Day 313 - Friday Finds [14]

**Hosted by MizB, click here to see more Friday Finds

I usually add a lot of books on my TBR list throughout the week. This is just a small glimpse into the ones that were added on recently.

Please let me know your thoughts on a book you've read from the list. Or tell me about a good book you've found this week.




My Finds This Week:

Invisible Touch :: Kelly Parra

Don of the Dead :: Casey Daniels

A Hunger Like No Other :: Kresley Cole

Mainspring :: Jay Lake

Three Seeds :: Gabriel Madison

Heart's Blood :: Juliet Marillier

Mine Till Midnight :: Lisa Kleypas

A Most Improper Magick :: Stephanie Burgis

Monster Republic :: Ben Horton

Beautiful :: Amy Reed

Day 311 - Waiting on Wednesday [32]

from amazon.com:

An arresting story about starting over after a friend’s suicide, froma breakthrough new voice in YA fiction

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.

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Reason: I recently read an interview with Nina and I loved how down-to-earth she sounded. HOLD STILL sounds really emotional and I want to read it!

Cover Discussion: I like how it kind of looks hand-made or drawn. The blurb talks about Ingrid's journal and I think it relates nicely. The font chosen and the "doodles" go very well with the blurb. I also think the cover model is very pretty and has a strong sense of sadness in her pose.

Hold Still will be released October 20th!

What are you waiting on this week?

To see more books that are being waited for click here.

Day 310 - Testimony

Testimony

Anita Shreve

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: May 2009 (Trade Paperback)

Publisher: Back Bay Books (Hatchette Book Group)

Pages: 352

Author Site: http://www.anitashreve.com/

My Rating: 4/5

Synopsis [from hatchettebookgroup.com]:

At a New England boarding school, a sex scandal is about to break. Even more shocking than the sexual acts themselves is the fact that they were caught on videotape. A Pandora's box of revelations, the tape triggers a chorus of voices--those of the men, women, teenagers, and parents involved in the scandal--that details the ways in which lives can be derailed or destroyed in one foolish moment.

Writing with a pace and intensity surpassing even her own greatest work, Anita Shreve delivers in TESTIMONY a gripping emotional drama with the impact of a thriller. No one more compellingly explores the dark impulses that sway the lives of seeming innocents, the needs and fears that drive ordinary men and women into intolerable dilemmas, and the ways in which our best intentions can lead to our worst transgressions.


**Anita talks about TESTIMONY**

Review:

I've only read one other novel by Anita Shreve and that was ALL HE EVER WANTED. I really liked her writing and I thought I would probably enjoy her other books. I tend to backtrack with authors and read their earlier published books first. TESTIMONY was the October choice for an online book discussion/club held at Barney's Book Blog (definitely check her out!) so I didn't mind breaking my habit and reading this one.

TESTIMONY had an interesting premise even if it was somewhat predictable. A sex scandal (caught on tape nonetheless!) + a prestigious private school always = good drama. I liked the way Anita told the story through each of the characters. Each chapter is a different character's point of view. And it is a "testimony" of sorts - retelling the events that happened at Avery Academy. I also got a strong sense of who each of the characters were through their "testimonies". You meet the 14-year-old victim, the boys invovled in the scandal, the headmaster, the parents of the the boys invovled, and other assorted people that have some input in the situation. It's easy to feel certain ways about each of the characters but I was surprised at who I actually came to care about and who I didn't really sympathize with at all. Let's just say that people make mistakes and sometimes the victim may not be the only one who was victimized...

The story was compelling and brought up many different issues. The reader got a chance to determine who they felt was guilty in the situation and it's not an easy choice. On one hand you have three boys, all of legal age, who wrongfully take advantage of a younger girl who was clearly intoxicated. It's illegal to have sexual relations with someone who is underage. In Vermont, where Avery Academy is located, it's called sexual assault. Most other places though I think it's statutory rape. So they are obviously to blame right? But then you have the 14-year-old girl who appears a very willing participant but then later claims rape. Is it possible she seduced the three boys? You really have to read the story to form your own opinion. I feel that no matter how much a girl may be "asking for it" - rape is not okay! Ever! However I don't think this situation was rape.

