Sadness, School, and Blogging. (Update!!!)

First of all- the sadness, I have neglected my blog and apologize for that- but this week, weekend and next week are jam packed-And I have no free time- I am so sad for that- because I love blogging- and have read like nine reviewable titles so far this year- so I feel like I am behind in everything. And the (S) word. Do not even mention that to me!!! School- I am so behind and we got a million projects just dumped on us all due the same week  ( January 23-26th) then I have a basketball tournament, solo and small ensemble for violin and LOTS of jazz band work because I stink at improvising and humiliate myself all the time. I have also had a lot of trouble sleeping- so when  I get done with everything I just lie in bed- so I promise after these next  two weeks or so I will back at it and throw millions of reviews your way. Don't be surprised but I have read a BUNCH in the past week and have major review catch up to do-  

Also, I am considering hosting a scary story/horror giveaway hop. So if any other bloggers interested in CO- hosting- let me know, I have a bunch of books I would love to giveaway.

Debut Author Challenge- hosted by The Story Siren!!

I am signed up!

CHALLENGE OBJECTIVE:

• To read & review a minimum of twelve young adult or middle grade debut novels between the dates of January 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013.*

*The 2013 extension is so that December Debuts can be read and count toward the challenge.

• Any advance reader copies you read from 2012 BEFORE the January 1st start date DO NOT count toward the challenge! 
• You can read twelve books in one month, or one book a month. It doesn’t matter as long as you have 12 read by the end of the year! 

RULES & GUIDELINES:

• You must have a Blog to post your reviews or be a member of Goodreads. Youtube Book Reviewers count too!
• Your blog/video must be written in English.
• Deadline to join is May 31, 2012.

BOOK GUIDELINES:

• Must be a young adult or middle grade title.
• Must be the author’s YA or MG debut, released in 2012.
• If an author has a previous novel published for adults or children, they can still qualify for the challenge.
• If an author has a previous YA or MG title, they do not qualify for the challenge.

And I plan on reading WAY more than 12 books!

In My Mailbox 10- January 8th - January 15th

The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams 

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini 

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry, #1) by Simone Elkeles 

The Future of Us by Jay Asher, Carolyn Mackler 

Sorry for being such a slacker this week- I promise many reviews to come!

Matched Giveaway- Winner Announcement

Congrats, Bubkins!

You WON a copy of Matched by Ally Condie

I have emailed you

Considering this is my first giveaway- I feel it has been far more successful that I predicted.  I just wanted to thank everyone for following, tweeting, and commenting. The turn-out was great. For those of you who didn't win- stick around for my next giveaway for all you Christopher Pike fans- which will be posted soon! This giveaway will have 

6 Lucky Winners! 

Thanks again to all you fellow bloggers and  new followers!!!

Farewell 2011! (Part Two) Survey

1. Best Book You Read In 2011?

I would say The Daughter of Smoke and Bone- mainly because I had anticipated this book for a long time- and it fulfilled all of my expectations. And Akiva! Yummy!

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?
That book would probably be Imaginary Girls, I just had a really hard time getting into it- it took me a span of two weeks to read- which is a LONG time for me.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?THE UNBE(FREAKING)COMING OF MARA DYER. This book made me so happy, angry, twisted and upset that I loved it. I swear- I loved it. I felt all the emotions, and just loved this book to death.

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer- because it ROCKED.

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?Anna and the French Kiss- okay, I must admit it isn't really a series but- there is multiple books (Lola, Isla) so I would like to call this a series. I loved Anna! I haven't read Lola yet- but I will!


6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

Sarah Dessen! - I hadn't read any of her stuff- EVER. And I have discovered that I love fluffy, romance, chick-lit. It is so CUTE! And fun to read- so definitely Sarah Dessen.


7.  Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?Getting Over Garrett Delaney- it was different, and I liked it!


8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?Unbecoming of Mara Dyer- best book ever!

