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Book reader by day... Book reader by night.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Feature Friday with Sadiya @ Random and Booky!
Feature Friday is a meme created by Sadiya over at Random and Booky- this commences where every week she chooses to interview a fellow blogger and feature them- she chose to feature me this week- so check out her blog and our interview- Sadiya is a wonderful chica and I am so grateful to have met her. She is an American Muslim and- definitly not a terrorist (for your information)-she provided me lots of information about her religion that I found extremely fascinating! She helped me understand the religion doesn't define a person- and her purpose is amazing. She blogs all about Young Adult fiction and participates in many weekly meme's. I put her blog together myself- I made the header and such- If you are intrested in me doing that to your blog- Contact me through my 'Contact me' page.
So check out her blog:
Our interview- My questions are bold- her answers are italicized
What is your favorite book you have read in the past three months?
Smart you asked for the last 3 months and not all time, 'cause then I would never be able to choose! LoL. Uh I'm going to go with The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan. Gotta love Percy Jackson, right?
Do you own a kindle- what are your thoughts and opinions? If not Have you ever received any ARC's in your mailbox or on Net Galley?
No for all of those. But my thoughts on the kindle? It's an ok gadget. Though not for me. I like having a physical copy of the book. It's just something about having the real thing that makes it seem better. LoL.
What book are you pining for the most or the book on top of your to-read list?
Hmmmm. Well that always depends on what I have available at the library or in my shelf. Right now I have to finish 4 books so I can return them. But a book that's not in my shelf and one I really, really want to get is The Outcasts by John Flanagan. He's the author of the Ranger's Apprentice series and this is another series he's started, so obviously I must read it! LoL.
Do you ever write anything?
Uh. Writing. Well it's not a passion of mine, but I've been told I'm good at it, so I'm trying to write more. The only short story I wrote were in elementary school and one for a school contest. I put it on a website for computer class. If you want to check it out:www.wix.com/wwwsara97/the-
What is your favorite part of reading a book?
Oh that's so easy! I love being able to escape the world and just sort jump into the book. Kinda like forget everything around me. Trust me I'm very good at that. Not to mention it's a good excuse for when I don't hear my parents calling me. LoL ^^
What book have you had for a while and not read?
Hmm yeah a few. I think the one I've had for the longest time is Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I bought it in 2010, 8th grade book fair and it's been collecting dust ever since.
What do you like to do when reading? Ex: music, eating, etc
Hmm. I like to listen to music while I read. Most of the time I lay on my bed to read, sometimes I'll text my best friend, Cora.
What do you like to do other than reading and blogging?
Hmm. Well reading is basically my life. Other than that I like to text, eat, hang out with friends, watch movies, play online/search the most random things on Google. In the spring/summer I play badminton out in our yard.
Who would be your best fictional character best friend(s)?
D.J. From the Dairy Queen trilogy no doubt! Just the way she thinks is a lot like mine, though I'm more confident. Her sarcasm is great too. LoL.
When and why did you begin book blogging?
I started blogging back in July. I started it mainly because it seemed fun and cool. Another reason was that online there were a whole bunch of rude and stereo type comments about Muslims and I wanted to prove them wrong and this was my small way of doing it. I was kinda trying to say: 'Hey I'm a teenage Muslim. You don't see me blowing up buildings!" After a while I realized it doesn't matter because what those people ((who were adults)) were saying to me was just bullying and it got me thinking that it didn't matter what they think because they are bullies. ((I tried to say that not all Muslims are bad and they insulted me)) And I was curious to what they teach they're kids. Now when someone says that, I'll just say once it's not true. If they don't believe me I just think of them as immature idiots. LoL.
* * *
That was my very first Feature Friday- check out her interview with me on her blog-
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Anna and the French Kiss
Anna and the French KissPages: 372 Pages
Publisher: Dutton
Released: December 2nd 2010
Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)
Book Source: Received (?)
