It's Monday, What are you reading?

J.Kaye hosts this wonderful meme.

Click on titles for my reviews or more info on the book.

I read 3 this week, two were audiobooks.


Read this past week: (I haven't reviewed ANY of them - so bad of me)
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban (audio)
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
The Zoo with the Empty Cage by Steve Brezenoff

Currently Reading:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (audio)

Upcoming:
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
Medina Hill by Trilby Keny
When the Whistle Blows by Fran Slayton

Updates:

• So, I'm sort of throwing the poll out this week, because I actually will be giving away two packs of books for Maria V. Snyder week! One will be her Study series and the other is her Glass series with a shiny glass-like glitter ball. Alethea from Read Now Sleep Later is helping me out with this - because she loves Maria even more than I do!
• I'm slowly working on posts for my wedding weekend. Need to scan a few more pictures.
  
• I went to three signings last week - James Dashner, John Greene, and Stephanie Kuehnert. Again, I only posted about James' - I'm WAY behind. I may catch up a bit this week.. not sure!
  
• I think I'm going to skip Cinda Williams Chima's signing on Tuesday because I'm taking a mental health day and I really think I need the whole day to do stuff for the wedding.
  
• I need to go to sleep after I schedule this post - my weekend was NUTS!
  

My Rotten Life

My Rotten Life
(Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie)
by David Lubar

Nathan isn't the coolest kid in the class - not even close. In fact, he was having a pretty bad day until he decides to look into his friend's crazy uncle's experimental Hurt-Be-Gone - only it accidentally gets poured all over him. There was one fatal error in the concoction - instead of using the corpus flower, he had used the corpse flower, and now, Nathan is slowly becoming undead - a zombie.

But life as a zombie isn't half bad. He doesn't need to use his lungs any more so gym class is no sweat. He can't feel any pain so if a bully hits him, what does he care? Nathan has to decide if it's worth taking the cure or not.


I really enjoyed this book - it had enough gross-ness to appeal to boys, a funny enough plot to appeal to boys and girls, and great themes - friendship, bullying, and what's important in life or undead.

The characters were interesting and the plot kept you turning the page. I almost expected the ending, just because it seemed to work out a little too perfectly to be the end of the first book.

Overall, a fantastic read - right in time for Halloween.

5/5 Roses

Sunday Spotlight - A Bookful of Thoughts

Welcome to the Sunday Spotlight! I really do love finding new blogs. Before I started this feature, I would scour the YA Blogosphere or other sites to find new YA blogs to follow.

So, today I have another new blogger. A teen that would prefer if you call her J. Listen up to what her blog is all about. :)

Name: Justine (or J)
Nickname and/or blog name: A Bookful of Thoughts
Blog URL: http://abookfulofthoughts.blogspot.com/

Tell me a bit about yourself:

My name is Justine but I prefer to be known as J (for no reason). I’m a teen who absolutely loves to read teen (obviously) and young adult novels which contain a little bit of romance. Yes, I’m a sucker for romance novels and haven’t really expanded my reading interests, which I think isn’t good because trying something new is what I should be doing. (So feel free to recommend any books you’d like!) I borrow all books I read from the library even though there’s a bit of a pressure to finish the book before the due date. It isn’t a problem, however, since most of the books are really hard to put down and before you know it, you’re reading the ending.

Not only do I love reading, I also love to write fiction stories. They’re mostly about - you guessed it! - romance. I love sitting on the porch when it rains to watch the raindrops pour onto the concrete, which is...odd. My dream is to travel the world and see its fascinating places. Disney movies are love! And lastly, I’m a hopeless romantic...if you didn’t know that already.

When and why did you start your blog?

Before 'A Bookful of Thoughts', I had a blog called 'Endless Books' (since the end of July), which was hosted by Livejournal, but then I thought of how easier it would be if it was to be hosted by Blogspot (plus, Livejournal doesn't support javascript and so on). So I had to go through all these changes that required organizing my posts. It was a lot of work...but it was worth it. It's much more fun here on Blogspot!

Anyway, to answer the 'why' part of the question...When I search for books to read, I go around many book blogs to see which recommended ones I would want to read. After months of doing that and suggesting books that I love to my friends, I suddenly became inspired. I figured that if you love reading and talking about books, why not combine them together and create a book blog? Thus, a book blog of my own was born.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

'A Bookful of Thoughts' is about my thoughts on the books I’ve read. Some books I review properly and the rest...well, I kind of squeal about them due to my excitement. Anyway, my blog is very new and there aren’t any new features just yet, but I am still working on that. I do, however, participate in those popular weekly features such as ‘Teaser Tuesdays’, ‘In My Mailbox’ and ‘Waiting on Wednesday’, which I think are marvellous ideas!

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

To be quite honest, I have a ton of current favorite books. One of them is The Book of Luke by Jenny O'Connell, which I really, really loved. And my only favourite genre is...romance.

How do you find out about the books you read?

As I mentioned before, I come across books that seem to capture my interest in book blogs, of course! I wouldn’t know where else to go, really.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

If you’re thinking about starting one, just make sure you have the time to read and blog so that you can update every other day. It’s a really good idea to keep your blog active so that people won’t disappear on you. And the most important of all, have fun while blogging! I know this is the usual advice, but it's true! Don’t think of it as work that you absolutely must do. Think of it as an exciting hobby! That’ll keep you going.