On another note, Anita brings up an important concept that I think many of us forget to think about, especially in the heat of the moment: Every action and decision we make has the potential to change the future irrevocably. This scandal affects and destroys so many people's lives and I was compelled to find out each character's point of view and how the scandal affected them.

I will definitely be continuing on with Anita Shreve's books. While the premise was a bit predictable, I think Anita is a great storyteller and I highly recommend this one!

Day 310 - Teaser Tuesday [30]

Teaser Tuesdays asks you to:







-Grab your current read
-Let the book fall open to a random page.
-Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12
-You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
-Please avoid spoilers!





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"My father said nothing, but stood deep in deliberation, distractedly rubbing the Royal Ring with the fingers of his left hand. I fidgeted, feeling as though I had just disclosed the most important secret of my life, a secret I had promised to keep for someone I dearly loved." (84)

Legacy :: Cayla Kluver

Day 309 - It's Monday!

It's Monday! What are you reading this week?, hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog, is a weekly event to list the books completed last week, the books currently being read, and the books to be finished this week.

Books Gobbled Last Week:
Testimony :: Anita Shreve
Magic Bites :: Ilona Andrews

Gobbling Down This Week:
Legacy :: Cayla Kluver
The Bargain :: Mary Jo Putney

Day 308 - Happy Birthday Giveaway - New Winner (Again!)

The first two winners (1st & 2nd) of Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow never emailed me back so I had to choose yet another winner... I'm hoping this new one will claim her prize =)


Congrats to:

Haley Mathiot

I've already emailed you and you have until October 14th to contact me back *crosses fingers*...

Day 308 - Q&A with Author Lisa Rusczyk (& GIVEAWAY)

I'm very happy to bring everyone an interview with author Lisa Rusczyk today. I reviewed her latest book, THE BLUE PEN, yesterday and I really enjoyed it.

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A little background info before we go on:

Lisa Rusczyk lives in North Alabama, US, with four cats inside and about 20 cows outside. She is amazed at how much cows eat. She writes in many different genres and has two new urban fantasy novels coming out by Club Lighthouse Publishing in October and November.

You can visit her blog here!

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Me: Tell us a little bit about yourself Lisa.

Lisa: I am a novelist and freelance writer who loves cats. I just got engaged and will be married in about a year. I love reading, watching movies, listening and playing music - anything art makes me very happy.

Me: THE BLUE PEN is unlike anything I’ve ever really read before. Can you describe the book and its themes?

Lisa: The book is about Parker, a magazine writer, who interviews Cleo, a homeless woman, for her life story. The book goes from Parker’s point of view to Cleo’s. There are themes of the paranormal and mental illness, as well as family secrets.

Me: Are any of the situations in your book based on real life experiences?

Lisa: Some of it was. I don’t want to say much about it because I want readers to draw their own conclusions about Cleo and her story.

Me: What inspired you to write THE BLUE PEN?

Lisa: I liked the idea of an underground club where people got up on an improv stage. I also thought a lot about what might make someone choose to live on the streets as opposed to being forced to.

Me: What were the best and worst parts about writing it?

Lisa: The best part was just plain-out writing it. I enjoyed it each time I sat down to type. The worst was that it took five years. I wrote it in spurts.

Me: Did you have to do any research? If so, can you describe how that went?

Lisa: I researched some history about Powelton Village and found some really interesting things. I wanted to include them because they were huge events that happened there during the time Cleo lived there, but they didn’t have anything to do with the story, so I left them out.

Me: If you could write a book about absolutely anything (fiction or nonfiction) with another author (dead or alive) what would it be about and who would be your co-author?

Lisa: Wow, awesome question. Have to think about that one. (Comes back an hour later.) I’d have to say Shakespeare about the Internet boom. I’d just watch and learn and clap inappropriately.

Me: Are you currently working on any other books?

Lisa: I am mainly focusing on a middle grade novel about cats. It’s been a blast to write and I am using my cats as the main characters.

Me: What would you like readers of The Blue Pen to take away from your book?

Lisa: I hope mostly they would be entertained and enjoy the read. I also would be happy if readers liked to think about the similarites between mental illness symptoms and paranormal experiences.

Me: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Lisa: If anyone has any smoked bratwurst recipes they want to contribute, I have 3 dollars and some bratwurst in the fridge and I’m trying to figure out something to make with it for dinner!

Me: Thank you so much for taking the time out to answer some questions. And also a big thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your novel.

