Happy Holidays!

No review this post, but the next one will. I'm almost done with this book. Finals have killed my reading time!

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday break.
I know a lot of people are off or about to be.

Don't take this time of year for granted, spend it with the people you love and spread joy to the others around you.

I hope your celebrations are the best you've had yet and will be memorable!



Love,

Laura

Upcoming Reviews!

Here is a list of books that I have read and will be posting reviews for in the coming weeks. (Most likely coming in the coming up weekend!)

Castration Celebration
Meg Cabot Novels/Series
Manga/Manhwas
Going Bovine
Beating Heart


I'm really excited. I haven't mentioned much before, but I've been wanting to post some reviews up of mangas and manhwas.

I'm trying to not only reach a broader group but hopefully broaden your reading material too. Don't think about all the stuff you've heard about manga! A lot of it is actually really good. The trick is finding something appealing to the eye and mind.

Anyways, there is a lot coming in December so be on the look out! I hope everyone has a great holiday break!

-Laura

Review: Snowed In by Rachel Hawthorne

I don't know if anyone else does this, but when it's a certain time of year, I LOVE to read books in the same season, etc. It's the same with music. And Winter has to be my favorite season. It's beautiful and I love the cold! So anyways, during my search for a winter themed book, I came across Snowed In by Rachel Hawthorne.

Snowed In is a sweet,albeit predictable book. Our lead girl Ashleigh and her mother move away from Texas to a tiny island in the Great Lakes after her father decides to remarry.

While her mother is trying to set up their B&B, Ashleigh is just trying to adjust to her new life-making friends and getting a date. And just who is that strangely attractive lumberjack boy???

This book was pretty fun actually. It's a little cheesy romantic, but it totally fits. First off, her new "best friend" seems a little psycho. She was super annoying, someone you'd totally want to slap in the face. All you ever hear her say is MY BOYFRIEND.

At first, I thought she'd end up with one guy, but just as soon as I began to think so, his reactions told me not so much.

Another thing I liked about this book was the protagonist's realism. Ashleigh's outlook on dating reflected her anger and hurt she felt towards her dad. I could feel her characters frustration and hurt. Hawthorne's book might be your typical teen's romantic comedy, BUT I think that's part of what people really like about her writing and books. People like having a commonality. It's relative to our own lives. And yes, sometimes these type of books can be a little far fetched, but we still can find a connection. And that's what makes us enjoy reading really. Feeling the connection to the characters and stories.

Review: Hush, Hush

So I finished Hush, Hush and I have to say it was my book crack of the month.

Firstly however, I have to say before I even knew what it was about, the cover blew me away. It's very compelling to me. It stuck out so much more than your average book cover. It had me intrigued. And I always go for books like that.

I completely fell for this book. It took me in and swept me up! The plot was great. Becca Fitzpatrick's debut was a hit in my book. The writing is pretty simplistic, but that's what I love. It gets to the point and isn't overly flamboyant like a lot of novels I've read.

Oh and it has fallen angels.

Patch's character is so mysterious. Even though as the book went along and I began to find out more about him, I found him in the end, more mysterious. Yes, he is the typical bad boy, but with the whole twist!

And creepy guys. Did I mention that pretty much all the guys are creepy? Even Patch at some parts. I love creepers in a plot. It's a lot more interesting when your character is being stalked by a crazed lunatic.

This book is the beginning of a series and opens up a lot of questions.

The next book will be called Crescendo.

Check out Becca Fitzpatrick's website for more info. Just search her on google.

Book Alert: Hush, Hush

I'm a member of the online group Pulst IT. It's a great community for people who love to read to converse with each other and find some great books to read!

If your not a member, this is the part where you join : CLICK HERE.

Now, this is the first ever Book Alert post! I came across this book not even a day ago. I've been steadily reading it and I must say, it's HOT!

Obviously the trend for writers is the supernatural. God knows there are a lot of vampire series and such coming out these days.

This is along the genre, but it's not a vampire book. It's got a fallen angel.
I know what your thinking too. But it's great so far. I'm really enjoying it.

Here is the book description:
"Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems 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 she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen -- and, when
it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life. "


So you decide! Will you read it? It's completely free on Pulse It's website. All you have to do is join! Let me know if you like it!

Vacation Reads

I'M NOT DONE WITH THIS POST YET. MY INTERNET IS A DUFUS.

This weekend, I'm heading down to a convention in Mobile, Al. And so suddenly I had this idea to post some great books to read while your on vacation or away on a trip.



