Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #11

2010 Challenges

Here are a few that I've committed to.. although I'm thinking about joining in on three of J.Kaye's as well...

Graphic Novels Challenge 
Cybils Award Challenge
2010 Reading from My Shelf Project
2010 Debut Author Challenge
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It's Monday, What are you Reading?

J.Kaye hosts this wonderful meme.

Read this past week:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Voices in the Night (not reviewed, probably won't be on the blog)
Rare Beasts by Charles Ogden
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
The Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading by Charity Tahmaser and Darcy Vance

Currently Reading:
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
Etta: A Novel by Gerald Kolpan

Upcoming:
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
Lost Worlds by John Howe
Tourist Trap by Charles Ogden
Under Town by Charles Ogden
Pet's Revenge by Charles Ogden

Updates:

• The Birthday Bash contests end on December 30th! I can't wait to pull a ton of winners!
• Sign up for the New Year Readathon and/or Reading Into the New Year! There will be some prizes! :)
• The Holiday Break Reading Challenge is more than a week in and I'm doing great. Check out my progress! 
• I won 4th place in the blogs nominated for Top Ten Blogs of 2009. Thanks to Natalie from Mindful Musings for coming up with such a cool award!
  

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The Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading

The Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading

by Charity Tahmaseb and Darcy Vance

Bethany and Moni are best geek girl friends and when Moni's geek crush suddenly has an interest in cheerleaders,  she decides they should try out for the team. As her best friend, Bethany goes along with it. Only, she never expected they'd make the team. Suddenly, Bethany's crush is talking to her - a jock who is more than what he seems and they start to become more popular. But when things go a bit sour, will Bethany and Moni be able to keep it together and will their friendship suffer in the end?

I really must say this wasn't a book I expected to love. Yeah, it looked cute - but it really just surprised me with the depth in the characters, the fantastic writing, and the great plot that moves you along until the book ends. I like how much is put into this book - issues of divorce and dealing with change. And it's sort of fun to see Bethany's parents trying to talk her out of cheerleading.

I loved the wittiness of the geek leader Todd, the heart of Bethany's crush Jack, and the overall silliness that is high school.

5/5 Roses

To win a signed copy of this book, please check out this giveaway post.  Ends December 30th.

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I'd Like To Give A Shout Out To...

For the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #10...

I'm going to share 3 blogs with you that I enjoy reading...

Booking Through 365 via kwout

A Passion for Books via kwout

Book Blather via kwout

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Sunday Spotlight - Steph The Bookworm

Today we have another great blogger who just started her blog up a few months ago. She's got some great stuff going on over at her blog, so check her out!

Name: Stephanie
Nickname and/or blog name: StephTheBookworm
Blog URL: http://stephthebookworm.blogspot.com/

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I'm currently a junior in college, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and a certification to teach elementary special ed. I've been reading and writing since I was a little kid; I attribute that to my mother's love of reading and our frequent trips to the library. Some things I love are of course my family and friends, books, cats, and musicals! I also love to sing and play games with my friends - our favorites are Apples to Apples, Skip-bo, and Singstar.

When and why did you start your blog?

I started my blog in September 2009 as a way for me to share the books I've been reading with my friends and family. Also, since I love to read and write, it's been a great outlet for me to both write, and talk about books - two of my favorite things!

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

My blog mostly consists of my book reviews. As soon as I finish a book, I post the review (good or bad), as well as the book I am currently reading so you will know what to expect next. I just had my first giveaway and author interview, and plan to do more of those in the near future.

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

I like a wide variety of books and read YA, chick lit, romance, suspense, drama, and memoirs. I have also recently started enjoying some fantasy and paranormal romance. My favorite books of all time would be Bitter is The New Black by Jen Lancaster (a hilarious memoir that I would highly recommend), the Sloppy First series by Megan McCafferty, The Princess Diaries Series by Meg Cabot, and Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern. I also really enjoy Jodi Picoult, Jeffery Deaver, and Chuck Palahniuk.

How do you find out about the books you read?

I do a lot of online browsing on Amazon and my library's website. I also just pick up books at the library that look interesting, and trust me, I pick up wayyy too many! I've been getting a ton of book recommendations from fellow bloggers too, which is by far my favorite part of blogging.

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

I would encourage anyone who is thinking of starting a blog to definitely go for it! I have met so many awesome people from book blogging and it has been a joy. I think the key of a successful blog is to find something you are passionate about and stick with writing about that. If you're passionate about something, it will come across in your blog and make it enjoyable to read.

Contest Alert!

Steph is currently holding a contest for 6 books! Check it out over on her blog. This contest ends on her birthday - January 17th!

Thank you Steph for sharing more about yourself and your blog! I love finding new bloggers that are spreading the love of reading around the blogosphere!

