The Winner of my Christmad Box Contest...

is...Raspberry at twoandahalfbooklovers.blogspot.com!!!!!!!!



Congratulations! Send me your address in an email and I'll get it right out to you!

I loved reading all of your Christmas miracles, it really put me in the holiday spirit!

Now I'm off to do a little reading of my own :)

Happy Reading!

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.

Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.

I was pretty reluctant to pick this book up because it is about suicide. The content is so fragile that I'm always afraid to read books concerned with it because I'm afraid it will be too graphic or too emotional. I want to be able to get through the book, ya know? But I'm also afraid a novel like this won't be strong enough.

However, Hold Still was executed brilliantly. There was enough hope in the novel to keep me reading but still enough pain to break my heart. This was such a realistic depiction of someone going through an unexpected loss. I grieved with Caitlin and I went with her in her journey of figuring out how to live without someone you love. It was so fresh and new to see Caitlin find solace in her creativeness. She was creating new things out of the wreck around her. The writing was beautiful and the flow of the plot was smooth (as much as it can be concerning suicide).

I don't know if I could re-read this again anytime soon because it is so heart-breaking but I think there are some really strong healing powers in this novel. I recommend this novel to anyone who has ever lost someone or even something they cared about dearly. There aren't many novels out there like this that can make you feel as satisfied, stronger, heartbroken, and hopeful as this novel can all at the same time.

Rating: 5.0-definitely

Happy Reading!

2010 Debut Author Challenge

So I'm going to participate in this (next?) year's debut author challenge. I think it's a really great way for new authors to get exposed. Sometimes people are hesitant to read an author's first novel but from my experience they've been gems! Take As You Wish by Jackson Pearce-SO good! I've compiled a list of books I want to read (I'm going to aim for 12 but hopefully I read more than that) to share with you so maybe you'll consider going for the challenge, too! The challenge runs from January 1st, 2010-December 31st, 2010. So there's plenty of time to read!

My List:

1. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
2. The Mark by Jen Nadol
3. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
4. A Most Improper Magick (Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson) by Stephanie Burgis
5. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
6. The Line by Teri Hall
7. The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter
8. Sea by Heidi R. Kling
9. Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu
10. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
11. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
12. Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox (13)

Hey Everyone! I had a really great week at the library! I'm so excited about all my books but the end of the semester is nearing and I have finals and a 15 page term paper due soon so I hope I don't spend all of my time reading but...that's probably what will happen, haha!

Thanks always to The Story Siren for this meme.

For Review:

Cold Streak by Lewis Aleman

Enter Laura's World... Her family is brutally murdered, and she finds herself on her knees praying for things she never could have imagined. Her dark journey of revenge takes off as she hunts her family's killers, while being chased down by a troubled detective, his lovelorn partner, and an inner voice that grants her no peace. Will she get her justice before time runs out? Will her own lust for vengeance consume all that is left of her in the process?

I've never heard of this book but it looks really interesting-looking forward to reading it!


Swapping (from Morgan at BLT!):

Tombstone Tea by Joanna Dahme

In order to be accepted by the “in crowd” at her new high school, Jamie accepts a dare to spend one night in a local cemetery collecting rubbings from ten gravestones. Once inside the gate of the dark and frightening burial ground, Jamie meets Paul, a handsome boy who works as a caretaker at the cemetery. Paul explains to Jamie about Tombstone Tea: a fund-raising performance in which actors impersonate the people buried in the cemetery. The actors are supposedly rehearsing on this particular evening, but Jamie quickly discovers that they aren’t actors at all but the ghosts of men and women buried in the cemetery. When one woman decides to adopt Jamie to replace her lost daughter, our heroine fears she may never escape the cemetery


From the Library:

Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd

Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside)and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to edit short stories from some of the best selling and most promising geeks in young adult literature: M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr.






Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy into the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reasons to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI, and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town goes missing, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.

I've never read anything by Sara Zarr but I hear really great things about her so I'm super excited to read this!


Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend's suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn't die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid's descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.



From Bookmooch:

Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

The weather outside is frightful, but these stories are delightful! When a huge blizzard (that doesn't show signs of stopping) hits, Gracetown is completely snowed in. But even though it's cold outside, things are heating up inside, proving that the holiday season is magical when it comes to love. In three wonderfully (and hilariously!) interconnected tales, YA stars John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson create a must-have collection that captures all the spirit of the holiday season.

This book was so good. It just made me feel good. My review will be up soon.



So what did you guys get this week?

Happy Reading!

Christmas Box Contest!

