My Soul to Lose, Rachel Vincent

I feel cheated, I really do.

I "bought" this book from Amazon and downloaded it to my Kindle app on my iPhone (several, several months ago). I use the term "bought" loosely as it was free. I even got a receipt saying that I would be billed "$0.00".

Well, okay, then.

The premise was interesting: a young girl who suffers panic attacks and hallucinations suddenly wakes in a psych ward. While everyone writes her off as crazy, there's one girl who seems to understand. She see the same shadows twisting around people, too.

Catchy.

I started reading this at 1PM, while at work. In between stocking and waiting on customers. I was finished at 5:30PM.

It was a great read; honestly, it was. But I wanted more. I've only now realized My Soul to Lose is the prequel to Vincent's Soul Screamers series. It's but a teasing novella.

It did it's job, though. I'm hooked, and only mildly annoyed, and I cannot wait to start this series. I'll definitely be looking them up in the local library.

It's YA, in case you couldn't tell. But for anyone who enjoys YA novels, I definitely recommend this.

Happy reading, everyone!

Two Books Down

I've finished two books this week.

Good start for a new year.

Marley & Me by John Grogan was cute and -- for the most part -- effortlessly entertaining. Grogan's sense of humor about his family, his life, and his pesky dog is very uplifting. Though, it did, in my opinion, slow down somewhat when he gave endless information on the history of his dog's breed. If I wanted to know the Labrador retriever's lineage, I would have looked it up.

Other than that, it's a really good book. Great in fact; one I would most definitely recommend.

Grab the tissues, though. Because, yeah, I cried.

Fade, the sequel to Wake by Lisa McMann, I started yesterday and completed just after midnight today. It was, in a word, amazing. Officially: one of my favorite books, favorite series, favorite author.

For anyone who hasn't read these books, you need to pick it up, as in nowish. Janie and Cabel are adorable and real. The plot in the first book was entertaining, and enthralling, though it mostly focused on Janie's abilities (which, was to be expected). But the sequel's plot was ten times better -- and that's saying something. I was thoroughly impressed, especially after I finished and went back and reread some of my favorite parts from the first book. McMann, it seemed, was setting up the second book right from the beginning -- which I think is terrific. All loose ends were neatly tied. Wonderful job on her part.

Gone, the final book, comes out in February; I kind of wish I had held out in reading the second, so I wouldn't have to wait so long for the third. Bah.

That's two books off my list (which, I haven't posted yet, but I'm going to do that next, I think). I feel better!

Now, the only thing left to decide: what's next?

Happy reading, everyone!

New Year; New Beginning

Hello readers,

I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and happy holiday season. The new year has begun, and I'm hoping to get back into blogging, being as it's a resolution of mine.

Blogging helps to fuel my passion for writing; I need to utilize one if I intend to pursue the other.

Another resolution of mine is to drop the 50 books a year challenge. It creates too much pressure for me, I think. Sad as that is. Instead, I'm just going to read. I'll continue compiling a booklist, and I'll keep a running total of every book I complete. But if I don't read a certain number of books in a month, then that's fine. At least I'm reading.

So, starting today: I am back. I'm updating my 2009 Booklist one last time (as I finished another novel last month). Then, I'm going to draft up another. Many of the same books and recommendations will remain, but I'm hoping to add a few more as well.

Happy New Year, everyone! And happy reading!

Oops on the Giveaway...

My apologies, everyone, for being such a bad blogger recently.

School, work, and most recently, my broken down car have kept me from blogging. Yesterday was the first of November; the day I was going to post the Giveaway for November, and it was also the first day of NaNoWriMo.

I was at work until 1PM, and then I spent the rest of the day at a car dealership signing paperwork for a new car. Very exciting.

With that said, I didn't get home until late, and I promptly passed out, lol.

Next week I'll come back with the Giveaway.

And, hopefully, by December, I'll have more time to be nice to you all.

Hope everyone is well!

Your Dreams Are Not Your Own

...says the tag-line on Lisa McMann's Wake.