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 (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Holiday Break Reading Challenge Update

A little update on how I'm doing now that it's been about a week into the challenge...

Here's my original list, if anyone is interested.

Finished books:
Firespell by Chloe Neill
Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder
The Mozart Question by Michael Morpugo
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Rare Beasts by Charles Ogden
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Currently working on:
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert

About to start:
Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading by Charity Tahmaser and Darcy Vance
Going Bovine by Libba Bray (audio)

How are you guys doing?

I'm getting excited about the New Years Readathon I'm hosting next weekend. Going to save some shorter books for that! :)

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Hate List

Hate List
by Jennifer Brown

The May of Valerie's junior year of high school, her boyfriend came to school, took out a gun and started shooting students. It's five months later and Valerie is now just getting back into school. She knew nothing about Nick's intentions but herself feels responsible even though she was cleared of any suspicions and actually saved a student and got shot herself - in the thigh. Nick committed suicide, but Valerie is struggling with remembering him as the guy she knew before the shooting and overcoming what happened.

My summary sort of stunk, but guys - this book blew me away. It moved me beyond belief and I really understood Valerie and what she was going through. This book doesn't just deal with the issue of school shootings - but also divorce, suicide, and the hate that all people seem to have inside of them. I feel for Valerie - how guilty she feels because she's the one who started the Hate List - out of her own anger.

Also, I have to say this is the only book I've read that seriously showed healing, which was really key to all of this happening. No, it didn't happen lickity-split.. but over time. I was truly moved and cried a ton towards the end.

5/5 Roses

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The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars
by Gary D. Schmidt

Holling Hoodhood thinks his 7th grade teacher hates him. It may be due to the fact that he is the only student who does not attend religious school on Wednesday afternoons, which means Mrs. Baker and Holling are stuck together once a week - just the two of them.

But Holling finds out there is more to Mrs. Baker than meets the eye and in turn discovers a lot about what he is capable of - including reading and performing Shakespeare.

The book is set during the late 60's, during the time of the flower children and the Vietnam War.

I have to say I really liked this book. I listened to it on audio and when I wasn't listening to it, I was thinking about it. You really see some serious growth in Holling as a character over the course of the book. He's like any other 7th grade boy - a bit awkward, a bit self-centered, but overall a good kid. Any trouble he gets in seems to be seriously hilarious accidents. Probably more hilarious to us as the reader than him as the character.

Definitely a great middle grade fiction novel that backtracks just a bit into the past, showing a time where things were enough different to impact the novel itself.

5/5 Roses

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Rare Beasts

Rare Beasts
by Charles Ogden

Edgar and Ellen are two orphaned siblings who like to play cruel jokes on each other and their small town. Unfortunately, they've run into a bit of a money crunch. They decide that their get-rich quick scheme should involve selling rare beasts - so they steal all of the pets in their area and make them look rare and unique. The only problem is.. they can't seem to find any buyers that will pay over $5 and they're asking for at least $1,000. What ever will they do?

As this is the first of the Edgar & Ellen books, I can see why they appeal to my students so much. They're a bit of a quirky read - short yet fun and interesting. Great for kids who like a bit of the creep factor in their reading. I'll be reading a few more over break hopefully.

4/5 Roses

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IMM Christmas Style

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas! I have to say, we've been in a tight spot for money since we've moved and thankfully I found out about Swagbucks and their $5 Amazon gift cards - which basically took care of a lot of my Xmas presents giving wise. That and the 40% off Teacher Appreciation sale at Borders this fall. (I mainly buy my niece books nowadays!)

So, I was happy to get some great books myself this Xmas and wanted to share that with you...

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

First, for the non-presents...

(Summaries taken from goodreads.com)

Mooched:

Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel

Shade is a young Silverwing bat, the runt of his colony determined to prove himself on the long and dangerous winter migration to Hibernaculum, millions of wingbeats to the south. During a storm, Shade is swept out over the ocean -- away from his family, his friends, and the only life he has ever known. Alone and frightened as winter fast approaches and temperatures plunge, Shade sets out on a remarkable journey to rejoin his colony to the south.

RowanHood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest
by Nancy Springer

Rosemary has nowhere to go when her beloved mother dies. She has never met her father-the outlaw Robin Hood-and she's grown up among the woodland creatures her mother loved. So she decides to change her name to Rowan, disguise herself as a boy, and undertake a perilous journey through Sherwood Forest, in search of Robin Hood. But how will she find him? And will he offer her a home?

Gideon the Cutpurse by Linda Buckley-Archer

Gideon Seymour, cutpurse and gentleman, hides from the villainous Tar Man. Suddenly the sky peels away like fabric and from the gaping hole fall two curious-looking children. Peter Schock and Kate Dyer have fallen straight from the twenty-first century, thanks to an experiment with an antigravity machine. Before Gideon and the children have a chance to gather their wits, the Tar Man takes off with the machine -- and Kate and Peter's only chance of getting home. Soon Gideon, Kate, and Peter are swept into a journey through eighteenth-century London and form a bond that, they hope, will stand strong in the face of unfathomable treachery.


