Change

Dear Readers,

I've changed since I started my blog not too long ago. It's been great. Okay, now I sound like I'm breaking up with someone. My blog needs a facelift. And the title, Seriesly Ready, seriously? I assume it is some what unique in the sense that I haven't come across it before. Still, I want something more memorable. I want my blog to be welcoming and nice. So, the question I have for you all will be up on the poll located in the top right corner for the next 2 weeks for you all to help me decide. I can be an adult and make my own decisions, but some input would be nice.

Thank you,


Kay

Children's book Spotlight

I volunteer at an elementary school during the week. Yesterday, I was read one of the cutest little stories. Couldn't help but smile at the end. Fox Makes Friends is simply adorable. You don't have to read it, obviously, but if you do it might make you smile, too.

Posing a question

How do you make time for reading? I'm not a very fast reader, and I don't have as much time as I used to to do it. What's some of you all's advice?

Only 2 weeks left

I remember looking at this contest back in October thinking, 'This is awesome', and 'Ooh, I have plenty of time to enter.' Now, I see that I only have 2 weeks left. I haven't managed to get any entries. I think I may have entered, but I'm not sure. If you haven't already, although I'm sure most of you have, head over to The Lateiner Gang Book Review blog and enter their Mega Contest.

It ends on Nov. 28, 2009

Holes by Louis Sachar

Holes was originally read to me in elementary. This is my first time, technically, reading it. My experience and impression of it now is much different from back then. For those of you who have never read Holes, let me tell you it is really good.

I can also say it is original. Whoever heard of a Camp where boys go to dig holes to build character? If you've read Holes you have. If not, why not see if you like it. None of the boys at Camp Green Lake enjoy it very much.


Due to Stanley Yelnats no-good-dirty-rotten-great-great-grandfather he had the choice of Camp or jail. He chose camp thinking it would be fun, plus his parents could never afford to send him. There Stanley makes some discoveries about himself and why they dig Holes. Sachar weaved a really good story. I love how he placed the flashbacks. Without them, I don't think the story would be half as good. It isn't amazing, but well worth reading. Giving us the background information brought a lot of life to this story and made for a unforgettable children's book.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of "Stargirl, Stargirl." She captures Leo Borlock's heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.

Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of noncomformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love. (Courtesy of GoodReads)

Stargirl as a person was, amazing. It takes a lot to be you, when everyone else wants to be "them". Whose to say who you should be? For a while, no one could tell Stargirl she was anything or should be anyone other than who she was. That aspect of the book was great. Stargirl as a whole wasn't that fascinating. I like it, don't get me wrong. It's just sometimes it was hard to actually enjoy it.

I didn't get stuck at any points, it's just that sometimes it was a bit dull. Overall the theme and concept is really nice. Anyone who wants a little inspiration should definitely read Stargirl.

I love Children's Lit

I really enjoy Young Adult Novels, but I love Children's Lit. Both genres are by far my favs. That's why over the course of the next six months I plan on revisiting some of my favorites and hopefully, finding some new ones.


On the Agenda:

The Harry Potter Series (Just finished the first book a few days ago. This will be my first time actually finishing the series. My mother wouldn't let me read them anymore, but now since I'm older, I can.)

The Earth's Children Series (Have never read this one, but remember reading what it was about in high school. After hours of searching I finally got the name of the first book.)

The Chronicles of Narnia

Marry Poppins (Have never read, but love the movie.)

The Time Series (I read A Wrinkle in Time, but none of the other books.)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series

A Variety of Picture Books and many more.

How many will I manage to review and read before the year's out?

Intertwined Sweepstakes

I could really use the $10,000. Who doesn't really.

In My Mail Box (3)

Trying to buy books for school and found these great reads:
The first three books in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
No Plot? No Problem! A Low-stress, High-velocity Guide to Writing A Novel in 30 Days by Chris Baty
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (Niece needed it for school)
Skill Builders Pre~Algebra 5-8
How To write Haiku And Other Short Poems by Paul Janeczko

Savvy

Savvy
By Ingrid Law

The Beaumont family aren't super heroes, but the abilities they possess is only something you'd read in a comic book. On the thirteenth birthday most of them acquire their savvy. Over the years Mibs has been able to witness her brothers receive the savvy to create hurricanes and electricity. Now it's finally her turn. She hopes to get something amazing. Before her birthday her father gets into a terrible accident and can not wake up. What at first was a wish to receive a great savvy becomes a quest to save her Poppa. By breaking some rules she learns things about herself, growing up, and others that she never thought to know and may be the difference from saving her Poppa.

