined to change the lives of many. When only a child, Lady Adele of Berron lost her family during a dreadful battle and was betrothed to a stranger.

Lord Rafe of Valrek, only a boy himself when the battle of Calis raged, grew to be a feared warrior and trusted advisor to his King. But sadness filled his past and Adele served only to remind him of all he had lost.

However the promise that bound these two together caused great anger to some.

What, Dear Reader, happened in those days of treachery and darkness? Incline your ear that I may whisper the secrets that you so desire to hear......

Lady Quill

Also be on the look-out, in the next day or so, for a review of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie is navigating through the strange worlds of love, drugs, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", and dealing with the loss of a good friend and his favorite aunt.

I'm not going to lie, I wanted to read this book because of the movie that's coming out soon starring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman. That sort of makes me feel bad, but it is the truth. But for whatever reason why, I read it, and liked it a lot more than I thought I would. It's not that I just wasn't interested in the book, but probably more due to the fact that on the back, the US Weekly compares it to A Catcher in the Rye  which I read this year in school and pretty much hated. That might be because I hate reading books when I'm forced to, and Holden just annoyed the heck out of me. But anyway, enough of that book, on to Perks.

It was kind of interesting to read a novel told by a boy's perspective for once; pretty much every book I read is told from a female's perspective. So that was definitely different for me. I really enjoyed this book. It dealt with real situations, experiences, and such that real teenagers face: first love, drugs, sex, alcohol, dating, family, etc. I felt bad for Charlie because he seemed to be having a rough time with life, especially after his aunt Helen died.

The book is pretty much a year of his life; the start of his freshman year, to the end of that year. In that year's time, he made everlasting friendships and fell in love for the first time. He experimented with drugs, alcohol, and began to smoke. All these things may sound bad, but despite it all, Charlie really was a good guy.

This book is outstanding. I just couldn't stop reading. I wanted to know what would happen next and then after that and then after that. Its a quick read, but it cuts to the soul of the reader. It's so simple to read yet so complex. It addresses several topics and provides insight to each and to life itself. I was torn between 4 and 5 stars because I really liked it, but I wasn't sure if I LOVED it enough. In the end, I obviously gave it 4 Stars; I figured it I hard to think real hard on whether or not I loved this book, than I didn't love it.

I would reccomend this book to anyone; especially those just entering their teenage years. I believe if I had read this book 4 years ago when I was starting highschool, it may have had more of an impact on me, but regardless, I enjoyed it. I'm just going to share some quotes below from the novel that I really loved:

“I think that if I ever have kids, and they are upset, I won't tell them that people are starving in China or anything like that because it wouldn't change the fact that they were upset. And even if somebody else has it much worse, that doesn't really change the fact that you have what you have.” 

“I am very interested and fascinated how everyone loves each other, but no one really likes each other.” 

And my personal favorite line from the whole book:

“And I guess I realized at that moment that I really did love her. Because there was nothing to gain, and that didn't matter.”  

The movie for this book is coming out soon and I'm really excited! I know that it's probably going ot be a lot different than the books, as most books-turned-movies are, but I'm okay with that. One has to expect that and learn to seperate the books from the movies, that way you're not sitting there throughout the whole movie analyzing every little thing and ruining it for yourself. Here's a trailer for the movie; enjoy!

 

 



Off The Shelf! Reading Challenge 2012

What Is This Challenge All About?

This challenge is to read those books you own a copy of, print, digital, and audio, you have been meaning to read, but never gotten to. If you don’t own enough books for the challenge you can read your TBR list instead. And no, you do not need to get rid of your books afterwards, that’s completely your choice, this challenge is only to read them.

I'm actually really excited for this challenge because I have a TON of books that I buy and never get around to reading, so this will be good for me (as long as I stick to it!). There are several different levels, depending on the number of books you're aiming to read. I'm going to say I will try Level 2 - Trying - 15 books. Hopefully I am able to do this! I know I've read a few of my own books already this year, so I'll just go back and add those to my list. If I already read a lot, then I might upgrade myself to the next level, which is 30 books. If you want to join in, or know more about the Off the Shelf! reading challenge, click here.