I finished this book today, and it was absolutely amazing. I'm a bigger fan of YA fiction because of this book. McMann truly has a wonderful story on her hands, and I'm so glad my friend recommended this for me. I can't wait to read the second book ((I'm pretty sure this is a series))!

Her writing style took some getting used to. I didn't hate it, but it seemed kind of bland at first. The more I read, though, the more I got sucked into the story. The character was just so engaging. The plot -- to me -- refreshing. And the voice was so real. I loved it.

For those of you unfamiliar with this book, it follows Janie Hannagan. From the time she was eight-years-old, she's been helplessly sucked into the dreams of those in close proximity to her. The more nightmarish the dream, the more difficult it is to pull herself out. It reveals the frustrations and tribulations she faces for being so different.

Cabel, a supporting character, is a total win. I love him. I think you will, too.

I still have many questions, which I hope Lisa answers for me in Fade. I'm going to order my hardcover copy off of Amazon right now. Wake, too, though I can't find the hardcover version. *grumbles* Anyway, I just can't wait to have them in my bookshelf.

The Sign for Drowning is a little slower going, as it's harder to read. Wake was a breeze, and just so engaging -- and again -- on my iPod which I can hide easier than a book while at work. But I feel like I'm finally coming along quite nicely.

In random, other news, I found out today I was named Honorable Mention in the 78th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. Genre was Short Story. *smile* Pretty stoked.

Happy reading, everyone!

Winner!

On behalf of Buttercup and myself, we'd like to announce the winner of the October Giveaway.

*ahem*

Congratulations April of Good Books & Good Wine!!!! You'll receive Finger Lickin' Fifteen and Love Overboard by Ms. Evanovich.

And thank you all so much for entering! The book recommendations were fabulous! Be sure to check back on November 1st for the next one!



Life is hectic, so I don't have much to update on. I'm reading The Sign for Drowning by Rachel Stolzman & Wake by Lisa McMann. Both are pretty fabulous right now.

Right. So, I have homework waiting for me. I gotta get that accomplished.

Happy reading everyone!

Congrats again, April!

Awards and Such

First, allow me to plug myself: my second giveaway ends tonight at 11:59PM (EST). Thanks to all of you who have already entered! You're fabulous.

Next, I need to show off/pass along some awards I've been holding. So thanks a ton to Misty for her supreme awesomeness. Check out her blog, will you?

This award is simply to be passed

along to those who have given me awards.

With that said, here ya go!

Jessica @ Desparado Penguin

Amy @ My Overstuffed Bookshelf

Rachy @ Parajunkee's View

The following awards, much to my chagrin, are commenting awards;

since I haven't commented on blogs in a while

I feel like a turd, especially since I'm

only now putting them up on my blog.

Yes, I am a loser.

So, anyway, the following will receive both blogs.

Snatch away!

Jessica @ Desparado Penguin
Rosie @ Books and Bakes
Amy @ My Overstuffed Bookshelf
Erica @ Soon Remembered Tales

Enjoy the awards!

Moving along: midterms are over. I'm almost through with the semester. Yay! I can't wait for winter break; I plan to sit around, drink hot chocolate, and read endlessly. When I'm not at work, that is.

I'm almost finished with The Twisted Window by Lois Duncan, which is really good so far. It was written in the 70s, but aside from a few minor details, I can't really tell the time-frame. Which is really nice, in my opinion.

Next I'm going to read The Sign for Drowning. I'm super excited for that one. Anything pertaining to the deaf or deaf culture, I'm hooked.

After the semester, I'll get around to reading the other books I've started. Jessica gave me a really good idea: focus on the smaller books during the semester. I feel much less like a loser that way. *wink* I'm a bit of a slow reader anyway, so juggling papers, homework, and 200 page (at the most) books is a lot easier.

...and now it's time for me to do homework. Hope everyone is doing well!

Happy reading!

Nothing Much Here

Thanks so much for the support regarding my last post, everyone. The comments and emails were discouraging.

School is still crazy busy; midterm is this week, so I have tons to do, but I'm managing.

Desipte the beaucoups of homework assignments, I've been able to cross The Chocolate War and soon The Twisted Window off my reading list. *smile* So, I have been quasi productive.