It is very good. At a certain point I started to get really wrapped up in the story. From that point on it was splendid. Absolutely fun. This is a very enjoyable read, I'm sure anyone of any age can appreciate. I've never been on a road trip until now. Found myself getting a little caught up. Most everyone has some savvy; after reading I felt more special somehow.

Suzanne Young Interview

This past week has been very exciting. It is my pleasure to post my first interview with Suzanne Young, author of The Naughty List (set to be released February 4, 2010), the first in the Naught List Series. My love for series is well known; this series is especially special. It's original and from what I hear fun and really good.

1. Most authors feel they’ve always had a knack for writing. Do you think you fall into this category?

I’ve always liked to write. Not sure if I ever felt that I was great at it, but I’ve always loved dialog. So, even back in my really awful 7^th grade short stories starring my friends, the dialog was totally believable! The Pillsbury Dough Boy… not so much.

2. Do you throw yourself into your writing first, or do you have to think a lot through before hand?

Um… I don’t usually think. I just write until my fingers are numb and my husband has to have an intervention to make sure I eat. But really, I love to fast draft, then I usually go back when I’m done to add the layers.

3. I read in an interview at /- La Femme Readers -/, that you had a vision of ninja cheerleaders. Does this mean the girls in the SOS literally kick butt, or is that against the rules?

Well, the girls in The Naughty List are there for investigative purposes only. But… it wouldn’t be right if there weren’t at least one catfight, right?

4. Speaking of the rules, could we go into a little more detail on them. Or is that one of the things that could possibly spoil our future reading pleasure?

In the book there is the SOS Charter, but there are definitely rules to spying on cheating boyfriends. For example, never be spotted at the scene of the cheat. Or better yet, never hookup with a suspect!

5. Just to clarify, the Society of Smitten Kittens, only consist of females? If so, what happens if one of them cheats? Is their punishment similar to what their male counterparts receive?

SOS doesn’t exact justice but only confirms suspected cheaters. The society is made of the cheer squad, which unfortunately doesn’t have any male members. But now you’ve given me a great idea…

6. Please tell us five things you love about your job. And one you really detest.

Things I love:

1. I work in my pajamas.

2. I can work from anywhere, as long as I have my laptop.

3. When I write a story I live in that world. And sometimes, it’s a really fun place to be.

4. I meet some really cool and creative people.

5. I get to write for teens—and that’s pretty dang awesome.

Things I don’t love:

Having patience, because the publishing world? Not exactly fast-paced.

7. How do you feel about people snooping?

Personally? Sheesh… I’m not sure I should answer it either way! If I say I understand because I myself have been guilty of it, people might start looking for all my ex-boyfriends and ask them about me. And if I say I think it’s horrible and insecure, I’d be dissing my cheerleaders. So… I’ll say, “Trust your gut.”

8. Recently, I’ve noticed that some authors make playlists during the process of writing their books. What did you do to help stimulate those creative juices?

I sometimes make playlists. I haven’t really done any lately, but that’s because my children are home and their yelling is enough music for my ears. Kidding. I actually love to check into a hotel for two days when I’m about halfway through a book to clear my head and work in private. I get huge chunks of writing done in that time.

Thanks so much for this interview! These were great questions!

Suz

First Interview will be with Suzanne Young

I first heard about Suzanne Young at /- La Femme Readers-/. Her first novel in The Naught List Series, The Naughty List, seems to be much more different than what I've been hearing of and digesting recently. That's my own fault, because I read pretty much the same things all the time. I need to branch out.

What I've been waiting for for the past six months, beside Catching Fire, is a good, fun read. I want to read something that excites me. It's not that I haven't been excited, though that isn't saying much. Practically every time I come across a book that's new to me and has an awesome cover or intriguing synopsis, I get excited.

I'm not a huge fan of The Naughty List's cover, but I'm willing to believe that it is not a reflection of the content of the story. I usually say the opposite. Sometimes I feel that publishers, or whoever is responsible for the cover art, make their selections based on how good they believe the story is, or if they wish to make a quick sale. Synopsises can be very misleading. That's why I don't really trust them. They make practically every book sound amazing. Sure, the same can be said for book covers, but I'm still sticking to my theory.

If you made it this far, I promise I will not be taking the shine off of Suzanne. Hope that it all goes well.