Blog Award?!

Apparently, I have been tagged as the recipient of an award. Aww, thank you so much to Carolyn at outRageous.pages!
 

So, for part of this award, I have to give out 11 facts about myself for all you guys (and the rest of the world) to see. But before I get to that, here is some information about the award:

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

The Meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

The rules are as follows:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Go to their page and tell them.

5. Remember, no tag backs!

So here goes nothing! 11 Random facts about me:)

1. I am generally a very shy person.
2. I'm 18 years old
3. I have an unhealthy obsession with the Backstreet Boys (its really bad...)
4. I love the smell of rain.
5. I've lately taken the habit of watching CNN all the time...not sure why...
6. I've been a baton twirler for 8 years
7. I don't drink tea or coffee, but am rather addicted to milk
8. My favorite color is purple
9. I want to study to become a nurse
10. One of my biggest dreams (besides meeting the Backstreet Boys <3 ;)) is to go to England.
11. My favorite sport is hockey, which people find odd

So that's just a bit of useless information about me. Now on to the questions that Carolyn asked:

1. What song could you listen to over and over and over?
1. That's tough...umm...I'm going to have to say any Backstreet Boy song; particularly anything off their NeverGone album because it's just amazing!
2. What's your favorite genre to read?
1. My favorite genre is YA Paranormal Romances
3. What's the longest book you've ever read?
1. I'm not completely positive, but I'm pretty sure it was Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
4. If you could become an animal, what animal would you be?
1. A dolphin. I love them, they're really smart and get to spend all their time in the water :)
5. Do you consider yourself "normal"?
1. What is normal? Haha, um well actually my best friend said today that I'm the most normal of all of us, which isn't really saying much because we're all pretty weird in our own way.
6. As a kid, what did you want to be when your grew up?
1. I think at first, I wanted to be a teacher, but then I changed it to a ballerina.
7. What is something you are really good at?
1. I'm good at baton twirling, I mean, there are ALOT of people who are a millions times better, but I like to think I'm okay.
8. What do you think of Shakespeare?
1. Hmmm, he's okay. I've only read a few of his plays. My favovrite is A MidSummer Night's Dream.
9. Do you ever comtemplate the menaing of life?
1. Maybe sometimes. Not really sure.
10. Is there a book you wish you had written?
1. I don't know...hm, good question. I'm really stumped with this one lol.
11. Hey baby, what's your sign? (I just had to...)
1. Hahaha, I'm a Sagittarius :D

So I tag:

1. Swoon Worthy Books
2. Wrathsqueen's Books
3. Come See What Dreams Are Made Of...
4. Kate's Blog

(Currently don't have anymore blogs I follow with 200 or less. Everyone else has too many to participate)

But here are my questions for those of you I did tag:

1. Do you have a hidden talent?
2. What is one of your major goals in life?
3. What is your favorite book of all time?
4. Who is your greatest inspiration?
5. If you could have any super power, which one would you want?
6. If you could have any celebrity as a best friend, who would it be?
7. What is your favorite TV show?
8. What do you consider your most prized possession?
9. What genre of books do you prefer?
10. if you could live anywhere in the world, where would you want to live?
11. Are you a PC or Mac? (hehe, just had to throw that in there :D)

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol-- a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn

Let me just start off by saying that my first thoughts after finishing this book was: I.MUST.GET.MOCKINGJAY.NOW! Having said that, one can assume that I freaking loved this book!

I actually started this book months ago, after finishing the first book in a day. I begged my best friend to bring over the second book and got 15 pages in and put it down for the night. Apparently, I got distracted and never picked it back up. Which was odd considering the fact I was DYING to read this book. This just clearly proves there are too many books and not enough time.

This book takes places right where the last one left off. Katniss and Peeta have returned back to Distict 12 and are adjusting to their new lives in the Victor's Village where they will now reside with their families. However, the Capitol and President Snow are making left post-games difficult. After an unexpected visit from President Snow that resulted in the threat of the lives of those she loves, Katniss soon realizes that even though she and Peeta won the Games, they have not beat the Capitol.