Bought:

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showing pretty girls--and his "party" lifestyle--all over the Internet, and her mom, who was once one of her dad's girlfriends, is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for far too long, Hannah has learned how to stay out of sight...and that's how she likes it.

Of course, being unknown isn't helping her get noticed by gorgeous, confident Josh, who Hannah knows is her soul mate. Between trying to figure out a way to get him to notice her, dealing with her parents, and wondering why she can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn, Hannah feels like she's going crazy. She's determined to make things work out the way she wants....only what she wants may not be what she needs.

And because I bought this...

Elizabeth sent me a signed copy of:

Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

You know, I always thought I told you everything, but there are some things I should have said but never did. I should have told you about the time I lost your new sunglasses. I know you really liked them. I should have apologized the time I ruined your brand-new skirt, the one with the beading. I should have apologized for a lot of stuff.

I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything.

It's been seventy five days. Amy's sick of her parents suddenly taking an interest in her, and she's really sick of people asking her about Julia. Julia's gone, and Amy doesn't want to talk about it. No one knew Julia like she did. No one gets what life is without her.

No one understands what it's like to know that it's all your fault.

Amy's shrink thinks she should keep a journal but instead, Amy starts writing letters to Julia. As she writes letter after letter, she begins to realize that the past holds its own secrets--and that the present deserves a chance.

Won:

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (signed! From the Holiday Break Reading Challenge - thanks Karin!)

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty-especially if they learn of her Sight-and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.
But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King, who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. His is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost-regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; everything.
Faery intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning twenty-first-century faery tale.

And now.. Presents!!!! (I got lazy.. so click on the links for summaries)

From Mom:
The Abbot's Ghost by Louisa May Alcott
The Demi-God Files by Rick Riordan
The Beatrice Letters by Lemony Snicket
Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss
A cool denim book bag with my blog address on it in gold sparkly paint. It's seriously cute. :)

From my grandparents:
Peter & Max by Bill Willingham (Yes, I nearly screamed when I got this...)
Jack of Fables vol. 3: The Bad Prince by Bill Willingham
Jack of Fables vol. 6: The Books of War by Bill Willingham
(I own 4 and 5 already)

From my uncle:
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

My parents also gave us this cool sign to hang up that says - Home is Where Your Story Begins... really cute. It's going to go above our fireplace with our wedding photo. :)

Also, my hubby racked up some serious Borders giftcards (3 of them!)... and I got one too! :) I think I may siphon off some of his if he lets me *plots evilly*.

So, what kind of awesome stuff did you guys get?
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Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #9

Zombies!!!

So, Karin found this fun comic:

And challenged us to talk about 1. Christopher Moore's books - which I haven't read... or 2. zombies!!!

I actually did some fun posts a while back for Zombie week:

Zombie book videos and infection rate!
A Zombie interview!
And more recently... a review of My Rotten Life

My husband actually has this cool zombie anthology called The Living Dead and I really enjoyed one of the stories about a teacher who keeps zombie children chained up and tries to teach them. She defends the school with a rifle from any adult zombies. It was really interesting. I've been meaning to read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, but haven't gotten to it yet. :)
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Saturday Spotlight - Fantasys Ink

Today I am spotlighting a teen blogged who loves and writes fantasy novels! Learn more about her below.

Name: Maria
Nickname and/or blog name: Fantasys Ink
Blog URL: http://fantasysink.blogspot.com/

Tell me a bit about yourself:

I’m a teen who loves nothing more then reading, I probably spend most of my time either reading or writing. I’m currently writing a fantasy book. I hope one day I’ll become both a writer and a doctor.

When and why did you start your blog?

I followed many blogs and loved the idea of making my own, it looked like something fun and interesting.

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

My blog is mostly about young adult books. I occasionally write about adult and children books that I can’t help but love. Right now I’m mostly doing reviews, previews of upcoming books, teaser Tuesdays, waiting on Wednesday, and in my mailbox. I hope to one day I’ll be able to do some author interviews. I will also be hosting my first contest very soon.


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

I love Fantasy, that’s my number one genre. But I also do enjoy paranormal romance, romance, and science fiction. I’m currently reading Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater and the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

How do you find out about the books you read?

I mostly look around sites and blogs for books that sound good and add them to my wishlist. I also sometimes go to a website called what should I read next. Were you type in a book you really like and it shows other similar books.

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

Make a blog and promote it. Comment on other blogs and post things you would love to share with others. But most importantly have fun with it!