...this was just a little nothing post since I haven't been able to post lately.

**Thanks to those who have entered in my 2nd Giveaway.

Happy reading, everyone!

Hello, I am Fail

I'm absurdly positive I'm not going to have 50 novels read by January. My course load is ridiculous. *sigh*

I'm currently trying to read three books: Jane Eyre, Echoes and The Butterfly Tattoo. The first is too difficult to read in public, so I try to read it before bed -- if I manage not to pass out. The second is to kill time in between classes, but said time has mostly been used on homework. The third is on my iPod Kindle Application that I read while at work, 'cause I ain't allowed to have books at work. iPods are probably bad, too, but it's easier to hide. *wink*

Now, I'm getting information on three Lois Duncan stories for my online Young Adult class: The Twisted Window, The Third Eye, and I Know What You Did Last Summer ((yes, which the movie is based on; interesting, no?)). All of which I want to read! But I don't have time!! *defeated sigh*

How long does it take some of you to read a book? Families and work and other duties thrown in. I feel like such an epic fail.

Higher education is overrated.

I need to get back to homework. I promise to return soon with the lovely awards Misty left me; she's so nice. (:

Happy reading everyone, and I hope you have better luck than I!

PS:
Sorry I haven't visited blogs lately. I'm such a bad neighbor, but I promise to make time to do so soon!

Giveaway:: Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

Kicking off October's Giveaway, my singing Valentine Gorilla ((affectionately named Buttercup)) would like to present you Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich:


Now, I came across this book through the Literary Guild. You know, if you don't check your email often they send you these little notices saying "please reply to your main selections!" and if you do not, well, then they send it to you anyway. I've been guilty of this countless times, but this time I thought I'd be clever and give this as a Happy Birthday gift to a friend, as I know she reads this series. This was some weeks ago, and I got a text from her after I've contrived my awesome plan that said::

I'm so excited to read my new Stephanie Plum novel!!!!!!! *smileyfacesallovertheplace*

For a moment I was confused as to how she knew I was intending to give her the novel...and then I realized...Oh.

So my awesome plan failed -- lucky for you.

I hear this is a great author and a great series. I'd keep it, but I can't just dive into a middle of a series like that. I have to start all the way back at number one. So, here's the October Giveaway!!

It's hardcover. And as you can hopefully see by Buttercup channeling his inner Vana White, it's in excellent condition. Never read. I've only recently removed it from the box. I promise to dust it off before I send it out. ;) Oh! *Also! You'll be receiving another novel by Ms. Evanovich ((just for being soo awesome!!)). I do believe this one's older but was reprinted. Love Overboard. The cover says it was originally titled as Ivan Takes a Wife. This additional novel ((in soft cover)) has been gently used, so there are slight creases around the spine but in otherwise awesome condition.

This time around, I will keep this contest open until Thursday, October 15th. It's open to U.S. Residents only, I'm sorry.

Borrowing from other bloggers as they conduct their contests, things will be different this time around. There will be more chances for your name to be entered into the drawing, which is always a good idea!

+1 Please comment here with a book you'd like to recommend me read; I love getting recommendations! ((Be sure to consult my booklist for any repeats)). Don't forget to leave an email address so I can contact the winner.

+2 If you follow me, I'll love you. (:

+3 If you give me a plug, I'll love you even more! ((Mention me in a blog post, or put it on a side bar. Be sure to give me a link!))

That's six chances to win. ;)


Well, with that said...Good luck to everyone! Enjoy!

Bronte & Binchy

I always forget what a busy time of year fall is. It's right in the beginning to the school year, and professors ((mine, anyway)) like to pile on the work. It makes them feel less slacker-ish come the end of the semester when we do nothing. But, man, I don't feel like I'm getting anything accomplished -- recreationally speaking.