You know what's coming next. Check out her blog and let her know here or there what you thought of it! :) Comments always make people happy!

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at bittahsweetharmony@yahoo.com.

Saturday Spotlight - Miss Danaidae

Today, I will introduce you to an awesome person who frequently is commenting on my blog and leaving me lovely messages that light up my day. Her blog is equally as awesome. :)

Name: Jazz
Nickname and/or blog name: Miss Danaidae
Blog URL: http://missdanaidae.blogspot.com


Tell me a bit about yourself.
I'm an aspiring writer who loves to read as much as I love to write. I'm a junior in college studying English Fiction Writing with a specialization in Children's Literature. When I'm not reading or blogging, I'm running around Pittsburgh finding adventure.

I call myself Miss Danaidae because I am obsessed with butterflies, and the Danaidae family includes my favorite butterfly, the gold monarch.


When and why did you start your blog?
I created my blog in June during the YA Book Carnival. I decided to start blogging because I wanted a place to talk about things that are fun and important to me in the world of literature. I also want to make friends in this amazing book blogging community and see what other bloggers and authors have to say about the books we are all reading.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?
I read YA fantasy/sci-fi mostly so you'll see a lot of reviews from that genre, but I also read books for adults and the occasional nonfiction book as well. I've just started to post author spotlights where I talk about authors I like that I feel aren't getting good representation in the blogging world, at least from what I've seen.

As I said, I'm an aspiring writer so I will be posting some of my own fiction. This summer I'm working on the first novel, The 7 Steps to Becoming a Vampire, and will be looking for beta readers soon.

Making people laugh is very important to me so I hope I can succeed in entertaining my readers.

Do you have a review system? If you do, would you like to explain it for us?
I just finalized it. The rating changed from "bowls" of strawberries" to "wingspreads" to fit the name Danaidae.
1 wingspread = Terrible plot, terrible characters, terrible writing. Don't waste your time.
2 wingspreads = The author put some effort into this, but I don't know how anyone thought of it as publishable.
3 wingspreads = A good piece. Lots of room for improvement, though.
4 wingspreads = Wonderful piece! It gave me almost everything I want out of a narrative.
5 wingspreads = Perfect. Rich in writing style and themes.

I also give .5s to works that fall between two ratings.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

If you want to start a blog, make sure you have something to say other than "I like this" or "I didn't like this." We want to know why your opinions are the way they are so we can consider them in relation to our own. Then we have lots to talk about!

Don't be afraid to give a bad review, and don't say you like something when you don't. Authors and readers alike appreciate honesty.

Have fun with your blog! Taking yourself too seriously will lead to stress and stress leads to a bunch of nouns that lead to the dark side. Don't worry about updating constantly. It is good to update often, but content is more important than frequency.

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?
Fantasy is my all time favorite genre! Fantasy/sci-fi stories tell us about impossible situations with themes that parallel our world's social problems.

I love vampires (scary ones, not the sparkly kind) and werewolves. But if I had my choice I would certainly become a Dracula over a werewolf.

I'm also into history, philosophy, fairy tales (traditional, retellings, and modern originals), and anything that has something to say about humanity.


Can you see why I love her blog? Well go and look closer if you're not convinced by the interview.. and leave a comment while you're there! :)

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at bittahsweetharmony@yahoo.com.

IMM Vlog (9)

In My Mailbox is hosted by the wonderful Kristi over at The Story Siren.





People mentioned:
Erica from The Book Cellar
The Shady Glade
Mariah at A Reader's Adventure (forgot to mention in blog, but won Patterson contest from her!)

Books for Review:
Fallen by Lauren Kate

Books given:
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
The Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Books won:
The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
School's Out-Forever by James Patterson
Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson
The Final Warning by James Patterson
Max by James Patterson
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson
Daniel X: Watch the Skies by James Patterson
Maximum Ride 1 by James Patterson and Narae Lee
Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block
White is for Magic by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Karma Club by D.J. Milky

Books Mooched:
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison
A Glory of Unicorns by Bruce Coville
The Naming by Alison Croggon
Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan
Selina Penaluna by Jan Page

Books Bought:
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
Pagan's Crusade by Catherine Jinks
Magic's Child by Justine Larbalestier
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Leviathan
Evermore by Alyson Noel

Giving up on Hero-Type

Hero-Type

by Barry Lyga

From the author's website:

Maybe it's courage, the kind Kevin Ross (Kross to his friends) showed when he saved Leah Muldoon's life.

Maybe it's living with your own guilt so someone else doesn't have to...

Maybe it's the way Kross was in the right place at the right time...

Or the way he wouldn't back down when everything that mattered to him was called into question.

Maybe it's keeping your friends close--like the Council of Fools, a motley collection of goofballs and whacked-out teenage jesters--even when they don't really understand you.

Or maybe it's striving to do the right thing...

Or figure out what the right thing is in the first place.

Maybe it's trying to figure out how to live with a father who barely speaks, a father who guards a dark secret from his past.

Maybe it's all of this.

Or none of this.

Kross saved someone's life. Maybe that's enough to make him a hero, regardless of his own terrible secret.

Then again...

Maybe not.

