Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday (16)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase unreleased novels that we're waiting for.

What am I waiting for?

Torrent (River of Time, #3)Torrent (River of Time #3)
By Lisa T. Bergren
Published by David C. Cook, September 1, 2011 (TOMORROW!)




When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series. Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.
  

Why Am I Waiting?




I just finished reading Waterfall (River of Time #1) and I think I'm in love. I thought I "loved" previous books but no. No. I haven't read a book that dang good ever!! I am going to the bookstore and ordering the whole series even if it makes me broke! That's why I'm waiting on the conclusion - Torrent to be released on the 1st which is tomorrow because I hear the books just keep getting better... hold on Gabi and Lia, I'm coming!

What are you waiting for? Share links below :)
Thanks for reading & enjoy the day!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Making it to the TBR List (5)

Ever read a rave review? Did it make you want to run to the nearest bookstore or library? Tell us about those books that have made it to your To Be Read list. Hosted by The Bookworm is Here!


SIDE NOTE: If you want to participate - feel free! The more the merrier, just link back here :) Thanks!

My Pick This Week Is....

The Death Cure (Maze Runner, #3)The Death Cure
By James Dashner
Published by Delacorte Books, October 11, 2011
384 pages



Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test. What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says. The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Will anyone survive the Death Cure?


Why was this added to my TBR list? I loved the first two in the series (The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials <- Check out my reviews) and cannot wait till October so I can read the conclusion of the series! I hope it lives up to the past excitement and that it doesn't let down (no pressure on Mr.Dashner here, ok a little). I'm going to be sad to see this great series end but I really need to know what happens to Thomas and the gang! Do they survive the Death Cure??

Have you ever seen or read this book? Would you be interested in it? Recently what book has made it to your To-Be-Read list?
Thanks for reading....




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Monday, August 22, 2011

Review for Keeping The Moon by Sarah Dessen

Keeping the MoonKeeping The Moon

Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher:Puffin
Source: Public Library
Challenges: Library Challenge
228 pages

"Colie expects the worst when she's sent to spend the summer with her eccentric aunt Mira while her mother, queen of the television infomercial, tours Europe. Always an outcast -- first for being fat and then for being "easy" -- Colie has no friends at home and doesn't expect to find any in Colby, North Carolina. But then she lands a job at the Last Chance Cafe and meets fellow waitresses Morgan and Isabel, best friends with a loving yet volatile relationship. Wacky yet wise, Morgan and Isabel help Colie see herself in a new way and realize the potential that has been there all along." - Goodreads


This was a very inspirational book that I feel would make a difference in some peoples lives. Why the low star rating? I don't have a direct answer for that. I really did like it, and as many of you know I am a fan of Sarah Dessen, maybe it was because I enjoyed her other books better. It just didn't keep me interested enough, my favourite part of the book was the ending (not in that way!) I loved it because Sarah Dessen just knows how to end a story well. It was a great ending!

Colie, I didn't like at first. I felt bad for her and was rooting her on but I just didn't connect with her. I understood where she was coming from and wanted to be there to comfort her but I was waiting for her to step up and find that confidence that she was lacking. As the reader, you don't see that until almost the end of the book and it wasn't a huge thing. I felt proud for her though. Isabel and Morgan are two girls she meets through work (she gets a summer job waitressing) and I thought their relationsihp was alright. I liked both of them, but I didn't feel that instant connection. Morgan was really nice and Isabel well, you knew was nice somewhere deep down. I liked how they took Colie under their wings so to speak. The other character and I think the most memorable for me was Norman. Not the cat Norman in the book. The boy Norman. His personality was what really shined for me. He's an artist and had to move out because his Dad didn't support his decision to take art classes. I wish that conflict would have been touched on a bit more. Now of course there will be a love interest between Colie and him - it's a Sarah Dessen book after all! I really liked him, I thought he was super sweet! Her aunt too, Mira is her name, was really a nice touch to the story!

The plot like I said didn't keep me interested. It was pretty slow for the most part, not much happening that was exciting. Like I said before, I really really enjoyed the ending. That was a marvelous, inspirational ending there. I also have to say the messages in this book were amazing! The quotes I got from it were beautiful! Here's one:
“I don't believe in failure, because simply by saying you've failed, you've admitted you attempted. And anyone who attempts is not a failure. Those who truly fail in my eyes are the ones who never try at all. The ones who sit on the couch and whine and moan and wait for the world to change for them.”
Isn't that so true?