I'm still plundering through Jane Eyre. It's such a great book, but it's a hard read, language wise. So I find I can't sit down and really dive into it when I'm at work ((which, I'm not supposed to be reading at work anyway, shhhh.)), or in between classes, or even while at the campus libraries. People are surprisingly noisy: talking on their cell phones, having conversations across the room. It's ridiculous. I usually have to reserve Ms. Bronte for the night, when I'm crawling beneath the covers and getting ready to fall asleep. Even then, I put in my iPod and listen to the audio version as I'm following along in the book. There's something fun about hearing the British accent live while I read. Plus, Jane Eyre has French dialogue in it occasionally, and I love to listen to the accent. The voice-actor ((I guess that's what they're called)) does an tremendous job.

When I can't read Jane Eyre, I pick up Echoes by Maeve Binchy. I thought this was a newer book by an author I've never heard of; I picked it up one day on a whim while at Target. I usually do that: pick up books whenever I go out. I'm like Rebecca Bloomwood, Shopaholic that way. I always have to buy a book when I'm out.

Anyway, Echoes was apparently written in 1985 and was just reprinted again, and Ms. Binchy has been around for a while. It has a pretty cover, that's why I got it. It takes place in Ireland and spans ten years. It's predominantly focused on the main characters, Daniel Power and Clare O'Brien, but Binchy weaves in many integral supporting characters. I'm really enjoying it so far. Kind of a thick book, though. May take me a bit.

That's all in regards to an update.

Happy reading, everyone! (:

Another Random Post

From mid-morning to about an hour-and-a-half ago, I spent mowing my lawn.

I hate mowing grass. It makes me tired and sweaty and disgusting.

For the rest of the day ((hopefully)) I plan to spend my time reading, and perhaps working on a few creative writing assignments in advance. I think I'll put off the online homework until tomorrow. *wink*

Before I go, however, I'd like to pass along a couple of awards.

This first award I mentioned in my last post, but I'm only just now getting around to passing it off. I'm not precisely sure what the criteria for this award is, so I'm just gonna go with it. (:



Dixie at A Few of my Favorite Things
Jamie at Revenge of the Book Nerds
Erica at Soon Remembered Tales
Jennifer at The Forgetful Faerie
Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

And for this awards ((which cracks me up: Thanks Misty)), I'd like to give to the following::



Amy at My Overstuffed Bookshelf
April at Good Books & Good Wine
Dixie at A Few of my Favorite Things


Recipients of this award believe in the Tao of the zombie chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.

I hope the Zombie Chickens will excuse me for not naming 2 other people, because I've noticed that pretty much everyone else has it.

If y'all don't hear from me, it's because I was pecked to death by angry zombie chickens.




PS:

I'm having a hard time believing that United Dairy's Ultra Skim milk is actually ULTRA SKIM, as it tastes exactly like 2%. That's okay though; I'm still drinking it.

Whoa

So, college has been kicking my ass...and it's only the first month. How ridiculous.

I've been distracted lately with assignments, and then the Support Stacie Auction. We raised over $20,000 dollars over a 3 day period. I think that's pretty fab, and I know it'll go along way for Stacie. So proud.

That means I'm going to be busy for a while, though, as I was one of the authors on the auctioning block. ((People actually paid money for me -- what an ego-booster.))

I completed another young adult novel for my online class. Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen was pretty amazing. It was really short, and I finished it in about 3 hours ((while at work)). But Paulsen did a great job at capturing the voice of a fifteen-year-old boy from the Civil War. Some scenes were surprisingly graphic, but not...startlingly so. I just hadn't expected it; I don't know why, given the subject matter.

This guy wrote Hatchet, which I was supposed to read in 9th grade, but didn't. Because I was awesome like that, back then. I think I'm going to have to check it out.

And because I'm a loser, I need to finally mention that the awesome Jessica at Despardo Penguin gave me an award...ages ago. I need to show it off, and then come back later and pass it along. Thank you, Jessica!



...This was just a post to say I'm still alive. (:

Giveaway Winner, Book Sale & Things

Allow me to get right down to business. Congratulations, Amy! Buttercup and I would like to send out High Maintence to you, ASAP. Be expecting an email from me this evening ((after I return home from work)), and then I'll get your book enroute.