So I know I just posted a new contest yesterday. but Christmas is a month away and I want to share the spirit of gift giving by giving away a box of books! Plus, it's a nice way to clean out my books before (hopefully) I get a lot of new ones! :)

Here's what the Christmas Box will include:

1. Nobody's Princess by Ester Friesner
2. Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
3. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
4. How to Say Goodbye in Robot (ARC) by Natalie Standiford
5. Give Up the Ghost (ARC) by Megan Crewe
6. Scribbler of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson
7. Owl in Love by Patricia Kindl
8. Night Runner (ARC) by Max Turner
9. Secrets of Truth and Beauty (ARC) by Megan Frazer
10. The Sweetheart of Prosper County (ARC) by Jill S. Alexander
11. A Special Christmas ornament from me!

The great thing about this box is that even if you don't want to read or have read some of the books, you can re-give them as gifts! (I won't tell, hehe)

Here's how to enter:
1. leave a comment with your email address
2. tell me about a "christmas miracle" (or other holiday miracle) you have either experienced or heard about
3. + 2 for following me
4. + 5 for getting someone else to follow me (the person who then follows me will get another +1 but they have to tell me who referred them)
5. + 3 for posting on your sidebar

Contest ends December 10th (and I will send the box out December 11th)!
Sorry guys, but this one is going to be US only because it's such a big box!

Good Luck!

Find it Friday (a new contest meme!)

So I've been thinking of having a contest for a while now but I didn't want to do a boring just leave me a comment contest like I usually do. So I thought of something better! Here it goes:

Find it Friday is a new contest meme where I will give you clues for you to hunt a particular item I'm looking for (it could be a character, place, title of a book, etc...). It will be a month long meme and I'll have one each Friday. Whoever gets the most right at the end of the month, wins!

This week I'll make it sort of easy, but they'll get harder as the contest progresses.

You will have a choice of winning 1 of these books:
1. An ARC of Devoured by Amanda Marrone
2. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
3. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

And here are your clues!

1. Everyone who sees me thinks I'm beautiful.
2. A long time ago I did something unforgivable and I'm just learning that it was the right thing to do.
3. I love to play the fiddle

If you think you know the answer to these clues, send me an email at lost_inabook88(at)yahoo(dot)com

-this contest is international
-you can take all month to answer the question just make sure you label the email as "clue number 1"

And tell me in a comment whether you like this contest meme or not!

Happy Reading!

Happy Thanksgiving Booking Through Thursday

What books and authors are you particularly thankful for this year?


Well, it's hard to be thankful today in all honesty. I just lost a cousin yesterday who I was very close to. But this is good-it helps me to think of the things I am truly thankful for. So here are the books and authors that have helped me through times like these.

Books:

1. Looking for Alaska by John Green- even though I read this last year I am so happy it came into my life. I think about it all the time. It's such a powerful book and it's characters and their struggles will always be close to my heart.

Authors:

1. Sarah Dessen- She never disappoints me. I can relate to her characters and stories so much. Her writing is so simple and true. I love every one of her books (that's why I couldn't pick one!). I wish she were a machine writer so I could have something new from her to read all the time!

2. Suzanne Collins- Wow! I am so glad I read The Hunger Games (I wasn't going to, but then I said what the heck?) her novels are gems.

3. Stephenie Meyer- because without her, I wouldn't have Jacob.

Authors I'd like to read:

Elizabeth Scott- any suggestions? Favorite book of hers?

Do you guys have any other book suggestions? Books that help with healing? Made you laugh? Feel good books?

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Happy Reading (and don't forget to always be thankful)!

Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block

Something is happening to Charlotte Emerson. Like the fires that are ravaging the hills of Los Angeles, it consumes her from the inside out. But whether it is her eternal loneliness, the memory of her brother, the return of her first love, or the brooding, magnetic Jared-she cannot say. What if it's something more...

Something to do with the sudden tear in her perfect nails. The heat she feels when she's with Jared. The blood rushing once again to her cheeks and throughout her veins.

For Charlotte is a vampire, witness to almost a century's worth of death and destruction. But not since she was a human girl has mortality touched her.

First, can we admire the cover? This is the sexiest cover I think I've ever seen. I couldn't stop staring at it. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it just for the sheer fact of it's aesthetics. I love how the candy is bleeding. And her lips are perfect! So gorgeous.

Now onto the novel itself. This was a beautiful book to read. It was as if I was reading poetry, her writing was so flowing and smooth. I wish I could see the world the way Francesca Lia Block sees it. She has this way of making ordinary things sound extravagant and extravagant things sound so tempting and other worldly, irresistible.

Charlotte, our narrator, is perfect, which actually, is really annoying but because Block's writing is so flawless and inviting I enjoyed Charlotte's story. I also love how this is a vampire story that doesn't revolve around biting and blood. It's about humanness and what it's like when it seems lost and how to find it.