To find out more about Suzanne and The Naughty List:

http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/
http://www.authorsnow.com/smitten-kittens-by-suzanne-young/

1st Waiting on Wednesday

Tessa Crimson: Cheerleader by Day, Spy by Night

As leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), Tessa’s mission is twofold: pep preservation and relationship salvation. That’s right, Tessa is a head cheerleader whose night job is catching cheating boyfriends in the act! Thank goodness her own relationship with Aiden is strawberry-smoothie purrfect—except for the fact that she’s been concealing her nocturnal habits for, oh, two years.

Aiden suspects something’s up, and his patience is wearing thin. But in the meantime, Tessa’s far too busy to deal with her own romantic roadblocks. The Naughty List is at maximum capacity; because so far, every single suspect on it is 100% guilty.

When sultry Chloe Ferril transfers to Washington High, things only become more catastrophic. Tessa knows this predatory vixen won’t stop hunting Aiden until her claws are planted firmly in his backside…

But Tessa’s in for an even bigger shock when Aiden’s name shows up on The Naughty List, and she’s finally forced to confront the unthinkable: is her own boyfriend just as naughty as all the rest?

This cover was very confusing at first. I’ve read that authors don’t have much say on the cover. So I can't blame Suzanne. The teens seem to be enjoying themselves. So I take it, that’s not Tessa. And the blinds are supposed to illustrate what happens behind closed doors, maybe. Then there's all that lingerie. Oh, he's definitely cheating. I really want to read this book. It's different and seems like it'll be a lot of fun. Fun is what I'm after.

By the way, be on the look out. I've booked my first interview. Suzanne, has kindly agreed to it. I hope you all come by.

Note: If my source is correct, Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Got a livejournal account today

I initially got it so I'd be able to comment on the 10ers blog. It has the potential to be my new obsession. Next thing you know, I'll have a Facebook and MySpace. What's happened to me?

Here's a little of what I posted on my profile there:

A good dreamer, that's not a very good doer. That's the best way to describe me. It's rare that I stick to commitments. I never really try at anything. Guess that makes me lazy. I'm not really trying to work on that, though. Books, Hulu, the World Wide Web, potatoes, and sweets are making me fat. On second thought, it's my inability to commit to an exercise regimen and eat right that's doing it.

What will I do next?

Random Thought

Could lie and say I've always wanted a push lawn mower. I haven't though. Boy, that's redundant.

Today I came across fancy push lawn mowers, they're called ecomowers. It's great for the environment, because they aren't expelling gas or harmful chemicals. But, there's always a but; they are pretty pricey, hence the use of fancy.

Who knew I had to pay at least $149 plus tax to get my dream. (Believe me, I've tried to find a push lawn mower. I guess only trying to get it for cheap, or better yet free, has put a stop to that.) Guess it really does pay to be GREEN. We (if we choose) pay more than the environment. It's obvious you have to have green in order to be green. Note: This deserves future consideration.

I hate it when people make everything about money. That's one of the reasons I don't have it. Most of mine is hidden (books are a great way to save) or in savings (I'm not rich, but don't buy things very often).

Let me pose a question: DO YOU THINK "BEING GREEN" IS A TREND?

Everyone wants to be so trendy these days. What are your thoughts? I'll assume if I don't get at least 5 responses to this post that no one really cares, so if you're out there I want to know. If not, I'll refrain from putting my thoughts (other than my reviews) on this blog.

Up Til the Fifth

Contest Listing for August 18th - September 5th

8/18
Ballads of Suburbia

8/19
Bookcase

8/20
Catching Fire
Furniture
Shiver

8/21
Coffeehouse Angel

8/24
Spill Your Secrets

8/25
Boy Toy

8/29
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict (Int)

8/31
Comment Contest
Eyes Like Stars
Jasmyn (Int)
Teenreads.com 2009 Survey @ 11:59PM

9/1
Darkest Power Video Contest(s)
LoveFest (Every Tues.-Midnight Sun.)

9/5
ARC of Candor
EyeLeash @ Midnight


*Open to US residents only, unless otherwise specified. Int is short for International.

In My Mail Box

My mother bought Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry for me at a garage sale Saturday. I've also been blessed enough to win two contests within a few days of one another. The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer, from All About {n} and Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead from Literary Livewire.



Next week I'll try to put summaries. It's starting to look like I don't care.

In Mail Box was started by The Story Siren.

Do you want a published author to read your work?

Mandy Hubbard, the author of Prada and Prejudice, is giving someone that opportunity.