I would suggest this book to those who love Sarah Dessen like I do and like inspirational books! It's an enjoyable summer read!

Excerpt:

Norman squeezed my hand, and I could see, as the eclipse reached totality, how he must have been scared all those years ago, wrapped in a sleeping bag in his backyard. Because it is so hard, in any life, to believe in waht you can't fully understand.
So I looked down the line at all my friends, knowing I would always remember this. And then I turned my gaze back up to the sky, and put my faith in that moon and its return.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday (15)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase unreleased novels that we're waiting for.

What am I waiting for?

Two Truths and a Lie (The Lying Game, #3)Two Truths and A Lie
By Sara Shepard
Release Date: February 7, 2012

"Sutton Mercer watches from the afterlife as her long-lost twin, Emma Paxton, takes over her identity to solve her murder. But after ruling out her early leads, Emma still hasn’t found Sutton’s killer. A lot of people wanted her dead—but one name keeps popping up: Thayer Vega. When the gorgeous and mysterious Thayer returns to town, Emma has to move fast to figure out whether he’s back for revenge…or if he already got it." - Goodreads

 




Why am I waiting for it?

This is the third in the series, the second Never Have I Ever was released I think only a few weeks ago. The first one The Lying Game was interesting and I really want to know who killed Sutton, so I guess I'll have to eventually read this one eh? It seems good, we'll see!

What are you waiting on? Leave links :)

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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Review for The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook

The Education of Hailey Kendrick"The Education of Hailey Kendrick"

Author:Eileen Cook
Publisher:Simon Pulse
Source:Public Library
Challenges: Library Challenge
272 pages


"Hailey Kendrick always does exactly what's expected of her. She has the right friends, dates the perfect boy, gets good grades, and follows all the rules. But one night, Hailey risks everything by breaking a very big rule in a very public way...and with a very unexpected partner in crime. Hailey gets caught, but her accomplice does not, and Hailey takes the fall for both of them.  Suddenly, Hailey's perfect life--and her reputation--are blowing up in her face. Her friends are all avoiding her. Her teachers don't trust her. Her boyfriend won't even speak to her for long enough to tell her that she's been dumped. They say honesty is the best policy--but some secrets are worth keeping, no matter the cost. Or are they?" - Goodreads



Ok, picture this: You are sitting in a relatively crowded small cafe style room, and all of a sudden you burst out laughing like a maniac.... all heads turn to you like your a mental basket. (That could very well be the case but still...) This is what it was like for this book, hilariously-funny-that-you-cannot-hold-in-your laugh style. Classy eh?

Hailey is a very very likeable character. In the beginning, she's the "perfect" child in a way but soon she becomes this quirky fun girl who is hilarious. I liked the conflict with her dad, it was nice that there was something that needed to be resolved for her, and it did. Hailey fits the bill so to speak for the main character. The other characters were awesome too. Except, I don't know why (I don't think the author meant to) but I hated her best friend. It was weird. But. I found the conversations between her (ex)boyfriend and his best friend LOL. Same goes with the guy she meets through her punishment (cleaning department).  Drew. Their conversations and interactions were believable but at the same time comic. If that makes sense. You know how the description makes her boyfriend sound kind of like a jerk? Well, he's not. He just got really hurt by her 'actions' which sucked because she couldn't tell him what really happened because she didn't want to get her accomplice in trouble. Sigh. Very bad situations but so funny. Drew I found to be not swoon worthy in my opinion. He's a really nice guy, it's just that I guess I really liked her (ex)boyfriend. Conflicting feelings on this end about that topic. All the other characters played their part though.

Like I said before, this plot is a very bad situation to find yourself in but it's so hilarious. I really enjoyed this, it was light and entertaining but it had some substance to it. It left an impression on my mind. In a good way too. I fell in love with the characters and was so relieved (along with Hailey) when everything was straightened out and resolved.

A very comic, romantic, light, fast read that I would highly recommend. This book has so many beautiful quotes and inspirations too!   