Lisa: Thank you so much for reading the book and for having me on your blog. Great blog, by the way!

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Lisa's has generously allowed me to giveaway a .pdf copy of THE BLUE PEN. I know some people have a tough time with eBooks so just be aware that this is an eBook.

To Enter:

-Leave me a comment telling me you'd like to win and PLEASE leave your email address!

For extra entries:

+3 Comment on my review! (<----click the link)

+2 Follow/Subscribe to the blog

+2 Follow me on twitter! (Button is on my sidebar - leave me your @name so I can verify)

+1 Each time you link to this contest (Must provide link)

Giveaway ends October 25th and the winner will be announced the following day on the 26th. This is open to anyone with an email address!!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Day 308 - Book Arrivals

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From Contests/Giveaways & Misc:

A Great and Terrible Beauty :: Libba Bray

(Book one in the Gemma Doyle trilogy)

(Thank you to Alea from Pop Culture Junkie!)

It’s 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma’s reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she’s been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence’s most powerful girls—and their foray into the spiritual world—lead to?

Rebel Angels :: Libba Bray

(Book two in the Gemma Doyle trilogy)

(Thanks Alea!)

Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the realms can explain. . . .

The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls’ great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship. But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious Kartik has reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple and bind the magic, else great disaster will befall her. Gemma’s willing to do his intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it brings, for it means she will meet up with her mother’s greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task.

The Sweet Far Thing :: Libba Bray

(Book three in the Gemma Doyle series)

(Thank you again to Alea!)

IT HAS BEEN A YEAR OF CHANGE since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father alaudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild. Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds.The Order - the mysterious group her mother was once part of - is grappling for control of the realms, as is the Rakshana. Spence's burned East Wing is being rebuilt, but why now? Gemma and her friends see Pippa, but she is not the same. And their friendship faces its gravest trial as Gemma must decide once and for all what role she is meant for.

The Sugarless Plum :: Zippora Karz

(Received for review)

For dancer Zippora Karz, a rising young star with the famed New York City Ballet, being diagnosed with diabetes could easily have ended all her dreams. She was just twenty-one when she was plucked from the corps de ballet to dance solo roles like the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker. It was near the end of a grueling season when she became exhausted, dizzy, and excessively thirsty. Heavy pancake makeup covered the sores under her arms that would not heal, but still Karz neglected to return her doctor s urgent calls. When she finally went to the doctor, she learned that her blood sugar was excessively high. If she continued to ignore her symptoms, Karz risked heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation of toes, feet, and legs. Because she was over twenty, doctors misdiagnosed her with Type 2 diabetes, when in fact she had juvenile (or Type 1) diabetes. Her weight dropped and she became dangerously ill as a result of being prescribed the wrong treatment. Once correctly diagnosed and placed on an insulin regimen, she would inject herself with unsafe doses before going on stage in ill-judged attempts to obtain peak performance. The potentially fatal result of Karz s self-experimentation became all too real when she nearly put herself into a coma.

Balancing ballet and her blood sugar would be a long and difficult struggle for Karz, but eventually she learned to value her body and work with it, rather than rage at its limitations. In The Sugarless Plum, Karz shares her journey from denial, shame and mis-education about her illness to how she lead an active, balanced, and satisfying life as an insulin-dependent diabetic and ballet star. Through her fascinating story, those struggling with diabetes and other serious illnesses can find encouragement and inspiration as well as practical advice on achieving physical and emotional wellness.

After sixteen years with the New York City Ballet, Karz retired and took her passion and skills into a whole new arena as a diabetes educator and advocate, where today she inspires people to not just manage their illness, but to thrive and fulfill their passions. The Sugarless Plum takes readers deep into the heart and soul of a young dancer, and is a remarkable testament to determination and perseverance.

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From B&N:

Perfect Chemistry :: Simone Elkeles

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

Day 307 - The Blue Pen

The Blue Pen

Lisa Rusczyk

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: Februrary 2009

Publisher: Club Lighthouse Publishing

Pages: 202

Author Site: http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/LisaRusczyk

My Rating: 4/5

Synopsis [from amazon.com]:

Parker didn't expect to find his next great magazine story sleeping off a hangover in the back seat of his car. The homeless woman, Cleo, says she never wakes after dawn, which makes Parker curious. His intuition for finding a unique story is buzzing after meeting Cleo, and he decides to interview her to find out what drove her to live on the streets.