Summer in the City by Elizabeth Chandler
A girl spends her summer with her mother who just happens to be a writer. She isn't sure she's happy about it until she meets Josh!

this is a pretty thick book, but it's a fast read. don't think it isn't because of the size.

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
A girl winds up dead but only to find she's still alive only in Elsewhere, a place where those who age backwards. A light read about letting go and embracing the life you have.

One of my favorite books. It's a great story and has a pretty interesting plot. You won't be bored with this book.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Nick ask's Norah to be his girlfriend for five minutes to avoid his girlfriend which leads to a night of adventure and wave of emotions.

Great book, horrible movie. I love how Rachel wrote Nick's part and David wrote Norah's. They must write again together. This book was amazing! It's hilarious and fast paced. You will enjoy.

I'm Not Dead

just busy. life has been keeping me away from blogging but I'm back now. I don't know how frequently, but I am. I'm not going to delve into too much detail, but I've had so much stress with school and being really sick.

first thing, I need to update my layout. As much as I like it, it's got to go.


Ciao babies.

Great Summer Reads

If you haven't heard of Teen Ink, its a great magazine written by teens for teens. I recieve their monthly newsletter, and this was a pretty great one I thought I'd share!



This Extra Ink was written by Betsy C.

School is ending, and with it homework, studying, and tests. Yes! Unfortunately, Teen Ink Magazine is taking its annual summer vacation, too. You won't see another print issue from us until September. Of course, you can go on our website, where we're constantly publishing new teen writing, art and photography. But if you're looking to hold something printed in your hands, don't fear: we've got some great summer reading recommendations for you right here at Extra Ink. Summer books shouldn't feel like school assignments, as we well know. These picks (sorted by appropriate age) will keep you entertained and engaged, just like an issue of Teen Ink!

Age 13-14:

To Kill a Mockingbird: This classic by Harper Lee has the sheer force and elegance to appeal to readers of all ages, but its themes of coming of age and acceptance will especially appeal to younger teens. Memorable characters, a drum-tight plot, and gorgeous prose will keep you reading all day long.

15-17:

Sloppy Firsts: A diary-format narrative from the perspective of a cynical, sarcastic New Jersey teen named Jess Darling. So many “teen” books aspire to be as funny as Sloppy Firsts, but this is the real deal. And if you finish all too soon, have no fear: there are four more books in this bestselling series from Megan McCafferty.

18-19:

World War Z: Whispers in the publishing world indicate that zombies are the next big paranormal trend (watch out, vampires!) If you ask me, there's no better introduction to the zombie novel than this “documentary-style” story by Max Brooks (son of legendary filmmaker Mel). As someone with no particular interest in zombies, I was still blown away by the taut storytelling and genre-busting prose quality in every page of this book.

All Ages:

Chicken Soup for the Teen Soul: Teen Ink partnered with the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” people to bring you funny, sweet and heartwarming stories straight from the pages of our magazine. If you like Teen Ink (and we know you do) you'll love this—it's the best of the best, hand picked from our print pages over the years.

And if you're looking for the right place to purchase one of these books, make sure to check out BetterWorldBooks.com. They sell new and used books cheap, donate proceeds to promote worldwide literacy, and last time I ordered from them, I got free tea and chocolate! You can't get much better than that.

Head out to the beach, the lake, the mountains, the city park, or your own backyard, and have fun this summer! With one of these books in your hand, a little fun is pretty much guaranteed.

Jane Austen Quiz!

I got bored today and went on Meg Cabot's website.
I usually check out her blog because she's so funny!
Honestly, even if you didn't like her books, You have to check out her blog.

Anyways, today she posted a quiz on which heroine you'd be.

Not so surprising for me, but here is who I am!

Take the Quiz here!

Least to say, I was very happy. She's my favorite heroine of Jane Austen's books.
Maybe because I'm like her?

Anyways, I wanted to also mention I finished Cathy's Ring.
I have SO much to say about that book.

All I will say for now is, wait till its at your library.

my disappointment is seething out of me.

Cathy's Ring: Book Trailer

I'm not a huge fan of book trailers since usually they are pretty crappy, at least the ones I've seen anyways, but the Cathy's Book series isn't so bad.

Cheesy voice overs, but whatever. The illustrations are amazing, just like in the book.

I'm a huge fan of the Cathy's Book series and the third novel, Cathy's Ring, is coming out May 4th!

I'm super excited for it and plan to go and buy it then.  If you haven't read the first, Cathy's Book go check it out. In fact, look over at my review for it and Cathy's Key. 

