The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

This book sort of snuck up on me. Really. I didn't know that I HAD to read it. My wonderful contact at Simon and Schuster sent it my way and since I was waiting for a different book entirely, it was more like a shrug and an "I will get to it later." Well, I picked it up a couple of days ago and haven't been able to put it down since.

The book comes out in September 2011. Talking about it will be difficult because of the general nature of the plot (which I don't want to give away.)

What I liked:

Everything. This book had snap, great plot development, believable dialogue, characters I grew to love and most of all, I discovered it was a part of a series. Thank goodness. I might have to cry if it was a stand alone. It was that good.

As I read, I found myself nodding and trying to take notes in my head about Hodkin's style of keeping me on my toes with each turn of the page. Literally, I dragged the book everywhere. Any spare second, I was in her world, finding out the next bit of the adventure. Any more would be giving away a plot that must be revealed as you read it.

What I didn't:

It ended. Sob...

Overall:

If you only read one book in September, this has to be the one. The cover art is totally cool. The characters rock. The plot keeps you guessing and turning the pages like a madwoman. My arc had spine issues,  so I lived in terror of the book totally falling apart before I reached the end. It is barely holding itself together at this point. When I reached the end, I just hugged the book to my chest and gave a deep sigh. Might have to read it again, it is that good. So, add it to your Goodreads list, people. It is the hottest book of the fall. You can bank on it.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer contest: Michelle Hodkin's Blog

The contest:

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer hits stores everywhere 9.27.11. Pre-order your copy here. Download the widget here. Enter to win an Advanced Reader’s Copy here.

Reading Now: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

Goodreads

Cover art=awesome! Looks like a great book! Stay tuned for deets.

On sale date: 9/27/11

Winner: Vampire Journal and Bookmark Giveaway!

Congratulations to:

Mary Ann MacDonald

for being our winner!

Stay tuned for a new contest coming soon!

Pretty Bad Things by C.J. Skuse

"Wonder Twins" on the run--and running amok--in Vegas. Road Trip!

Paisley and Beau are boldface names again. Last time, paparazzi called them the "Wonder Twins," two kids found alone but alive in the woods of exotic New Jersey. Three days after their mom's death -- and before their dad's criminal misdeeds.

Flash-forward to now: Their so-called lives? Suck out loud: Hating on their cougarized, Botoxic grandma, they're totally clueless about the location of ex-con Daddy. Till they discover a stash of old letters. That's when they decide to jack the Pontiac and hit the road. Holding up donut shops in Sin City might seem extreme, but if they can just get their pretty bad faces back on TV -- or TMZ -- they might wrap up their whole gaga saga with an Oprah-worthy reunion already!

Goodreads

This book was a rocking roller coaster of fun. Many thanks to the wonderful folks at Scholastic for sending me a copy to review.

What I liked:

The action, characters that were unforgettable, dialogue, plot and page turning aspect of the story. Paisley and Beau were perfect in their individual ways of dealing with the bad things that happen to them and their quest to find their Dad.

What I Didn't:

I think it is more of FYI, and not a dislike that there is some language and mature situations in this book. If you are a fan of Ellen Hopkins, then you will feel right at home.

Overall:

This book had me turning pages deep into the night when I should have been sleeping for an early wake up. That is one of the best compliments I can give a book. If I lose sleep for it, then you've got a winner. If I read for two pages and my eyes are shutting on their own, well...that was so not the case here.

The plot lines flowed beautifully, the action kept climbing and the characters of Beau and Paisley were charming even when they were at their worst. The "Skankmother" was great too. Just the snark and sheer cutting edge, raw aspect to the novel had me cheering for each new antic the twins concocted, even though it was kind of like watching a train wreck or a horror movie where you totally want to scream "Don't do it!"  Thumbs up on an exciting read!

On My Nightstand: Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby

While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy - and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

(Goodreads)

I received a copy of this great book from the wonderful and amazing Amanda Ashby and can't wait to start reading!



Follow Friday and Blogger Hop

Welcome to the Hop!!!

  

Question of the week:

What do I do when I am not reading?

Hmmm. I read so much, but filling in the blanks...I write alot. Blogging takes up some of my time. So do my puppies and my husband. I review music, so when I am not listening to it, I am usually writing a review about it. When time permits, I try to make my Thursday knitting class, but lately that has been quite the challenge with my full time job demanding more of my time than normal. So, I crochet a bit here and there, watch a sitcom with my husband over dinner and then I am usually back on the computer writing, blogging or reviewing something. Typically, this means I am surrounded by my furry kids, trying to either write a bit on the book, toss some laundry in the machine and run the vacuum all while running plot lines in my head and trying to squeeze as much into my time off as I can. Life is never boring at my house.

Question of the week:

Where do you get your books?