Review:

Okay, I am going to try my best to be fair with this book. Try is the key word in that sentence. You know how you come on my blog and sort of expect happy 5 rose rate reviews? Well, here you go, I am human - I'm giving this book 1/5 roses.

What drove me to turn this audiobook off half-way through it? (I am the type that usually plugs through a book at this point...)

I'm going to list them because it makes me feel better.

1. Main character is a hero because he is a stalker. And I really just would have been satisfied if he had admitted that very frankly. But no, he has to beat around the bush.

2. Point of View - I'm sorry, when you have a completely dull pimpled teenage boy who is a stalker and constantly talks down to himself in his head... I just can't handle that.

3. The only interesting parts were left out. Like, why was his dad discharged from the army? Just leaves you hanging and not in the way that keeps you reading to find out. No, the information just seems drop out. The main character finds out, but you don't.

4. The distraction plot. I felt like there was this weird separation between Kevin's obsession with videotaping Leah and his newer obsession with freedom of speech - started to impress Leah and then turning into a monster of its own.

5. The lack of positive female characters. Leah is an object, not a young woman in Kevin's mind. Flip's girlfriend is only around because Flip likes having sex with her. She has some better qualities but Kevin thinks of her as Flip's girlfriend, not as a person. Kevin's mom divorces Kevin's dad, loses weight, becomes a lesbian and forces Kevin to choose who he should live with - his dad or his mom and little brother. Kevin chooses his dad - and his mother and brother move states away to California. She doesn't call him unless he calls first.


Any redeeming qualities?
Not for me, but I can see guys getting into this book. As a girl it just didn't appeal and I often yelled at the CD player in the car for Kevin to admit his stalker-ness. To quote me "You're a stalker, repeat after me - STALKER". But no, there can be cursing, drugs and references to sex but he can't bloody call himself a stalker - he's just "a bad person". Lame.

I think it's also Lyga's style that I just can't get into. I could barely get through Fanboy and Gothgirl by him - and I could relate to some of the issues in that book.

So, sorry Barry, but I had to give up on this one or I might have damaged library materials pushing through the last 4 discs.

1/5 Roses

The Maze Runner + Author signing!

The Maze Runner
by James Dashner

Thomas wakes up in a community of boys - called the Glade. He has no memories of who he is besides his name and any real memories. The things around him seem familiar, but he's not sure why.

What he does find out though is that their community is surrounded by a maze. One which the boys have been trying to crack for two years. And not only that but there are creatures called Grievers out there - one of the reasons the doors to the maze close at night. If one of these creatures pricks you with a needle, you become different and can only survive with the supply of antidote. Only it doesn't completely cure the boys - it makes them change and remember a bit of their past lives.

Thomas is still trying to figure out why he feels a need to become one of the maze runners - a job not often given to newbies, when something strange happens. The day after he arrives, another person is on the way and when the contraption carrying that person opens, it's a girl. A girl he recognizes.

The girl brings a message to all of the boys - she is the last one to be sent to help them and things are about to change. And then she goes into a comatose state. Will the Maze be solved in time or will something horrible happen to keep the boys from discovering the real purpose behind it?

I just ate this novel up. I couldn't put it down. I actually had to go online and make sure it was a series when I finished.

Why did I love it? The suspense, the not knowing everything up front, the mystery behind where the Maze came from and what it's purpose is. The reader is thrown into the world just like Thomas is - except the reader will probably panic more than Thomas does. He seems unreasonably calm, even when meeting his first Griever. There's something more to Thomas and some of the boys begin to mistrust him while others make him their champion.

This book ended with a billion questions in my head and a want, no - a need - to learn more behind the world in which these characters come from. The purpose behind the Maze is only slightly revealed, with some seriously huge gaps in backstory that absolutely make you need the next book in the series.

I loved this book so much, I may have to beg an ARC from Random House in May. I never ask, but I may have to for this one.

This book deserves a fabulous 5/5 Roses


Author signing!

So, Monday evening I went to small little indie bookstore called The Magic Tree House Book Store to see James Dashner. I hit some yucky traffic and parked too far down the street, so I was about 20 or so minutes late. I come in and there's James Dashner and 3 other people. I learn that two of them are the booksellers and one is his media guide.

Well, call me selfish, but it was really freakin' awesome to just chat with James and the booksellers and even his media guide had some great questions and comments. I like that intimate feeling where you're not just hunting for questions to ask to participate but being asked questions yourself.

They got me talking about book blogging and the effect of author's having an online blog and being on twitter. It was a ton of fun. One great thing that I learned from James is that he most likely, when the trilogy is published, start working on a prequel to answer even more of the backstory. I think that would be absolutely fantastic!

We talked about giving books a soundtrack to read to versus one that an author wrote a book to and tons of other things. As the night was closing and my eyes were going all bloodshot from the contest... I had him sign my books - an ARC (giveaway soon!), a finished copy, and then his first book in the 13th Reality series - which he told me is being taken on by.. umm... I can't remember which BIG publisher - but they're being republished in paperback and really pushed this time around. I still have to read that series, but I will get to it!

So, I had a great time. Got a hug at the end from James for coming - he really is AMAZING, but I did forget to take a picture. We were just talking so much that it slipped my mind.

Anyways. . . Check out James' blog The Dashner Dude and the Maze Runner website which has this hard but addictive Maze Runner game on it. Also, you can chat with James on twitter @jamesdashner.