Thank you Maria for sharing more about your blog with us today! Please check out her blog and leave her some blogger love.

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 (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Link a Contest Thursday! Merry Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve! To those of us that celebrate this fun holiday. Nearly forgot to put up this meme because of all the scrambling I've been doing to get ready!

Alright, want to start this post off with a contest I announced two weeks ago. Please please please.. those of you that are creative. Create a button for this weekly meme and if I pick it you will win a handful of books. You guys know what I generally read. :-D

I only have two entries so far. So email them off to dragonzgoil at gmail dot com by December 30th at 11:59 pm CST.

Now for the Rules and Mr. Linky!!!

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.



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Holiday Break Reading Challenge #7

Best and Worst Book-to-Movie Adaptations

This Activity is completely and totally based on your opinion.

1 - You need to choose the BEST Book-to-Movie Adaptation you've seen and the WORST Book-to-Movie Adaptation you've seen.

2 - Post the pictures of the book cover next to the movie poster for each pair.

For fun, I'm going to start with the worst:

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

For those of you that have seen the movie and not the book... there are no huge insects in the book. *shakes head*

And the Best:

Why? Because seriously.. Jim Carrey really made the best Count Olaf.

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Best Blog Award!

Hi guys!

Just in case you didn't know, earlier Natalie from Mindful Musings had up a post where you could nominate your favorite blogs! Now the votes are in and there are some serious tie-breakers. I'm up against Princess Bookie for 4-5th place. Go vote for your favorite over on Mindful Musings! :) I want to say vote for me.. but Princess Bookie is pretty awesome, so I won't mind if you vote for her either. :)
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A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I really just had to read this today. I just had this nagging - read it - feeling that made me grab up the novel. Then, I had a better idea and went on the library website and downloaded a free audio of the book. I went through some of my boxes in the office while listening to this awesome Christmas tale that keeps getting remade.

I really want to see the animated version of the tale that is coming out this season. I was, however, surprised by the shortness of the novel - compared to Dickens' other works. Definitely a great story and most of the movie versions are so incredibly true to the actual novel.

5/5 Roses
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Holiday Break Reading Challenge 5

For this challenge all I have to do is:

1 - Pick up the book you are currently reading.

2 - Since it is December 22nd, turn to page 22 in your book.

3 - Count down to the 22nd line on the page. (If there is a partial word on the line you can leave it off.)

4 - Post a picture of your book cover along with the 22nd line from the 22nd page on your blog.

You guys are going to laugh... my line is:

"Oh."

From:

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Cybils Award Challenge

Michelle over at Galleysmith is hosting a great contest to get us reading some of the chosen books from 2009 to be up for the Cybils award.

I am going to be ... insane. And I am going to ATTEMPT to finish three categories this year. Yes, I am insane.

I'm going for the level of participation of

• Categorically Speaking – choose to read all books in a category

And I am going to try to read all of the books in these three Categories:

• Graphic Novels: Middle Grade
• Graphic Novels: Young Adult
• Fiction: Fantasy & Science Fiction (YA)

I was going to go easy on myself but if I do that last one I'll be knocking out a ton of my TBR pile and that's one of my goals for this coming year... I'm attempting not to buy two more bookshelves...

So, wish me luck and I am waiting to be barraged with the "You are totally insane girl" comments. :)

Updates/Books read

Graphic Novels: Middle Grade
1. Constance and the Great Escape by Pierre Le Gall
2. Cat Burglar Black by Richard Sala
3. Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics by James Sturm
4. Fashion Kitty and the Unlikely Hero by Charise Mericle Harper
5. Babymouse #10: The Musical by Jennifer L. Holm
6. Babymouse #11: Dragonslayer by Jennifer L. Holm
7. Perseus and Medusa by Blake A. Hoena
8. Eek & Ack vs The Wolfman by Blake A. Hoena
9. Recon Academy: Shadow Cell Scam by Chris Everheart
10. The Elsewhere Chronicles #1: The Shadow Door by Nykko
11. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
12. Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
13. Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
14. Amulet: The Stonekeeper's Curse (Book 2) by Kazu Kibuishi
15. The Incredible Rockhead by Scott Nickel
16. T-Minus: The Race to the Moon by Jim Ottaviani
17. The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan
18. Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee
19. Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
20. Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
21. Luke on the Loose by Harry Bliss
22. The 323 Detective Agency: The Disappearance of Dave Warthog by Fiona Robinson
23. The Secret Science Alliance and the Copy Cat Crook by Eleanor Davis
24. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Eric Shanower
25. Dork Diaries by Rachel R. Russell
26. Benny and Penny in the Big No-No by Geoffrey Hayes
27. Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
28. Courtney Crumrin’s Monstrous Holiday by Ted Naifeh
29. The Emperor's New Clothes: The Graphic Novel by Hans Christian Anderson
30. Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel

Graphic Novels: Young Adult
1. Dreamland Chronicles Book One by Scott Christian Sava
2. Hatter M: Mad with Wonder by Frank Beddor
3. Kith by Holly Black
4. Crogan's Vengeance by Chris Schweizer
5. Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Volume 1: Sanctuary by Melissa Marr
6. Black is for Beginnings by Laurie Faria Stolarz
7. Avalon High: Coronation #3: Hunters Moon by Meg Cabot
8. Bride of the Water God Vol. 3 by Mi-Kyung Yun
9. Children of the Sea Vol. 1

Fantasy & Science Fiction (YA)
The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry (review posted on Goodreads)
Ash by Malinda Lo
Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner (review coming)
Candor by Pam Bachorz
Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Lloyd
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Evermore: The Immortals by Alyson Noel (review posted on Goodreads)
Eyes Like Stars: Theatre Illuminata, Act I by Lisa Mantchev
Fire by Kristin Cashore
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr (review posted on Goodreads)
Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fantaskey
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The Midnight Charter by David Whitley (review coming soon)
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancy (review coming soon)
Need by Carrie Jones
The Princess and the Bear by Mette Ivie Harrison
Princess at the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George (review posted on Goodreads)
Prism by Faye Kellerman
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
Tiger Moon by Antonia Michaelis (review posted on Goodreads)
Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

(30 total so far)
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Graphic Novels Challenge 2010

I'm really racking up some challenges so far, but this one I really need to jump on board with. My graphic novel reading has been... slacking. So, I thought to myself, why not join this challenge for next year!

I've got a bunch sitting at my apartment needing to be read.

Here's the rules:

• The challenge starts on January 1st 2010 and ends on December 31st (but we don't mind you starting early.)
• You don't have to make a list beforehand (but you can, of course! Lists are great because they give ideas to people who aren't sure what to read. And if you do make one, don't feel forced to stick to it!)
• We simplified the levels of participation: you can be a Beginner (3 Comics or Graphic Novels), Intermediate (3-10) or an Expert (10+). You're more than free to adjust your level of participation after the challenge has begun.
• There will be mini-challenges! Look for a post with more info on that soon.
• Overlaps with other challenges are totally fine.

I'm going for Expert level. I hope to read more than 10, but at least need to read that many.

I'll update them on this post. :) Click on the cool button above to join up!

1. Constance and the Great Escape by Pierre Le Gall
2. Cat Burglar Black by Richard Sala
3. Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics by James Sturm
4. Fashion Kitty and the Unlikely Hero by Charise Mericle Harper
5. Babymouse #10: The Musical by Jennifer L. Holm
6. Babymouse #11: Dragonslayer by Jennifer L. Holm
7. Perseus and Medusa by Blake A. Hoena
8. Eek & Ack vs The Wolfman by Blake A. Hoena
9. Monster in the Outfield by Robert Marsh
10. Princess Candy #1: Sugar Hero by Michael Dahl
11. Princess Candy #2: The Marshmallow Mermaid by Michael Dahl
12. Recon Academy: Shadow Cell Scam by Chris Everheart
13. The Elsewhere Chronicles #1: The Shadow Door by Nykko
14. Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
15. Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
16. Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
17. Amulet: The Stonekeeper's Curse (Book 2) by Kazu Kibuishi
18. The Incredible Rockhead by Scott Nickel
19. T-Minus: The Race to the Moon by Jim Ottaviani
20. The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan
21. Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee
22. Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
23. Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
24. Luke on the Loose by Harry Bliss
25. The 323 Detective Agency: The Disappearance of Dave Warthog by Fiona Robinson
26. The Secret Science Alliance and the Copy Cat Crook by Eleanor Davis
27. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Eric Shanower
28. Dork Diaries by Rachel R. Russell
29. Dreamland Chronicles Book One by Scott Christian Sava
30. Benny and Penny in the Big No-No by Geoffrey Hayes
31. Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
32. Hatter M: Mad with Wonder by Frank Beddor
33. Kin by Holly Black
34. Kith by Holly Black
35. Crogan's Vengeance by Chris Schweizer
36. The Castle of Galomar (New Brighton Archeological Society) by Mark Andrew Smith & Matthew Weldon
37. Courtney Crumrin's Monstrous Holiday by Ted Naifeh
38. Sanctuary (Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Vol. 1) by Melissa Marr
39. The Emperor's New Clothes: The Graphic Novel by Hans Christian Anderson
40. Bride of the Water God Vol. 1 by Mi-Kyung Yun
41. Bride of the Water God Vol. 2 by Mi-Kyung Yun
42. Bride of the Water God Vol. 3 by Mi-Kyung Yun
43. Black is for Beginnings by Laurie Faria Stolarz
44. Avalon High: Coronation #1: Merlin Prophecy by Meg Cabot
45. Avalon High: Coronation #2: Homecoming by Meg Cabot
46. Avalon High: Coronation #3: Hunters Moon by Meg Cabot
47. Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures by J. Torres and J. Bone
48. Alison Dare, The Heart of the Maiden by J. Torres and J. Bone
49. Children of the Sea, Vol. 1
50. Chosen - The Graphic Novel by Ted Dekker (manga blog)
51. Gloomcookie vol. 1 by Ted Naifeh (manga blog)
52. Vampire Knight vol. 1 by Matsuri Hino
53. Vampire Knight Vol. 2 by Matsuri Hino
54. Faeries' Landing vol. 1 by You Hyung
55. Faeries' Landing vol 2 by You Hyung
56. After School Nightmare vol. 1 by Setona Mizushiro
57. After School Nightmare vol. 2 by Setona Mizushiro
58. After School Nightmare vol. 3 by Setona Mizushiro
59. After School Nightmare vol. 4 by Setona Mizushiro
60. After School Nightmare vol. 5 by Setona Mizushiro
61. After School Nightmare vol. 6 by Setona Mizushiro
62. After School Nightmare vol. 7 by Setona Mizushiro
63. After School Nightmare vol. 8 by Setona Mizushiro
64. Mouse Guard Volume 2: Winter 1152 by David Peterson
65. Black Bird Vol. 1 by Kanoko Sakurakoji
66. Black Bird Vol. 2 by Kanoko Sakurakoji
67. Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale
68. The Gunwitch: Outskirts of Doom by Dan Brereton, Ted Naifeh
69. Zoey Zeta and The Sisters of Power, Family Secrets by by Robert Simon, Tomomi Sarafov
70. Tokyo Mew Mew, Volume 1 by Mia Ikumi
71. Castle Waiting vol. 2 by Linda Medley
72. Beyond the Beyond Volume 1 by Yoshitomo Watanabe
73. Jack of Fables: The Big Book of War by Bill Willingham