Cleo explains how the early death of her first love set the path for her life. She withdraws from the world after he dies, only to re-enter it by going to a strange club called the Beacon. At the underground club, the patrons channel spirits on the improv stage and share psychic readings in the room behind the beaded curtain. While Cleo describes her spiritual awakening, Parker wonders if she actually fell prey to mental illness.

Because of a first article Parker wrote about Cleo, another reporter is after the story, blackmailing Parker to give it up. Parker must decide how to keep his story and not let Cleo down in the process.

Review:

First off I gotta say eBooks, I'm sure, are wonderful... if you have an eReader of some kind. Or if you can stand staring at the screen for a prolonged period of time. And while I can be on the computer for hours at a time I can't read a book off the screen for some reason. I either get too distracted or my eyes start to bleed... whichever comes first. And yet I still take review requests for eBooks. Don't ask me why. I'm planning on getting a Sony eReader sometime in the near future (the new hi-tech one to be precise - very exciting) so I suppose that's why...

But anywho, my point is that I first recieved THE BLUE PEN in it's eBook format. I started it and really got into it but I couldn't devote the time to sit at the computer to finish it. Lisa was very kind enough to send me a printed out version of the book and that made me super happy. So I, along with my eyeballs, would like to take the time out to thank her!

THE BLUE PEN is a unique story, unlike anything I've ever personally read before. Lisa asks the reader to interpret how fine the line is between having a paranormal or "special" gift and having a mentall illness. One of the main characters is Parker, a magazine journalist who finds an unexpected guest in his car one morning on his way to work. Cleo is homeless but somehow mesmerizes Parker. Mesmerize might be too strong of a word... but basically she leaves such an impression on Parker that he finds himself wanting to talk to her again. He knows how one might become homeless. Losing your job, a string of bad luck, addictions of all kinds can force someone to live on the streets once they've lost everything. He wants Cleo's story.

He writes a story for the magazine of their encounter in hopes of baiting Cleo in... and it works. She agrees to an interview with Parker. Cleo basically tells Parker her life story and I can hear you all thinking "Well who really cares?" (and yes I can hear your thoughts lol) Cleo's life, while not filled with emotionally charged relationships or crazy exciting events, is terribly unique and different. It's not really until the middle of her own story does the overall story of THE BLUE PEN start to get really good. A myriad of characters and thought provoking concepts start to emerge through Lisa's writing.

I enjoyed THE BLUE PEN very much. Like I said it was different, a good different. It was a little slow at times but overall the concepts and ideas Lisa introdcued to me had a lasting impression. I know you may not like eBooks, but I encourage you to try this one if you do. I believe this book will surprise you and make you analyze things that you never really gave a second thought to.

Be on the lookout out for an interview with Lisa and a .pdf giveaway of THE BLUE PEN tomorrow!! I do hope you'll come and stop by.

Day 306 - Friday Finds [13]

**Hosted by MizB, click here to see more Friday Finds

I usually add a lot of books on my TBR list throughout the week. This is just a small glimpse into the ones that were added on recently.

Please let me know your thoughts on a book you've read from the list. Or tell me about a good book you've found this week.




My Finds This Week:

Incarceron :: Catherine Fisher

Quatrain :: Sharon Shinn

Thirsty :: Tracey Bateman
Already Dead :: Charlie Huston

Neuropath :: R. Scott Bakker

Before I Wake :: Kathryn Smith

13 Bullets :: David Wellington

Waking Nightmare :: Kylie Brant

Day 305 - The Tear Collector Giveaway

CONTEST CLOSED!

I posted my review for THE TEAR COLLECTOR yesterday, and while I wasn't thrilled with the novel I've found some other people that absolutely loved it! I'm very happy they found something in there that I didn't. So while the story lacked me for me in places, you may find that the story is well put together and all that jazz.

So I'm here to offer my ARC copy of THE TEAR COLLECTOR to one person.

To Enter:

-Comment that you'd like the book and PLEASE leave your email address. (I'm afraid I won't be counting your entry if you fail to do so, sorry)

For Extra Entries:

+2 -Become a follower/subscriber!! (If you already are one, hugs to you, let me know and you get these!)