Link a Contest Thursday!

So... it's that time again.. where you link your contest to promote it and so others can enter!

Sorry for being a little late this week! I usually post this for 12:01 AM CST.

Rules (or at least STRONG suggestions):
1. Name the item being given away (instead of the blog name)
2. Give the end date in () after the name
3. Make sure to link DIRECTLY to that contest post - if you don't know how to do this - just click on the title of the contest blog and it will give a direct URL you can use.
4. If you want to post a contest you've found, make sure it isn't already posted.

Thanks!

And please steal this! Not all my followers will be following your blog, so if you spread the contest love with a Mr. Linky, all the better for contest-loving-bloggers!

Waiting on Wednesday - The Poison Eaters

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Poison Eaters and other stories
by Holly Black
Release Date: February 1, 2010

In her debut collection, New York Times best-selling author Holly Black returns to the world of Tithe in two darkly exquisite new tales. Then Black takes readers on a tour of a faerie market and introduces a girl poisonous to the touch and another who challenges the devil to a competitive eating match. These stories have been published in anthologies such as 21 Proms, The Faery Reel, and The Restless Dead, and have been reprinted in many “Best of” anthologies. The Poison Eaters is Holly Black’s much-anticipated first collection of stories, and her ability to stare into the void—and to find humanity and humor there—will speak to young adult and adult readers alike.


Oh Holly Black, how I love your books.

It's Monday, What are you reading?

J.Kaye hosts this wonderful meme.

Click on titles for my reviews or more info on the book.

Okay, so I did better this week! 6 books, 3 are reviewed! (The other three I'm working on, promise!)


Read this past week:
Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
Hero-Type by Barry Lyga (review to come)
The Maze Runner by James Dashner (review to come)
My Rotten Life by David Lubar (review to come)

Currently Reading:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban (audio)

Upcoming:
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
Medina Hill by Trilby Keny
When the Whistle Blows by Fran Slayton
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

News:

• The countdown has begun! I'm getting married in 12 days! Does anyone know where I can find a counter for my blog?
• I still haven't posted about my last two author events - *cough* Yes, I'm terrible. But, today I am going to go see James Dashner. Tomorrow (Tues) I am seeing John Greene, and then Saturday I'm going to go see Stephanie Kuehnert. So maybe I'll try to catch up during this week sometime! Now that Borders has Wi-Fi - thank you Wi-Fi gods! - I may be able to blog while waiting for some of these signings.
  

Poll Results:
I asked you: What type of post should I schedule for my wedding day?
21% said: My fiance's first book review
18% said: Wedding themes in books I've read.
55% said: Some sort of backstory/picture slideshow of my fiance and me.
5% said: Just do a normal spotlight since it's a Saturday.

What I think I'm going to do is schedule three posts... One for Sat., Sun., Mon. for the top three choices. So, hopefully I'll start working on that this week!

Also, I asked: When is a good time to hold Maria V. Snyder week?
30% said: November 1-7
26% said: November 8-14
13% said: November 15-21
13% said: November 22-28
16% said: November 29-December 5

So, I'm pretty much going with the top one I think- first week in November. And that weekend after I will be in Monroe, MI to actually SEE Maria V. Snyder which will wrap up Maria V. Snyder week nicely.

I will have some sort of contest for some of her books and I WILL get them personalized for whoever wins that week. Also, I plan on rereading/reading ALL of her books. I may start the week before, but I'm going to post a review of one of her books Mon-Friday (seeing as she has 5 books). I'm going to work on a post where you guys can sign up to participate - whether it's reading one of her books, just simply borrowing a book from the library and posting about it.. or even WoWing her book that is up and coming.

Oh and I'll definitely have an interview with Maria - which I need to work on. Anyone have some good questions they want me to ask?

Another great week coming up - one where I'm trying NOT to stress out about wedding stuff. :-D

So, what are YOU reading?

Give Up the Ghost Giveaway!

Megan Crewe, author of Give Up the Ghost has offered up a signed, final copy of Give Up the Ghost for one of you guys to win. Check out Megan's awesome website here.

I just finished this book Friday and really loved it. Check out my review of Give Up the Ghost and my interview with Megan.

The Rules:
1. Open to US & Canada
2. Please include your email address with your comment(s).
3. Contest ends Sunday, October 18th at 8 pm CST
4. How to get points:

+1 for commenting
+1 for commenting on my review of Give Up the Ghost
+1 for commenting on my interview with Megan Crewe
+2 for following my blog (whether it's through google connect, email, or RSS)
+5 add my blog button to your blog's sidebar (Leave a link!)
+1 for every time you advertise this contest - You MUST leave a link!

Please try to include everything you do in one comment, including your email address. Thanks!

Author Interview: Megan Crewe

Megan was awesome enough to answer a few questions for me after I read her amazing book Give Up the Ghost. Read my review if you haven't already.


Would you mind sharing a little bit about yourself and how you became a writer?
I've always loved stories. My parents are both avid readers and read to me every night, and I couldn't wait to be able to read books to myself, too. I started making up my own stories when I was very young as well. Some of them I wrote down, and some of them I acted out with my toys (my plastic animal figures used to have epic battles between the carnivores and the herbivores). For a while it was just something I did for fun. But as I got older and started seeing how much friends and teachers enjoyed my stories, I began to think maybe I could do this thing I loved as a career, too. I wrote my first novel (and a number of others) and started sending out short stories to magazines when I was in my teens. I didn't have a lot of success then, but I kept at it, and, well, here I am today!