Answer: Most of the time I buy my books, both on my Nook and in physical form. I get some from publishers and authors who are interested in having me review them, and I find some at the e-branch of my public library. I love that you can use the e-branch Overdrive system with the iPad and the Nookcolor. It is super cool. I also use Netgalley. For any of you bloggers out there who have not investigated Netgalley, you really need to check it out. It is like an extended library check out system that you can use on your e-reader or iPad.

Reading Now: Pretty Bad Things

"Wonder Twins" on the run--and running amok--in Vegas. Road Trip!

Paisley and Beau are boldface names again. Last time, paparazzi called them the "Wonder Twins," two kids found alone but alive in the woods of exotic New Jersey. Three days after their mom's death -- and before their dad's criminal misdeeds.

Flash-forward to now: Their so-called lives? Suck out loud: Hating on their cougarized, Botoxic grandma, they're totally clueless about the location of ex-con Daddy. Till they discover a stash of old letters. That's when they decide to jack the Pontiac and hit the road. Holding up donut shops in Sin City might seem extreme, but if they can just get their pretty bad faces back on TV -- or TMZ -- they might wrap up their whole gaga saga with an Oprah-worthy reunion already!

Goodreads

I received this book from the wonderful folks at Scholastic in exchange for an honest review.

So far, the book is a blast. Very mature teen audience here, however. (Language, sexual situations) While only being a few pages in, I find the book to have snap, the characters "voice" is real and the flow of the book very well done. Excellent read.

The Vampire Stalker: Review

What I Liked:

First: Cover art=awesome!

I enjoyed the lead character, Amy being so in love with the book series she was reading. I think many of us can identify with that. In some ways, the feel of the book reminded me of Twilight fans and how we all wish we could meet Edward or Jacob in real life. Drool-worthy, to be sure. The idea of one of them saving me from a fellow vampire or werewolf menace does have appeal. The blending of the characters from one world to the next and all the adventures that follow are compelling and kept me reading.

Author Allison van Diepen poses a great question: What would you do if the character you loved most suddenly popped out of nowhere and you got to interact with him/her and his/her world? I love that idea! For Amy to be able to meet her fondest love, Alexander, the fictional vampire stalking hero from her favorite book series is perfect.

What I Didn't:

While the beginning of the book started off with a believable cast of characters, a good voice and an interesting plot, it got a little slow and the believability wobbled a bit. The characters from the fictional universe that got dropped into real-time Chicago were a little too accepting of what had just happened to them. The same with some of the real world characters accepting that there was a true to life vampire running around town. I felt like there should have been a bit more resistance to the idea.

 I found Amy to be the only real reaction I could identify with in the book. The The first couple of fight scenes were good, but looking at the universal plot line, the conflict was more flat than I would have liked.

Overall:

I liked the book. Especially the idea of a book character coming to life and being able to interact in the real world. Allison van Diepen had a great idea and I know many of us can identify with Amy's dream of being with her hero, Alexander. The voice was good, but the plot lines fell a little toward the end of the book. The final conflict fell a bit flat, but overall, I look forward to seeing what will hit the shelves next by Ms. Van Diepen.

I received this book book from the wonderful folks at Scholastic in exchange for an honest review.

Follow Friday and Blogger Hop

Greetings! Welcome to the YA Bookpile for another weekend of awesome blog hopping! What are you reading this weekend? Drop me a comment and tell me about it. Don't forget to check out the current contest for the Vampire Journal while you are here.



 

Q. Let's step away from besties...What is the worst book that you've ever read and actually finished?  

A. Oh wow. That is a hard question. The worst book that I actually finished. That is so hard. There have been a lot of books I have read over the years that don't get finished. I think I would have to say the one I hated the most was:

 

I mean, really. A story about a guy that turns into a giant roach? Oh the horror. It was the worst. Wait. No that might actually go to:

I hated every second of this book. It was awful. It's funny, I don't remember why I hated it, but the very thought of reading it again makes me shudder.

Okay, so this week we have a giveaway promotion for another persons blog instead of a question. Head over to:

http://splashofourworlds.blogspot.com/

Splash is giving some great giveaways, so be sure to check them out! Want a chance to win Forever or Passion? Check it out!

In Case You Missed It: Linger and Shiver

The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

(Goodreads)

This book is a 5/5 read. Finding a copy in a used book store lead me to the wonderful world of Grace and her Sam. I fell in love and that was that. Check out this amazing trailer.

Just in case you missed the second book in the series...

The Wolves of Mercy Falls Book #2

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future.

Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.
At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.



Linger was sent to me by the wonderful folks at Scholastic and I am so glad they did! This continuation of the Mercy Falls series is breathtaking and unforgettable. I truly am holding my breath for Forever to hit the stores this coming week.