Thanks, Jessica, for entering! Come back in October for the next one. (:







After class yesterday, I stopped by my local library to pick up Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen; it's antoher short young adult novel I'll get completed in no time.

At any rate, I headed back to the children's sections, and what do I see? Giant signs pointing down a hallway that says "Book Sale." At the risk of sounding gross: I almost peed.

I always miss book sales at the library. Never fails. They are either poorly advertised or I just can't make it due to work or school. This one caught me completely unawares, and I was so stoked.

I picked up three books ((two hard cover and one soft)) for $4.75. Heaven. All three books are by authors I'm unfamiliar with, so I'm pretty excited. My goal is to branch out, anyway.

Pink Slip Party by Cara Lockwood
The Light of Day by Graham Swift
A Perfect Day by Richard Paul Evans

The first one is going to be a fun, fluffy read, I believe. The other two, I think, will be more serious. So excited though. Anyone heard of these authors?

That's all for right now.

Amy, I'll email you ASAP. Congrats, again! And thanks! (:

Just Some Stuff

Okay, I'm finally getting around to passing out the awards that I received last week. I'm not familiar with a lot of blogs just yet, so some of you are going to be getting the same award again, but you don't mind, do you? (:

I'd like to give this one to the following::

B: Beautiful Amy at My Overstuffed Bookshelf
I: Informative April at Good Books & Good Wine
N: Neighborly Erica at Soon Remembered Tales
G: Gorgeous Dixie at A Few of My Favorite Things
O: Outstanding Jennifer at the Forgetful Faerie

This next one represents blogs that show a great attitude, and I'd like to pass it on to::

Misty at Book Rat


Moving on real quickly, as I'm supposed to be completing an English assignment *wink*...Has anyone read A Solider's Heart by Gary Paulsen? I have to read this book next for an online class. I just picked his book at random; I was in a hurry. *shrug* I hope it's good! I'll let you know.

My first giveaway ends tonight at midnight (EST). I'll have the winner announced tomorrow, and I'll contact you for your address. The beginning of next month I'll launch a new one, this time by Janet Evanovich.

I need to pretend to be a good student now.

Have a good day, everyone!

The Outsiders, Plugging & Awards

I appreciate the fact that no one warned me that The Outsiders would be a sad read. Not my sister, not my mother -- both of whom raved about what an excellent book it is, and it's true. It was wonderful; I enjoyed every minute of it. But a little forewarning would have been nice. Yeesh.

Inbetween work and babysitting a seven-year-old and a four-year-old I somehow found time to finish it. It was so difficult to put down. The tone was so real. It was easy to imagine that was how a fourteen-year-old would think. The characters were wonderful. Hinton did a really good job developing her characters. I loved how every individual of the Greasers were integral to their group. It's said a lot in novels and in real-life: how important a person is to a clique. But this was real. Everything about it was very, very believeable. I loved it.


To me, the narrator, Ponyboy, seemed so wise beyond his years. He knew he was leading a life he didn't want to live -- though he accepted it as the cards fate dealt him. He knew the things they were doing were wrong, but the sad bit of it is that he felt powerless to stop it. Until later, of course, when their group begins to dwindle.


The relationships between the characters ((not just as a group but as brothers)) was enjoyable. It was fun and sarcastic and playful and so -- as I've mentioned -- real...at times. One thing I found a bit awkward, and maybe it's because I'm not close with my own siblings, was the cuddling between Ponyboy and Soda. And the back rubs. It was odd for me. But not difficult to overlook. Every other aspect of their relationship I loved.


I can't believe I didn't read this book until now! Okay, maybe I can. I probably wouldn't have appreciated it as an 8th grader as I do now. I'm glad I waited ages.


Definitely an awesome read. It was printed in the late sixties, and while most of the time it was obvious what era it represented, I still felt that it could have transcended time a bit. At certain points it felt more modern. I love that. If you haven't read it, you should. That's all I'm saying.

With that said, I'm going to start focusing on Jane Eyre again. I've missed reading it -- sooo good. Wow.