Award(s): Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Goodreads Author, Young Adult Fiction (2010)
Anna. Living in Atlanta, eager for a her crush to love her back, ready for her senior year with her best friend. Much to her dismay she her father is shipping off to boarding school. French boarding school- abundant with rich kids, who have known each other since freshman year. Yeah, Great. America was great but France- ugh. that was before Etienne St. Clair. St. Clair. Super Foxy, Super Sweet, and most definitely Super Taken. Anna is reserved also- to her boy at home. But the chemistry is undeniable. Delicious. Sweet. Confusing. As the seasons change- so do her feelings. After many 'almost-s' will she ever get the kiss she has been longing for- the kiss haunting her dreams- the kiss from the boy she CAN'T be in love with?
Oh. Mah. Gawsh. I have no idea why I took so long to join the Anna parade. I have always read raving reviews of it but never had enough courage- or just didn't feel like it- to pick it up. Oh boy, do I regret that. This book completed my life- for a day at least. It was like a Sarah Dessen novel with the obvious romance- without the obvious plot. This book always had me guessing.
As for throughout reading this (AWESOME) novel, I was team Etienne all the way baby. All the freaking way... I would cheer him on and boo when it didn't work out. As for Anna- she was predictably unpredictable. You could never expect what was going to happen next. Anna would be a fun best friend- she was so independent. To be honest she was oblivious to the fact I wanted to punch her- several times in fact. But I love to feel the emotion with the characters- and this book was no exception. I absolutely loved it.
Stephanie Perkins. She is an ideal novelist and creates such a cute world for her characters to live in- this book lives up to Paris's romance cliche. In my mind without a doubt she created the most perfect imperfect romance with a gorgeous city to host it.
If you haven't read Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Read it. Right. Now. A friendly word of advice- if there is a book everyone loves and you have not read it yet. Read it- most likely it is wonderful. People don't love books because they suck. They love books because they rock!
However I got this book- thank you anonymous. I found this book actually in my mailbox... and it was signed- (refer to IMM 7 Part 2)- and I treasure it greatly- I wish I knew who you were so I could thank you personally. I will love it forever.
Personally I believe this book deserves all the hype it got- and lived up to my great expectations. And personally I would love getting lost in Paris, France with a Foxy boy- I wouldn't mind!! Would you?
What did you think of Anna and the French Kiss? I'd love to know.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Hey Wanderer's
Hey guys!
Sorry no new reviews- schools been as busy as ever. Final day of semester is on next Tuesday then holiday break for two weeks- I will be sure to post lots then! Thanks for understanding!
What have you been reading, what did you think?
Got your Christmas shopping done?- I don't ;)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Waiting On Wednesday 1- Cinder Marissa Meyer
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
-Goodreads Summary.
This book... Urgh... Jade don't think about it... don't think about it.... I NEED this BOOK NOW. I have to wait January 3rd 2012. Another thing I love the cover- so much. I am so excited!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Top Ten Tuesday 1- Top Ten Books I Want to Give As Gifts
A big thank you to the girls@ The Broke and Bookish! They created this weekly Meme that I am just getting started in! This weeks Top Ten is: What are the top ten books you want to give as gifts and to who?
1. Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
I would love to give this book to my dear friend Anqi* over @ A Splatter of Ink- the reason for this is because she hasn't read this beautiful 860 page book that I love so much. I own it- but I never lend out my hard copies- Sorry Anqi.
*Pronounced AN-key
2. The Night Circus
I would love to give my grandma this novel because it it has been on her to read list for quite a while- i probably will soon
3. Anna and the French Kiss by Steohanie Perkins
This would definitely be book I would send over the way to Laura Trewern my British buddy.
4. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
I would give this to Jada @ A Splatter of Ink because she loves The Mortal Instruments series also The Infernal Devices series.
5. Perfect by Ellen Hopkins
This book would definitely be book I would give to dearest Gracie- we all love Hopkins perfectly imperfect poems.
5.2 Hunger Games
For my Twi-Obsessed aunt- she needs a new hobby.
You see I do not have many ideas of books to give to my friends- because some of them do not read much- nor my family... so here are the books on the top of MY wish list that I WANT as gifts- hint hint.
6. Unearthly
Because I have heard amazing things about this book- and need to check out the action myself. Since our local Borders shut down B&N never has this one in stock- and when I order it- it never comes. It is quite alarming.
7. Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
All of Anderson's books are 100% moving and satistfying after reading that this is a must have for MY holiday.
