After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson

After Tupac & D Foster

Jacqueline Woodson

Putnam Young Adult

Released January 10, 2008

Summary:  An unnamed narrator and her best friend Neeka are just two normal girls living a happy life in the Bronx, until D "Foster" suddenly arrives.  The narrator and Neeka have spent their young lives following their parents' rules, while D Foster has spent years in and out of foster homes and feels that seeing Tupac is like looking at herself in the mirror.  She and Tupac share similarities, like the absence of their mothers and persistance in trying to find the "Big Purpose" in life.  Her story, interwoven with the innocence and growth of the narrator and Neeka, as well as themes of friendship, loneliness, homosexuality, and community complete this novel aimed at middle grades readers.

Review:  Jacqueline Woodson received a Newbery Honor for After Tupac & D Foster; however, I do not understand how this book was nominated for the prestigious award.  Don't get me wrong the book does have some clever lines, however a few genius lines here or there does not make a book outstanding.  In my eyes, strong characters and an intriguing plot make a book deserving of such accolades.  This book does not have either.

I read this book in just 2 short days (probably because it is only 160 pages) mainly because I feel like I must finish any book I start, and I couldn't wait to be finished with this one.  The plot, which was supposed to be about the relationship between the three girls & connections to Tupac, was often lost by the many subplots.  

The same was true of the main characters.  Tash, Neeka's gay older brother, definitely stole the shine from the 3 young girls.  He was the only character I found entertaining and insightful.  I actually wish he was a bigger part of the book.  His story was fun, yet touching, and I really enjoyed him.

I also think the information about Tupac could have been improved.  I was easily able to follow the Tupac songs and events, only because I grew up seeing his videos, listening to his music, watching his music, and even today, find myself enjoying his poetry.  However, for a person who is unfamiliar with Tupac, I could see where the lack of information would be confusing or seem irrelevant to the story.

I think Ms. Woodson unsuccessfully tried to do too much with the novel and should have focused more on the relationship shared by the three young women.  The idea behind the story was brilliant, but the attempt failed. 

This is not a book that I would recommend; however, as much as I disliked this one, I am interested in reading some of Woodson's previous books.    

My Score:  3 Read this only if you've gone through your TBR pile.

Get to Know Willow!

Lauren of Shooting Stars Mag has thought up another awesome idea!

To celebrate the release of Willow, Lauren has created a new blog called Getting to Know Willow!

Guest bloggers, myself included, will be sharing their thoughts on Willow and wishing the fabulous Julia Hoban much success with its release.

So show Willow and Julia Hoban some love and visit Getting to Know Willow!  You just may win an amazing prize!  But hurry up, this celebration ends April 3!

In My Mailbox (March 29)

In My Mailbox is brought to you by Kristi "The Story Siren"!

This week, I received The Second Virginity of Suzy Green in the mail. It is signed by Sara Hantz and was a prize from Amanda Ashby's blog bash!

I went wild at Borders and purchased:

Paisley Hanover Acts Out by Cameron Tuttle

Boy Heaven by Laura Kasischke

Miss Match by Wendy Toliver

The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashares

I purchased these from Amazon:

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Rumors: A Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen

3 Willows:  The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares

So, what was in your mailbox?

Seven Book Babes Video & More!

Hello everyone, I meant to leave the link to my Seven Book Babes video, but totally got caught up in the awesomeness of Going to Far, so here is this week's video starring me!  Remember to be sure to check out the other videos by Vanessa, Sarah, Hope, BookChic, Sharon, and Zoe as well!

Also, this week, I was nominated for several awards!

The Not So Closet Geeks gave me the I Love Your Blog Award!

Amy of Addicted to Books gave me the Sisterhood Award!

Senfaye of A Maze of Books gave me my first Zombie Chicken Award!

Bookworm Readers gave me the Proximity Award!

Thank you to all those who nominated me.  Even though I am not going to nominate anyone else this time, I truly am excited that each of you thought of me!  I love your blogs as well and of course the people behind these blogs are wonderful!!!

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Going Too Far

Jennifer Echols

Published March 17, 2009

MTV Books

Summary:  Just before the start of Spring Break her senior year, Meg is arrested.  As punishment, John After, her arresting officer causes her to miss her week of fun in the sun in Florida and makes her perform a week of community service by riding along with him.

While the two couldn't be more different, the collision of their two worlds, push them both beyond their limits.  Will they survive the week?  Or will one of them go too far?

Review:  I had the most difficult time writing this review because I could not put its brilliance into words.  All that came to mind was wow, amazing, marvelous, wonderful, fabulous, fantastic.  But none of these words truly describes how remarkable this book is!  It truly blew me away!

Jennifer Echols has an astonishing way with words.  I found so many beautifully written passages in this novel.  Her descriptions of the characters and setting go beyond physical descriptions, and I found myself connecting to each mentally and emotionally.  

Meg is such a raw character.  She is full of rage and hurt, yet is so beautifully vulnerable that I found myself cheering for her and hoping that her story would end happily.  Her transformation is inspiring and she is the perfect example as to why we should never judge a book by its cover--because she is so much more than what her hard exterior would have you believe.