Excerpt:

"Careful. Your eyes might fall out," I said.
Tristan looked away, then pulled me close to nuzzle my ear. "The girl can't hold a candle to you. She's all flash and glitter. It would be like dating a disco ball." He looked up at Joel. "You should ask her to the dance. She looks pretty grateful."
"Oh, so I can have the disco ball. Thanks, man. Your kindness knows no bounds."
"You need something a little flashy to keep your attention. You get distracted pretty easy. It's a good thing we're seniors, because you're running out of girls to date."
Joel punched Tristan in the arm, and they jostled around laughing.
"You can do better than Mandy," I said to Joel while I stuffed papers into my bag.
"I keep trying to convince you to run away with me, but you won't leave this ape," Joel said, ducking a headlock from Tristan. Joel darted across the room, hooting like a monkey. Very fourth grade.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Making it to the TBR List (4)




Ever read a rave review? Did it make you want to run to the nearest bookstore or library? Tell us about those books that make you say "Grab the car keys we're going on a trip!" Hosted by The Bookworm is Here!


SIDE NOTE: If you want to participate - feel free! The more the merrier, just link back here :) Thanks!





My Pick This Week Is...

As You WishAs You Wish
By Jackson Pearce
Published by HarperTeen, September 1, 2009
304 pages

"Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes..Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever." - Goodreads

Why was this added to my TBR list? It sounds like a cute, uplifting story that I could love. I really enjoy these types of stories with romance and a quirky setting. So, this sounds like my cup of tea. Who could resist the temptation of this book?


Have you ever seen or read this book? Would you be interested in it? Recently what book has made it to your To-Be-Read list?
Thanks for reading....
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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday (14)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase unreleased novels that we're waiting for.

What am I waiting for?

Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry, #3)Chain Reaction (Perfect Chemistry #3)
By Simone Elkeles
Release Date: August 16, 2011

"Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?" - Goodreads



Why am I waiting for it?
I loved, loved, loved the first book Perfect Chemistry... if you have not read it -> READ IT! Yup. It's that good. So, I still have yet to read the second but all three look amazing and you know what's the best part? This comes out next week! Yes!! I have heard rumors that this series is becoming movie, is this true? I would so buy it, these books are hawt!


What are you waiting on? Leave links :)
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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Review for Deadly Little Games by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Deadly Little Games (Touch, #3)Deadly Little Games (Touch #3)

Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz
Publisher:Hyperion Book CH
Source:Public Library
Challenges: Library Challenge
304 pages





"Camelia and Ben have discovered a powerful bond: They both possess the power of psychometry, the ability to sense things through touch. For Ben, the gift is a frightening liability. When he senses a strong threat or betrayal, he risks losing control and hurting people. Camelia's gift is more mysterious. When she works with clay, her hands sculpt messages her mind doesn't yet comprehend. Before either teen has a chance to fully grasp these abilities, an unresolved family tragedy resurfaces in Camelia's life, irrevocably changing everything she cares about..."- Goodreads
  
This is the third book it the Touch Series, it continues on from Deadly Little Secrets and will be followed by Deadly Little Voices. Quite the entertaining series!

I still find Camelia relatable and a good main character. She sometimes gets herself into situations which frankly I would just plainly avoid, but that's just careful 'ol me. Where is the fun in that? Camelia is reasonable though and has a very complicated life. So understandibly sometimes she messes up. To some readers, she might come off a little predictable. In a way its true. Her best friends, Wes and Kimmie are in this book alot - to my delight. I love reading about them, they lighten the mood and are awlays there for Camelia! Together they are so funny sometimes, I laugh. Adam, Camelia's sort of ex-boyfriend from the last book is the main subject of this one (translation: he's in danger). I really like him but not in get-together-with-Camelia-way; more like a he's-so-sweet-and-just-a-great-friend way. Ben is not swoon worthy but I love his character (although, the trust issue and going away thing is getting old, anyone agree?). He is such a keeper otherwise... I really want them - Camelia and Ben - to get together finally, they make such a great couple! I am also excited to see what happens to Aunt Alexia!