All her characters seem pretty simple but alight with the glow of her words and descriptions (I really can't say enough how beautifully she writes, I'm completely envious). However, there were some small things that didn't sit right with me. Actions and emotions that seemed a little too intense for the situation which threw off the experience for me sometimes-pulled me out of the world. But other than that I loved it! Block combines reality and vampires to make a world that's both hard to escape and hard to tell when through reading whether it was real or fiction.

Rating: 4.0

In My Mailbox (12)

Hey guys! So this week was pretty slow, I only got one book but I have some books coming/have to pick up from the library and hopefully they'll be here next week!

Thanks to The Story Siren for this meme.

Traded:

Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block

Something is happening to Charlotte Emerson. Like the fires that are ravaging the hills of Los Angeles, it consumes her from the inside out. But whether it is her eternal loneliness, the memory of her brother, the return of her first love, or the brooding, magnetic Jared-she cannot say. What if it's something more...

Something to do with the sudden tear in her perfect nails. The heat she feels when she's with Jared. The blood rushing once again to her cheeks and throughout her veins.

For Charlotte is a vampire, witness to almost a century's worth of death and destruction. But not since she was a human girl has mortality touched her.

***And speaking of trades, I still have a heap of books waiting to be devoured, the link to the books I have up for trade is on my sidebar, so give it a look!***

Hope you guys have a ravenous reading week!

New Moon: Team Jacob

So, funny story: my best friend a few years ago had a book club and one Sunday we were discussing Eclipse. See, I had always been Team Edward but I guess I was feeling particularly rebellious that day and was playing devil's advocate by defending Jacob. And I totally convinced myself that Jacob was the better choice. And I fell in love with him.

So now the movie comes out and all these new Team Jacob fans emerge. And I feel like I saw his amazingness before most people. But still, he is really, really hot in the movie. So I suppose I don't blame them so much.

And as for the move, it was WAY better than Twilight (which I was so disappointed with). I think Talyer Lautner did a fabulous job with Jacob and I found myself holding my breath every time he was on the screen. The only thing I was kind of ify about was who they chose to play Aro-I guess I saw him as much more intimidating and menacing in the book.

All in all, very enjoyable. And I will definitely be seeing it again. How about you guys? What did you think of it?

Happy Reading (and watching!)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Last Week I Read:
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

I'm Currently Reading:
Fire by Kristin Cashore
The Last Exit to Normal by Michael Harmon

I Plan on Reading:
Going Bovine by Libba Bray

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton's type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact. On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy–loving best friend riding shotgun—but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself.

What can I say? I love John Green! I feel like you can figure out a Theorem for his novels. Something to do with variables including: a teenage boy, a journey, a girl, a best friend, and a "eureka" moment. Even though the "eureka" moment is exclusively from this novel I feel like all of John Green's characters have a moment like that or at least strive to find it. But the unique thing about John Green's novels are that each have that journey and each journey is exciting to go on, as a reader. I particularly liked this novel (although, to be honest, I thought it would be my least favorite out of his three) because it was SO funny (I rarely laugh out loud reading books but the chapter about feral hog hunting and hornet nests was too funny to keep in, like, I had tears in my eyes). Also, it's "eureka" moment was so real. I feel like even I learned something. Like, wow. I felt like I walked away with some valuable piece of knowledge I can pass on to others. As always, the characters were amazingly developed and really fun to get to know. Green's storytelling is just awe-inspiring. His descriptions of Tennesse were thorough and real, I felt like what he described would be what I actually would see if I went there. John Green has to be the smartest writer EVER. In this novel particularly, some of the fact I learned I kept thinking to myself "where does he GET this stuff"

Overall, I LOVED it. I think this book would appeal to a wide range of readers, which makes it extra wonderful. It had romance, friendship, hilarity, and sincerity. If you haven't picked this up, do it now!

Rating: 5.0 (I have been getting lucky with all of these 5.0 books!)

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox (11)

Thanks to The Story Siren for this meme!

I had a great week at the library! Here's what I got:

Madapple by Christina Meldrum

THE SECRETS OF the past meet the shocks of the present.
Aslaug is an unusual young woman. Her mother has brought her up in near isolation, teaching her about plants and nature and language—but not about life. Especially not how she came to have her own life, and who her father might be.

When Aslaug’s mother dies unexpectedly, everything changes. For Aslaug is a suspect in her mother’s death. And the more her story unravels, the more questions unfold. About the nature of Aslaug’s birth. About what she should do next.

