Julian Smith: I'm Reading a Book

I came across this on The Reading Teen and since I am completely in tune with the message I just couldn't resist sharing it here on my blog.



My husband and little tyke are always trying to interrupt my reading time with totally inane things like hunger or where is that item.  I always scream in my head can't you see I am reading a book.  I know it is sad but completely the truth.

Art by Flashpotatoes LLC.

I also now have an intense desire to have a shirt that says, "I'm Reading a Book, What I gotta do to try to make you SEE?"  Wouldn't that just be great?

If you find you love this too you might also want to check out some of his other stuff at Julian Smith's site.

Iron Fey Giveaway

I keep coming across so many of these Iron Fey promotion giveaways and can't help but enter each and every one.  This series is absolutely my top favorite right now, check it out.  This contest is hosted by Parajunkee's View.  Up for grabs the Iron Queen book and Iron Queen shirt, sweet.

Delirium: Book Review

Delirium

by Lauren Oliver

Interesting. . . this is one of those ideas that seem to come out of nowhere.  I give the author props for her imagination and for taking on the seemingly impossible.  However, at times things just don't add up when it comes to the "disease".  What I mean is that the symptoms don't always seem to stay consistent but I imagine that holds true in reality for any disease.

What is wrong with this society?  Oh yeah, that is right, they are missing part of their brains.  They get all worked up about feelings and take drastic measures to avoid the oh so terrible symptoms but still sell cigarettes?  Now those are proven by science to actually kill people.  If you don't believe me about how wacked this society is check out page 169.

Lukewarm at best as far as dystopian goes.  The whole book except for the last twenty pages reads as a teenage romance.  Guy meets girl attraction mounts lots of kissing.  What teenager doesn't try to sneak around for some time without chaperones?  The danger element felt so distant for me, until the end.  I wasn't surprised by the end since I knew something would be coming that made up for the lack of terror and despair.  Funny as it may sound those last pages have made me very curious as to where this story will go.

Although, speaking of the ending and such, (SPOILERS), what is so terribly scary about teenagers falling in "love".  When I was a kid I remember crying my eyes out and people telling me I am too young to know love, someday you will understand.  Not one of them ever even worried that all those crushes were the real deal, more like passing infatuation.  And you know what they were right.  What boggles my mind is how this society is so terrified of a couple of teenagers being in love that they call out the entire police force, the border patrol, and a helicopter to bring them in.  What ?!!  Note to self:  Removing part of my brain that is responsible for feelings will also take away my power of reasoning and logical thought.

Shout It Out Saturday: The Very First

Image and text provided by Flashpotatoes LLC.

Have you ever read a book that keeps you up all night?  How about so intense you forget to breathe, let alone eat?  Perhaps a book that left you so satisfied that you felt no other book could compare?  Or, might it be, that after reading the book you had an overwhelming need to own your very own copy and read it till the binding breaks?  Was the book so good it  that it now haunts your dreams and is the only thing you can talk about for hours, maybe even days, after finishing it?

Well come and share some of that obsessive energy here and let some other people who understand share the burden.

The book that had me at its mercy was The Iron Queen, my review.  I finished late one evening and immediately started walking around the house with no direction.  My poor husband was trying to tune me out everytime I would chime in with some new great part I remembered from the book.  I know that the book did certainly make all others seem lifeless for a time. 

Beautiful Darkness: Book Review

Beautiful Darkness

by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Moment Divine:  ". . . the little meter measuring Link's strength and his chances of hooking up at the same time.  It passed a real wuss and whimpy and headed toward the bell at the top a real stud but it didn't quite make it stopping about halfway at chicken little."

What a spectacular break up, I don't know exactly how long it took to complete.  I listened to the audio, which by the way was great.  My favorite voice was that of Link, who as well is my favorite character.  He just says and does the funniest things.  Anyway, having listened to the audio version I am not sure the page count but it sure felt like near half the book before Ethan clues into what is going on.  That guy has some strong denial issues.  I liked the second book more than the first but only marginally.  Since it seems that my favorite character will play a large part in the next book it will find its way on my reading list.  One thing I will say that I loved about this series is the bountiful detail of the south and all the crazy sweet side characters that spice up and odd story.