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Another fake cover!

I thought due to this awesome contest from Page Turners, that I would do another lovely fake book cover.

Here's what I came up with - yes, I worked the picture a bit in Gimp 2.


Jared was finally getting his life together. He'd stop hanging out with his pot head friends, dragged the drumset out of the basement and joined a band - one that didn't need drugs to create music. All it takes is one pretty girl to get him to start doing drugs again - only this time it's heavier and hotter. But Karolina has a past and there's bad things coming their way.. something even the drugs couldn't soften. There's more to Jared that meets the eye as well, but will he be able to overcome his addictions in time to see what's really going on?
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Bloggiesta II!!!

Okay, some people always gape at my blog, wonder why I've done so much with my blog when I only just started this past June and I must say... it's mainly because of Maw Books and the Bloggiesta I during this past summer.

So, I'm freakin' excited to see that #II is just around the corner!!!

Now, what is a Bloggiesta?

Since Natasha said it best over on Maw Books Blog.... I will quote her long long post here:

In short, it’s a blogging marathon. A opportunity to cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing. Break out the nachos, enchiladas, drinks, mariachi music and whack a pinata or two!

What to do during the Bloggiesta?

• Write reviews.
• Write backup posts for a rainy day.
• Write that great post idea from three months back.
• Work on series posts.
• Write guest posts.
• Put out invitations for guest posts.
• Conduct and edit author interviews.
• Create template posts for your future reads (ie: title, images, linking, tags, etc,) so you can open up, write review and post without being bogged down with technicalities
• Clean up your tags, archives, books reviewed list, etc.
• Create a text file (or Google Doc) of cheat sheets (html codes, post url’s, etc)
• Improve your blog template, clean up sidebars, add a favicon, install those plugins that you’ve been meaning to do.
• Add or edit your about me page, review policy, disclosure policy, privacy policy, create landing pages (for example – an about me for Twitter readers page) or any other pages you might have.
• Any bloggy type housekeeping that you’ve been neglecting.
• Clean up and update your challenge lists. Link up your posts with hosts.
• Make sure all of your social network profiles are up to date. Brand yourself through those profiles with color scheme, images, etc.
• Go get a gravatar.
• Visit the Blogging Tips group on the Book Blogs Ning and find ways to improve your blog.
• Work on any specialized projects that you may have going.
• Clean out and organize your feed reader and blog subscriptions.
• Create an elevator pitch.
• Make business cards.
• Find a blogging buddy.
• The sky’s the limit!