8. The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Somehow on my trips to the bookstore I always forget this book... hmm.
9. The Gathering (Darkness Rising Book 1)
MUST HAVE. The darkest powers series made me LOVE reading a few years ago- Kelly Armstrong rocks, man.
10. The Summer I Turned Pretty
New Sarah Dessen?
10.2. Revelations (Blue Bloods #3)
I love this series but got way behind
10.4. Lola and the Boy Next Door
Sigh. Anna. Sigh.
10.6. Shatter Me
Ugh. How I survive I do not have the slightest Idea.
10.8. Strange Fate L.J Smith
I can never seem to find this.
What is your TTT this week?
Post your link in the comments area and I will check yours out-
If you don't have a blog just post below
Thanks fellow book wanderers!
Happy Reading!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
In My Mailbox 7 December 11th- December 18th Part Two
Is this not beautiful?
I haven't read this before - I just love signed books.
What are your thoughts and opinions of this book?
What was in your mailbox?
In My Mailbox 7- December 11th- December 18th Part One
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Anna and the French Kiss (Signed Copy) by Stephanie Perkins
Struck by Rhonda Stapleton
Getting over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald*-
There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones*
* I finished Garrett Delaney in a day- it was fantastic and I could learn much from this wonderful novel- Definitely should be on your to read list!
* Jenny B. Jones- sound familiar? Was I the only one who thought of Junie B. Jones? (child 'chapter book' superstar)
Sunday, December 4, 2011
In My Mailbox 6 December 5th- December 12th
Compliments to The Story Siren
Virals by Kathy Reichs
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefaver
The Future of Us by Jay Asher
The Son of Neptune by Rick Riorden
Strange Angels by Lilith Saintcrow
Friday, December 2, 2011
Paranormalcy by Kieresten White
Author: Kiersten White
Pages: 335 Pages
Publisher: Harper Teen
Released: August 31st 2010
Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)
Book Source: Library
Evie is a monster hunter. She is employed by the International Paranormal Containment Agency. She has a gift- that is also a curse. She can see through the glamours that paranormal-s put on- to hid themselves from humans and the Agency. Evie is the agency's secret weapon. With a power only she herself has- it is unlike anything the agency has ever contained. this life- is normal for Evie. She has a mermaid best friend, a faerie ex-boyfriend/stalker and now paranormal-s are dying.
Not only dying- being killed, in mass amounts. Evie's head is filled with mysterious murmurings of destruction and the promise of death to all paranormal creatures. Evie is soon to realize that not only is her power a mystery. to her dismay she is finding more and more evidence to the fact that she is connected to an ancient faerie prophecy and the deaths of many paranormal beings that are stacking up. Its up to Evie to put a stop to everything- but how can she fix everything when she has no idea what she is up against?
Evie. One and only Evie. Her personality is just the perfect dose of innocence and cleverness, with just a hint of mischief- shes a great character. So unique and fiery! Her comedic acts in this book was great when living through the plot. She is always criticizing things in her own sense of humor that entertained me throughout the book.Oh and don't forget her hot pink zebra boots!
The plot of this book was clever and mysterious. The writing with the dialogue and way that Evie's thoughts were put together was leaning more toward Middle Grade rather than Young Adult literature. This kind of annoyed me at times like-"c'mon just get to the point already" but the plot was intriguing enough to keep me snared through this book in one evening of reading.
Kiersten White is a very nice author and never confuses you. I really mean that- never once was I confused. But that also means the writing was rather simple- but sometimes with the perfect plot- that is completely okay! Whatever creative process she went through to think of this paranormal world- sign me up! I would never be creative enough to think of something as unique as this world of paranormal creatures.
The romance throughout the novel was appropriate and sweet. Evie with her boy always made me smile. Simple romances are always so rinky-dinky cute.
It may have had simple writing- but I loved it! I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of this paranormal trilogy, I plan to stick with it and keep on reading.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Pages: 418
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release: September 27th 2011
Age Group: Young Adult (12-18)
Book Source: Insider @ Library
In a Karou's world where winged creatures roam the sky and a chimaera named Brimstone collects all sorts of teeth for his mysterious necklaces. And his teeth are soon to run out.