Anyways, so here is the youtube video for Cathy's Ring! *Internally Squeels*

for those viewing this one randombuzzers.com, here is the link to it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww_VY2Buyqc


Laura

yabookreviewer.blogspot.com

Heartbreak River

INFO:



Hailey Abbott’s Summer Boys takes a weepy turn in this story of one girl’s attempt to tell her childhood friend how she really feels about him.
Alex thought she’d be spending the summer focused on her family’s rafting business, burying the memories of her father’s death last year, and leaving behind all the messes she made in its wake.
But when Sean returns to town, she is forced to reckon with her mixed-up crushy feelings for him—more powerful than ever before. It takes another tragedy to make Alex realize Sean has loved her, and forgiven her, all along.



Another book I want to read, the cover looked interesting! I haven't seen a lot of covers like this so it drew me in. Almost like Wicked Lovely. I'll have to pick this up next time! In other news, I'm over halfway done with another book! I'm doing so much better now on all that, I must say! It's been a little difficult getting back on the boat since I got sick, but things are shaping up to be well, indescribible.

What YOU should read next, including myself!

I've heard a lot of buzz about this book! I was finally sold on putting it on my to-read list after seeing another thing about it on the Penguin Newsletter.

Here's what it said:

Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones. Move to New York City to pursue her true love — music — or stay with her boyfriend, family and friends.
Then one February morning everything changes. Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. In a blink she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...
And suddenly all of her choices are gone. Except for the one choice that truly matters.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
ISBN: 9780525421030
$ 16.99

Doesn't sound absolutely, positively fantastic? I think so. Oh yeah, and I just made a twitter account, I'm a litle late but I've tried to put it off. I'll post it up later. There I will be posting my reading progress for everyone to see.

anyways, that's all for now. i gotta study for my urinary test!

plus finish my poster on LSD for psychology.

aint life grand?

THANK YOU!

I want to graciously thanks the Random Buzz team for sending me all those books! I'm already on it and have started reading! Thank you so much! I'll be sure to write a review for each!

I recieved a ton of books. A lot more than I'm used to!

Here's a list of what book reviews you can expect in the coming weeks!

Highway to Hell by Rosemary Clement-Moore
The Diamonds by Ted Michael
The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro
Going Bovine by Libba Bray (Oh gosh, I'm excited to this!)
(Re)cycler by Lauren McLaughlin
The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart
Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner
Fat Cat by Robin Brande (ditto!)

I'm already in the middle of The ABC'S of Kissing Boys, and so far so good! I'm hoping to get done with it Sunday and have my review ready by Monday, so stay tuned!

Review: 20 Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Imagine that one day your finally with the person you love and the suddenly, their gone.
20 Boy Summer is a coming of age story about a girl named Anna who finds and loses love, and makes peace with herself. During her 20-day summer vacation with her best friend Frankie, they decide to play a game. Each day they would meet a boy, in hopes of a summer romance. Anna goes along with it, but doesn’t tell Frankie the truth. She’s already had her romance, with Frankie’s brother Matt, who died a year earlier.

I really enjoyed this book. I could feel the characters raw emotions, especially Anna’s. This book is emotionally honest, each character deals with their feelings on Matt’s death is heartbreaking. I would love to see a companion book about these characters again. It was hard not to become attached to their stories and lives. Sarah Ockler's writing is really heart-warming and I definitely want to come across another book of hers again!

Quick Note

Sorry if it's all seemingly abandoned again. I'm having major issues right now with school and my scheduling for other things.

Things will be back on track by the end of this week!

I'm almost done reading 20 Boy Summer, so look out for the review by Wednesday!


Laura


ps.

I added a new playlist for everyone to enjoy while their on the blog page. It's mostly an instrumental playlist by the korean group Eternal Morning. It's a side project of Epik High's leader Tablo. Hope you like it!

http://yabookreviewer.blogspot.com

EXAMS

Sorry about being absent! I've had exams all week and so I was studying and things like that.

The yearbook is almost done too. I had to go in today, but I can't since my mummy doesn't want me to go out since I haven't seen her in a while.

Well now I can get back on track and update again..

Speaking of tests, there are a few books that I have read centered around 'em.

The Taker by J.M. Steele

This is a pretty good book. It's interesting, but sort of cliche. I give it a 3.5 out of 5

It was pretty funny.

Hacking Harvard by Robin Wasserman

Okay maybe not exactly the same, but you get where I'm going. Its about these geeky kids who try to get a slacker into Harvard. Has some twists and is pretty interesting. But it could have been better.  3.5 out of 5

And strangely, that's all I can remember at the moment. 

