The Blog Hop (15)

Sooooooooo sorry for not updating too much this week! I didn't get to prepare posts either. University has been fun so far, but you know, there's that busy aspect as well. And the month of October will be INTENSE. I might just end up scheduling posts. Unfortunately. It will be a hectic month. Nursing can be one heck of a program, I swear. But I love it so far and it's something I definitely want to do. Now, onto the book blogger hop! :)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character?

This is actually a pretty good question which I really love! I would looove to see any Sophie Kinsella novels. They're fun, hilarious, and absolutely romantic with some true depth. Kate Hudson can totally ace a Sophie Kinsella's MC. From her previous movies, I totally believe in her. 

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Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books.

In honor of Banned Books Week, what is your favorite “banned or frequently challenged book”?

Mmm., there's many, actually. My top ones would have to be: THE HUNGER GAMES, and TWENTY BOY SUMMER. And I really don't understand how these books were challenged. Especially Twenty Boy Summer. I mean, that novel was absolutely beautiful.

May Monday Be Merry: Twenty Boy Summer

This blog meme is inspired by Free People's blog and their feature called "Free People Book Club".

This week's featured book is...

Twenty Boy Summer

by Sarah Ockler

Like the beach glass you guys always brought me. Sometimes I dump it out on my desk and press my ear to the pieces, trying to hear the ocean. Trying to hear you.

Like the stars, fading with the halo of the vanishing moon. Like the ocean, falling and whispering against the shore. Nothing ever really goes away - it just changes into something else. Something beautiful.

Inside her head, Frankie had the map to my entire life, and I to hers. I hated that my feelings for Matt were uncharted and unmapped like a secret buried treasure.

Somewhere along the seashore, a strange wind blows over the ocean, and twenty oblivious boys simultaneously look up from their surfboards.

Friday's Finest (79)

Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.
Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

It's amazing how words can do that, just shred your insides apart. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me - such bullshit.

Like I said, I will always go back to this lovely book and share those quotes that really touched me, including and especially this one.

Justine's Thoughts: Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Going Bovine
By Libba Bray

Source: Library
Pages: 480
Rating: 5/5
Book Description:

All sixteen-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school -- and life in general -- with a minimum of effort. But that’s before he’s given some bad news: he’s going to die.

Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure -- if he’s willing to go in search of it. With the help of Gonzo, a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf, and a yard gnome who just might be the Viking god Balder, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America . . . into the heart of what matters most.

A quote:

In a world like this one, only the random makes sense.

Any thoughts:

I did not know what to expect for this one and so I ended up on a roller coaster of wild adventures. Which I really, really loved. It was fascinating and exhilarating and uplifting. Needless to say, it was just what I needed...but I would like to experience that sense of adventure. Because you need those in your life.

The first thought that came to me when I saw the book in the library was, “What’s with the cow on the cover?” It’s strange indeed, especially since he’s carrying a yard gnome. Well, to those who are wondering the same thing, you will eventually know (as long as you read this book!). So in the beginning, Cam shows us his life before the diagnosis. He’s the type of guy who doesn’t really give a crap. He gets high, listens to music, has no hopes for the future, lives every single day just as it is. He’s existing, not living. Then comes the hallucinations and he’s diagnosed with an odd disease. From there, his body goes downhill. But Dulcie, the punk angel, gives him a chance to go on a mission to find the cure. And off he goes.

Most times, I didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t. Reality was twisted with physics and endless theories. There are worthy quotes, witty puns, metaphors and references (Disneyland!). Every page is rich with words. It’s a beauty. I didn’t know how much I laughed and cried. I enjoyed the randomness and the oddness. Some things may not make sense as you read but I must urge you to read it. Libba Bray opens your mind to a whole new universe, throwing you brilliance in one profound novel.

Waiting on Wednesday (88)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Release Date:
May 18th, 2012

Taylor's family might not be the closest-knit – everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled – but for the most part, they get along fine. Then they get news that changes everything: Her father has pancreatic cancer, and it's stage four – meaning that there is basically nothing to be done. Her parents decide that the family will spend his last months together at their old summerhouse in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven't actually gone anywhere. Her former summer best friend is suddenly around, as is her first boyfriend. . . and he's much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses, the Edwards become more of a family, and closer than they've ever been before. But all of them very aware that they're battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance – with family, with friends, and with love.