This is one of those times when I wish I had the self discipline to write something. Having all these ideas is useless, if I'm not applying myself. Might make this into a NaNoWriMo, without the month. You only need three chapers (up to 30 pages), plus a synopsis and query letter. Well, guess I should attempt to do this. It'll be good practice.


Get all the details you need at Mandy Hubbard's site.

Gothic Film Club

Just found out about it today. The original post can be found at Write for a Reader


Yesterday, Aug 1st, as many of you know, was the actual release date for Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters. The reviews for her book have been glowing, so if you haven't read it, I suggest that you do. I will be posting my review this week.

Michelle has graciously offered up some fabulous prizes for my readers, in connection with a contest that I will be hosting here for the entire month of August. Entrants need to watch one movie a week and then blog about it (a movie review) with a link back to my blog as well as Michelle's. You have to mention Prophecy and post the cover in order to be eligible.

Each Monday in August, I will post Movie Monday, where you'll put your links in the comments. Then, the following Sunday, I will choose one winner, randomly, from all the entries. The winner will receive a signed hardcover of Prophecy of the Sisters as well as miscellaneous Prophecy swag to include a magnet, a signed mini-poster, etc. At the end of the month I will choose a winner from each person who entered during the month (you will receive one entry per week that you participate, for a total of 4 entries if you participate each week) and the Grand Prize winner will receive a Gothic Swag Bag - gift cards, jewlery, movies, etc.

The list of movies to choose from are as follows:

Interview with a Vampire*
The Others*
Wuthering Heights
Rebecca
Rear Window
Dial M for Murder
The Village*
The Orphanage
An American Haunting
Sleepy Hollow*
The Skeleton Key
The Haunting
The Changeling *
30 Days of Night
The Talented Mr. Ripley*
Van Helsing*
The Crow*
Edward Scissorhands*

I am announcing the contest today, and will have a post up tomorrow where you can link to your movie review posts throughout the week. You can start watching movies tonight and start posting as early as tomorrow. Remember, all posts must be up and linked by the following Saturday each week so that a winnner can be drawn on Sunday to be posted on Monday with the new week's Movie Monday post.

Today, you can comment about your desire to participate, which movies you will watch and review, etc. Don't worry about choosing the same movie as someone else, multiple reviews for the same movie are welcome! So, who's going goth, as in goth movies?


*These are movies I've seen and wouldn't mind watching again for this challenge. I was thinking about watching Sleepy Hollow anyways, so I could review it on my movie blog.

Have You Read Uglies? More book freebies

Simon & Schuster are offering, for a limited time, a free download of the first book in the Uglies Series, by Scott Westerfeld.

I haven't read this series yet. That's why I am going to download a copy, so I can get to it later.

Do you want to know more about Cabel, one of the main protagonists in The Dream Catcher series? While you're there get a copy of his story.

Free book downloads:

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Cabel's Story by Lisa McMann
My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent - Must read for anyone considering reading My Soul to Take.

Anyone a fan of Manga?

I have only purchased a few in my life. Want to win 10 for free?

Before today, I'd never heard of Spectrum Nexus. Turns out they have monthly giveaways, and also a picture of my friend, the turnip-headed scarecrow from one of my all time favorite books and animated films, Howl's Moving Castle.

I really hope I win. If not, it would be great if one of you guys did.

Here's the link: 10 Free Manga-Ends September 4, 2009

It would be awesome if they have that "Buy 3 Get the 4th Free" deal going, because that would be like 3 extra books.

Note: You may or may not already be doing this. Can't remember where I got this from. It was either Sweeties Sweeps or About.com Contests. It's best to have an email account set up exclusively for contests/giveaways. I've been doing this for a few days and it seems to be working. I no longer have to search through a messy Inbox. Now I need to tackle reading/deleting old messages.

Grand Book Giveaway

Cute Little Cindy, is having an awesome 15 book giveaway (technically more). I love books so much, obviously. That is why I might break some of my rules.

Now Cindy has this grand contest going on and one winner will be receiving the following:

1. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC
2. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC
3. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC
5. Troy High by Shana Norris ARC
6. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC
7. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC
8. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
9. Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)
10. a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)
11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)
12. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
13. Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC
14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS. It will be shipped to on or around Sept 1st (whenever they ship it)
AND a book of your choice (under $15.00 please and it can be a preorder as long as it comes out in September-so many good books get released)

Isn't that awesome. No question really. Enter to win this great prize.

First Line

The moment the door opened I knew an ass-kicking was inevitable. Whether I'd be giving it or receiving it was still a bit of a mystery.