What inspired you to write Give up the Ghost?
I had this idea of a girl hanging out with her ghostly sister, and feeling totally at ease with it, and I wanted to explore that. I hadn't seen a character who liked being able to see ghosts before. Why would she prefer the company of the dead over that of the living? What might come of her friendship with ghosts? How might she re-connect with living people? With so many interesting questions to figure out the answers to, I just had to write a book about her!

What made you decide to write a young adult novel or, rather, have a young adult as your protagonist?
All of my novels have had teen protagonists. When I was in my teens, I felt that I didn't know enough about being an adult to write one's story convincingly. But as I got into my twenties, I found I still liked writing about teenaged characters. So much goes on in the teen years--you're figuring out who you are and who you want to be, defining yourself apart from your parents, re-evaluating ideas and people you took for granted as a kid--and I love writing about characters going through all of that. It's so intense.

Have you ever encountered anything ghostly yourself?
There was one time I thought maybe my cat had seen a ghost. He was in my bedroom, and all of a sudden he freaked out and scratched me and ran out of the room. And then he spent the next hour at a distance, staring at my bed. He refused to go under the bed ever again after that, even though that had previously been one of his favorite places to hide. So there was definitely something going on that was beyond my abilities of perception!

What do you need with you when you're sitting down to write?
My laptop (which has no internet connection--on my desktop computer I'm easily distracted) and the index card with the outline of the scene I'm currently writing. That's about it!

What are you working on currently writing-wise?
I've got a few different projects at different stages--all of them YA, and all of them some sort of speculative fiction (paranormal, fantasy).

Thank you again Megan for taking some time to answer my questions!

Give Up the Ghost

Give Up the Ghost
by Megan Crewe

Cass is different than other teens her age. She can see and talk to ghosts. After her sister dies during her prom night, she shows up in her own bedroom crying. Only, Cass can see right through her sister to the bed. Her sister sticks around and Cass learns that she can talk to other ghosts.

Since her best friend ditched her in middle school and turned the whole school against her, Cass has been itching for revenge. So she asks the ghosts she befriends to find dirt on any and all of the students at her high school. She wants to expose the popular kids for who they really are. But one of the popular crowd - the V.P. of the student body hunts her down, knowing her secret and asking her help to talk to his dead mother's ghost.

Will Cass be able to keep going on simply having ghosts for friends or will she find herself sucked into becoming friend with Tim.. or even worse.. liking him?

I really could relate to Cass. I wasn't a complete outcast in high school but it would've been so nice to see some of the mean popular kids in school taken down a notch. I think most teens can also relate to having a friend double-cross them or push them out of a circle of friends. Cass was realistic, an average teenager with some supernatural problems.

I also enjoyed drama between the different ghosts, which broke up the story nicely so the reader wasn't constantly thinking about Tim and Cass's relationship or lack thereof.

5/5 Roses

Awards - a ton of them!

So, I've decided that I need to accept any awards I get with my Monday posts. Because I procrastinate and then this happens: I have 16 bloody awards! Which is cool, but takes hours to post up!

So let's get this party started. I've broken it down between the awards I've gotten already but really want to thank those who've nominated me - and then NEW awards! Which means more noms! :-D Enjoy!

Awards I've gotten before, but still wish to thank people for:

Your Blog Rocks Award

Thank you to Page Turners for this award!

The Lemonade Award

The Lemonade Award is for blogs that show Attitude and/or Gratitude.

Thank you Misty from Book Rat for this award!

Let's Be Friends Award


The Let's Be Friends award is awarded to those who are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers.

Thank you to Casey from A Passion for Books AND Nicole from WORD for Teens!

Zombie Chicken Award

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.

Thank you to vvb32 reads, Jenn-ay from My Tea Time is Book Time, and Rhiannon Hart!

The Humane Award

This award is to honor certain bloggers that are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn't for them, my site would just be an ordinary book review blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a daily basis. This award is to thank them for their growing friendships through the blog world.

Thanks to WilowRaven from Red House Books!

Friendship Bear (or Me-To-You) Award

Thank you Bookworm Nation!

Kreativ Blogger Award

Thank you Tynga from Tynga's Urban Fantasy Reviews!

"B-I-N-G-O" BEAUTIFUL BLOG AWARD

Thank you to Miss Eliza from Strange and Random Happenstance!

This award was started by Bookin With BINGO and here are the rules:
This "B-I-N-G-O" BEAUTIFUL BLOG AWARD means that this blog is...

B: Beautiful
I: Informative
N: Neighborly
G: Gorgeous
O: Outstanding

New Awards:

Dangerous to TBR Lists Award

First off, Rebecca from Lost in Books created this award when people were posting their huge TBR piles for BBAW. This is what she said:

I thought I would start off by giving away a special award I made to all of those blogs who inspire me the most and who contribute the most to my ever-growing TBR List! Whoa, it's huge.

And well, here's my TBR pile if you haven't seen it yet!

And I can only truly pass this one to one person:

Kristi at The Story Siren - because every time I go on her blog something gets added to my TBR list.