The plot was eh. I'm starting to see a pattern with these books. Seriously. Camelia and Ben get back together, really creepy-stalkish scenario arises, they try and solve it but it ends up wrecking the relationship, creepy scenario takes place/gets solved, Ben saves Camelia but they end up not together. That's the general idea behind these books. But, sigh, I have to admit those creepy-scenario's always get me, especially this time! When Ben saved her I was like clutching the book so hard I got a paper-cut. The climax's in these stories are great, every time I do not expect the outcome. Creepy indeed. I also liked how the author intergrated the clues they found right into the book (crossword puzzles) and the audio recordings of sessions with the person behind the creepiness. That was an interesting aspect.

I recommend this to those who have read the two before, if you are still interested in the story that is. I think I will be reading the next one just to see what happens. I really have a fancy for Ben so I kinda need to know how it ends.

Excerpt:

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 3

Doctor: So, I wanted to ask you about something that came up during our last session. What did you mean when you said that you can force someone to love you?
Patient: I mean just what I said: if you want someone badly enough, you can make them yours.

Doctor: Even if they don't want to be with you?
Patient: Sure.

Doctor: Have you ever tried?
Patient: Not yet.

Doctor: Do you plan to try?
Patient: I don't know. (Patent laughs.)

Doctor: Why is that funny?
Patient: This whole conversation's funny.
***
Doctor: Care to enlighten me?
Patient: Not really. You'll just have to wait and see, like everybody else.

Monday, August 8, 2011

In My Mailbox (8)


In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where we get to post about the books we recieve each week through publishers/authors, our own purchases, contests, and libraries!


What's in my Mailbox?








Waterfall (River of Time, #1)   The Education of Hailey Kendrick

Keeping the Moon



For Review


The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook


Keeping The Moon by Sarah Dessen


What's in your mailbox? Share links :) 
Thanks for reading...
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Saturday, August 6, 2011

Review for Extras by Scott Westerfeld

Extras (Uglies, #4)Extras (Uglies #4)

Author: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher Simon Pulse                     
Source:Public Library
Challenges: Library Challenge
417 pages

"It's a few years after rebel Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. "Tech-heads" flaunt their latest gadgets, "kickers" spread gossip and trends, and "surge monkeys" are hooked on extreme plastic surgery. And it's all monitored on a bazillion different cameras. The world is like a gigantic game of American Idol. Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules. As if being fifteen doesn't suck enough, Aya Fuse's rank of 451,369 is so low, she's a total nobody. An extra. But Aya doesn't care; she just wants to lie low with her drone, Moggle. And maybe kick a good story for herself.Then Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. Aya wants desperately to kick their story, to show everyone how intensely cool the Sly Girls are. But doing so would propel her out of extra-land and into the world of fame, celebrity...and extreme danger. A world she's not prepared for."- Goodreads

I'm so sad to say that my ride is over for the Uglies series. This was the last. Sigh. It was good though and I am glad that I decided to go for it and read the fourth. I was hesitating because I didn't really want to deviate from Tally's story but hey, the author did his job. It was a nice wrap up.

Aya I instantly liked. Maybe it's because we're the same age or cause I love her pet hovercam Moggle (awesome name right?) but I think it's her attitude. She is a very believable character in the way she acts, it doesn't feel superficial. I thought she was a sweet girl. Hiro her brother, I didn't really like him. He wasn't very nice towards her in the beginning but by the end he had that brotherly thing going on. Frizz (the romance part here) I liked but didn't love love. He was a'right, not the greatest but sweet enough to Aya. We also see Tally, Shay, Fautso, Andrew and of course David again. It was weird, for me at least because they are three years older. Tally and David are 19 verging on 20!! I know. Crazy stuff. I still liked their involvement and I enjoyed how the author portrayed them slightly different since we are seeing them through Aya's eyes. Overall, the characters weren't "brain-missing" as the book would call it but really made the story easy to read.

One thing that I found interesting was the culture switch in this book. Aya is Japanese and I found that so fun to read about. (She can speak English though). This aspect totally added to the whole picture and made it much more realistic-making. It was a very exciting book, the "big mystery" I had a hard time figuring out until it was revealed... I like that when a book can surprise me. This whole series is an excellent world to read about, I found myself so into it that I am catching onto all the "lingo" so to speak. Scott Westerfeld is quite the future-world building dude, I can't wait till hoverboards are invented!

I highly recommend this to those who have read the previous three, it is a great way to wrap up the whole story. It left me wanting more just because I was so attached to the characters but it tied up loose ends. If you haven't read this series, I suggest it. I really enjoyed them and I hope you can try them!