John, on the other hand, comes across as this cookie cutter gentlemen, which he is!  But again, he is more than meets the eye--sensitive, intelligent, fun, but hard to put your finger on.  His complexity makes him intriguing and I couldn't put the book down because I wanted so much to find out what would become of John's future.

Jennifer Echols has awed me with this amazing (there goes that word again) story of second chances, forgiveness, and love.  

We are only preparing to enter April, and there are many books left to be released; however, I know Going Too Far is going to be one of the top 10 (if not top 5) BEST books of 2009!

My score: 10 Stop what you're doing...No, I'm not kidding.  Drop everything and read this book!

My New Rating System

In my previous reviews (with the exception of Fade), I have usually just stated whether I strongly recommend, recommend, or do not recommend a book. 

When I reviewed Fade, I decided that I needed a more specific rating system.  So I present to you my brand new rating system!

Rating System (Out of 10):

1-Don't even think about picking up this book!

2-3-Read this only if you've gone through you TBR pile.

4-5-This book is worth a read.

6-7-Good, enjoyable, but not great.

8-9-You've gotta read this one!

10-Stop what you're doing...No, I'm not kidding.  Drop everything and read this book!

I think this will help to make my reviews more accurate because while I like or love most books that I read, I enjoy them on different levels.

I'm going to try this for a while, beginning with tomorrow's review of Going Too Far.  Let me know what you guys think.  

Does the new rating system get the job done?  Or does it need to be reworked?  

Sisterhood Award!!!

I feel so honored to have received a Sisterhood Award from Katie at Katie's Book Blog.  If you guys haven't visited her blog, you must check it out!  Katie only began blogging in January, but already she is doing remarkable things and writing some terrific reviews, so show her some love!  She absolutely fantastic and super sweet!

Rules: 

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate up to 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude.

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they have received this award.

5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

Before I begin, I must say if you were not nominated (that means you, Proximity Award winners), it does not mean I don't love you.  Usually, I get really carried away with these, so I decided to nominate 5 people who amaze me with their blogs and awesome attitudes.

1. MssJos of Reviews of Young Adult Literature:  This teacher in training has an awesome passion for YA!

2. Kelsey of Just Blinded Book Reviews:  She has spunk and is such fun!  I can't wait to meet her in a few weeks!

3. Erika Lynn of Kiss My Book: She has amazed me with her up and coming blog!  It is already better than some blogs that have been around for a long time.  Her energy and sweet personality make her a gem! 

4. Catt of The Dream Reader:  She's another new blogger (can't you tell I love my fellow newbies) who has done a fantastic job.  She is always so honest, yet never nasty about her opinions.  She's so nice and I'm excited to have her as part of the YA Community!

5. Lenore of Presenting Lenore:  Lenore is one of the queens of blogging!  I love her so much because she is so classy!  She's genuine and just so personable and can always put a smile on my face!

So there you have it!  My five friendlies I can't get enough of!!!

Super Powers, YA Lit, and Hyperactivity All in One Place!

Okay, where can you find super powers, YA lit, and hyperactivity all in one place?????

On my new Seven Book Babes video! Through this video I learned that I talk WAY too fast and move around WAY too much! But oh well, that's me!

Check it out here!

Waiting on Wednesday (March 18)

Nothing Like You

Lauren Strasnick

Simon Pulse

Releases October 20, 2009

Summary (from Amazon):When Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she barely knows, she assumes their encounter is a one-night stand. After all, Paul is too popular to even be speaking to Hollyâ?¦and he happens to have a long-term girlfriend, Saskia. But ever since Holly's mom died six months ago, Holly has been numb to the world, and she's getting desperate to feel something, anything—so when Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly relents. Paul's kisses are a welcome diversionâ?¦and it's nice to feel like the kind of girl that a guy like Paul would choose.

But things aren't so simple with Saskia around. Paul's real girlfriend is willowy and perfectâ?¦ and nothing like Holly. To make matters worse, she and Holly are becoming friends. Suddenly the consequences of Holly's choices are all too real, and Holly stands to lose more than she ever realized she had. 

Why do I want this book so badly?  Let me count the ways!  

First of all, the plot sounds amazing!  As you all know, I love books with a romantic element. Especially if it involves a complicated relationship.  And the fact that Holly and Saskia are becoming friends makes it even more juicy!

Next, I love deep characters!  Holly seems to have a lot of things going on.  Can't wait to get to know her!

And please, don't get me started on that gorgeous cover!

Finally, Lauren is a debut author!  Don't get me wrong...I love all authors.  However, there is something special about following a debut author through his/her amazing journey.  You never know who might be the next Laurie Halse Anderson, Sarah Dessen, or John Green!

I don't know what it is, but I am fascinated by Nothing Like You and will be anxiously awaiting October 20!

*Waiting on Wednesday is brought to you by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

In My Mailbox (March 15)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi who got the fabulous idea from Alea!