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

I would say The Daughter of Smoke and Bone because  I had heard lots about this and couldn't wait to read it. And when I FINALLY did- I loved it.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

11. Most memorable character in 2011? 

 Mara Dyer- Duh!

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011? 
Getting Over Garrett Delaney

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read? 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone
 
15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011? 
"I will trample you Chinese Canadian Baby Man"

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012?
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer


17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!The ending of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I was like- WTF. WTF. And I punched pillows- and got so angry. I was like- seriously- HOW COULD AN AUTHOR DO THAT. This was one of the best books ever- and the ending killed me- as I said seriously. I died. I even screamed. For my mother it was rather amusing- I was very, very angry. But you definitely have to read this book. For sure!


1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011? 
The Story Siren
A Splatter of Ink
XpressoReads

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2011? I had fun writing the Son of Neptune review!

3. Best discussion you had on your blog? 
Haven't had one yet!
 
4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?
I LOVED The Perpetual Page Turners Fictional Wedding

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?In My Mailbox, Top Ten Tuesday, Waiting on Wednesday, Follow Friday

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?
My first member!
 
7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?




My Matched Giveaway


8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?


The post I wish got a little more love was my review of Getting Over Garrett Delaney, I worked really hard on this review- and absolutely loved the book so I expected a little more- you know- LOVE. As for those of you who have read the review- You deserve a cookie!

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
 I found a 25$ gift card that had not been spent!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?I completed my goodreads goal- 87/80

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?
Lola and The Boy Next Door

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?
Insurgent!!!!


3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

Farewell 2011! (Part One)

The end of this year has been a great year- I only just did got really into reading this last August, (Shame, Trust me, I know.) and I have read 87 Books and 26,383 Pages! I am proud of what I did- and plan to at lease DOUBLE my reading next year!

 

   

      2011 Reading Challenge
   

          
     
       

     
           
       

     
     

 
        Jade has     
       
         
            completed her goal of reading 80 books in 2011!
         
               
     

     

       

hide

     

 
     

        87 of 80 (108%)
     

     
       

   
          view books
       

     
   
   
 

   
 
     
 

Follow Friday #1

Question of the Week: The New Year is here -- and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

Hello there! This is my first Follow Friday- and I am looking forward to participating in many more- so here are my answers for this weeks question:

1. School Work First: This last quarter I didn't do as well at school as I should have- because I put my blog first- but that has to change and I need to do all my school neccesities before the blog. I'm Sorry. I wish I could blog 24/7 but alas- I cannot.

2. Consistent : I  am going to try to keep up with posts and do several a week- but as I said- "School First".

3. Network: I am not very good at promoting my blog on Twitter, Blogaholic Social Network, Goodreads ect- So I plan on getting more involved  in such networking to help my blog grow!

4.Talk to Fellow  Bloggers: I haven't made many friends from the blogging sphere and I am going to try to change that soon!

NEW LAYOUT!

So as you see I have a brand new layout that I put together myself! 

What are your thoughts and how can I make it better?

If you would like me to help you out with your blog- I'd love to! Just shoot me an email:

adaytoremember13x@gmail.com

Please let me know what you think?

Welcome to 2012 TBR PILE Reading Challenge!!!

We all have those books. We buy them, win them, they're gifted to us.. Then we put them up on a bookshelf and there they stay, collecting dust, waiting for the time when we'll finally decide to pick them up..

Join us on a quest to dust off your TBR Pile and read all the books you've been telling yourself you'll read next time you'll get a chance.. This is your chance! And we've got PRIZES!!! :D

Challenge guidelines: 

1. This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012.
2. As we would like to see quality reviews linked up to our monthly wrap-ups, only bloggers can enter. Sorry about that!
3. Any genre, length or format of book counts, as long as it is a book that's been sitting on your shelf for some time now. Only books released in 2011 and earlier! NO ARCs and 2012 fresh-off-the-press releases allowed!
   
4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
5. When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the 2012 TBR PILE Reading Challenge (You need to include the info + host list + challenge button. You can also grab the button code and add it to your sidebar!)
   