About whether divine miracles have truly happened. And whether, when all other explanations are impossible, they might still happen this very day.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

All 16-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school—and life in general—with a minimum of effort. It’s not a lot to ask. But that’s before he’s given some bad news: he’s sick and he’s going to die. Which totally sucks. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure—if he’s willing to go in search of it. With the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America into the heart of what matters most.




The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated community without questioning the fact that her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters, with two more on the way. That is, without questioning them much---if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with Joshua, the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her.

But when the Prophet decrees that she must marry her sixty-year-old uncle---who already has six wives---Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family forever.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton's type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact. On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy–loving best friend riding shotgun—but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl.



Waiting For Normal by Leslie Connor

Addie is waiting for normal.

But Addie's mom has an all-or-nothing approach to life: a food fiesta or an empty pantry, jubilation or gloom, her way or no way.

All or nothing never adds up to normal.

All or nothing can't bring you all to home, which is exactly where Addie longs to be, with her half sisters, every day.

In spite of life's twists and turns, Addie remains optimistic. Someday, maybe, she'll find normal.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

You can read my review here.

So that's what I got! I'm so excited to read all of them! What did you guys get in your mailboxes this week?

Side note: Everyone should check out Kami Garcia's blog post about building a library. Michelle Wright is creating a library in a community that doesn't have one. I think it's such a great cause! So if you have 1 or 10 books to spare you should send them her way to help kids who love to read get the library they deserve!

Happy Reading!

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Summary:

Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever.

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

First of all, this book, according to amazon.com/barnesandnobles.com, is listed under the age group 9-12. While I can see that this book might appeal to 12 year olds because the protagonist of the novel is 12, I couldn't even grasp the concepts Stead was talking about wholly. My point being, I think labeling specific age groups to books is deceiving. I'm not saying 9-12 year olds can't enjoy this gem of a novel but I am saying that 21 years olds (like myself) can also enjoy it. And I also know sometimes it's a little off-putting to go into the children's section of the library to look for a book (especially the library of the high school you teach where your students see you). I'm not saying that the literature is juvenile or that I'm somehow dumber because I'm not choosing books in the Romance or Science Fiction (adults) section- but there is that stigma that if a book is listed as 9-12 then it is for a reason. So what do we do to erase that? Well, I can start with this review.

I couldn't put this book down. I just picked it up from the library yesterday and started it late last night. Every sentence is important in this novel and I felt that I needed to really take in every single word. Nothing was arbitrary. Miranda, the protagonist, was such a great character. I felt like I could really relate to her through her many journeys: of forgiveness, friendship, love, family, and the mystery that fell upon her. This novel packed so, so much into 197 pages. But you know what? I didn't feel like a single thing was rushed-Stead writes the novel in a way that is right to the point but you can only get there if you really engage with, like I said earlier, every sentence.

Stead vividly describes life in New York in the late seventies. I felt like I was actually there because she was writing in a way that didn't make you feel like she was shouting "hey everyone I'm writing about a different period in American history than now!" she was just writing like living in the seventies wasn't any big deal-it just was.

The science fiction aspect of this novel was so brilliantly woven into reality that it was easy to forget that-hey wait a minute, this isn't really possible. But then again, maybe it is. I just loved trying to solve the mystery and seeing Miranda and her friends grow together. Every character was special. Miranda's mom and Richard were heartwarmingly charming. Miranda's friends Annemarie, Colin, Julia, and Sal were each so distinct and interesting. Stead didn't skimp on any details or development. And the ending, well, if you're not deeply touched than I'm not sure you can ever be!

If you couldn't tell by my reveiw, I absolutely reccommend this novel to anyone and everyone.

Rating: 5.0

Happy Reading!

Excitement

How exciting is this:


I LOVE the cover for this sequel to Shiver! The cover art for Maggie Stiefvater's series are just breathtakingly beautiful. I love the silhouettes. Very classy :) If only we could all read it now!!

Happy Reading!

Author Insight- LM Preston + Contest

Today I have guest blogger, author LM Preston doing a post about why she wrote Explorer X-Alpha which is her first book in a new series, which comes out in February, 2010!

Here's a summary of Explorer X-Alpha:

For most kids, a trip to space camp is the trip of a lifetime for Aadi it was life altering. After receiving a camp immunization needed for travel to Mars, Aadi finds that the immunization is the catalyst of an insidious experiment. He realizes what is happening too late for a change of fate. The full experiment is set in motion when he and his co-pilot, Eirena, crash in a distant galaxy called Shrenas, where they change and realize the full extent of their power. This turn of events forces him to grow up quickly, accept his change, and to decide to save a world, or to do what he was trained to do dominate it. His power is coveted by the warring leaders of Shrenas, and he is forced to choose sides a decision that may prove just how much humanity he has left.