This time it's the author of one of my favourite summer novels evvverr Amy & Roger's Epic Detour. 2012 can't come sooner enough!

May Monday Be Merry: Fortune

This blog meme is inspired by Free People's blog and their feature called "Free People Book Club".

This week's featured book is...

Fortune

by Megan Cole

...Fortune tells the story of three very different girls – Madison from New York, Simonetta from Rome and Sapphire from London – who all receive mysterious invitations to the 50th birthday of Brad Masters, billionaire record executive. But what could the girls possibly have in common? The truth shocks them all, and turns three strangers into something much closer and more dangerous – after all, family make for the deadliest enemies... ...

[Book description - Goodreads]

Winner of ALL THESE THINGS I'VE DONE by Gabrielle Zevin

Once again, random.org has chosen a number...and the copy of All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin goes to.....................

Jessy

CONGRATS!

I just emailed you so please reply back as soon as possible with your address, which I will be sending over to Macmillan and they will be the ones who will provide your book.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway and most of all, thank you to Macmillan for promoting Gabrielle Zevin's book and for willing to giveaway a copy. Don't forget to check out all about All These Things I've Done and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. Links can be found below!

Macmillan page for All These Things I've Done

Like Gabrielle Zevin on Facebook and see her on tour

Gabrielle Zevin's website

Friday's Finest (78)

Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.
Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it

The most famous line in this movie, which is one of my all time favourites.

Justine's Thoughts: Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson

Sundays at Tiffany’s
By James Patterson

Source: Borrowed from a friend
Pages: 320
Rating: 4/5
Book Description:

AN IMAGINARY FRIEND
Jane Margaux is a lonely little girl. Her mother, the powerful head of a New York theater company, makes time for her only once a week, for their Sunday trip to admire jewelry at Tiffany's. Jane has only one friend: a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael. He's perfect. But only she can see him. Michael can't stay forever, though. On Jane's eighth birthday he leaves, promising that she'll forget him soon. He was there to help her until she was old enough to manage on her own, and now there are other children who need his help.

AN UNEXPECTED LOVE
Years later, in her thirties, Jane is just as alone as she was as a child. And despite her own success as a playwright, she is even more trapped by her overbearing mother. Then she meets Michael again--as handsome, smart and perfect as she remembers him to be. But not even Michael knows the reason they've really been reunited.

AND AN UNFORGETTABLE TWIST
Sundays at Tiffany's is a heart-wrenching love story that surpasses all expectations of why these people have been brought together. With the breathtaking momentum and gripping emotional twists that have made James Patterson a bestseller all over the world, Sundays at Tiffany'stakes an altogether fresh look at the timeless and transforming power of love.

A quote:

Love means never having to be apart.

Any thoughts:

One of my biffles was reading this book when one day she said that Jane reminded her a little bit of me so she suggested I read it. With this book being my first James Patterson novel, in the end, I really liked it. Scratch that, the hopeless romantic I am, I loved it.

The writing reminded me a bit of Nicholas Sparks’ style -- lovely and simple with an excellent ability to tell a story smoothly. The characters were developed nicely and I actually did relate to Jane at many times. The storyline is original as it is, with the concept of imaginary friends bidding their time, being assigned to a kid and caring for them. It’s a fantasy story with a mix of romance. The only thing that I didn’t like was the tiny sense of pedophilia. At first I thought Michael would be the same age as Jane at a young age, but it ends up that he’s just a compassionate thirty-something-year-old guy doing his job. On the other hand, the overall plot is sweet. It will move you if you have a thing for sappy, delightful stories.

Waiting on Wednesday (87)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

Release Date:
February 16th, 2012

Colby and Bev have a long-standing pact: graduate, hit the road with Bev’s band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: she’s abandoning their plans—and Colby—to start college in the fall.

But the show must go on and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie-Colby struggles to deal with Bev’s already-growing distance and the most important question of all: what’s next?

Morris Award–finalist Nina LaCour draws together the beauty and influences of music and art to brilliantly capture a group of friends on the brink of the rest of their lives.