If you know of any other type book, let me know!

New Moon: It's Official

It's official.

Dakota Fanning is part of the New Moon cast playing, Jane of the Volturri!

Personally, Im thrilled. Dakota is totally cute and a great actress! She's totally grown up a bit too.

In other New Moon news, there is a contest to win a chance to view the set of New Moon and have a small role!

If you want to enter, click on the following link:HERE

I'll update you as I did before when Twilight was coming out! 

Epik Short Story Collection

Epik High's leader Tablo has recently released a short stories collection called Pieces of You.

If you haven't heard of Epik High, which I'm guessing most of you haven't, they are a korean hip-hop/rap group. They are one of my favorite bands because they sing about real issues and are a bit deeper than some of the artists in the US. Plus they just rock.

Tablo had attended Stanford University and had written the stories in his college years. This collection of short stories is a bestseller in Korea, selling

50, 000 copies in one week. And did I mention it became a bestseller before it even came out? It's also been said to have gone into a second printing. This book has now been made available in the original english form and for sale on various websites.

The book itself contains ten short stories and even has a few ink-styled illustrations.

Mini Excerpts:

"My heart was closed. Cold. I was self-conscious and cynical.

These are the pieces of my youth, the small secrets and the not-so-great expectations that defined my coming of age.

But through this craft, through my love for writing, I discovered a world outside of the small windowless one I had built for myself. A world of softspoken beauty. So here I am, choosing to kick away the ladder so that I may remain at your side. I understand your solitude. I see your shadow."-TABLO, PIECES OF YOU

If you would like to purchase this book, please go to one of the following sites. I'm listing the book in cheapest to most expensive on sites. Any other site is ridiculous in price. Trust me, I've checked. Oh and sadly, its not for sale on amazon or barnes and noble.
Please look into it! You wont regret it & I'll do a more formal review later.

hanbooks.com Buy it for around $22

yesasia.com

Possibly in the Future

I just recieved this book, Masks Evolution by Hayden Thorne in the mail.



I'm interested in the cover, reminds me of Mary GrandPre's art. Well, at least the boy does.

Anyways, even though the book's cover interests me, the book itself doesn't.

But alas, I must read it as I have to review it for a site.


Anyways, I decided I had to pull myself together and an idea came to me. Why not review it chapter by chapter on my blog? Or at least, every three chapters..or something. WHATEVER.

It'll help keep me motivated and give you insight on a book I've doubt anyone of you have read.

I've never even heard of the publisher, Torquere Press: Prizm Books.

Get ready! I'll hopefully have things rolling by Sunday.


See you then!

-Laura

Free ARE/ARCS

Wanna win a free ARC every Friday?

Well go ahead and join Random Buzzers! If your not a member, nows the time to join!

Random Buzzers is a great program that gives teens free books just by joining and participating on the site.

The books on offer are always really good!

Starting on March 6th, every Friday 5 people will win. YOU could be one of them.

All you have to do is try!

So join the site, and take part in a great program.

I personally love it and I think anyone who likes reading will too!
Join here!

Life, Death and God

Frank Warren, the amazing creator of Post Secret, just recently released news of a new post secret book!

"PostSecret Confessions on Life, Death and God" will be released later this year and has been two years in the making! If you still want to submit your secret, you still have a chance! So go mail it in!

I personally love Post Secret a lot. It's so creative and thought provoking. It's a great way to connect with people anonymously and see that your not that different from everyone else.

I mean, just look at the one I found on google. Post Secret offers people a way to let out their raw feelings. I just can't stress how much I love post secret.

Currently, there are four books out now. (Correct me if I'm wrong)

A Lifetime of Secrets: A Post Secret Book
PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives
The Secret Lives of Men and Women: a PostSecret book
My Secret: A Postsecret Book

Check them out if you haven't! I love all of them and have really enjoyed seeing them all. Their definitely a great gift.

USA Today's top 10

Hey Guys!

So I finally figured out how to make it so my readers, if I have any, can follow my blog!

If you look down at the bottom of the page, you can see who my followers are and become one!

If you do, you'll be shown down there too!

Anyways, in others news, Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series is still on top!

Take a look at USA Today's top 10 Best Sellers!