HOW DID I WRITE EXPLORER X – ALPHA

We were driving to my happy place, a fourteen hour drive (whew) … Disneyworld. Ok, I’ll admit it. I am still a big kid. I love to imagine and Disney World is just the place for that.

While on this long drive, my husband turns to me and says, “You should write a book. You loved to write when we were younger and you haven’t written since.” I told him of the one other time I had attempted to write a book and that I had lost interest in the story. His reply was that I should write science fiction, because it had no boundaries.

That was a pivotal point in my writing career. He challenged me to come up with and idea. This was a big challenge because my husband is a science fiction fanatic. He has comic books and graphic novels galore. He watches it and breaths it. It was the ultimate challenge, because I knew that he is a very opinionated person that would not hold back his comments to save my feelings.

After racking my brain for days, I dreamed of my main character, Aadi. His adventure consisted of his trip to camp that turned out to be a life changing event of discovery about himself and his true purpose at camp.

I told my husband about Aadi, whose parents forced him to go to space camp. He later discovers that he was created to go to any planet, adapt to it, and then dominate it. The best moment I can think of was when my husband’s face broke out into a grin and he said, “Write that!! I haven’t read anything like that before.”

I immediately started writing. After writing the first chapter, I realized I had to outline the story. At that point I realized that Aadi’s journey would take more than one book. I created his friends and co-pilot Eirena who crash landed on the planet Shrenas with him. Then came the fun part. The World Building which is my favorite part of writing science fiction.

I constantly looked to my kids for feedback on my book. They did not hold back, and then I gave it to their friends to read. They all told me that they love the story, even though they didn’t read science fiction. I wanted the book to be enjoyable for anyone, and was happy that I achieved that goal.

WHAT NOW

I am working on the follow-on series to EXPLORER X – Alpha, and just completed the final edited copy of THE PACK, an edgy YA novel about a girl who saves her world that comes out Fall of 2010. My adventures with Aadi in the EXPLORER X- Alpha are action packed, just enough to keep me writing.

By: LM Preston, Author of EXPLORER X – Alpha, www.lmpreston.com

So LM Preston was so gracious enough to let me hold a contest for a copy of Explorer X-Alpha and a book poster!!
How cool is that?!

How do you win?
Become a follower of my blog and LM Preston's (lmpreseton.com) and tell me why you want to read Explorer X-Alpha!
Deadline: November 23rd, 2009! Happy Reading!

Let's Trade!

So they're so many good books out there that I want to read and my library seems to have none of the ones I want to read! So I thought I might ask you guys! Here are a list of books I have and are willing to trade, under it I will post the list of books I'm dying to read! If you have any of the books I want and want any of the books I have send me an email or leave me a comment and we can set up a trade (US only, sorry, money is tight!)!

So here's what I have:

Devoured by Amanda Marrone (ARC)
How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford (ARC)
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe (ARC)
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis (ARC)
The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander (ARC)
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev (HC)
Nobody's Princess by Ester Friesner (HC)
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (PB)
The Secrets of Truth and Beauty by Megan Frazer (ARC)
Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers (PB)
Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman (HC)
Night Runner by Max Turner (ARC)
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard (ARC)
Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard (PB)

So I hope I get to trade with some of you guys!!

Happy Reading!

Apologies + The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

Holy Cow! It's been a long time since I've posted! And you all deserve an explanation just as much as I deserve to have various objects thrown in my direction. This semester has been kicking my BUTT! Whew. I have a seminar that is just insane! So I'm so sorry I've been neglecting both my reading and you guys! It's been just awful.

So here's what I have been up to regarding reading (not for class!). I read Catching Fire (of COURSE, I could not let that one slip by me) and I cried at the end. I hate having to wait so long for the third book! I also read Education Esme which was pretty funny and insightful. I recommend it if you're thinking about going into education, and even if you're not. I started a bunch of books but haven't finished them yet, I guess you could say I got into a sort of funk. I couldn't find that right book to get me back into the swing of things. And then one random day (as I sat gloomily in my home thinking "Oh, I'll never post again!") I got a surprise from my mailwoman. And this just happened to be the book that got me excited about reading again. This book is The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard (EEK!!!). So, after a long awaited review of SOMETHING, here is a very special one:

Take Romeo and Juliet. Add The Outsiders. Mix thoroughly.

Colt and Julia were secretly together for an entire year, and no one—not even Julia's boyfriend— knew. They had nothing in common, with Julia in her country club world on Black Mountain and Colt from down on the flats, but it never mattered. Until Julia dies in a car accident, and Colt learns the price of secrecy. He can't mourn Julia openly, and he's tormented that he might have played a part in her death. When Julia's journal ends up in his hands, Colt relives their year together at the same time that he's desperately trying to forget her. But how do you get over someone who was never yours in the first place?