Top Commenters Award

This award honors my blogs top commenters, thank you for being a loyal follower and showing me love on a daily basis. You all make my blog exciting and fun, I look forward to reading all of your thoughts and opinions. Without you my blog would just be ordinary, you all help me spice it up and I am thrilled to be part of book blogging.

Thank you to Eleni at La Femme Readers!

My top ten commentators are:
Emma (73)
katie (71)
WilowRaven (62)
Sheere (62)
Casey (58)
WordVore Prod (52)
April (51)
Tynga (41)
~The Book Pixie (36)
Llehn (31)


Blog Addict Award

Thank you to Misty from The Book Rat!

And here are my nominees for the blogs my own wants to grow up to be:
Read Now Sleep Later
Wordsmithonia
The Neverending Shelf
The Shady Glade


Proximade Award

Being a recipient of this award affirms that this blog invests and believes in the Proximity - nearness in space, time and relationships. This blog receives this great award as a further way to reiterate that it is exceedingly charming, and aims to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!

Thank you to Ryan from Wordsmithonia!

My Nominees:
A Passion for Books
Book Dragon's Lair
booktumbling
Feed Your Imagination
Miss Danaidae


The Splash Award

Thank you to The First Novels Club and Page Turners!

The Splash Award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs.

Rules:
- Put the logo on your blog/post
- Nominate & link up to 9 blogs that you pick for this award
- Let them know that they have been splashed
- Remember to link back to the person who nominated you

You've been Splashed!

• What Bri Reads
• My Tea Time is Book Time
• That's a Novel Idea
• YA Book Queen
• Red House Books

Blogosphere Award

Thank you to Casey from A Passion for Books!

Rules for this one are also very simple, just have to pass it along to other fellow blogger because we love them *winks*

Nominees:
The Book Pixie
The Book Butterfly
Booking Through 365
Read Now Sleep Later
Good Books & Good Wine
Strange & Random Happenstance

THE SUPERIOR SCRIBBLER AWARD

Thank you Tynga from Tynga's Urban Fantasy Reviews!

Here are the rules for this award:

1. Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.

2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.

3. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.

4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!

5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

My Nominees:
Read Now Sleep Later
Good Books & Good Wine
Strange & Random Happenstance
WORD for Teens
Wrighty's Reads

Spread the Love Around Award

Thank you to Teens Read and Write for this award!

My nominees:
The Here, The Now, and The Books
Wrighty's Reads
What Book is That?
Crystal Reviews
Debbie's World of Books

Whew... I know what you're thinking.. is she DONE yet? Yep! That's it! Thank you again to everyone who nominated me for an award!

Sunday Spotlight - My Tea Time is Book Time

Welcome to the Sunday Spotlight! This is a fun gal I know from goodreads whose blog you should definitely take a close look at. I'm positive you'll find something you'll like.

Name: Jennifer
Nickname: Jennay
Blog URL: www.myteatimeisbooktime.blogspot.com


Tell me a bit about yourself.
I’m from San Diego, CA but right now I’m in the Philippines. My mom & I tend to travel back and forth and to a few other countries in between. I’m also a student at Ashford University and I hope to get my degree in education. I golf and scrapbook and oh yeah, I LOVE to read!!!


When and why did you start your blog?
I started this blog in July 2009 just for fun. I did it basically for myself. I feel like I spend so much time reading and invest so much money in books I might as well share some of my thoughts.


What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?
Obviously my blog is all about books. I write up some reviews of the books I’ve read and I do participate in Teaser Tuesdays. I also have Wednesday Wish List (books that I want) and Friday Finds (books I bought or website that I discovered). And every month I will be featuring an author.


What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?
My favorite genre by far is Young Adult, but I’m up to read whatever is recommended to me. My favorite books are the Twilight series, The Book Thief, most books by Nicholas Sparks, My Sister’s Keeper, and a few more.


How do you find out about the books you read?
Usually I find books discussed or recommended to me on www.goodreads.com. Sometimes my 13 year old niece will recommend books and so does my aunt. Oh and the lady in charge of the golf course that I play at usually gives me a bag of books to bring home and read.


Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?
Just have fun with it. Make it something that you want to read and hopefully others will enjoy it as well.

Contest Alert!
Jennifer is currently giving away a copy of Gingerbread by Rachel Cohn. The contest will end October 30th!

Thanks Jennifer for sharing your blog with us today!

Please go and leave Jennifer a comment or at the very least, become a follower. :)

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at dragonzgoil@gmail.com.

6 hour Read-A-Thon

Hi guys!

Today I took on the task of reading for at least 6 hours. This was started by @stargirlreads on twitter whose blog is Books make great lovers!

So during the 6 hours I spent today, I:

• Finished reading The Maze Runner by James Dashner
  
• Read My Rotten Life by David Lubar
• Read about 100 pages of Ballads of Suburbiaby Stephanie Kuehnert

Look for some more reviews tomorrow (I still have to review two other books and the two I finished today!).

I am also going to try for another 6 hour marathon tomorrow. Half of it will probably be the audio of A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban while I clean and write thank-you notes.

Wish me luck and let me know if you'd like to join me tomorrow on twitter - @bookgoil .

Prophecy of the Sisters contest!

Well, since I saw Michelle twice a few weeks back, I just had to nab an extra copy of Prophecy of the Sisters for you guys.

I also have some other swag-ish goodies to go with it.

So what are you going to win in this contest:

• A signed, harcover copy of Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
• A rose pin
• Two stickers that deal with something in the book

And.. the Rules!

The Rules:
1. Open to US & Canada
2. Please include your email address with your comment(s).
3. Contest ends Saturday, October 17th at 8 pm CST
4. How to get points:

+1 for commenting
+1 for commenting on my review of Prophecy of the Sisters
+1 for commenting on my post about meeting Michelle Zink
+2 for following my blog (whether it's through google connect, email, or RSS)
+5 add my blog button to your blog's sidebar (Leave a link!)
+1 for every time you advertise this contest - You MUST leave a link!

Please let me know everything you did in one comment. Thanks!

IMM Vlog (8)

This meme is run by the marvelous Kristi over at The Story Siren.


Book Tour Books:
Invisible Touch by Kelly Parra (1 ARC Tours)
(and yes, I totally showed this one LAST week.. but I'm a dork and forgot.)

Books won:
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (prize pack)

Books mooched:
Violet & Clare by Francesca Lia Block

Books for review:
Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen
Syren by Angie Sage
Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters

What did you guys get this week?

Prophecy of the Sisters

Prophecy of the Sisters
by Michelle Zink

Lia has lost her mother and now her father. Her twin sister Alice remains cool and distant and her younger brother is disabled in a wheelchair and a solemn boy. But Lia has James, the son of one of her father's friends and her lover.

All goes awry when Lia discovers a strange marking on her wrist one morning. A marking she finds that she does not share with her twin. She finds a small book describing a prophecy - one that involves both her and Alice - but the problem is - they have different ideas on how they want the prophecy to end. They are now enemies and Lia must find a way to complete her side of the prophecy without being harmed or harming her beloved sister.

It is really hard to summarize a book that is so complex and dark. I really do believe "gothic" describes this book perfectly -with the supernatural themes and romance.

So let me break this down. I love the characters.. the struggle between the sisters of loving each other but being on opposite sides of beliefs in relation to the prophecy.. the love scenes.. and most definitely the intrigue. It took me a while to get into the mood of it, to really put myself into the picture it was creating in my head. I like a book that makes me think, that transports me to a different world in a different time.

So, I think I should go and raid Michelle's house to find the manuscript of the second book. Because... by the end of the book I really needed more. I felt so connected and enthralled that I feel I cannot wait for the next one.

So, for all of the beautiful writing, intriguing plot, and engaging characters, I must give this book 5 Roses.

5/5 Roses

Anasastia's Secret

Anastasia's Secret
by Susanne Dunlap

Anastasia is the youngest of all the grand duchesses and the one taken least serious. But when she meets a young soldier in the gardens of the palace, she finds herself learning more about life outside than any of her sisters. Her love blossoms for Sasha, the soldier - but she can tell she is viewed as a child in his eyes. And then he leaves for the front lines.

Anastasia's world starts to change. First, she is caring for the dying and wounded soldiers - trying to comfort them in their time of need. Some time later though, her parents are arrested and her entire family moved from location to location. Slowly, small freedoms are taken away from them, different factions and groups of guards looking after them. Sasha reappears and with all the love he has for Anastasia, he tries his best to help her and her family.


My love for the area and the mystery surrounding the last Tsar of Russia and his family convinced me this was a book I had to read. I fell in love with Sasha, the hard yet caring young man Anastasia herself loves. I love the character Anastasia and how aware she is of her role in the family - how she is the one to cheer others up - the forever childish little girl (even as she grows into a young woman).

The ending was so perfect for me. I liked that the author didn't say what happened on that fateful day in the story, but wrote up the historical account in a note at the end. I wished it to end differently, but you can't change history.

This is a must read if you have an obsession for historical mysteries such as the disappearance of Anastasia Romanov.

5/5 Roses

Saturday Spotlight - Park-Avenue Princess

You guys will have NO idea that this chica has only come back to blogging a few months ago. Because she's fantastic. Check her out:

Name: My mother swore she was having a boy, so I had no name for about a week! My grandmother always loved the name Amy so, that's what's on my birth certificate! (try and get my middle name out of me though...*giggle*)
Nickname and/or blog name: Park-Avenue Princess ( of Royal Reviews)
Blog URL: Park-Avenue Princess or http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/

Who is THE PRINCESS (aka Amy)?

Definitely a girlie girl to the core. She has to have her hair done, nails done and heels on (sometimes in that order). She LOVES to laugh! She keeps her books and computer near-by as "comfort tools" and is SO into fashion and shopping. Oh yes, these are a few of her favorite things ...speaking of favorite things...that song just came into my head and I added some of my own so if you sing it to that tune (like I am while typing it...see if you can fill in your own favorite things...it isn't easy) *giggle*

You know the song ... "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens bright paper packages tied up with strings ....oh yes, THESE are a few of my favorite things..." So, mine would be something like....

"New books to review on her shelves by the dozens, talking fashion and shopping with friends or her couzins... Bubblebaths, redwine and BIG Diamond Rings ... Yes, these are a few of her favorite things.