6. You can move up levels, but no moving down.
7. Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.
8. At the end of each month one of the hosts will post a wrap-up. Every wrap-up will have it's unique theme, a mini-challenge, a giveaway and place for you to link up your reviews from this month. For each review you link up, you will get one entry in a drawing of one book of choice from Book Depository. It's open to INTERNATIONALS. For participating in the mini-challenge you will get +1 entry.
   
9. If you miss a wrap-up post + giveaway, you can link up your reviews next month. Do not, however, try to link up one review twice - we will be checking ;)
10. December is a wrap-up for the whole year. All the book reviews you linked up January-November + the ones you'll link up in December will be entered into a HUGE giveaway - 12 books, 12 winners, INTERNATIONAL. 
11. You don't have to follow all the hosts to join the challenge, but you do have to follow all of us to be entered in giveaways!

Levels:

1-10 - A Firm Handshake
11-20 - A Friendly Hug
21-30 - A Sweet Kiss
31-40 - Love At First Sight
41-50 - Married With Children

Hosts:
Evie from Bookish - http://www.evie-bookish.blogspot.com @SeoEvie
Nicole from All I Ever Read - http://www.nicoleabouttown.com/ @Nicoleabouttown
Bonnie from Hands and Home - http://www.handsandhome.ca/ @HandsHomeBlog
Donna from Book Passion For Life - http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.com/ @BookPforLife
Caitlin from WatchYA Reading - http://whatchyareading.net @caitlingss
Rie from Mission To Read - http://missiontoread.com/ @missiontoread
Vicky from Books, Biscuits & Tea -http://booksbiscuitsandtea.blogspot.com/ @alouetteuette
Christa from Hooked On Books - http://christashookedonbooks.blogspot.com @ChristasBooks
Jenna from Fans Of Fiction - http://fansoffiction.blogspot.com/ @fansoffiction
Angel from Mermaids Vision - http://mermaidvision.wordpress.com @mermaidvisions



Wrap-up POST Schedule:

January - Donna (Theme: Let It Snow + Book Cover Challenge)
February - Nicole (Theme: Un-requited Love/Love Gone Wrong + Advice Column Challenge)
March - Rie (Theme: Green or Pinched + Green Cover Challenge)
April -  Bonnie (Theme: Easter + Mini Challenge)
May - Christa (Theme: MayDay - Disaster Books! + Cover Disaster Challenge)
June - Jenna ( Theme: Camping + Sentence Challenge)
July - Rie (Theme: International Day + Cover Comparison Challenge)
August - Angel (Theme: Summer Memories + Send Your Fav Character On Vacation Challenge)
September - Nicole (Theme: Life Changing Books + Mini Challenge)
October - Caitlin (Theme: Thanksgiving Theme + Share-A-Book Challenge)
November - Vicky (Theme: Spooky Halloween + Book Puzzle Challenge)
December - Evie (Theme: Xmas Bliss + Book Bachelor Challenge) I realize  I might be a bit insane- but I plan on attempting the level "Married With Children". This means my goal is to read 41-50 books on my to read list!
Here is a list of some of the books I plan to read for the challenge:
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver Published 2010  Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1) by Tahereh Mafi  Published 2011Bones of Faerie (Faerie, #1) by Janni Lee Simner Published 2009 Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles, #2) by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl Published 2010