Wow. At only 192 pages this novel really packs a punch. But it's so simple. This novel lets what happens to someone after they've lost a person they love take the stage. There's not a complex plot but it doesn't need that. The pain in this novel is so large that words can only do so much. But the words Hubbard did use, she used intelligently. I flew threw this novel. I could feel the numbness that came over Colt, could feel the spark he felt when Kirby came along, and feel the pain of the realization that he may never fully get over Julia's death. But, how could you? It shows how one tragedy can change your whole life and how trying to pick up the pieces isn't easy. This novel showcases how the truth can, literally, set you free. And it's the first step to living with the pain.

A great novel that I absolutely cannot get over. I recommend it x 100 to everyone. It's really, really worth it.

Rating: 5.0

Up next: The Shining by Stephen King. I know it's not YA but it's Halloween and I couldn't resist!

Happy Reading!

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.

What an AMAZING debut novel! It had me up all night finishing it. Jinn? Super sexy AND can grant you anything-now that's the kind of guy I need! Holy crap, Jackson Pearce is hilarious. Her writing style is inviting and intoxicating. Humor mixed with a sweet love story makes this novel seriously irresistible.

And how cool is it that a younger girl I know just read this book, and let me tell you she doesn't read a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g! And she loved it! Yay for reluctant readers finding something (really great) in this novel!

Jinn just might be my new fictional character crush. I know that this review is really informal but I feel like a gushing school girl telling her best friend about her first (or fiftieth) crush.

So if you haven't read As You Wish, WHY NOT? Go pick it up! Now!

Rating: 5.0

Happy Reading!

P.S. Jackson Pearce is way too cool for words. She teaches color guard. I teach color guard! This somehow makes me feel cooler. Haha! And I definitely sent her an email telling her all of this-in much detail.

In My Mailbox (8, 9, 10)

So it's been FOREVER since I've had a chance to post a REAL blog entry. So here's my in my mailbox, which consists of three weeks of books! :)

As always, thanks to the Story Siren for this awesome meme!

For Review:

Snap by Carol Snow

Madison Sabatini thought she knew who she was: an almost-sophomore with a bright future. The newest photographer on her school paper. A shopaholic with great hair and a fabulous wardrobe. Then, in a flash, everything changed.

Now she's stuck in Sandyland, a gloomy beach town in the middle of nowhere, living with her parents in a crappy hotel "suite." Instead of spending the summer with her friends at home, she's hanging out with pink-haired Delilah, an artist who works in a shop called Psychic Photo, and a skater boy named Duncan who's totally not her type. Except, maybe he is . . .

Determined to make the best of things, Madison throws herself into her one passion: photography. But when strange figures start appearing in her pictures—people who weren't there when she snapped the shots, people who are later reported dead—she begins to question everything about who she is . . . and who she wishes she could be.

Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

Moonlight can totally change your life.

And it all starts so simply.

You. Him.

The moon.

You're toast.

Okay, so maybe Shelby has made a few mistakes with boys lately (how was she supposed to know Wes had "borrowed" that Porsche?). But her stepmother totally overreacts when she catches Shelby in a post-curfew kiss with a hot senior: Suddenly Shelby's summer plans are on the shelf, and she's being packed off to brat camp. It's good-bye, prom dress; hello, hiking boots.

Things start looking up, though, when Shelby meets fellow camper (and son of a rock star) Austin Bridges III. But soon she realizes there's more to Austin than crush material-his family has a dark secret, and he wants Shelby's help guarding it. Shelby knows that she really shouldn't be getting tangled up with another bad boy . . . but who is she to turn her back on a guy in need, especially such a good-looking one? One thing's for sure: That pesky full moon is about to get her into trouble all over again.

Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowan

As if trying to fit in at a new school isn't stressful enough, sixteen-year-old Nikki Donovan just found out that her long-lost father is, in fact, the demon king of the Shadowlands—the world that separates and protects us from the Underworld. When she is brought there by the mysterious—and surprisingly cute—messenger Michael, she learns that her father is dying, and he wants her to assume the throne. To complicate matters, a war is brewing between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, her half-demon qualities are manifesting, and her gowing feelings for Michael are completely forbidden. Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew—what's a teenage demon princess to do?

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Everything Else:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Owl in Love by Patrice Kindl

Birds of prey have run in fourteen-year-old Owl Tycho's family for hundreds of years. Every generation or so produces a shape-shifter, an apparently normal human being who can change into an owl at will.