Excerpt:

"I think someone more famous than Nana Love just pinged me."
"But there isn't anyone who's... except..." Frizz let out a strangled sound. "You mean Tally Youngblood just pinged you?"
Aya nodded slowly. It was right there, painted in laser light on her eyeball. A ping from the world's most famous person - the girl who'd made the mind-rain fall. The name prayed to by Youngblood cults every morning, cursed by Toshi Banana as he slammed the latest mind-rain clique, repeated countless times whenever the story of the Diego War was taught to littlies....
"How could she know so fast?" Aya murmured. "Isn't she hiding in the wild somewhere?"
"The story went global two hours ago," Frizz said. "She must have friends checking the feeds for her."
"But since when does Tally Youngblood just ping people?" Saying the name made her throat dry again.
"Who cares? Open it!"
Aya twitched her finger, and the ping expanded. It was tagged by the global interface, guaranteed authentic. But as she read the message, Aya wondered if Tally's English was confusing her somehow.
"What does it say?" Frizz cried.
"It's only seven words."
"What words? 'Thanks'? 'Congradulations'? 'Hello'?"
"No, Frizz. It says, 'Run and hide. We're on our way."

Friday, August 5, 2011

Making it to the TBR List (3)




Ever read a rave review? Did it make you want to run to the nearest bookstore or library? Tell us about those books that make you say "Grab the car keys we're going on a trip!" Hosted by The Bookworm is Here!


SIDE NOTE: If you want to participate - feel free! The more the merrier, just link back here :) Thanks!




My Pick This Week Is...

The Karma ClubThe Karma Club
By Jessica Brody
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux - April 27, 2010
272 pages


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




Must see trailor:




Why was this added to my TBR list? Doesn't this look like a fun, fast, girly read? Yeah, it does to me too. And who can deny that awesome trailor? I know! Jessica Brody has the most awesome trailors for her books :) It sounds like a cute story and I love the looks of it! Just the kind of pick me up read I need right now!


Have you ever seen or read this book? Would you be interested in it? Recently what book has made it to your To-Be-Read list?
Thanks for reading....


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Thursday, August 4, 2011

Review for Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers

Fall for AnythingFall For Anything

Author: Courtney Summers
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source:Public Library
Challenge: Library Challenge
230 pages

"When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?"- Goodreads


As the reader, I could tell Courtney Summers put a lot of effort in her book, this is not something that can be thrown together. It is a gripping story of a girl named Eddie that wants one question answered in regards to her father's suicidal death; why? And she will do anything to find the answer.

I didn't quite connect with Eddie throughout the story, it wasn't because she was a flat character I just found it hard. I understand fully why she is so sad and has attitude problems but it was too much sadness for me. I felt terrible for her the whole book but sometimes I wanted to have a serious discussion with her about why she did certain things. It was so random sometimes I was like, what? What was the point? The other name mentioned in the description is Culler Evans. *Slight spoilers, highlight to read* The moment he came on the scene (as a few have said) my hackles were up. He was nice enough but I got this weird vibe from him. But Eddie, oh dear Eddie, she fell for him and the hotel scene - what was up with that?! Strange. Random. I get she is mourning and he feels the same way as her and that their both looking for answers but seriously she was way too trusting. Why not spend time with her best friend Milo? I can see why she might be attracted to this Culler Evans but frankly he was not one of the characters I liked. Then there was Milo. Eddie's best friend. I really liked his character because he cared so much for her and was trying to help her... and gosh he was just so sweet sometimes!

The plot was ok. She was trying to find the answer to why her father killed himself but well that didn't work out. That was the main focus of this story. Plus that of her family trying to recover from the loss. This book was very eye-opening, the ending was not one that I personally enjoyed. It was realistic but after all that work she went through it just didn't cut it for me.

It was a very derpressing , complicated, emotional book that I would tell people who like these books to try but for me I like happier books. Courtney Summers did an awesome job though conveying her message!