This book was intense! I was bored at all during this book, infact, I could NOT put it down! It espeically got good around the middle when they announce the plans for the Quarter Quell (the 75th Hunger Games; they always do something "special" and "different" for them every 25 years). When President Snow made the announcement, I was shocked, even though i sort of thought it was going to happen. But even though I predicted it, I was still not prepared. I was just like, "Really? Haven't they been through enough already? Jerks..." But I'm going to stop now so I don't ruin it for those who have not yet read the book.

Now on to the inevitable: the Peeta-Katniss-Gale love triangle. Well, here are my thoughts on that subject:

So now that's that is out of the way, let me just say, just because I am "Team Peeta", it doesn't mean I hate Gale or Gale lovers. So don't start an argument, because both guys are great, but I prefer Peeta. 

"I just want to spend every possible minute of the rest of my life with you."

I know I know, it may sound a little corny, but still. I couldn't help but go, "Awwwwwwww! :3" when I read that line.

 

I actually think the whole "Teams" in books are sort of annoying and cause chaos, but if you can't beat them, join them ;)

In a nutshell, this book was AMAZING! (In case you didn't get the message before)
If you haven't read the Hunger Game yet, I strongly suggest you do so. Right now. Because I for one believe you are missing out on something amazing. And if you are one of those people who don't like to follow popular culture or don't want to be sucked into this fandom craziness, I get it; I really do. But you should still read the books :P

Book Haul #1

Hi everyone!

This is my first Book Haul. The point of the book Haul is to show you the books I've picked up over the past week or so. This week, I've gotten 4 books, shown below, plus two book marks:

(Divergent by Veronica Roth, Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey, Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen, Chime by Franny Billingsley)

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sara Crewe, an exceptionally intelligent and imaginative student at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, is devastated when her adored, indulgent father dies. Now penniless and banished to a room in the attic, Sara is demeaned, abused, and forced to work as a servant. How this resourceful girl's fortunes change again is at the center of A Little Princess, one of the best-loved stories in all of children's literature.
This unique and fully annotated edition appends excerpts from Frances Hodgson Burnett's original 1888 novella Sara Crewe and the stage play that preceded the novel, as well as an early story, "Behind the White Brick," allowing readers to see how A Little Princess evolved. In his delightful introduction, U. C. Knoepflmacher considers the fairy-tale allusions and literary touchstones that place the book among the major works of Victorian literature, and shows it to be an exceptionally rich and resonant novel.

~~~~~~

Let me just start of by saying that as a child, the film adaption of this book was one of my favorite movies to watch as a child. I remember everytime it was on TV, I would drop everything I was doing and watch it with my mom, no matter how late it was. Having said that, one can guess the exctiement I felt at finally getting around to reading the novel that inspired one of my favorite movies.

I went into this novel expecting it to be different from the movie, as most books-made-movies generally are. I tried to seperate the two because I didn't want to let my bias of the movie cloud the novel itself. So, after much determination to keep the movie and book seperate, I sat down and began to read, and let me just say, the book is every bit as good as the movie. 'Course, the two had some major differences. For one thing, Sara's doll Emily was Indian in the book, but I don't believe she was in the movie. Also, her father had bought her another doll too in the book. SOmething else that was different was how in the book, Sara was at Ms. Minchin's school for a few years, as opposed to the movie where she wasn't there for as long.

But, onto the story itself. Just as beautiful and heart-wrenching as the movie. I'm going to be honest, the movie always makes me cry. Yes, I am 18 years old, crying during a movie I've seen hundreds of times. But I can't help it. The writing was beautiful, though sometimes when Becky spoke I was like, "Whatttt???" Since she was not educated, she didn't speak so well, so it was sometimes hard to understand what she was saying. Sara seemed so much more strange when reading the book than she did in the movie. Not strange in a BAD way, just a little peculiar for a child of her age. She read a wide variety of books and had knowledge even those beyond her years would never have. She also had a rather large imagination. She liked to believe that dolls would come to life when they were alone in a room and would run back in their places when they heard you coming. Now, most little girls would find that fascinating, I personally find it scary. I have an irrational fear of dolls (Like porcelein dolls and stuff, barbies are okay xD), so that would not be a very comforting thought for me. They're just so creepy...

Oh how I hate Ms. Minchin! She's just a grumpy, miserable lump of a woman. Just had to throw that out there.

Overall, I was not disappointed by the book at all. I'm not really sure why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Though I really enjoyed the book, I didn't LOVE it like crazy. If I had the chance to talk to Frances Hodgson Burnett, I would thank them for writing such a magical, heartwarming story that is so close to my heart and has given me so many wonderful memories to carry with me throughout life for I know, this will alsways remain one of my all time favorite stories/movies. And always remember, everyone is a princess at heart:

“Whatever comes," she said, "cannot alter one thing. If I am a princess in rags and tatters, I can be a princess inside. It would be easy to be a princess if I were dressed in cloth of gold, but it is a great deal more of a triumph to be one all the time when no one knows it.”  

In case you have never seen the movie and would like to check it out, here is a link to the movie's IMDB page for more information: A Little Princess
Also, below is a video of some clips from the movie. I couldn't find an actual trailer.

Currently Reading...

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present. Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.

Why I'm Reading This:

• I came across it months ago at my local Borders before it closed down and really wanted to buy it, but it was a hardcover, and nearly $20 so I didn't
• The whole plot drew me in; the historical twist fascinated me
• Nominated this book for a group I am in on Good Reads for our book of the month and it won, YAY! :D
• Love the cover

Embrace (The Violet Eden Chapters #1) by Jessica Shrivington

It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.

A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…