Technically, this first edition of First Line includes 2 sentences. They are both so good, I couldn't resist.



These lines came from Stray, the first book in The Shifters series, by Rachel Vincent.

I have a lot of high hopes for this series. Something about this author makes me think this will be a great read.

What do you think about the cover art? Have you read this series?

So Not Book Related...

certainly isn't for charity either. That mostly depends on the way you look at it.

It's been years since I've ridden a bike. Some lovely ladies and/or gents have made it possible for me and you to win one. If the prize is anything like the one shown, there is a nice place to put a few books.

In both of my towns the library isn't that far from where I stay. Plus, riding a bike is good for your body, which means it's good for your mind, and the environment. There, I made this post about books and the environment.

Can't fight the reasoning. Go ahead and win yourself a bike aka book chauffeur, that's environment friendly.

WILW

Sometimes it's best just to let things go.

Most people claim they don't hold grudges. Now maybe this may only apply to me, but you are usually one of the main people holding a grudge. When you finally vocalize how you feel about a matter it shouldn't pop up ten weeks later.

Let things go. You'll be a whole lot less stressed. And maybe next Wednesday, I'll know it's Wednesday, instead of trying to convince my mom it's not.


Believe what I learned Wednesday was started by Anneoncollege.

Change it up a bit

At this point, I mostly review YA. I like more than that. Let's regress back to picture books. I've decided that since I really love children's books, that I'll include them every once in a while.


The Magic Nesting Doll
by Jacqueline K. Ogburn
Illustrated by Laurel Long

This book was one of the most beautifully illustrated books I have seen ever. The oil paintings are so beautiful. Man, I wish I could paint half that good. This is sad, what I'm about to say next. The story was good too, but the paintings: exquisite.

Now let me praise the words. Like most fairy tales, you have a fairly good idea about what will happen. To me this was a Snow White in reverse. Instead of the wicked stepmother envying a young maiden for her beauty; there's a young Tsarevitch whose uncle envies him for his power. You can figure out the rest.

Katya lives most of her life with her grandmother. Before her grandmother passes she leaves Katya with one final gift, a little matryoshka, nesting doll, with the ability to help her three times. Naturally she leaves. She learns from an innkeeper about a curse that the Tsarevitch had been placed under causing him to be living ice and resulting in winter without thaw, night without moon, and dark without dawn. Katya makes out in her mind that she can break the spell. While setting out to do this she encounters some obstacles, but doesn't quit.

A snippet of one of the books pictures.

Note: If I ever write a children's book, I want Laurel Long to paint it.

Wings

Wings
by Aprilynne Pike


The cover is so beautiful. It fits perfectly with the story. When I initially picked up the book I didn't really know what to expect. I try to avoid reviews unless absolutely necessary. (It's so easy for others' thoughts of something to pollute mine.) That's why I have only read one review of Wings.


Stephenie Meyer said this is "A Remarkable Debut." I obviously don't know the definition of remarkable, because I didn't feel that way. However, it was highly entertaining. I didn't get bored at any point. This is a really good story. And Stephenie said it perfectly on the back cover: "the ingenuity of the mythology is matched only by the startling loveliness with which the story unfolds. "

Laurel is a blossoming teenager. What better way for her to grow than in public school. She is forced to attend, because her family left their land and hope to sell it soon. Laurel doesn't like it at first, then she makes friends with her first acquaintance, David.

After getting adjusted and making another friend things seem fine, great actually. Then after dealing with what at first seemed like acne she sprouts what appear to be wings. Now how is that at all possible? On a trip back to their old home with her mother, she meets a young man that just might have the answer. The only is, is knowing going to make things better, or are things just going to get a whole lot more complicated?

Final note: Wings is really fun at times. I really like all of the characters. Pike did such a good job at creating this great story. Unless you are just obsessed with fey, this book might surprise you. The only negative I have, is that Laurel seems to be selfishly giving herself emotionally to two guys. That hasn't really worked out good in my book. I like her now, but if she continues to toy with these guys emotions, I will not like her.

Along for the Ride

Along for the Ride
by Sarah Dessen

Do you remember the first time you rode a bike? The first time you felt accomplished? Like you were in control, if even for a few seconds?

That's how it was the first time I rode a bike without skinning my knee caps afterward. The rode seemed endless, because I wasn't limited to just the sidewalk in front of our house anymore. Now, I could go all the way down to corner and turn back around. It took a while for me to get there. There was the aforementioned skinned knees and other cuts and bruises, but when I finally got there, it was amazing.