  Deadly Little Secret (Touch, #1) by Laurie Faria Stolarz  Published 2008 Delirium (Delirium, #1) by Lauren Oliver  Published 2011   Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins  Published 2011  Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1) by Lauren DeStefano Published 2011  Impossible by Nancy Werlin  Published 2008Witches of East End (The Beauchamp Family, #1) by Melissa de la Cruz Published 2011 I have 3-4 books to read on the Blue Bloods SeriesI need to catch up on Pretty Little LiarsThe Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater Published 2011 Remember Me (Remember Me, #1-3) by Christopher Pike Published 2010  Strange Fate (Night World, #10) by L.J. Smith  Ashes (Ashes Trilogy, #1) by Ilsa J. Bick Published 2011  Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma  Published 2010  Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare Published 2010  City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, #4) by Cassandra Clare Published 2011  Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2) by Cassandra Clare Published 2011 Unearthly (Unearthly #1) by Cynthia Hand Published 2011   Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys Published 2011Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson Published 2007  Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks (as "Anonymous")  Published 1971 Entwined by Heather Dixon Published 2011  Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely, #1) by Melissa Marr Published 2007  Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1) by Richelle Mead Published 2007 Crave (The Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell Published 2011  The Host (The Host, #1) by Stephenie Meyer Published 2001  The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (Twilight, #3.5) by Stephenie Meyer Published 2010 Tithe (The Modern Faerie Tales, #1) by Holly Black Published 2002  Red Glove (Curse Workers, #2) by Holly Black  Published 2011 The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #1) by Carrie Ryan Published 2009 The Gathering (Darkness Rising, #1) by Kelley Armstrong Published 2011  The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1) by Jenny Han  Published 2009 Wolfsbane (Nightshade, #2) by Andrea Cremer Published 2011   Fury (The Fury Trilogy #1) by Elizabeth Miles Published 2011 ***AND THAT'S ONLY THE BEGINNING! What is on the top of your to-read list?***  

Waiting on Wednesday 2- Arcadia Awakens (Arkadien #1) by Kai Meyer

This is so gorgeous!

Arcadia Awakens (Arkadien #1) by Kai Meyer

 To Rosa Alcantara, the exotic world of Sicily, with its network of Mafia families and its reputation for murder and intrigue, is just that—exotic and wholly unknown. But when her life in Brooklyn begins to fall apart, she must travel there, to her family’s ancestral home, where centuries of family secrets await her.

Once there, Rosa falls head over heels for Alessandro Carnevare, the son of a Sicilian Mafia family, whose handsome looks and savage grace both fascinate and unsettle her. But their families are sworn enemies, and her aunt and sister believe Alessandro is only using Rosa to infiltrate the Alcantara clan. And when Rosa encounters a tiger one night—a tiger with very familiar eyes—she can no longer deny that neither the Carnevares nor the Alcantaras are what they seem.

Hidden caves, dangerous beasts roaming the hills, and a history of familial blood lust mean that Rosa can’t trust anyone. Torn between loyalty to her family and love for their mortal enemy, Rosa must make the hardest decision of her life: stay in Sicily with her new love…or run as far and as fast as she can.

 **Goodreads Summary** 

 Oh goodness me. First of all- have you seen this gorgeous cover? It is amazing! And the plot and Idea- is phenomenal.  And guess when this book comes out- VALENTINES DAY. 2012. I had wandered into B&N yesterday seeking this title- I thought is had come out December 14th. I ask this balding guy- about 'Arcadia something.. like with snakes'. This dude thought I was clinically insane (Most would agree...). I didn't know the title. Or the author. Only ARCADIA. He didn't have any idea what I was rambling off about. But we found it on the store computer... I was really angry when I found out that I have to wait months. Ugh.  This book hasn't gotten the hype it deserves... yet! But soon it will- and hopefully I have contributed for your excitement. This is definitely a title to watch for.  Only time will tell how long I can wait.

Add It On GoodReads 

Amazon

 

Top Ten Tuesday 2- Top Ten Books of 2011

A big thank you to the girls@ The Broke and Bookish! They created this weekly Meme that I am just getting started in! 

Top Ten Books of 2011

Note: If they all could be #1 - most of these books would be!


1. Anna and the French Kiss. - I JUST READ THIS. LAST WEEK. Boy was I missing out- I believe this was one of the most refreshing romances I have read this year! I loved it and therefore it is #1.


2. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer- This book was so messed up and twisted. I couldn't put it down- If you have not read this- then it should be at the top of your To Be Read NOW list. 


3.  Getting Over Garrett Delaney- If you have read my review you know why I love it- but quick recap: The friendship and true meaning is great and exemplifies how real life REALLY works.