Author of Hold Still! Ahhh, so excited! I love the cover and the summary and basically everything about all of this! :D

May Monday Be Merry: The Undomestic Goddess

This blog meme is inspired by Free People's blog and their feature called "Free People Book Club".

This week's featured book is...

The Undomestic Goddess

by Sophie Kinsella

"We're all confused, Samantha. We all need more time to think. That's life. Get over it. "

Don't beat yourself up for not knowing the answers. You don't always have to know who you are. You don't have to have the big picture, or know where you're heading. Sometimes, it's enough just to know what you're going to do next.

If I've learned one lesson from all that's happened to me, it's that there is no such thing as the biggest mistake of your existence. There's no such thing as ruining your life. Life's a pretty resilient thing, it turns out.

Trailer & Giveaway: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Nearing Autumn we've got a fantastic promotion for ya from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. Featuring Gabrielle Zevin's first book in the Birthright series:

All These Things I've Done
Release Date: September 6, 2011

Description

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.

Sounds interesting, yes? I remember having this as one of my Waiting on Wednesdays! There is also a trailer that I would love to share with y'all:







What more, Macmillan is giving one lucky person a copy of All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin! Enter to win below by filling out the form. Open only to US & CANADA. Giveaway ends midnight of September 16th.

GIVEAWAYCLOSED

Below are links to give you a chance to check out deets about All These Things Ive Done and Gabrielle Zevin:

• Macmillan page for All These Things I've Done
• Like Gabrielle Zevin on Facebook and see her on tour
• Gabrielle Zevin's website

Winner of HADES by Alexandra Adornetto

Aaaaand, the winner of a copy of Hades by Alexandra Adornetto is...............*wait for it*

MARLENE BREAKFIELD!

 from Book Lover and Procrastinator

Congrats!! I love your blog name by the way. We all procrastinate most times sometimes. Haha.

Anyway, I'll be sending an email in a minute so that you can provide me with your snail mail which I can send to  Macmillan. Please reply within one to two days at the most or I will have to unfortunately choose a new winner. I'm hoping that won't happen.

Thank you everyone for participating in this giveaway, and most of all, thank you to Macmillan for information about Hades and for giving me the chance to give away a copy. Make sure you check out all about Hades and the Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. Links can be found below!

Like Alexandra Adornetto on Facebook.

See her on tour this fall.

Macmillan page for Hades by Alexandra Adornetto.

Friday's Finest (77)

Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.
Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.

Anna and the French Kissby Stephanie Perkins

The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.

Justine's Thoughts: Runaway by Meg Cabot

Runaway
[Airhead - book 3]
By Meg Cabot

Source: Library
Pages: 310
Rating: 4/5
Book Description:

Emerson Watts is on the run: from school, from work, from her family, from her friends, from herself.

With everyone she loves furious with her for something she can't explain, and nothing but the live Stark Angel fashion show on New Year's Eve to look forward to, Em's reached the end of her rope... what's the point of even going on?

But when she discovers the truth about Nikki's secret, she knows there's only one person she can turn to.

Will Christopher be able to put aside his personal feelings and help her expose her employer to the world? Is it even fair to get Christopher involved—since if he agrees, there's every chance that Stark Enterprises will try to have them both killed—this time, permanently?

Maybe it would be better for Em to just keep on running.

A quote:

“Looks fade,” Mom would go on. “But intelligence lasts forever.”

Any thoughts (Vague spoilers):

I missed Meg Cabot and the Airhead series! I missed Em’s quirky voice and wonderful sense of humour. I missed Christopher, Frida, Lulu, Brandon, and Gabriel. It’s been a very long time! But this is a great end to the series although I felt that the usual spark was missing. Still, the ending is captivating and fresh.

I enjoyed Em Watts’s snarky comments about everything. Sure she can go on forever and I still would have laughed, but when she keeps on summarizing the previous events, I tended to skim over them. Her growth as a character, however, really shone in Runaway. She’s tougher and more confident in the things that she does. I totally applaud her for making smart decisions.

In the end, all goes well. Yay, happy endings! Of course, Meg Cabot throws in a little bit of fluff and romance for everybody, which I can’t help but cheer for. The all but mysterious issue with Stark is revealed and someone...is going down. I love it when everyone works together as a team!