Life isn't about being perfect. Everyone knows that, or at least I think they do. Perfection isn't ideal, it's a dream. Life isn't a dream. The reality is you have to take chances. If you aren't going to get on the bike and ride, you'll never know how good it can be after the fall. That's what I felt like reading my first Dessen novel.

Auden isn't necessarily in control of her life. The summer before college she decides to spend the time with her father, his wife Heidi, and their newborn. To everyone who knows her she's predictable. She never does anything that is displeasing to her family from what I could tell, until she changes her plans.

There are a lot of good secondary characters who I enjoyed a lot more than Auden. Her tone was a little irritating at times. It wasn't that she thought she was perfection, it's just she didn't know how to change, at one point. This was mostly about her learning to deal with the past. Not blaming herself so she can move on with her future.

She didn't have to be an adult child anymore. Even though technically she is nearly an adult. But does anyone ever grow up. Just because she was raised by her parents to be superior: more mature, intellectual; didn't mean she couldn't be her own person. She's learning to live her life for herself. Learning to have fun with it.

There are a lot more things going on in this novel. You'll have to read it to find out.

Quick Contest Update

Do you have a digital camera, bookstore with My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent in stock, and a desire to aquire the following books:

The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by Carrie Ryan
Fragile Eternity, by Melissa Marr

Strange Angels, by Lili St. Crow

The Awakening, by Kelly Armstrong

And maybe a few more goodies, then you should head out and take a picture of yourself with a copy of Vincents YA Debut, My Soul To Take.

(Make sure you take your picture with this book. )

Click for further details. Ends Today @ 11:59 Central.

Update: Didn't win. I'm first in line for My Soul to Take at my library though.

Received my first award and had no idea what it was

The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all...

Lizzy at Cornucopia of Reviews gave me The Zoombie Chicken Award. Which is a huge honor and shock. There are so many deserving bloggers. I have no idea who to give this honor to.

While I don't know them personally, here's my list:

1. Rocs at A Beginning, Middle, and End - I love reading your reviews, which always seem to open my eyes to some good books.
2. I Heart Monster - Has an interesting take on reviews.
3. Fantastic Book Reviews - Always something exciting going on.
4. Chick Lit Teens - One of the first and best blogs I read.
5. /- LA FEMME READERS -/ - Fun to read and keep up to date on a genre I love.

Note: This post is a little late, because I wanted to look at as many blogs as possible.

In My Mailbox (IMM)

My first one, obviously, but also an opportunity to get to know me a little better.

Just recently I discovered I'm a shopaholic. Especially when it comes to new-to-me things. It's a new obsession. An impulse I can barely control.

Must be the effect of being inside during summer.

I went to my favorite place to get books... garage sales, and found these:
Beads for the Beginner: Instructions and Project Ideas (Very flat. Doesn't specify an author; Published by Hands of the Hill)
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Whirligig by Paul Fleischman (Very short)
Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson
The Secret of Platform Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White (Can you believe I've never read it?)
Redwall by Brian Jacques (Got Mossflower a few years ago. Could Never get Redwall from my library. Now I can start the series.)
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
3 Clique Novels: The Pretty Committee Strikes Back, Dial L For Loser, It's Not Easy Being Mean by Lisi Harrison
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke (Saw the movie last year, did not realize there was a book.)
ttyl by Lauren Myracle (I don't even know what that means, and I'm a teen. Someone please tell me. I'm feeling so dumb right now.)

Don't worry. This miserly blogger didn't spend a whole lot of money. At least not on the books, anyway. A girl needs clothes. For the first time in my life, I have more tops then bottoms.

I'm donating what I don't wear anymore to the Salvation Army. Up next, tackling all these books, in addition to my already lengthy TBR and BIWR lists.

I need a really good bookcase

Been wanting and needing a bookcase for a while, but hadn't searched for one. Stumbled across a few contests to win one.

Just your Typical Book Blog, is offering a contest to win a bookcase from CSN for $80 or less. Marjolein Reviews, is also offering a giveaway for anything (possibly a bookcase) for $65 or less.

Win a bookcase - Ends on Thurs., Aug. 13th @ Midnight
Win anything $65 or less - Ends on Thurs., Aug. 20th

Can't commit

What I Learned Wednesday (WILW)

Got this from the Anne on College blog. I don't keep commitments very well. Mostly do in part to my ever changing interests and disorganization of thought and action. I may start something then leave it completely. Not the best thing, but I don't do it on everything.