Karou is the 'errand' runner for Brimstone; she does anything he needs. Why? Because he is a monster that is all she has known for family since a young age. He is her family.
Who is she? She doesn't know. Her hair grows blue- naturally from the roots.She speaks many languages- languages of humans, and monsters alike. She fills sketchbooks with dramatic drawings of monsters that are real- but a secret for her to keep. She is a mystery- to herself and everyone else. But that is the question she keeps getting asked. Who is she? What is she?
But when black fiery hand prints are appearing on doors all over the world- on portals catastrophe is soon to strike. And Karou doesn't know what it is and how to stop it. When a wonderful stranger Akiva finds Karou- she haunts him. Her face- a face of beauty. Together they find hidden secrets, dangerous love and most of all- they discover who she is. Whether Karou likes who she is or not; together Akiva and herself are going to find out.
First of all- I would like to thank my schools wonderful librarian- Mrs. Johnson. She let me borrow the schools copy of this book before it was processed- because she knew how much I wanted to read it. Also because it takes forever to process. So I appreciate her kindness and hope she will do the same in the future!
Daughter of Smoke and Bone has been on my to-read list for quite some time. I had hoped it would fulfill my great expectations of this new series. And indeed it did! And more! This new fantastical world of mythological creatures twisted my mind and gave me joy. This book was beyond wonderful.
I loved the voice that Laini Taylor incorporated into this book. Her writing was great- her style told the story and just sucked me in and I could not put it down. This mystery is one of the best books I have read ever. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Karou is definitely going on my list of book character that I would want for a a best friend- right next to Katniss from The Hunger Games and Mara Dyer from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Karou was unlike any character I have ever 'met'. Her stubbornness and capability was so endearing and awesome to watch unravel throughout the book. Karou definitely grew as a character throughout the book and made her even more enticing at the end.
The thing I enjoyed the very most was the unpredictability of this entire story. Just as soon as you started thinking you knew what came next- Laini Taylor just flipped you around and you landed on your head. Sometimes unpredictability in a book can be annoying and just irritate me but this did the opposite- it encouraged me to continue reading.
Laini Taylor did a fantastic job of snagging the read right away and left you wanting more at the end of the book. Definitely a book you NEED to read! I can't wait for the sequel. Some writers just cannot write fast enough!
Imaginary Girls
Author: Nova Ren Suma
Pages: 344
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Genre: Paranormal
Release: June 4th 2011
Age: Young Adult (12-18)
Book Source: Library
Book Source: Library
Chloe's older sister, Ruby, always gets what she wants. One night two summers ago- Chloe, at only 14, was dared to swim across the reservoir- quite dire and dangerous task. But she never does it. Soon after beginning to swim she discovers a boat- with the body of a classmate. Dead.
Soon after Chloe moves to live with her dad- to live a normal life and escape the past that has been haunting her ever since the night she stumbled upon the boat. Two years later- Ruby wants Chloe back. She wants everything normal and as if it was those two summers ago.
When Chloe returns to their quaint little town everything is the same- the exact same. Or is it?
Ruby as older sister of Chloe shall always protect Chloe- its her duty as a sister. But when deadly secrets threaten to expose the truth to Chloe of that night out at the reservoir. But for Chloe deadly secrets can have deadly consequences- and it may mean life or death.
Imaginary Girls by Nova Suma Ren was quite a feat that left me guessing through out the entire novel. I suppose you could classify this book as a thriller but the plot went along quite slow and was rather dragging throughout the first third of the book. But soon after the ball begins rolling I just couldn't put it down and read the rest in one seating.
The characters were rather confusing- as in Ruby's strange personality. She is the kind of girl no one can ever figure out- and that no one knows better than Chloe.
The sisterhood exemplified in this novel was rather sweet and endearing. But when Chloe is always following ruby it feels rather forced like. Why cannot Chloe have her own personality? But the true sisterly love does appear. Throughout the book Chloe always thought her feelings but never communicated them to other characters which I had found rather annoying (SPIT IT OUT ALREADY).
Nova Ren Suma's writing was very much her own. I haven't read a book with writing quite like that- ever. It had just enough creative writing and descriptive writing to keep me hooked throughout the novel. The mystery portrayed through her words was intriguing and exciting to follow.
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