While it’s obvious that there are light aspects in the series, there is definitely a message about beauty, self, and love. So if you haven’t started the Airhead series, I suggest you do so very soon as you will find it very worth it!

Waiting on Wednesday (86)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

The Next Door Boys
by Jolene B. Perry

Release Date:
October 8th, 2011

With her body still recovering from last year's cancer treatments, Leigh Tressman is determined to be independent. Despite the interference from her overprotective brother, the ever-expanding line of young men ready to fall in love with her--not to mention the physical frustrations and spiritual dilemmas Leigh discovers what it actually means to stand on her own and learns that love can be found in unexpected but comfortable places.

Teaser Tuesday (55)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

From pg. 115 of "A Walk to Remember"
by Nicholas Sparks

As I watched her go, I couldn't help but think that of all the times I'd ever talked to her, this was the strangest conversation we'd ever had. Despite the oddness of some of her answers, she seemed practically normal.

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After reading this book, I finally understand so much more of the movie. Including why it was named "A Walk to Remember".

May Monday Be Merry: The Summer of Skinny Dipping

This blog meme is inspired by Free People's blog and their feature called "Free People Book Club".

This week's featured book is...

The Summer of Skinny Dipping

by Amanda Howells

"I’m a realist,” I replied stubbornly, “not a romantic. Romantics are always disappointed.”
“Maybe they’re disappointed because they’re always surrounded by realists.” Simon countered.

The surest way to hurt yourself is to give up on love, just because it didn’t work out the first time.

After dreaming about being in love for so long I finally got what it meant to actually be in it.

Simon was splashing somewhere ahead of me. He couldn’t see. It was an amazing feeling. I felt free. Or at least half of me did.

Putting yourself at risk...that was the only path to anything meaningful. The biggest risk was in not taking a risk.

Trailer & Giveaway: Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

What a wonderful start to September -- the release of the ever awaited sequel to Alexandra Adornetto's Halo. May I present to you the trailer of HADES!

Description:

Heaven Help Her.

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier's love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can't keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth's release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well.

May I just say that the cover looks absolutely gorgeous!

Big thanks go to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for giving me this opportunity to also host a giveaway.

Simply fill in the form below to win your own copy of Hades.

Giveaway ends September 10th. Only open to US & Canada.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Links!

• Like Alexandra Adornetto on Facebook.
• See her on tour this fall.
• Macmillan page for Hades by Alexandra Adornetto.

Friday's Finest (76)

Friday's Finest is a new meme hosted by Steff & Justine from A Bookful of Thoughts.
Rules:
~Post a quote that really stuck to you after reading it in a book.
~Make sure it isn't a spoiler!
~If you'd like, expand on what you think it means and why you chose it.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

It is better to be alone, she figures, than to be with someone who can't see who you are. It is better to lead than to follow. It is better to speak up than stay silent. It is better to open doors than to shut them on people.

The Blog Hop (14)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

If you could change the ending of any book (or series), which book would you choose? Why and to what?

Edit: There aren't any spoilers in this post, by the way. They're just my opinions. I didn't say anything too specific.

I haven't finished too many series. The Hunger Games ending was good and mindblowing, and to be honest, I liked how Twilight ended. I haven't read Harry Potter..................but trust me, I'm getting on that. Oh, but I do have something I'd like to change with The Mortal Instruments series. I thought it would be best if it ended with City of Glass. I was satisfied with the ending and how all had turned out. But you know, there just had to be a follow-up. Although I really liked City of Fallen Angels, I didn't really mind. I just would have preferred if it ended with City of Glass.

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Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books.

What are you most looking forward to this fall/autumn season – A particular book release? Halloween? The leaves changing color? Cooler temperatures? A vacation?

Autumn is that time of weather between too hot and too cold. I love those kinds of temperatures. They're perfect to me. Dressing up is part of the fun, too. Ohhhhhh, and Lola and the Boy Next Door is going to be released soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D And oddly enough, I'm excited for school to start! University, heree I come!!!!!!!


(Exclamation marks exemplify my bouts of joy.)