In this book, Grace faces some changes that she did not plan on and so does Sam. I loved it for the unpredictable action, characters that breathe and the page turning angst that kept me flipping the pages late into the night until I finally collapsed in a heap at the end. A wonderful book. Maggie Stiefvater has created a world that many of us would love to live in. What could be better than a hunky werewolf sitting in your living room, right?

So, get ready for July 12th everyone! Forever is almost here! 

Holding My Breath For: Forever

In Stores July 12th, 2011!

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stiefvater

then.

When Sam met Grace, he was a wolf and she was a girl. Eventually he found a way to become a boy, and their love moved from a curious distance to the intense closeness of shared lives.

now.

That should have been the end of their story. But Grace was not meant to stay human. Now she is the wolf. And the wolves of Mercy Falls are about to be killed in one final, spectacular hunt.

forever.

Sam would do anything for Grace. But can one boy and one love really change a hostile, predatory world? The past, the present, and the future are about to collide in one pure moment - a moment of death or life, farewell or forever.

(Goodreads)

Check out this amazing stop motion book trailer.

 

Tomorrow Girls: Behind the Gates

In a terrifying future world, four girls must depend on each other if they want to survive.
Louisa is nervous about being sent away to a boarding school -- but she’s excited, too. And she has her best friend, Maddie, to keep her company. The girls have to pretend to be twin sisters, which Louisa thinks just adds to the adventure!

Country Manor School isn’t all excitement, though. Louisa isn’t sure how she feels about her new roommates: athletic but snobby Rosie and everything’s-a-conspiracy Evelyn. Even Maddie seems different away from home, quiet and worried all the time.

Still, Louisa loves CMS -- the survival skills classes, the fresh air. She doesn’t even miss not having a TV, or the internet, or any contact with home. It’s for their own safety, after all.

Or is it?


Age range: Middle Grade

Overall thoughts: 5/5

What I liked: This book held my interest. The characters are believable and the storyline was engaging. It didn't have a middle grade feel that talked down to the reader, but a reader at a middle grade level or above can enjoy the story. It is a great contribution to the trend of dystopian fiction that has become so popular. Great pick for a reluctant reader.

What I didn't:
Not a thing.

In general:
This is going to be a great series and I am anxious to begin reading the second book. Part of the dystopian trend, this book is great for all ages of reader. I found myself turning pages late into the night and sneaking a read while cooking and doing other tasks. A great book and worth a read.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Scholastic for sending me a copy to review. An excellent read and I look forward to more in the series.

Petal Pushers: Too Many Blooms Review

Four sisters. One family-owned flower shop. Endless opportunities for fun...or disaster!
This fresh new series is full of girl--and flower--power.

Delphinium "Del" Bloom loves her grandparents' flower shop, where it's always peaceful and calm--unlike her cluttered house, where her three sisters--Rose, Aster, and Poppy--constantly cause drama.

But then Gran and Gramps move away and leave the flower shop in the care of Del's scatterbrained parents! Their first order is for a big wedding and the bride wants everything--especially the flowers--to be PERFECT. Worse, the mean girl in Del's class happens to be a junior bridesmaid! Can Del help her family and save the day?

(Goodreads)

This book was sent to me for review by the wonderful folks over at Scholastic.

Overall: 5/5

What I liked:

I liked this book because it kept my interest. In some middle grade books, you get a feeling of being "too cute." This book didn't have that. It had the family flower shop and the lead character, "Del" trying to come to terms with the changes in her life. It was messy, like life just is. I like that in a book., It helps kids learn how they can cope when the world doesn't fall in line with their idea of how it should be.

What I didn't:

Not a thing.

Overall thoughts:

A great book for middle grade readers. Will appeal especially to girls with flowers, fashion, weddings and friendship angles strongly in view. The romance between Hamilton is frought with peril as Del's frenemy Ashley keeps getting in the way, and a new flower shop threatens the family business. The family must pull together to try and get through a difficult time. This is a great message, especially now.

Excellent read! I am looking forward to the next book in the Petal Pushers series.

4th of July Follow Friday

Welcome to another awesome Follow Friday! Make sure you check out the current contest while you are here. If you are here, then you are wonderful! What are your reading plans this holiday weekend? Leave me a comment and tell all...

 

Q. ACK! Your favorite book/movie character (example Hermione Granger played by the Emma chick) just walked into the room! Who is it and what would be your first reaction? You get extra points if you include visual stimulation.



The Hunger Games is totally hot right now with the movie on the horizon and the books flying off the shelf. I would love to meet Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Not sure what I would say exactly, but more than likely, an idiotic grin would be in there somewhere.

“What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?“

Answer:

The voice of the book has to grab me within the first few pages. The point of view, dialogue, and characters have to be there. The other thing that drives me crazy is when a book is marketed for a certain genre or age group and it doesn't fit within that category. Especially if a middle grade book is being marketed for a teen audience. That just does not work and that is the fastest way to find a book flying back onto the shelf.