How to play:

1. The date is Friday, January 8th, Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th. You can really start whenever you want within that time but official hours are 8am to 8am (wherever you are). That is a total of 76 hours, of which you should aim high for a total of 18-24 hours spent on the challenge. (I chose both a weekday and a weekend to hopefully accommodate different needs. The hours spent on the challenge do NOT need to be in a row. Use the entire 76 hour time frame and see what you can do with it. (I say aim for 24 hours but really if you can only do six, twelve or eighteen that’s fine too. I just like to have something to aim for.)
2. It’s your call as to how much you want to put into it. But you have to put something into it or it’s not a challenge. So stay up all night or sleep and take care of kids when you need to.
3. When you start the challenge, come to this blog and to the “starting line” post and link to your specific post about beginning the challenge which is posted on your blog. That way I’ll be able to track participants and know who’s really at the party.
4. How many updates (if any) you want to do is up to you. Make it work for you. Personally, I plan on making a to do list and then crossing off items as I accomplish them. There will be bloggers hosting mini-challenges as well. These are great to learn new information. To get an idea of the mini-challenges last time, check out the list.
5. If you are on Twitter, use the hashtag #bloggiesta to join the chatter.
6. Your final summary post needs to be posted no later than Monday, January 11th. Come back to the finish line and link to your specific summary post. Your summary should include the number of hours spent on the challenge, what you accomplished, links to mini-challenge hosts if you completed them and any other experiences you’d like to add.

There is also a Mr. Linky if you're excited about this and am doing a post on your blog.. quite like this one. So go forth bloggers and start thinking about what you want to get done during the Bloggiesta!!!
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Holiday Break Reading Challenge 4

This fourth challenge deals with taking pictures that deal with what we are currently reading.

I just started the audio of The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt.


This book mainly takes place in a middle school, as Holling is a 7th grader. And it is about his time with his teacher after school on Wednesdays - which makes her hate him.

And why, do you ask would she hate him? He is the only Presbyterian student and therefore does not attend any religious classes on Wednesday afternoons.


Therefore, she is stuck with him and he believes she is out to torture him with reading Shakespeare plays on these Wednesday afternoons...


But, in their time together, Holling learns that his teacher has a pretty cool background, having used to be an runner in the Olympics.



I'm definitely liking it so far.

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Okay, this is my REAL third Secret Santa gift

So, I guess those two books earlier that I got were from one secret santa. So when I got the third package, I thought that would be it, but no!

Today, I got this awesome package from Eva from A Striped Armchair for the Book Blogger Holiday Swap!

And in it was:

Just ignore the fruit, napkins and discarded wrapping materials behind the pretty books.

She gave me an ARC copy of Faerie of Dreamdark Blackbringer by Laini Taylor, some cherry-flavored chocolate - YUM - a homemade crocheted bookmark made out of my favorite colors (black and red) and a hardcover of Looking For Alaska by John Green! Which I actually just read but don't own a hardcover of. Also, a cute Xmas card... she was so sweet and filled the card up with why she picked what she did and even congratulated me on getting married! :-D

So, thank you so much Eva!
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Favorite Fictional Couple of 2009

Alexa over at Not Enough Bookshelves put out an all call to see who our favorite couples were in the books we read this year. In fact, she'll give you some extra points in her contest if you post about it. So, I'm going to share mine.

Since I have this horrid obsession with bad boys. I have to say my favorite couple is Patch and Nora from Becca Fitzpatrick's book Hush, Hush.

And to prove how smoldering this boy Patch is, here's a quick excerpt:

"His black eyes sliced into me, and the corners of his mouth tilted up. My heart fumbles a beat and in that pause, a feeling of gloomy darkness seemed to slide like a shadow over me. It vanished in an instant, but I was still staring at him. His smile wasn't friendly. IT was a smile that spelled trouble. With a promise."
-p. 11

And that is just their first encounter. Can you say YUM!!!
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It's Monday, What are you Reading?

J.Kaye hosts this wonderful meme.

Read this past week:
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Firespell by Chloe Neill (will review Jan. 6th)
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder
The Mozart Question by Michael Morpurgo
Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Currently Reading:
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

Upcoming:
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading by Charity Tahmaser and Darcy Vance

Updates:

• My birthday was yesterday! I did a special IMM to show you what I got! The Birthday Bash contests end on December 30th! I can't wait to pull a ton of winners!
• Speaking of the B-day Bash - I have a poll up about what your favorite contest was. Please vote!
• The Holiday Break Reading Challenge has taken off and I posted a list of books I hope to get read - or at least most of those listed read...
  
• Sign up for the New Year Readathon and/or Reading Into the New Year! There will be some prizes! :)
  

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Sea Glass

Sea Glass
by Maria V. Snyder

Opal discovers that her making of glass messengers is not the only skill she has magic-wise. The one she discovers is much more potent and raises the question to the Council about how dangerous she just could be. Add in her new love interest Ulrik, suddenly becoming a bit strange and soon finding out he has switched bodies with Devlan thanks to blood magic - the man who tortured her.