1. New Moon

Stephenie Meyer, Little, Brown for Young Readers
Young adult: Second in Twilight vampire love saga (F) (P) $10.99


Weeks in Top 150: 127
Last week: 2
Entered Top 150: 8/24/2006
Peak: 1

2. Twilight

Stephenie Meyer, Little, Brown for Young Readers
Young adult: First in vampire love saga: Isabella falls for a vampire (F) (P) $8.99

Weeks in Top 150: 117
Last week: 3
Entered Top 150: 8/31/2006
Peak: 1

3. The Shack

William P. Young, Windblown Media
Man reconnects with God after death of child (F) (P) $14.99

Weeks in Top 150: 55
Last week: 9
Entered Top 150: 1/24/2008
Peak: 2

4. Eclipse

Stephenie Meyer, Little, Brown for Young Readers
Young adult: Third in Twilight vampire saga (F) (H) $18.99

Weeks in Top 150: 80
Last week: 4
Entered Top 150: 8/16/2007
Peak: 1

5. Breaking Dawn

Stephenie Meyer, Little, Brown for Young Readers
Young adult: Concluding installment in Twilight vampire series (F) (H) $22.99

Weeks in Top 150: 29
Last week: 6
Entered Top 150: 8/7/2008
Peak: 1

6. The Associate

John Grisham, Doubleday
An associate at the world's largest law firm is forced to hide a secret from his past (F) (H) $27.95

Weeks in Top 150: 3
Last week: 1
Entered Top 150: 2/5/2009
Peak: 1

7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

Jeff Kinney, Amulet
Young adult: Greg Heffley tries to toughen up to avoid military school; third in series (F) (H) $12.95

Weeks in Top 150: 6
Last week: 7
Entered Top 150: 1/15/2009
Peak: 1

8. The Yankee Years

Joe Torre, Tom Verducci, Doubleday
Stories from the years Torre managed the New York Yankees (1996-2007) (NF) (H) $26.95

Weeks in Top 150: 2
Last week: 5
Entered Top 150: 2/12/2009
Peak: 5

9. Run for Your Life

James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge, Little, Brown
Michael Bennett tracks down a killer targeting New York's arrogant elite (F) (H) $27.99

Weeks in Top 150: 2
Last week: 8
Entered Top 150: 2/12/2009
Peak: 8

10. The Love Dare

Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, B&H
Guided devotional for strengthening marital intimacy; movie (NF) (P) $14.99

Weeks in Top 150: 21
Last week: 10
Entered Top 150: 10/2/2008
Peak: 10



Um wow? Even though the series has been out for a while, she's still on top!
Now did Harry Potter do that?

(See I really don't know, its not rhetorical or whatever. So for all I know he could have!)

The View from Up High; A Different Time

Sometimes I like getting away from it all. Luckily, reading gives me that much needed escape from everything hectic and annoying! But, sometimes books give me a head ache. Over used plots, confusing, etc. I really love books that just suck me in and make me forget about everything else!

If I'm in bed, relaxing-or at least, trying to, I want to read something good!

So, I've come up with a list of "get away, different time" books.

What do I mean by Get Away, A Different Time?


Well basically, what it implies.

Anyways, so here's my list of amazing books. (see how much of a tanget I can get on?)

Gingerbread by Rachel Cohn

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies - Sonya Sones

Alice, I Think - Susan Juby

The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Spud by John van de Ruit

Sand Chronicles by Hinako Ashihara

California Holiday by Kate Cann

Q&A by Vikas Swarup

An Order of Amelie, Hold the Fries by Nina Schindler

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

Madapple by Christina Meldrum

Keeping Track

If your like me, keeping track of what you've read or want to read is pretty large.

I have so many books I've read and want to its taking up space in my mind and well.. paper.

Anyways I came across some sites recently that will do that for you!

Good Reads

Library Thing

Basically, fill up your inventory up with what you've read, want to, and what your in the middle of!  I've tried both and I have to completely go with Good Reads, for me personally anyways. Their overall the same, but Good Reads just feels right.

Both sites also offer a drawing on ARC books too!

So check 'em out!

Coming Soon: Cathy's Ring

I just checked up on the Cathy series and I found some info on the book on the publishers website!

I'm super excited for this to come out since I totally love the "Cathy's" books.  It totally has me guessing. I'm so ready for this to come out.

It's like crack for your brain. You want MOAR.

Anyways...