Educating Esme by Esme Raji Codell

There aren't too many teachers who are written about in the New Yorker, People, Entertainment Weekly, Elle, and excerpted in Reader's Digest. But Esmé Raji Codell is no ordinary teacher. An irrepressible spirit, she wears costumes in the classroom, dances with the kids during math lessons, rollerskates down the hallways, and puts on rousing performances with at-risk students in the library.

In Educating Esmé, the uncensored diary of her first year teaching in a Chicago public school, she opens a window into the closed world of a real-life classroom. Refusing to let anything get in the way of delivering the education her fifth-graders deserve, this dedicated teacher finds herself battling bureaucrats, gang members, inflexible administrators, angry children, and her own insecurities, while at the same time changing her students' lives forever.

Read My Lips by Teri Brown

Serena just wants to fly under the radar at her new school. But Serena is deaf, and she can read lips really well-even across the busy cafeteria. So when the popular girls discover her talent, there's no turning back.

From skater chick to cookie-cutter prep, Serena's identity has done a 180...almost. She still wants to date Miller, the school rebel, and she's not ready to trade her hoodies for pink tees just yet. But she is rising through the ranks in the school's most exclusive clique.

With each new secret she uncovers, Serena feels pressure to find out more. Reading lips has always been her greatest talent, but now Serena just feels like a gigantic snoop...

So that's all I can remember right now, I'm up at school and I'm not right in front of my bookshelf. I'm SURE I missed something so I'll post them when I get another chance!

Happy Reading!

Winners of the End of the Summer +Birthday Contest!!!

So the time has come (why does this remind me of Alice in Wonderland? to talk of many things? of shoes and ships...haha) to announce the two winners of my super huge clearing of my bookshelf contest!!

The winner of the 9 books is....
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Melanie from Melanie's Musings!!!

YAY! Congrats! Send me an email within 48 hours with your mailing address!

And the second winner (because I got over 150 followers) of his/her choice of 1 YA pre-order (within $16) is...
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MeganDreamer!!

Woohoo! Send me an email with your book choice/address and you'll receive it from amazon as soon as it's released!

Thanks to EVERYONE who entered! I love you the better for it and for reading my blog!!!

Happy Reading!

And the Winner is...

of Ruined by Paula Morris

The Ghost Blogger!!

Send me an email with your address within 48 hours to claim your prize and Congratulations!!!!!

Remember there's still time to enter my end of the summer + birthday contest-you can find the link at the top of my sidebar!

Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday!

So sorry I haven't been posting lately! I've been working and getting ready to go back to school, it's just been SO hectic! But I'm back! And here's what I'm waiting for this Wednesday:


Michael and his friend Francis share a secret passion for Evgard, the fantasy world they have created together. But then Michael finds a note in his locker, revealing that their secret is out. He immediately suspects Francis, and tries to get revenge by telling the school bully—known affectionately as Shitley—that Francis is gay, which guarantees Francis is in for a pounding. But did Francis really betray his friend? Or is Michael really the traitor?

This gripping account of a troubled friendship unfolds both as a contemporary story and as a compelling glimpse into the world of Evgard. The Traitor Game tackles difficult issues without hesitation and will surely draw in gamer and fantasy fans as well as contemporary fiction readers.

Why I want this: The paperback version is being released in September so now I'll go and buy it! It just looks really riveting and different. Sometimes it's hard to find original voices out there and this looks like it'll be just that!

Happy Reading Everyone!

The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander

Almost-15-year-old Austin Gray is tired of standing at the curb and watching the parade pass her by. Literally. She decides this is the year she’ll ride on the hood of a shiny pickup truck in the annual parade, waving to the crowd and finally showing the town bully that she’s got what it takes to be the Sweetheart of Prosper County.

But far from simply being a beauty contest, becoming Sweetheart involves participation in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), raising an animal, and hunting or fishing. Austin will do almost anything to become Sweetheart, and has the support of her oldest friend, Maribel, her new FFA friends (including the reigning Sweetheart, and a quiet, cute cowboy), an evangelical Elvis impersonator, a mysterious Cajun outcast, and a rooster named Charles Dickens. If only her momma would stop overprotecting her, and start letting Austin live her own life. But Austin can’t move on until Momma moves on, too—and lets the grief of losing Austin’s daddy several years before out into the open.

The Sweetheart of Prosper County was such a lighthearted and heartfelt novel. I know lately I've been using cooking metaphors for my reviews but this reminded me of homemade cookies. With each ingredient being important and made special. The author put so much of her experience into the novel. I learned so much, like, I had no idea what grappling was until this novel. And I didn't know having a rooster as a pet could be so cool.