Ok...enough...I'll get serious for a moment and give you "just the facts!" I was born and raised in the smallest State in the U.S. (except for a period of time when I did live in New York and I loved it). I have a love affair with Rhode Island as well... the fact that we have four seasons is huge to me and I used to look forward to all the activities that came with each one. I say "used to" for a reason and we'll get into that in a moment. I live for the "Happy Ever After",in fact my father still calls me "Princess"! It's also the license plate on my car. NO LIE! But my hands-down favorite *ME TIME* activity is reading by far.

I am a proud mother of one son and I am a cancer survivor. I love to read, write and review. Making friends is always important to me (along with looking my best)! I enjoy reading all genres, but some of my favorites are Thrillers/Suspense/Mysteries/ Young Adult/General Fiction/and Children's titles! But, I've been known to read the cereal box in the morning so...I will read any genre! Ummm...what else? Oh, I used to be a Paralegal for a fairly large law-firm before I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 23. It's been a long road with a rare type of cancer called "Ewing Sarcoma (s)" and it's been anything but easy. I started reviewing what I was reading daily when I got sick as sort of a way to give back to the authors that were helping me get through my troubled times. It worked and kept me upbeat. I call all reading now my *comfort reading*. So, I honestly believe that we all review for different reasons, mine just happens to be personal.

When and why did you start your blog?
I started my blog as a way to vent my feelings ... be "me" and then I started looking through other blogs and seeing just how many people loved reading and reviewing as much as I did! So, I eventually switched my blog over to be a book blog! I wanted to be part of a bigger community. A place where I could voice my opinion on the books I just read and perhaps even help someone find a book that they may enjoy just as much as I did! It also was going to be a major outlet for me when I became ill again. I didn't feel so "alone" when I was blogging and talking with friends.


What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?
My blog is a bookish blog that does reviews, book tours, highlights, teasers, author interviews, question and answer sessions, guest spots, contests, giveaways and a new "get to know your bloggers" spotlight. I also have a few new things in the works! I'm trying to get my blog back to the way I wanted it to be to begin with. My illness and absence because of that kind of set me back a little bit. But I do have a ton of cool giveaways coming up. Oh...and the thing I like most about my blog is that it's basically ALL me. I love that it screams basically all that I am. I got that advice from a blogger when I first started off. To make the blog me, and I'll get followers that are similar to me, like the things I do and/or just think I'm a great blogger with an awesome blog and I never forgot that. So, it's me in all it's pinkish glory! I think that the blog gives off a MAJOR Girlie vibe (like me) and my theme is original in that I try to keep all things princess and royal from the banner down to and including my review system.

Do you have a review system? If you do, would you like to explain it for us?

My review system, which you will find on the right side of my blog, is entitled Royal Reviews and it uses a system of Crowns or Tiaras instead of say stars or hearts. They go from 5 Crowns to 1 Crown with 5 being the best and 1 the worst. They are as follows and in my own words. And may I just say that I am in NO means claiming to be a know-all, must-follow type of girl. Nope, what's on my blog is strictly MY opinion of a book and you will find you either agree with me or you don't. That simple. But back to my crowns, they are as follows: A 5 crown read is "Lives Happily Ever After on My Bookshelf", A 4 Crown read is "Magical, like a kiss from Prince Charming, 3 Crowns "Worth Asking your fairy godmother for", the 2 crown read would be "nothing to leave the castle over" and a ONE crown well that's just "A Royal Mess"!

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

Like I said above, I'm not an expert, I just know what I like and have learned along the way, so I am going to have to say. Be kind to your fellow book bloggers and help them out whenever you can. Follow blogs and show support, be yourself and no one else, don't expect everything to come all at once (that's probably one of the hardest ones) but believe me, it WILL come and it WILL be everything you want it to be but what most people don't realize until they start a blog themselves, is just how much work goes into one! Last but not least and one of the most important things you could ever do is LEAVE COMMENTS for your fellow bloggers and hopefully they will be courteous enough to do the same! I know I LOVE comments! To me, that means someone is listening and cares enough to have an opinion on what I've written. So, basically you live in the blog-o-sphere like you do in "real" life..."Do unto others..." Corny, but SO true. You never ever know what someone is going through in their everyday life and no matter how happy they seem on their blog or what you perceive them to be may not always be true. So treat everyone like they may have a problem, a personal issue, a loss or something that needs a little TLC. All I'm saying is just show a little kindness, it WILL come back to you!

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

Ooooo Yummy question, I have many favorite genres and while I'm a girlie girl and I do like Chick*Lit, it's not my favorite. My favorites have to be Thrillers, this girl LOVES to be scared! I mean ... talking to herself, covering her eyes, turning on the light, putting the book down, talking to the characters scared! So of course I like horror as well and mysteries and suspense. I've also been reading A LOT of YA titles lately. These are NOT your "Are you there God? It's Me, Margaret" young adult novels (which to this day happens to be one of my very favorite books along with all the other goodies from that generation. Like, "Forever", "Tiger-Eyes", "The Cat Ate My Gym Suit" and "Can You Sue Your Parents for Malpractice?") oh no they're not. I WISH these were around when I was a YA! I can still enjoy them now, right? And believe me, I am. Oh, and the above-mentioned Chick*Lit, I do like that genre a whole lot as well! I'm currently reading "Prada and Prejudice" and it rocks!

Amy is totally awesome, so check out her blog!

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at bittahsweetharmony@yahoo.com.