I found this today. Just pretend for two minutes it's Wednesday, then you can return back to Friday. Aren't you happy it's Friday.

Procrastinating is bad. No explanation is necessary. I finally get that, a little late, but at least I know.

Drama, Drama, Drama, and nothing special

P.S. I Loathe You (Clique Novel #10)

By Lisi Harrison

As premature as it is, considering I'm practically an adult (according to my parents I am one). Even though I can hardly relate to anything Lisi ever writes about, I love this series. I really do. Unfortunately, it doesn't surprise me. I occasionally get laughs and find them to be fun reads, but where's that thing that makes you just love a book? Maybe if I was younger and had girlfriends, and Prada products, I'd get it.

There is more to drama than fights and breaking up. Apparently that's mostly what they do. It isn't anything new. Still somehow I wish Lisi would add a different layer to her storyline than just the drama. Then again, the characters wouldn't be who they are. She really needs to give us a break and add something refreshing. Once again, the preteens are fighting over boys, instead of focusing on their studies. Doing almost anything they want, because most of them are well off. Giving in to peer pressure. I have to say I'm starting to like Dylan a lot more though. A word of advice, sometimes you can't always listen to your friends *cringe* sometimes, you need the advice of your Mother or a motherly figure.

What do I expect really. I just wish the girls would grow up. Maybe I'm growing out of the series. Or maybe, she's taken it as far as it can go. I will be reading, and hopefully reviewing Alphas, her newest series soon. Maybe I'll find what I'm looking for there. If not: bye bye PC, MAC, and Lisi.

Note: I will review the rest of the series, once I read them again. Maybe if I review what I love, I will continue. I'm going to do it anyways, because I hate not knowing what happens.

Comment Contest on Bookworming in the 21st Century

I've never heard of this type of contest. It might not be that new to you all. I've only been to her blog a few times, but from what I can tell it's really nice.

Since she has to move in a little while, and has like 100 books from ALA to read, she is giving most of them away.

All you have to do is comment. There is a limit of 2 comments per post. Go to her blog to get further details. The above image are just a few of the books she may give away.

Comment Contest - Ends August 31st, 2009 @ midnight CST.

Like the Twilight Saga? Want to attend the premiere?

New hobby - Book Trailer Making?

This is going to sound silly. Before last year I didn't know that books had trailers, or at least I can't remember any before being on the World Wide Web became an addiction. If you are one of the lucky few not to have that problem, stay that way. It's awful.

A new hobby of my mine is looking at book trailers. I might even make one of my own one day.

One of the best trailers, if not the best I've seen



That might not be saying much because I've only seen like 6 0r 7. Still, I loved the trailer.

Have you seen any really good book trailers lately?

Give Up the Ghost - Not Yet

Really Good Trailer



Whoever made this has a way with words. If I had no idea what this book was about before, this trailer would have sold me on it. That's the thing though. These trailers, like reviews, get you so excited.

Megan Crewe is having this awesome contest, The Spill Your Secrets Giveaway. I just submitted my first entry not too long ago. Oh yes, you can enter more than once. The prizes are great, and I'm looking forward to reading your secrets.

Click the button on the right to head to the giveaway. Wish you all the best.

*Don't know about any restrictions just yet.

The only thing better than a good book

Cuddling up with a nice box of chocolates and a good book. Who wouldn't want to do that at least once a month. I'd understand if you have allergies or something, but for everyone else you have no excuse.

Believe it or not I've know more people who didn't like reading than dislike chocolate.

For all you chocolate lovers that reside in the United States, there's a contest for a free year of chocolate truffles. Tales of the Professional Wedding Guest (Didn't know they existed) is giving one person a year of chocolate. Which basically translates to joy. If you don't mind getting a box of chocolate truffles, the first week of every month until September of next year, you should go ahead and enter.

You're just one simple question away to possibly getting this delicious prize.

The Year of Chocolate Contest - Ends September 3, 2009 @ 11:59 EST - What would my life be without chocolate? (Answer and you might not have to find out.)

May be a little late

Lost in Books started this back in January. I recently became aware of it. It seems like a good challenge to be involved in. Unfortunately, I hardly doubt I'll make it. Not the type of attitude you should have when you go into something like this, just being realistic. The deadline to read 9 books, 6 are required and 3 of them my choice, is December 31, 2009.

Since it is a rarity that I commit to or complete anything, I have to say regardless of if I complete it or not, I'll be proud I tried.