First, though, I'd like you all to go in this direction. There is a pretty sweet, epic giveaway going down at BookMac that you should all get involved in if you're interested. ((Thanks Parajunkee for posting it in your blog this morning!!)) Loads of stuff being given away. Check it out.

And thanks again to Amy for another award. (: I appreciate it, tons! And I promise that I'm going to pass them along, too. Tomorrow, for sure, as it's my day off. Thanks again!!

...And that's all in my neck of the woods.

Good night!

Support Stacie

Dear Readers,

For those of you who are familiar with fanfiction, I'd like to point you in the direction of the Author Auction in benefit of Stacie.

Stacie's story is familiar one; we hear about it everyday. Not only is she battling cancer, but she has a mountain of hospital bills to pay back ((out of pocket, I do believe)) as she has no medical insurance. What separates her from some others is she has a large online community supporting her, but we could always use some more help. (:

I've spoken to her once, and just briefly, as we were both involved in the same fandom. She's very sweet; I'd love to do as much as I can to help her.

With that said, as I mentioned, if you're familiar with fanfiction -- or even if you're curious -- then please head over to this site ((and this one as well)) and bid on an author to your favorite fandom or even offer her a few encouraging words. Every little bit goes a long way. Bidding starts in just over a week, and the hope is to raise bunches of money for her!

Thanks so much!

Randomness, if you please

My creative writing teacher has contributed to my dislike for 1st Person narratives. Figures our first writing assignment would be a story written in -- yes -- 1st Person.

She liked it though, as did my classmates, so that's exciting! Maybe I'll be a novelist one day after all. *wink*

I finally got The Outsiders today. It's such a thin book! I'll have it finished in no time ((I hope)). I've started reading it a little before I got distracted, and I've enjoyed it so far. The tone is very much that for a fourteen-year-old boy. Very convincing; I appreciate that.

I got another award ((displaying proudly on the left-side column))!! That was sweet! So thank you to Parajunkee, and I promise to pass it around soon!

Finally, I'd like to plug another blog and giveaway. Revenge of the Book Nerds! is having a Austen-themed giveaway. I'm pretty stoked about it. Check it out, for sure!

Now, I have reading and writing to accomplish.

Good evening!

Blog Awards (Like, Whoa), New Book & Such

First, I'd like to thank Amy from My Overstuffed Bookcase for giving me my first two awards. Completely unexpected, and I'm a little giddy about it. (: Thanks so much!

Now, I'm supposed to pass along these awards to five other people. So, here goes::

Sheila from One Persons Journey Through Books
Erica from Soon Remembered Tales
April from Good Books & Wine
Dixie from A Few of My Favorite Things
& finally the blogger from Secret Forest. I have no idea his name, but he was my first comment ever, and I thought I'd give him some recognition. (:

Moving along...I'm loving Jane Eyre. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. I've had little time to read the past week, but I keep trying -- and then I have difficulty putting it down. Reading before falling asleep is probably my favorite time. Snuggled deeply in thick covers with an engaging book for the win.

Reading Bronte's work is going to continue even slower as I've been assigned to read The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton for one of my online classes. My sister, who is now a senior in high school, mocked me because apparently she read the book in 8th grade, while I've never heard of it. Ha, ha, Sister Little, haha.

I went to the library to get it -- all three copies were checked out. Isn't that just my luck? lol. So, hopefully, my sister will remember to pick it up from her school library so that I can start on it. I have to write a paper on it as well. Doing it for a grade isn't quite as fun.

*sigh* Going back to school for a second degree probably wasn't one of my brightest moments...

Helpful Plugging!!

I'm slowly getting the hang of interacting within the blogging community. It's so much fun, and greatly addicting -- which is the last thing I need right now. *eyeroll*

While marching through the many wonderful, wonderful blogs, I discovered another blogger's giveaway for Atonement by Ian McEwan. Now, I mentioned having borrowed that book from the library -- twice -- without being able to read it; I was too embarrassed to check it out a third time. Needless to say, I'd really like to own the book, so I'm gonna try and enter. You should, too!

Check out the Book Rat's blog for details and awesomeness. It ends September 15th so be sure to get your name in before then. (: