"Waiting On" Wednesday 19

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Release Date: November 2, 2010

Publisher: Little, Brown Books

Summary: "Some schools have honor codes. Others have handbooks. Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds. Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers. In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it."

WHY I WANT THIS BOOK:

• Love, love the plot! Sounds intriguing and original!

• Cover is amazing. I like the color scheme.

• DEBUT!

*"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine

In My Mailbox 23

Bought: Steady Beat, Volume 1 by Rivkah You can find my review here! Steady Beat, Volume 2 by Rivkah AP U.S. History Crash Course (need it to help me with the exam!!) For English Class: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (WHY DO I HAVE TO READ THIS!!)

Won:

Glee, Volume 1 CD. Thank you, Teens Read & Write!! Also I got the 2007 Boston Red Sox World Series DVD Collection. Dude. I got it for $10 on amazon (new!) when its usually like $130. *In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren

Winners for The Dark Divine Nail Polish!

The 5th person to enter and automatically win is KIRTHI!

LINDSAY won for having my personal favorite answer on forgiveness!

The two people that randomizer picked are:

CASSE

&

CHLOE

I will email you soon to get your address!

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Viking Juvenile (June 16, 2009)

Age group: Young Adult

Hardcover: 400 pages

It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

Review: After the first chapter or two, I was immediately sucked in and I have to say that Along for the Ride is, I think, my favorite Sarah Dessen book right after This Lullaby.

Auden has always been academically smart as both her parents are proffesors and all. She hasn't had much of a social life. She goes to visit her dad and his new wife and her new baby sister for the summer. She begins working at her stepmother's botique shop and becomes friends with the other girls there.

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book . I loved the relationship between Auden and her brother, Hollis. I love great sibling interaction. I loved Audens feminist mindset!! I definitely caught on to her remarks! I could relate to that and a some other things. Like, the insomnia that both Eli and Auden faced. The romance was sweet. I loved parts with them together.

Sarah Dessen does it again! I can always count on her books to always get me in a good reading mood! If you haven't read Sarah Dessen, this is a great one to pick up!

Rating:

Characters: 5/5

Originality: 4/5

Ending: 4/5

Writing: 5/5

Voice: 5/5

Plot: 4/5

Favorite character: I loved so many characters in this book its hard to choose! I adored Maggie's character. She was one of the girls that worked in the botique.

Cover: C. Although it isn't my favorite cover, I think its okay. I think the picture without the models faces is a bit weird...

Thoughts: Oh such a good book! Sarah Dessen books always makes me think of summer and I can't wait for whatever she has next! 4 Stars

Steady Beat, Volume 1 by Rivkah/GLBT March Mini Challenge

Steady Beat, Volume 1 by Rivkah

TokyoPop (October 11, 2005)

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 192 pages

Summary: "Love Jessica"...That's what Leah finds on the back of a love letter to her sister. But who is Jessica? When more letters continue to arrive, along with flowers and other gifts, Leah goes undercover to find out her sister's secret. But what she doesn't expect is to discover a love of her own--and in a very surprising place! Winner of the Manga Academy’s Create Your Own Manga competition, Rivkah has crafted a beautiful and haunting comedy-drama that reminds us that there is no such thing as a simple love."

Review: I should start off by saying that this is the first ever graphic novel I've read! I decided to read a (GLBT) graphic novel for the GLBT mini challenge for March. Anyways, the book came yesterday and I just decided that today I would read it at school and try to finish. I did not expect to finish it within an hour!

The story is about a girl named Leah Winters who finds a letter that her sister dropped. It is signed "Love, Jessica" and Leah begins to wonder if her sister is gay. She receives a phone call with the person on the other end saying that they could explain it. She goes to the meeting place and her adventure begins. BUT before any huge plot could come in place the story freakin' ends! I absolutely was not expecting that. There was about 30 more pages, but it was a sample of a completely different story...apparently thats how a lot of comics are. Anyways, I should be getting volume 2 in the mail pretty soon. I will read/review that.

The graphics: Well, this comic is in black/white and, like I said, I have never read a comic before so I don't know what's a great comic and what's not when it comes to the art. I didn't pay a huge amount of attention to the pictures but they looked okay.

2 Stars - Maybe it's because the book was extremely short and seemed to cut off at a random time, but I didn't get a lot out of it. But we'll see what happens in the next book..

(I'm not going to do the favorite characters, etc since the book was short.)

Waiting On Wednesday 18 + Book Cover Contest

*Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Release date: December 9, 2010

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

It's about a girl. It's about a boy. It's about Parisian boarding school, almond-scented macarons, famous cemeteries, and cinemaphiles. It's about heartache. And it's about true love.

This book sounds really, really cute! Although the summary is short it sounds amazing. AND it's a debut!

Over at Princess Bookie, there is another Remake a Cover contest! I thought I'd enter! Here is my cover:

Yeah, not the greatest.

Do not have much graphic skills.

Wish this was better.

(Dude. ^ I think I just wrote a haiku! Wicked!!)

*Click the pic to make it bigger!

Graphic Novels Challenge 2010

I wasn't going to join anymore challenges at least until I've got halfway through the ones I'm already doing...but I have never, ever read a graphic novel before. One of my closest friends loves graphic novels (and is currently writing/drawing one) and I have to see why they're so popular! To sign up GO HERE!

Rules/Guidelines:

• The challenge starts on January 1st 2010 and ends on December 31st (but we don't mind you starting early.)
• You don't have to make a list beforehand (but you can, of course! Lists are great because they give ideas to people who aren't sure what to read. And if you do make one, don't feel forced to stick to it!)
• We simplified the levels of participation: you can be a Beginner (3 Comics or Graphic Novels), Intermediate(3-10) or an Expert (10+). You're more than free to adjust your level of participation after the challenge has begun.
• There will be mini-challenges! Look for a post with more info on that soon.
• Overlaps with other challenges are totally fine.

I'm actually going for the Expert level! I actually want to try for at least 15. Below are the books I plan on reading for this challenge. I will link back as soon as I review them!

Graphic Novels:

1. Steady Beat, Volume 1 by Rivkah

2. Steady Beat, Volume 2 by Rivkah

3. A Mess of Everything by Miss Lasko-Gross

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Allison Bechdel

Impostor's Daughter, The by Laurie Sandell

Plain Janes, The by Cecil Castellucci

Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 by Stephenie Meyer, Young Kim

In My Mailbox 22

Gone by Lisa McMann (HB)

"Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she’d made her peace with it. But she can’t handle dragging Cabel down with her.

She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He’s amazing. And she’s a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves: She has to disappear. And it’s going to kill them both. Then a stranger enters her life — and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she’d ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out...."

You can find my review of Gone HERE.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (ARC)

"Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding."

You can expect a review of this sometime next week (or tomorrow!)

I won both these awesome books!! Thank you Hope and Hush, Hush fan site!

*In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren

Lisa Mantchev's Fairy Dessert ARC Contest!

Lisa Mantchev is holding another chance to win an ARC of Perchance To Dream! All you have to do is find a fairy-irresistible dessert and find a recipe and/or picture of it! To enter this awesome contest go to Lisa's LJ!

I found this amazing and delicious looking pink cake on this wonderful cooking blog!

Hot Pink Cake Adapted from Giulia Melucci’s novel I loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti

Ingredients: 2 cups sugar 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cups cocoa powder (the better the quality, the better the cake; I am devoted to Valrhona, but Hershey’s is fine) 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs, left out of the fridge for about 30 minutes 1 stick butter, melted and cooled slightly 1 cup whole milk 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup boiling water

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter and flour twp 8-inch baking pans and line with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. Add eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla and beat at medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until all ingredients are combined and the cocoa bits are smoothed out. Stir in the boiling water. Pour batter into pans and bake at 350 degrees until a cake tester comes out with moist crumbs, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to cooking racks. Wait until the cakes have cooled completely before frosting.

For the Frosting: 1 stick very soft butter 1 pound confectioners’ sugar 3 to 4 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla A little too much red food dye

Mix all ingredients with an electric mixer at low speed until creamy. Add more milk if necessary. The trick is for the icing to be not too thin and not too goopy.

To pre-order Perchance to Dream go HERE. This contest will end PST, March 22!

Gone by Lisa McMann

Gone by Lisa McMann Publisher: Simon Pulse (February 9, 2010)

Age Group: Young Adult

Hardcover: 224 pages

Summary: "Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she’d made her peace with it. But she can’t handle dragging Cabel down with her. She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He’s amazing. And she’s a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves: She has to disappear. And it’s going to kill them both. Then a stranger enters her life — and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she’d ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out...."

Review: This book was only a little more than 200 pages so I was able to read it quickly. I actually wasn't planning on reading it for a couple of weeks but I was eager to read how the series ended!

Gone is the last book in the Wake Trilogy and we get a deeper look inside of Janie's life. She must choose her fate in being a dreamcatcher and throughout the book. Along with her choice, comes her decision about Cabel. There isn't a lot of over the top romance between the two but I really love the couple! In the series, Janie's mother is an alcoholic and I applaud Lisa McMann for including such a serious topic.

Lisa McMann's writing is very unique. When I first got Wake, I was a bit skeptical about it but I really like her style of writing. This series caught my attention because it was about a girl who got sucked into other peoples dreams. I am fascinated with dreams and their meanings so this series is awesome. Although it doesn't get into detail about the meanings, but rather the affects that other peoples dreams have on Janie.

I recommend this to anyone whose interested in dreams or just wants to read a good trilogy. Here are my reviews of WAKE and FADE

Rating:

Characters: 5/6

Originality: 5/6

Ending: 4/6

Writing: 6/6

Voice: 6/6

Plot: 5/6

Favorite character(s): Cabel because throughout the series he's been so sweet!

Cover: A! I have loved all of the covers in the series and I think this is my favorite! I love the green and the black.

Thoughts: I can not wait for whatever Lisa has coming next!! 3.5 Stars

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

House Rules by Jodi Picoult Publisher: Atria (March 2, 2010)

Age Group: Adult

Hardcover: 544 pages

Summary: "Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject -- in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger's -- not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, flat affect -- can look a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them. For his mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?"

Review: I have only read a couple of Jodi Picoult's books but I am so hooked on them! I love how her books deal with important issues and they are done wonderfully!

After reading House Rules I now know a lot more about Asperger's syndrome. While reading the book you can tell how much time and effort that Jodi spent researching this syndrome. I honestly had never really thought about the legal system and how if you were to have autism or something it could put one in an extremely serious place. Jacob, an eighteen year old boy with Asperger's, loves forensic analysis. He is into it, he even goes to the sites of crime scenes. When he is suddenly accused of murder he must convince the jury that he is innocent.

I like how Jodi Picoult has the different POV. Not only do we get to see Jacob's, but we see four other POV. I think this is a great addition to the book!

I will admit though, the ending wasn't that surprising for me. I kind of figured it out earlier but I still thought that the ending was just incredibly good. Another thing that I really, really enjoyed was how for the start of each chapter there is information on some murder mystery case in history. Like Jacob, I am very much into that sort of thing. I will watch a JonBenett Ramsey documentary on A&E and then watch more cases on the ID channel and to top it all off, I am obsessed with the show Criminal Minds (which I'm watching right this moment.)

I highly recommend this book to those wanting to know more about Asperger's or the legal system or just likes Adult Fiction, to read this book! I got the chance to see Jodi Picoult on Saturday and get my book signed! To read more about my experience at the book event GO HERE.

Rating:

Characters: 6/6

Originality: 6/6

Ending: 6/6

Writing: 6/6

Voice: 6/6

Plot: 6/6

Favorite character(s): I really liked reading Oliver's POV. Oliver is Jacob's lawyer and he had a genuine personality, was funny...

Cover: D/C. The cover has a little boy on it which is kinda weird considering the main character is 18 and although it included details of when he was younger, I think there could've been a better cover. Maybe thats just me...

Thoughts: I've only read three of her others book, I MUST READ THE REST! Be expecting my review of Keeping Faith soon! 4.5 stars

* I think I have a lot of grammar errors, sorry about that!

Waiting On Wednesday 17

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Release Date: April 27, 2010

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Summary: "Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. Do good things and you'll be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what you deserve. But when Maddy’s boyfriend cheats on her, nothing bad comes his way. That’s why Maddy starts the Karma Club, to clean up the messes that the universe has left behind. Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. It turns out Karma often has plans of its own."

* Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine.

Hogwarts Reading Challenge

The moment I saw about this challenge (a couple minutes ago) I could not resist doing it! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm obsessed with Harry Potter and this is a wicked cool challenge! CLICK HERE to sign up.

The challenge started on March 8 and will be going on until December 13, 2010. First and foremost you must take the Sorting Hat quiz to determine which house you'll be in. The Hat has spoken and I have been put into.......

Ravenclaw! (I'm actually a bit surprised. I thought for sure I would've been put into Slytherin...you know because of my wicked and cunning ways!) :)

"Each book you read must fit in to the subject of one the classes. You do not have to read books that fit all the subjects. Each book equals one point (toward the house cup)." If you read a Harry Potter book that is worth 25 pts.

Transfiguration - read any book that has trans or figure in its title, is about shape shifting, has a shape shifter in it, or is about anything having to do with changing one thing into another

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

Defence Against the Dark Arts - read any book that has defence(defense), dark and/or art(s) in its title, read any book that is about self defense, war, history of war/marital arts, murder mysteries

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Charms - read any book that has charm in its title, any book that deals with gives something or someone a new aspect (for example the nerdy guy become a handsome doctor)

Potions - read any book that has potion in its title, cookbooks count but you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Astronomy - read any book that has astronomy in its title, books about planets, stars, etc, sci-fi

History of Magic - read any book that has history or magic in its title, books about magic, witches, etc

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Herbology - read any book that has herb in its title, again cookbooks count and again you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Arithmancy - read any book that has arithmancy in its title, any book with a number in its title, any book that deal with numbers or math

Numbers by Rachel Ward

Ancient Runes - read any book that has ancient or runes in its title, books about historical places like the pyramids, Stonehenge, great wall of china, or any book about symbols

Divination - read any book that has divine in its title, any book about psychics or psychic abilities, tarot reading etc

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Care of Magical Creatures - read any book that has magical or creatures in its title, about supernatural beings

Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia

Muggle Studies - nearly any book works here, what better why to understand Muggle than to read what they read

I plan on reading a book for each category! I will be adding titles to this post as time goes on. Any suggestions for the categories I don't already have would be awesome! Especially for the potions and herbology one. I don't know any titles with herb or potion in it and I don't want to use a cookbook...

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Release date: January 1, 2000

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Reading Level: Young Adult (but makes a fantastic MG novel, too!)

Paperback: 208 pages

Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

Review: After reading this book, my only question is: WHY HAVEN'T I READ THIS ALREADY?! Stargirl is a book about individuality and NOT being like all the others.

The titled character, Stargirl, is unlike any other character I've read about. To say that she is unique would be an understatement. She wore clothes that most people considered outdated and way out there, she sung happy birthday while playing her ukulele to other students, she cheered for the other team at basketball games, etc. Stargirl wasn't afraid to be herself, she didn't care what others thought of her. While reading the book I wished I had half the courage she did.

The book is told in Leo Borlock's POV. I loved reading about his relationship with Stargirl. Although they do date in the book, the romance isn't over the top. It's just very cute and innocent. I hated how Leo cared what people thought of him when he was with Stargirl. But I can definitely understand where he was coming from.

Jerry Spinelli is a fantastic writer. I haven't read a book of his in years but I will be reading his others as soon as I can. After reading this book, it has inspired me to go to school and just be me. Well, for the most part, I am my true self at school (which has led a lot of others to call me crazy..no joke) but I want to not give a care in the world what others think.

Rating:

Characters: 6/6

Originality: 6/6

Ending: 4/6

Writing: 6/6

Voice: 6/6

Plot: 6/6

Favorite character(s): Stargirl, of course, for reasons stated above. I thought Archie a man who the kids in town went to for this club of some sort. I liked his wise persona, if that makes any sense...

Cover: B. It's pretty simple but I love how there is a picture of a star and a girl...Stargirl. It's cute.

Thoughts: I must get Love, Stargirl ASAP! 5 stars

SPRING BREAK READING MADNESS! + Jodi Picoult Event Recap!

Okay. So I'll be honest, I read few books since the start of the new year. Which is disappointing since I definitely want to reach 100. But with school, piano lessons, sports, etc. I have been swamp with other things.

Now that Spring Break is officially here and all I have to do -officially- is: go to 2 piano lessons, finish AP US History DBQ, one essay, and a packet (which might prove to be a lot) and three soccer practices. I plan on catching up on some reading!

Books to Read:

• The Elite by Jennifer Banash

• Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

• Jumping off Swings by Jo Knowles

• Dream Life by Lauren Mechling

• Explorer X-Alpha by LM Preston

• Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

• Titus and Atreus by Meridi Myers

I hope to finish at least 6/8 by next Sunday.

__________________________________________

Today, I went to the fabulous, Jodi Picoult's book event for her newest book, House Rules!

"Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject -- in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions..."

This was my first book signing ever and it was really awesome! I took my best friend with me. Jodi Picoult read from her book for couple of minutes and I absolutely love her voice. She talks with such ease and I don't know...I wish I could talk so clearly and graceful like she does, I have a bit of a speaking impediment....Anyways, she has a great sense of humor and had the crowd laughing numerous times! Right before she let the audience ask questions she goes, "The only rule is: Do not give away the ending to a book or a spoiler! I WILL KILL YOU!!"

Since she and her books are so popular there were hundreds of people there. However, the book signing went really, really fast. When I got my book sign I asked her how the heck you pronounce her last name, because I'm sure I've been butchering it....Apparently, it's sounds like "pico." Unfortunately, you couldn't take a picture with her since there were so many. I should've at least taken a picture of her during the event, but I only have a cell phone camera.

Great day today! I am reading House Rules right now and should have my review up this week, if not tomorrow. I hope to read all the Jodi Picoult books that I haven't read by the end of the year and I am WICKED excited for her upcoming books. Its about gay rights and embryos and Jodi said something about the main character being a musician and how a CD will come with the book and you can hear songs that she wrote and a friend of her singing the songs! Should be nice.

In My Mailbox 21

WON ARCS of:

Captivate by Carrie Jones (although I haven't read Need yet!)

The Mark by Jen Nadol

Palace Beautiful by Sarah deFord Williams

BOUGHT:

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

• Going to see her at her book signing in less than an hour (if my mother will hurry up and get here!!)

EDIT: You can read my recap of the review HERE.

* In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.