+1 -Follow me on twitter!! (Button located on my right sidebar - please leave your @name so I can verify)

+1 -Comment on my review! (<---- click the link)

+1 - Answer this question: What's the most recent book that you really wanted to like but just couldn't get into?? (I'm super curious)

Giveaway ends October 22nd and the winner will be announced the following day on the 23rd. Only US entries please.

Day 305 - Threadless Thursday [4]

CALLING ALL T-SHIRT JUNKIES!!

Your Mission - should you accept:

1. Visit one of the following (awesome) t-shirt companies and choose your favorite out of the newest batch.

• Threadless
• Busted Tees
• Snorg Tees
• Your choice! (provide link)

2. Post your pick on your blog so we can all contemplate emptying our pockets for it.Make sure to leave a link to the page you got it from so we can visit.

3. Come back here and leave a link to your post.

4. Show other fellow t-shirt junkies love by commenting on their choice.

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Today's t-shirt is coming from BustedTees =) To comment on the t-shirt itself: I proudly admit that I do like Pokemon. Yes, I'm a nerd. But this shirt made me laugh. If you check out the link you can see the description, it made me giggle too...

Caught 'Em All

Day 304 - The Tear Collector [ARC Review]

The Tear Collector

Patrick Jones

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: September 2009

Publisher: Walker Young Readers

Pages: 272

Author Site: http://www.connectingya.com/author.html

My Rating: 2.5/5


Synopsis [from amazon.com]:

Fans of urban fantasy should prepare for a new kind of vampire–one that feeds off of tears instead of blood. Descended from an ancient line of creatures that gain their energy from human tears, Cassandra Gray depends on human sorrow to live. Only Cass has grown tired of living this life and wants to live like a human, especially now that she's met someone worth fighting for.

Review:

The premise of this story sounded so different and unique. A vampire that didn't need blood to survive, but rather lived off the tears of humans. I was pretty skeptical at first. I haven't read anything by Patrick Jones before, but could he really pull this off?

Cassandra was an interesting character but I had real trouble connecting with her. This "vampire" is up to her neck in school drama and family troubles. And while I can certainly relate to her actual problems, I found a lack of emotional depth to her. Her character was a little flat and I simply could not sympathize with her. She basically seeks out emotionally hurt people at school or work and comforts them. She collects their tears and gains strength from them. Then she has to turn around and go home to give those tears to her weak great-grandmother. After that, she's off to do it again. Of course I kind of felt bad for her situation, but I feel there was so much more to be had with her family life. Towards the end of the book the reader meets her cousin and finds out a surprising twist to the story that basically flops at the very end.

Her school life is filled with dramatic stereotypes that really just made me yawn. I didn't feel anything though. The fighting between Cassandra and the other popular girls were petty and while there is nothing wrong with that I just felt it didn't really go anywhere. And then there is Scott. The relationship between Scott and Cassandra was limited at best. Yes, they really liked each other but how I don't really know. Their conversations were limited and if I was basically tired of hearing Cassandra say "Well, what do you mean Scott?"

The story lacked in a lot of different departments which really disappointed me. I didn't go into the story with high expectations because I had never read anything by Patrick Jones. But throughout the entire book I just wanted more. More depth, more description, more real interaction with the characters. I don't think I'd even classify this as a vampire novel. Not that I'm an expert, but I do love me some vampires. Even without the blood, this story was more about family duty - not vampire lore.

All in all, I was disappointed I didn't enjoy the novel. I would like to say I will be giving Patrick Jones another chance because I've read blurbs of his other books and I'm interested in them. But THE TEAR COLLECTOR just wasn't my cup o' tea. Maybe it will be yours though, I have seen a few reviews where the reader absolutely loved the book. Yay for them! I'm glad they found something in it that I couldn't.

So I'm offering my ARC copy up to anyone that wants to give it a go. Maybe you'll feel the same way or maybe you'll find something that you really like in THE TEAR COLLECTOR. Details for the giveaway will be posted shortly =)

Day 304 - Happy Birthday Giveaway - New Winner!

The winner of Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow never claimed her prize so I had to choose another winner...

Congrats to:

Ya_RockStarlette

I've sent you an email and you have until Saturday, October 10th to send me your information. Thanks again to everyone who entered.