Excerpt:

My hands are dying.
I keep trying to explain it to Milo, but he just looks at me like I’m crazy.
”They don’t feel warm–they haven’t.” I squeeze the tips of my fingers as hard as I can, which hurts. “They’re not numb, though…”
”Maybe you have that… Raynaud’s disease,” he says. He takes my right hand and studies my fingers. They seem healthy pink. He shakes his head. “They’re not blue.”
”But they’re cold.”
”They feel warm to me.”
”They feel cold,” I insist.
”Okay, Eddie,” he says. “They’re cold.”
I jerk my hands from his and then I rub them together. Friction. Heat. Milo can say what he wants; they’re freezing. It’s the hottest summer Branford has seen in something like ten years, but I haven’t been able to get my hands to warm up since it happened.
I hold them up again. They don’t even look like my hands anymore. They don’t even look like anything that could belong to me, even though they’re clearly attached.
”They’re different” I tell him.
”Would you please put your hands down?” he asks. “Jesus.”
My hands have changed. I catch Milo looking at them sometimes, and I see it on his face that they’re different, no matter what he’s saying now.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday (13)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase unreleased novels that we're waiting for.

What am I waiting for?
Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls #5)
By Ally Carter
Release Date: March 20, 2012

"The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, her memory is a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and dirt under her nails. All she wants is to go home. But even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers as Cammie and her friends face their most difficult challenge yet. With only their training and a few clues to guide them, the girls go in search of answers on the other side of the world. But the Circle is hot on their trail and will stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer."- Goodreads



Why am I waiting for it?

This series is like my dirty little secret, I am hooked and this one looks like the best of them all! More action, more spy, hopefully more Zach and romance!! Eek I love them all, I have become so attached to these characters that I NEED TO READ more of them! I LOVE the Gallagher Girls books :) I happen to like the cover, it sticks with the whole theme of the previous covers and I love the black it makes it look likes she's in stealth mode (the red scarf gives her away though lol)! I hope they stick with it!

What are you waiting on? Leave links :)

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Review for The Espressologist by Kristina Springer

The EspressologistThe Espressologist

Author: Kristina Springer
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Source: Public Library
Challenges: Library Challenge
184 pages


"Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it’s not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders.
Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane’s Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She’s the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?" - Goodreads



This was an extremely fun, "frothy", and romantic debut! Though the characters are slightly undeveloped it was an interesting plot (cliche at times) that warmed my heart! It's perfect for a holiday (or not) read.

I found I really liked Jane. She has a quirky, sometimes sassy, but shyer personality. Her development throughout this story was ok, it wasn't incredible. Em is her best friend and I also really enjoyed reading about her. She is a smarty smart and sticks up for Jane (which I thought was such a sister thing to do!). They are quite the pair. Along with the quirky cast of barista's at the cafe, it makes for drama! And the hilarious boss! Now, lets talk male characters. Well, really I'll just name one. The one that was so so sweet and I loved and still love; Cam. When we are first introduced to him I was like, "yes! my type of guy!". He really is. He's got that I'm-a-good-friend thing going on but wants it to be more. Who does he end up with? You'll have to read to find out!

The plot I must admit was pretty predictible but I sitll throughly enjoyed it. The coffee drink - love match idea is quite original! And Jane is excellent at reading the drinks to match people! This is not an exciting book exactly but for some reason I really liked it. It had a certain charm to it. And I learned a lot about coffee drinks (I must try all of them - they sound so yummy)... The reader even gets a few recipes at the back of the book, hint hint. There are quite a few laughs and so many romantic moments that I can't help but announce that to me this book was a romantic comedy!

I highly recommend this book to those who like fun, light, sweet, airy, charming, happy feeling books that will just lift your spirit. It certainly did in my case! A very sweet romance and simple to read about!

Excerpt:

"I don't know," he says with a straight face. "It might be fun to learn about all your deep dark secrets."
I stare at him for a moment, not sure what to say.
"You don't really expect me to tell you my secrets, do you?" I whisper.
"Well, you'll have to give me something good to write about. I want an A." Cam grins at my worried look.
"No way!" I exclaim with a nervous laugh, relieved. "Besides, I'm going first with the questions." I tap my pen on my notebook, purse my lips, and study Cam. He's really not bad-looking at all. He's a little more rugged than the typical guys I see around the city. More like he should be hiking a trail somewhere instead of riding the El train. But he's got really nice blue eyes and he laughs a lot, which makes his face light up.
"You are taking too long to come up with a question. You're kind of scaring me."