~~~~~~~~~~

So this book: I really liked it, didn’t LOVE it, but liked it enough to give it 4 stars.

I really liked the plot of the story more than I thought I would; it was more dynamic than most other plots. Ploblems would happen, then, they would get solved and a new problem would surface. The story did revolve around one particular problem, but it didn’t suffocate the story; meaning, there was still room for other little complications to pop up here and there. Towards the end, you discover some slightly shocking secrets. Of course, if you’re perceptive enough, you can probably have it figured out before Violet does, because I’m sorry, but at times that girl was just a tad on the slow side…

LOVE TRIANGLE! For the love of all things holy, WHY? I mean, I knew there would be one; I tend not to be surprised anymore by them because it seems there can’t be a single YA book in which the protagonist is happy with the guy right in front of her :/ Seriously, I loved Lincoln from the first time he was introduced. I can understand why Violet was mad at him for not telling her his big secret, but it’s not like he really had a choice. He wanted to tell her, but wasn’t allowed. I just felt like she was a little too hard on him about that. I mean, she has to right to be mad for a while, but she was just plain mean and hateful at times and he was nothing but sweet. I wanted to slap her across the face sometimes. Phoenix was okay, sort of cocky, but not a bad guy. Well, that’s not true…I sort of want to say something here but it would be giving away too much so I’m going to move on before I say something that might ruin the book for you guys.

Overall, the writing was done very well. For the most part, I was caught up in the book, except at some points where I lost a bit of interest; luckily, my attention was never lost for long. I was iffy at first with reading an angel novel. I’ve read some which I really liked, and others that I just hated. I refuse to buy into that whole, “Angels-Are-The-New-Vampires” ideal because for one, it’s just plain stupid! Two, even if angels are the so-called “next-big-thing”, I’m entitled to my own opinion and don’t feel as though pop culture can tell me what I should or should not be reading. So now that that rant is done lol, I would recommend this book to angel lovers, but mainly just to those looking for a good paranormal read. It has the romance, suspense, mystery, and action, so basically something for everyone. I look forward to the next book.

Look for the sequels ENTICED in September 2012 and EMBLAZE in March 2013!

Coming Soon...

It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.

A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…

~~~~~

Finished book today; Review to come soon...

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Currently Reading:



When Margo Roth Spiegelman beckons Quentin Jacobsen in the middle of the night - dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows her. Margo's always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she's always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q . . . until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they're for Q. Printz Medalist John Green returns with the trademark brilliant wit and heart-stopping emotional honesty that have inspired a new generation of readers