Book Blogger Hop: 1/28 - 1/31

What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011?   Why are you anticipating that book?

I would probably have to say Wildcat Fireflies by Amber Kizer.  Why you ask?  Have you read the first book in this series?  I think the guy is just darling and such fun to read.  A good strong character along with an interesting plot equal good things in my mind.  I would like to say something more but I have read so many books since Meridian that the only thing I remember off the top of my head is Tens (the guy).

Follow Friday: 1/28

What is/was your favorite subject in school?

 

 That depends largely on what portion of school you mean.  In high school I would have to say it was science or more particularly genetics.  Now don't go getting all impressed, the subject of genetics just clicked.  Right from the start I could completely understand it as it were as simple as riding a bike.  I am sure everyone experiences this from time to time.

In college I still liked genetics but since it was my focus I felt I could then direct my spare energy into fun stuff.  In so doing I came across a floral design class that I just fell in love with.  Once again don't go getting some funky idea that I was some great floral design prodigy.  To be honest I was no more than average, but it was nice to have an outlet that was purely fun.

Library Thursday

This week I picked up White Cat by Holly Black, which I have been meaning to take a look at for awhile.  This is rather a light load for me since just about all of my reads come from the Library.  With this and that though I find myself rather short on reading time and am scrambling just a bit to read what is already in my pile.

Waiting on Wednesday: Desires of the Dead

Hosted by Breaking the Spine

 

 

This weeks book is:

Desires of the Dead 

by Kimberly Derting.

Publication Date: February 15th

I am a bit nervous about this book but am loyally bound to read it based upon the last book.

From Goodreads:

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen

by Julie Kagawa

 

Stellar!  I bow down and worship at the feet of this stupendous author.  She has created such a work of art that has awed me.  I absolutely adore the characters and love how she has woven so much trajedy and sorrow through the pages.  All of the torment makes this feel so true to other fairy tales I have read.  At the same time she manages to add just a glimmer of hope a promise of a better future.  The battle scenes are riveting and fierce almost beyond imagination.  Those small moments of love are deep and true.  I loved page 296 for the amazing description that was absolutely perfect making it such a sacred moment.

Whatever you do at least consider this series on your list if you are in any way interested in Fae books.  I can't imagine you will have regrets other than the sleep you missed staying up reading.

Talk to me Tuesday

Hosted by i swim for oceans.

This week's question: 

Do you have any specific literary pet-peeves in the genres you read and why?

My biggest pet peeve is the whole overly lustful thoughts that seem to dominate far too many books.  

I recently tried to read Personal Demons and it seemed that ever paragraph had to have something along the lines of: I wish I could be in his pants or What would it be like to be in his pants?  Yuck, as if our brains have no other purpose than to think in circles like that.  I think this sets a bad example for teens namely that love (or should I say lust) is only about sexual things.  What we should be trying to teach them is to seek out a love that is true and lasting no matter what trials life will drag up.  Now as an example of just about the opposite I would present The Iron Queen.  I was super impressed that I found myself deep in the third book and all they had done was kiss.  Even at that it was very low key as far as time spent on such details.   The emotions that were felt by the characters felt more natural.  Sure, they wanted to kiss and all that but it didn't own or drive them.

2011 Debut Author Challenge

I thought it would be fun to try out joining this challenge.  Why not get some sort of credit or feel part of something if I am trying to read the books anyway.  I have a hard time getting my hands on debut books but plan on doing my best regardless.

LeNerd's Tip of the Day - #1

 

This artwork was done by Flashpotatoes LLC and is just so much fun.

Bloggiesta: Mini Challenge Mr. Linky

Hosted by Teach Mentor Texts.

Interesting. . . so here is my little Mr. Linky.



And here is my little Linky Tools.

Bloggiesta: Mini Challenge 10 Don'ts

Hosted by Word Lily.

Well this was a bit informative. I would like to say that I am aware of almost all the points but definitely not perfect. Patience is always a struggle for me but right now I am trying to direct it more towards my lack of progress at getting my blog up to its optimum running speed more than lack of follower or what not.

SEO however is a new thing altogether, I must learn this.

Rating myself overall I guess I would say a 3, maybe. Patience 2 and SEO 0.

After having read the SEO thing I am feeling rather old and technologically challenged, but I will push on.  I think this is something that will take a lot of time and not something I can really do all at once through this Bloggiesta.

Bloggiesta: Mini Challenge Google Forms

Thank you to Devourer of Books for hosting this mini challenge.  I just thought I would share the results since I don't have anything else at present to use a form for.  At least not that I know of, if I am amiss in my thinking please help me out.

Bloggiesta

This is so great, hosted by Maw Books Blog.  I am new to this whole thing and have so many hopes and dreams for my blog.  For instance, it looks nothing like I wish it would.

Things I know I want to set up or fix:
Get a nice header (I commissioned one from Flashpotatoes but have a small wait)
Get my review pictures done and up (once again waiting for Flashpotatoes to finish)
Get my passport up (so much research for this one)
Getting reviews entered for old but good books

Things I don't know but really want done:
I want to take on some of the mini challenges and what not.

For instance:
Google Forms (I haven't needed them just yet but I will)
Buttons and Banners (They just add so much, don't you think?  I am thinking about getting the pictures from Flashpotatoes)
10 don'ts (Well obviously I don't want to make terrible mistakes)
Mr. Linky (so cool. . . and so not in my repretoire yet)
Check my review policy
Blog copyright
Blog analyzed
Blog directories

Ohh. . . it doesn't look good at all.  I don't think this is possible (okay just breathe), I should at least start somewhere.  Any hints or tips are always appreciated, thanks for stopping by on your way around the circuit.

Big Book Giveaway

This giveaway is hosted by Extreme Reader Book Reviews and is quite a doozy.  There should be something of interest to just about anyone.  Personally, I would love to get my hands on the Intrinsical Prize since I can't seem to find it anywhere.  Ends February 28th.

Follow Friday

This weeks question is:

Who do you root for?

I am allergic to sports and so I can't answer this in those terms.  Just this week I did root up some blueberry bushes and strawberry plants.  Does that count?  Okay, don't be so angry.  Let's try this again, hmm, today since I am reading The Iron Queen I would say I am rooting for a happy ending to Ash and Meghan's relationship.  Is that too much to hope for do you think?  Yeah, me too, but being optimistic can't be all bad right?

Ironhand

Ironhand

by Charlie Fletcher

I think this series must be growing on me a bit.  The first book wasn't super impressive, obviously since it has taken me awhile to pick up the sequel.  This one however was much more riveting, especially the characters.  I loved how there was so much more depth added to each of the characters.  It always impresses me to see how imaginative people can be, especially authors.  Just when I thought I could see how this story was going to play out some new unexpected turn is thrown out.  I really enjoyed the ride on this one.  It may also have helped that I listened to this and the accents really added a lot.  Also, I must say I feel really sad that I don't have all those awesome statues beautifying the city I live in.  I never thought much of statues until this book.

Giveaway: Across the Universe

This giveaway is hosted by Down the Rabbit Hole, she also has a fun interview with the author.  Ends February 2nd so hurry over.

Lock and Key

Lock and Key

by Sarah Dessen

Now I am not much into this whole examine your life and fix it stuff.  That is a deep dark road as the main character finds throughout the book.  Even being out of my comfort zone, I actually liked this book.  The characters are really easy to identify with and it feels so real you can really believe it is real and not fiction.  My only real qualm is due to my overly romantic need when I read a story.  I just wanted more of a complete and final seal on that department.  The ending was very satisfying if this was a real life story since no matter where you are in life the future is always uncertain.  I just figure since this is fiction why not make it a bit more perfect.