A Colorful Reading Challenge

Bloody Jack Adventure Series - Book 4

In the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber

By L.A. Meyer

Back in the 19th century girls and young women weren't taught to fight. They were taught to be respectful, gentile, subservient, and rely on men for protection. Which is not all to different from what we occasionally get these days. Most of them where raised to be young ladies, plain and simple. If you've been following this series, you know that is one thing Jacky Faber is not. Sure, she can put on an act and act like a lady thanks to her training at the Lawson Peabody School for Young Girls, but who are we kidding. Thankfully that didn't really matter. There is no way she could charm herself out this one. Nope, not at all.

After the British government put out a price on her head for piracy she rows her way into the Boston Harbor, and proceeds to her old school. Not without a few detours at first; making amends with Amy, talking to her lawyer Mr. Pickering, finding ways to make a profit; you know, the usual. After a little while they're back at school. Everything seems good, are as good as it will be considering the fact that her archenemy Clarissa Worthington Howe is back, with a slave, none the less. All of the loathe they share towards one another soon dissipates, although not entirely, because the girls are in for the cruise of their lives. They have become captives of the slaver, Bloodhound. The only chance they have of not being sold to North African Harems is if they get some grit and fight. Let's be honest though, what can a bunch of young ladies do against brutes. Guess it's a good thing one of them isn't much of a lady.


The girls, with the exception of Amy and Jacky, ticked me off. Suppose I can understand where they where coming from, but still, they seemed so impossibly helpless. It wasn't entirely their fault, it's how they were raised. If you are a young, well-mannered snob...I mean, lady, then you will do well and good things will happen to you in life. It's a belief they are tainted with. That's why I can't say this is one of my favorites. But, I will say, that I enjoyed it, a lot.

Fade by Lisa McMann

Much more exciting than Wake. If you read my review of it's predecessor, you must know how disappointed I was.

When you first hear about the book, 'A girl who can travel into peoples' dreams.' Wow! What an original concept. Fade has to be what makes me want to continue this series. The characters are wonderful. The only exception are the predators, that McMann has Janie and Cabel hunting in this one.

As you know from the conclusion of Wake; Janie and Cabel have become a team in the fight against crime, as undercover investigators. She is taking up the position of dream catcher that was once held by her deceased mentor. Who as it turns out, still has a connection to Janie and has left her something invaluable behind. In addition to trying to catch sexual predator(s), Janie has to decide if she really wants to know what she's capable of and if knowing what's to come is something she can bare.

This book wasn't as predictable to me. The way McMann weaved the storyline, dialogue, and dream imagery together, made it difficult for me to catch the predator(s). It's like she let you know who it was, but at the same time it was such a shock. Anytime an author can surprise me, the way she did, I have to give them credit.

It was so believable what was going on at Fieldridge High. Add to that the strain on Janie's life, and it came out perfectly. Her attempts at finding a balance between work, her ability, and her relationship with Cabe made this more exciting. I felt an empathy for the characters that I don't think I've ever really felt before. Strange really. I loved it. Again, it wasn't amazing, but I quite enjoyed it.

Note: I'm still not sure if I'm using empathy right. Or if it should be sympathy. If I'm wrong please let me know.

Help Yourself

My attempts at bettering myself.

A lot of the time I look at self help books as a way to make easy money. People want to better themselves. That's no wonder they always sell so well, I guess.

Despite that fact I still enjoy them.

What is a book that has helped you? It can be a book classified in the self help genre or a book that simply made an impact.

New Discovery

I love, love, love watching movies. Almost as much as reading books, but not quite.

I've noticed I have a tendency to try to do too much. It is the second day of August, and I've failed miserably. Last month I had a huge reading list, which by the way I think I only managed to read 2 out of 9. Could give you excuses like; Confessions of a Shopaholic was so boring. The movie was really fun and good, by the way. For some reason I've decided to take Nancy Pearl's advice and read at least 50 pages. Didn't care to much for the first 50 pages, but will continue through the next.

At this point I've forgotten what that New Discovery I was going to tell you about was. Oh well, I'll try again latter. Wait, I remember. Turns out my college town has a dollar theater nearby. So, although they may be a little late, I still plan on doing more Book/Film Reviews.

Cheryl Rainfield

Dragon Speaker: The Last Dragon, isn't going to be Eragon. Whenever I read it, I will try to keep that in mind and be as unbiased as possible.

For me, if I've read something before I am a little harder on judging. So I'll try to not be closed minded and be open to the possibility that there are other good dragon tales out there.

I'm thinkin' about adding her to my to read list for next year. Her next release will be Scars spring of 2010.