The characters in this novel were unforgettable. At the core of this novel was friendship and love. Each character had depth and identity that shone through each page. I think everyone can relate to Austin in some way-just trying to find that something that makes you special. Maribel and Austin's FFA friends were quirky, sweet, and I loved reading about them.

If I could live in a novel, I think I would live in this one. The story, character, plot, and setting all were so real. While I was reading I felt like I lived there my whole life. Sometimes you need a little small town lovin'. Everyone knows everyone and especially, helps everyone out.

I recommend this novel to anyone who's ever had a friend. Or has ever been a teenager. This novel is the perfect, real, coming of age story I've read in a long time. I loved it.

Rating: 4.5

Happy Reading!

And the Winner is...

Llehn!!!!

Congrats! You won Impossible by Nancy Werlin and Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway! I'll email you later to get your address!

Don't forget to enter my Super End of the Summer contest here. And there's still time to enter to win Ruined here!

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox (7)

Hey guys! So I got five books this week and they all look really good! And thanks, always, to The Story Siren for hosting this meme!

For Review:
Hottie by Jonathan Bernstein

Alison Cole's got it all: She's gorgeous, dating a steamy surfer boy, and has just been crowned Beverly Hills High Freshman Class President. Then during a special "symmetry" surgery, a lightning bolt zaps her, and Alison instantly transforms into Hottie—that is, a totally sizzling superhero with the power to shoot fire from her fingers!

Shunned as a Pyro-Freak, Alison must adopt dorky David Eels as her crime-fi ghting sidekick. Worse, she's falling for the one guy who wants to "extinguish" her forever, Junior Class President of Cuteness— and wannabe fi refi ghter—T. Hull. But she doesn't realize that a supervillain's lurking. . . .

Has Hottie met her match?

I got this one from 1 ARC tours-my review will be up soon!

How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford

New to town, Beatrice is expecting her new best friend to be one of the girls she meets on the first day. But instead, the alphabet conspires to seat her next to Jonah, aka Ghost Boy, a quiet loner who hasn't made a new friend since third grade. Something about him, though, gets to Bea, and soon they form an unexpected friendship. It's not romance, exactly - but it's definitely love. Still, Bea can't quite dispel Jonah's gloom and doom - and as she finds out his family history, she understands why. Can Bea help Jonah? Or is he destined to vanish?


Swapping:

You Are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay

Fifteen-year-old Megan Berry is a Zombie Settler by birth, which means she's part-time shrink to a bunch of dead people with a whole lot of issues.

All Megan wants is to be normal—and go to homecoming, of course. Unfortunately, it's a little difficult when your dates keep getting interrupted by a bunch of slobbering Undead.

Things are about to get even more complicated for Megan. Someone in school is using black magic to turn average, angsty Undead into flesh-eating Zombies, and it's looking like homecoming will turn out to be a very different kind of party—the bloody kind.

Megan must stop the Zombie apocalypse descending on Carol, Arkansas. Her life—and more importantly, homecoming—depends on it.

Pledged by Alexandra Robbins

Alexandra Robbins wanted to find out if the stereotypes about sorority girls were actually true, so she spent a year with a group of girls in a typical sorority. The sordid behavior of sorority girls exceeded her worst expectations -- drugs, psychological abuse, extreme promiscuity, racism, violence, and rampant eating disorders are just a few of the problems. But even more surprising was the fact that these abuses were inflicted and endured by intelligent, successful, and attractive women.

Why is the desire to belong to a sorority so powerful that women are willing to engage in this type of behavior -- especially when the women involved are supposed to be considered "sisters"? What definition of sisterhood do many women embrace? Pledged combines a sharp-eyed narrative with extensive reporting and the fly-on-the-wall voyeurism of reality shows to provide the answer.

Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger

Seventeen-year-old Samar — a.k.a. Sam — has never known much about her Indian heritage. Her mom has deliberately kept Sam away from her old-fashioned family. It's never bothered Sam, who is busy with school, friends, and a really cute but demanding boyfriend.

But things change after 9/11. A guy in a turban shows up at Sam's house, and he turns out to be her uncle. He wants to reconcile the family and teach Sam about her Sikh heritage. Sam isn't sure what to do, until a girl at school calls her a coconut — brown on the outside, white on the inside. That decides it: Why shouldn't Sam get to know her family? What is her mom so afraid of? Then some boys attack her uncle, shouting, "Go back home, Osama!" and Sam realizes she could be in danger — and also discovers how dangerous ignorance can be. Sam will need all her smarts and savvy to try to bridge two worlds and make them both her own.

Happy Reading Everyone!!