4. Son of Neptune- Just because it really, truly ROCKED.


5. Daughter of Smoke and Bone- This book was weird and wonderful and strange and alluring all at the same time- great read. 


6. Where the Truth Lies- this title has a double meaning- and I love it. This book is super messed up- if you enjoy twisted realistic fiction tales. Then a definite book for you.


7.  Break-Once again- another messed up tale I enjoyed. This book is about a boy who breaks his own bones intentionally and his goal is breaking all of them. Short read but super powerful.

8. Divergent- Dystopian. Romance. Mystery. Thriller. What more can you ask for??

9. Crank- Powerful message conveyed through poetry... and drugs are scary...

10. Songs for a Teenage Nomad- I just loved this book- very relatable... cute but not too cheesy. Great balance.

Well I fear that is the end of my Top Ten Books I read in 2011...

Now it is up to you!

What is your top ten- post in the comment section and I will add your link to this blog post.

I hope you all had a very Happy Holidays-

2012- It is OUR year!

Son of Neptune

The Son of Neptune

Author: Rick Riordan
Pages: 513
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication: October 4th 2011
Book Source: Anqi Yu @ KajaInk
Age Group: More Middle Grade (12-14)


      Percy Jackson is back and ready to roll. Or he would be. If he remember anything. It is quite a hinderance- only knowing one thing; his name. And the fact that monsters are attacking him- somehow he has major monster fighting skills. But the monsters aren't dying; at least not for long. They keep coming back- faster and faster each time. 
      Percy had been found by Lupa- a roman wolf god. He trained with Lupa's wolves for months and taught Percy about who he is- or should be. He is a demi-god. A Half Blood. He is a Son of Neptune- he the roman god of the sea.  
     Soon he will be on a journey with two new friends- Frank and Hazel.  But not long after meeting these young half bloods at Camp Jupiter... he realizes that they are hiding secrets- secrets about life... and death. Secrets greater than Percy could ever imagine. Without any of his memories and friends... Can Percy Jackson survive this new, foreign adventure- Roman Style? 


First things first- This book is infuriating. And I absolutely love it. With Percy missing his memory- while reading you just want to punch things... and throw things... lots of things... Also tear your hair out... lots of it. After reading the first chapter I was hooked- I loved the new adventure. It is definitely great to have Percy back.


 This is the second book in the Heroes of Olympus series. I read the first book- without having the main character(s) as Percy- I was... per-say unsure of this new series. But I have fallen back in love with all of the characters- even the new ones. Frank- big, clumsy, ox-y Frank.  I admire his imperfectness and self consciousness. He was so real!


Rick Riordan beyond exceeded my expectations. Again. Sure- If you loved his first series with Percy Jackson you have a guarantee to love this book. There were times in this book I just laughed my butt off! Those of you who have read this- do you remember "I will trample you to death, silly Chinese Canadian baby man" MAN! You have got to love Arion- the horse with the mouth of a Sailor!


If you have held of reading this new (brilliant!) series in fear that it will ruin your Percy Jackson experience... ALAS! Wait no more! No need to wait like a coward. This  book will enhance your Percy party experience and leave you begging on your knees for more! And for those of you who have not read any Rick Riordan books... I pity you. Because you, my friend(s), are missing out on some majorly good mojo. 


If you need to begin your Percy Party Pack Experience- begin your journey with this brilliant beginning: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) by Rick Riordan.

Need I say more?

In My Mailbox- LATE- Christmas Edition- December 25th 2011- Januaray 1st 2012

Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1) by  Lauren DeStefano
The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus, #2) by Rick Riordan 
Before I Fall by  Lauren Oliver
Carrier of the Mark (Carrier Trilogy, #1) by Leigh Fallon


Sorry my In My Mailbox post was late... Christmas was crazy! I hope you all have Happy Holidays! Be sure to remember to enter my giveaway of Matched (Matched, #1) by Ally Condie before it ends!
Thanks everyone!


xo
Jade I. @ Once Upon A Wanderer