One thing I have noticed from reading a few of Sarah's novels is how well she writes to her audience.  I really feel that many different types of people could read this book and come away with just a little bit more.  It seems that her books are what you decide to make of them.  This book especially takes on this message.  The character finds herself noting that you get out of relationships what you are willing to risk and give back.

The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group

The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group

by Catherine Jinks

Awesome! This book was just a plain riot from start to finish.  I told my husband that you could compare this to the difference between the original batman and the most recent rendition.  It takes the old hokey legend and brings it, very believably, into the world we live in now.  On top of that this cast of characters gets thrown haphazardly from one unlikely event into another.  It is amazing that they survived as well as they did.  I guess the book itself wasn't real deep or involved but the events keep you guessing.  The closing line was hilarious, in a what kind of a last thing to say way.  Overall, this is not my type of book but page by page I am glad I picked it up.  A very diverting read and very imaginative.  I definitely recommend this book.

Second Hand Saturday Giveaway

Over at Reading Teen they are trying to clear out their overtaxed shelves.  All they ask is that you answer one simple little question.  Well I guess that and be lucky enough to get your number picked.  Other than that who doesn't want some books to read.  They have a huge list of books in Children's, Young Adult, and even some Adult books.  Cruise on over and check it out.  Ends January 21st.

Book Blogger Hop

I have decided to join the weekly book party and answer this weeks question.

"Why do you read the genre that you do?  What draws you to it?"

I love young adult books.  This is due to the fact that I subconsciously believe I am still a teenager.  I mean consider that whenever I dream I am always in my late teens.  Also, I decided that young adult books were generally safer reads.  I don't worry as much that I will pick up a book and find excessive swearing or vivid sexual details.  Actually, I guess I should say used to, since these days that doesn't seem to hold as much.

I feel drawn to it mostly because I love the way young adults tend to experience the world.  They aren't as jaded or guarded.  When it comes to falling in love for the first time their hearts are wide open and feel it all the more deeply.

Now it is your turn to join the party. 

January Release Giveaway

For What It's Worth is hosting a giveaway of your choice so long as it is released this month.  How sweet is that.  There are several I am dying to get my hands on, but only time will tell.  This contest concludes January 30th so hurry on over.

Dragonfly

Dragonfly

by Julia Golding

I loved this book!  The characters where so adorable and I really liked the male lead.  Such a fun yet rambunctious person.  I think he would be a lot of fun to have as a friend.  The villain in this book was spectacular, I was so grateful not be under his thumb.  I loved the set of situations that the characters went their pace through and had such a hard time putting the book down to take care of necessary stuff like eating.  The ending simply sweet and fun, just perfect.  Please, give this one a read, you won't likely regret it.

Claire de Lune

Claire de Lune

by Christine Johnson

Two Stars

To begin with I found the unveiling painfully obvious, but as pushed myself through the rest of the book it became clear why.  The whole book was very juvenille, which is not necessarily a bad thing.  It means it appeals very well I am sure to the age group intended but does not hold cross over appeal to adults.  A very light read with no real depth.  I thought the villain was rather weak as to motive and threat.

Misguided Angel

Misguided Angel 

by Melissa de la Cruz

Three stars

I can't believe I picked this book up.  I was already heartily bored of the characters or at least those still living.  Maybe, I am a bit more desperate for reading material than I thought.

Now this book should more have been labeled as a side story.  There was little other than a few lines of information that really came about through the pages.  Luckily, the way in which this information was revealed was mildly entertaining.  I really liked some of the new characters almost exclusively invented for this wedge of story.  My favorite part was probably the demise of a certain character that I had begun to like and then well, . . .  You will just have to pick this one up for yourself and see what I am talking about.