Only Devlan claims to be different and keeps popping up, trying to help Opal. Ulrik, on the other hand, seems magic-thirsty and cruel when Opal finally tracks him down. The problem is, no one will believe her story. Add in Kade, Opal's real apple of her eye and you've got some serious love interest.

There's a lot of political intrigue in this book as well, adding in the factor of who will convince Opal to sell her products through them and monopolize on the glass messengers.

I kept putting this book down, knowing that the third isn't due out until 2011. *sigh* More than a year!!! Opal gets a little more jaded in this book. I'm starting to like Devlan.. I think Kade may have some serious competition in the future. :)

If you haven't, you guys need to read all of Maria V. Snyder's books. They are amazing.

5/5 Roses

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The Mozart Question

The Mozart Question
by Michael Morpurgo

Summary (from Powell's Books):
A boy's passion for music unlocks a painful secret — and draws his family together — in a multilayered tale by an outstanding author-illustrator pair. Like any young boy, Paolo becomes obsessed with what he can't have — in his case, a violin. Hidden away in his parents' room, it beckons the boy to release the music inside it. The music leads Paolo to a family secret, a story of World War II that changed the course of his parents' lives. But once the truth is told, the family is reunited in a way no one had thought possible. From Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman comes a story about sharing the joy of music from one generation to the next and about music's power to transform and heal.

The story and illustrations in this book were beautiful. I love tales about music and this one was especially moving with the tale behind why the parents never played music again. It was a quick and great read and definitely a highly recommended book.

5/5 Roses
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Pretty Little Devils

Pretty Little Devils
by Nancy Holder

The Pretty Little Devils are the four most stylish elite girls at their high school. Hazel thinks that she's gotten lucky by being inducted as their 5th member. The girls seem fairly harmless at first, just simply in love with horror films and full of fun, scary pranks. Only the pranks turn into actual murder.. the only question is, who is murderer?

I was completely sucked into this book. It's not my usual type of read by any standard, but I must say that it was intriguing and definitely kept you on your toes. The twists in the book really brought the plot along and you weren't really that overwhelmed with much high school drama. Just goes to show you that high school girls really can be vicious...

5/5 Roses

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Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska
by John Green

Miles ends up going to a boarding school in Alabama, where he meets his first real friends - Chip and Alaska. Alaska becomes Miles' every obsession, even with her current relationship with her boyfriend Jake. Everything is crazy but perfect with Alaska around - Miles starts smoking and drinking, but feeling for the first time like he's living. That is, until Alaska leaves one night and ends up never coming back.

I really loved this book. I own it, but listened to it on audio and really just ate it up. I love John Green's characters - they're so realistic, but still so interesting. The way he writes makes you really think about what is going on and why it is happening. Having met John Green, I can see why his books are so incredible.

5/5 Roses

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In My Mailbox - Birthday Edition!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.


Birthday gifts!

So, I started off my birthday a bit wrong. I was babysitting and the parents came home around 12:30 - my hubby came over around 11ish to hang out with me for a bit. On the way out to the car, I slipped on the ice and fell hard on my bum/back. I've got a good few bruises and a laceration on my arm, but I'm doing okay. Just some pain. Hot showers help.

I did not let that get in the way of my birthday tho!

As per tradition, since it is my 25th birthday, I received a sewing machine, along with a cute sewing basket and some money and gift cards.



I did get one book from my Uncle:

My hubby got me this cool hand mirror that looks old and is fairly heavy - could double as a weapon (probably what he was thinking when he bought it!). Hehe. I also got a cool photo frame from his parents.

Onto the regular IMM:

For review (From Capstone):
Princess Candy: Sugar Hero by Michael Dahl
Princess Candy: The Marshmallow Mermaid by Michael Dahl
Monster in the Outfield by Robert Marsh
Mr. Wolf Bounces Back by Tony Bradman
Jack and the Bean Snacks by Tony Bradman
Goldilocks and the Just Right Club by Tony Bradman
Rapunzel Lets Her Hair Down by Tony Bradman
The Frog Prince Hops to It by Tony Bradman
The Teacher Who Forgot Too Much by Steve Brezenoff
The Village that Almost Vanished by Steve Brezenoff

Won:
Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre and Strange Brew - anthology (from All Things Urban Fantasy!)
What I Wore to Save the World by Maryrose Wood (from Readaholic)

Bought:
The Scent of Shadows by Vicki Petterson
The Taste of Night by Vicki Petterson
The Touch of Twilight by Vicki Petterson

From the Library:
Rare Beasts by Charles Ogden
Under Town by Charles Ogden
Pet's Revenge by Charles Ogden
Tourist Trap by Charles Ogden
Going Bovine by Libba Bray (audio)
Andromeda Klein by Frank Portman (audio)
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
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