Here is the short description of Cathy's Ring

Cathy cannot manage to find more than a few days to relax in her hectic (and mortal) life—she barely has time to put the mystery surrounding her father to rest before she finds herself targeted by a group of Ancestor Lu’s professional killers! Recognizing she is a serious threat to everyone in her life, Cathy makes plans to leave town. But her friends, Emma, Pete, Victor, and, surprisingly, Jun, unite to convince Cathy that they must finish Lu once and for all to have any chance at peace—mortal or immortal. In order to defeat Lu, the friends must come together in a way they never have before. Meanwhile—unbeknownst to Cathy—Victor has made the ultimate sacrifice hoping it will bring him closer to a normal relationship with Cathy. But when Victor is seriously wounded and Cathy finds herself attracted to another mortal with similar feelings for her, Cathy’s world turns upside down and she is forced to make a decision about her future with Victor, while his life hangs by a thread. What will Cathy decide, and how will their epic battle with Lu play out? Find out in the newest adventure-packed installment of the Cathy story!

Um, yeah. I want more. Look out for Cathy's Ring May 4th, 2009!

Sneak peak of Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith & enter to win an Eternal Grand Prize Giveaway Package!

If you've read, Tantalize, your probably like me waiting for Eternal. Even though it's coming out in 3 days, why not read a preview of it!

I really enjoyed the excerpt. I'm just hoping that the book will have more closure than Tantalize. No really, the ending completely fit. It was perfect and lovely. It's just my hopeless romantic side there whining.

Anyways, here's the link to the excerpt! Even if you haven't read anything by Cynthia Leitich Smith, try her out. You'll fall in love with her books.

If your interested in entering the Eternal grand prize giveaway, here's the link!

Contest is open to all Cynsations readers. Some of the prizes include, autographed copies, book plates, and a guardian angel token. But hurry! Contest ends soon.

Eternal is out February 10th!!

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

When I checked my mail a week ago, I quickly checked to see what Simon Pulse sent in. After looking over the cover, I jumped right in. Right away, even from the first page, I knew this was something I wanted to read. 

I don't know if you've ever read a book in verse, but their amazing. Maybe it's because I love poetry or maybe because I just like to read, but it sucked me in. 

Far From You is a story about overcoming the immense pain of loss and having the courage to love. Sixteen yrs. old Alice is dealing with the loss of her her mother and her sudden gain of a new step-mom and baby sister. The only seemingly good thing in her life is Blaze and her music.

Without much warning, an innocent trip gone wrong leaves Alice to confront her feelings and to have the will to survive.

Lisa Schroeder's writing is completely subliminal. The words on each page just flow through you, resonating and leaving you with so much to think about. It's easy to identify with Alice even in you haven't had a loved one pass away. It's easy for everyone to grasp an idea of pain she feels in the novel. Reading this book made me think over my own life. It makes you want to be stronger, more courageous.

This is a fantastic read if your like me and on short time. I think readers will like the verse style since it's "easier on the eyes" and seems to go by faster.

I don't know if its a necessarily a good thing since it's so good, and I wanted it to go on, but I'm definitely going to read this again. I'd love to see more YA books by Schroeder and I hope she continues to write.

If your interested in more poem/verse books, check out:

Heartbeat by Sharon Creech

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Beating Heart by A.M. Jenkins

The Pros and Cons: Library vs Bookstore

That's right, you see it typed.. up there. Yeah.

Everyone knows that their are great benefits from buying and checking out books at your library. But which is the MOST beneficial to you and your pocket in these hard times?
For some people its buying and for others it's borrowing. Everyone is different (duh!).

Anyways, here is a list I've drawn up. (not literally or anything..)

Pro's & Con's of Buying Books:
P- You get to keep your book forever
C- You may not want it forever
P- You can re-read it whenever you want
C- You wasted money on a book you don't want to read again
P- Bookstores offer coupons!
C-You have to pay
C-Workers of the store don't like you to read the books.. and then leave.

P:3;C:4

Pro's & Con's of Borrowing Books:
P- You can read there! And they don't get mad. ( at least, till it closes..)
C- You can't talk. ( loud anyways. I'm a loud person, so CON)
P- It's free. (Unless your like me and you owe huge fines for giving books back late.)
C- The books might smell funny or have weird stains! (a total throw off, especially if your a clean freak like me)
P- Books on Tape!! Most libraries have them anyways..
P- Computers. (very useful in all sorts of aspects!)
C- Using car gas and money to drive there.

P:4;C3



Well, that's it. You can agree or not, but it's what I've concluded. The library is a god send, but only if it's close by. It's pretty close but I still have to say, I like to buy my own books. WHEN I can afford it.

Finally, a word of small advice.

If your like me, you have level of how much you want to read a book. If it's not that high and your so-so about paying for it, go to a library! It's free to check out (so long as you return it on time).


Okay!
Thats it for now :]