This week I received the following in my mailbox:

Plus by Veronica Chambers (from a contest won at Laura's Review Bookshelf)

Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison (from a contest hosted by Yan)

Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby (from Yabookswap trade with Yan)

Purchased at Barnes and Noble:

Geek Charming by Robin Palmer

Borrowed from the library:

Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Breakfast at Bloomingdale's by Kristen Kemp

My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald

You Had Me at Halo by Amanda Ashby

What did you guys get this week?

Challenge to You!!!

We all love books and we all enjoy these blogs.  If not, why would we spend countless hours visiting blogs and making our posts?

Recently, I have noticed that several bloggers (myself included) have not been as active in the community as before.  You may have seen that some have not been updated in a while.  Others are admittedly in a reading slump.  Whether you believe it or not, keeping up these blogs takes a LOT of energy!

Being 100% honest with you, one thing that gets me motivated and excited about my blog, is seeing comments from readers.  Every time I get an email notifying me of a new comment (even from spammers like you Carol), I get super happy!  And as you may have noted, though it sometimes takes me a while, I try to leave a response or email EVERYONE who leaves me a comment.  

My challenge to you is to leave a comment on ALL the blogs you love.  That doesn't mean that you have to leave one per post, just one little comment on each blog.  It really only takes a minute, and I guarantee you will bring a smile to the blogger's face.  

Now, I will admit that I am often lazy.  I read every blog on my blogroll and several others and don't leave enough comments.  So I am now accepting my own challenge, and beginning tomorrow, I am leaving a comment on every blog I love.  So look for my comments and I hope to see some from you, not just on my blog, but on the others we have in common!

Til next time...

*Side note:  My first video for Seven Book Babes can be found here.  It is just a friendly hello.  My first bookish vlog will be up next week!

Blog Award--And Yes I Bent the Rules!

Yan and Kristi were both super sweet and gave me a fantabulous award.  

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

This award really means so much to me.  I have grown close with so many of the bloggers in the YA community, and I truly do enjoy every email, tweet, and chat.  Of course it is way too hard to choose eight people so I am going to cheat a little bit (and these are in no particular order)...

1. Chelsea of The Page Flipper-She was the first person I connected with online and it is through her chats that I've "met" so many of these wonderful people!

2. Alea of Pop Culture Junkie-She is so friendly and can always make me smile!  Plus she's super creative!

3. Lauren of Shooting Stars Mag-Not only is she from my home state, but she is very selfless and considerate of others!  

4. Yan of Books By Their Cover-She is so hilarious and keeps me entertained!

5. Laura of Laura's Review Bookshelf-I don't even know where to start with Laura...she's just the best!  Enter her contest NOW!

6. Sharon of Sharon Loves Books and Cats-My long lost twin!  I feel like I've known her forever!

7. Carol of Bookluver-Carol Reviews-She just amazes me!  Even when she's spamming blogs, she keeps me laughing!

8. Kristi of The Story Siren-She is so nice!  She is down to earth and genuine!

9. Khy of Frenetic Reader-She is bursting with personality and I love her energy!

10. Liv of Liv's Book Reviews-Liv is just so adorable.  Love to talk with her about AI and teen heartthrobs!

11. Sarah of Sarah's Random Musings-She is so sweet and complimentary to everyone.  I've never heard her speak a mean word about anyone.

12. Vania and Sarah of Reverie Media-These ladies are new to the blogging scene, but I've totally clicked with them!  So excited to be meeting up with them in a few weeks!

13. Kelsey of Reading Keeps You Sane-She is just so awesome!  What more can I say?

As you can see, I've named way more than 8 people, and this list could go on and on.  And to those of you listed, thanks for being you!

I also received a few more "Your Blog is Fabulous" awards from Reverie, Carol, and Ana.  So thank you all!

Spotlight on Jillian Cantor!

I am so excited to have Jillian Cantor as a guest today!  

Jillian is the author of the recently released The September Sisters. The praise for her debut novel continues to roll in.  However, Jillian is not just an amazing writer with fabulous hair, she is also an American Idol fan!  So as you get ready for tonight's show, check out why Jillian tunes in...

Why I Love American Idol

The first time I saw American Idol, I was in the midst of sending the first novel I wrote out to agents. I was getting rejections, a lot of them. The majority of rejections were form letters – and I had to wonder if my pages had even been read or had gone straight to the shredder. I was feeling pretty depressed about my prospects, breaking into a business where I had no contacts, and where I was having a hard time getting even one person to look at my work. And that is why I fell in love with American Idol, why I sobbed like a baby when Kelly Clarkson got the first ever Idol crown. And why I said to my husband, why can’t there be an Idol for writers?

I love the idea of the show, the idea that someone with raw-undiscovered talent who was unable to break into the business on his/her own can be thrust into the spotlight, judged by America, and given the chance at what felt like an impossible career. I followed Kelly’s story, about how she’d moved to LA to give the music business a shot on her own before, but had gotten rejected.  And when she won, it felt like a triumph for me, for any artist who has ever been rejected and discouraged.

And it didn’t stop with Kelly. I’ve been an avid follower of Idol every season, finding my favorites, clinging on to the stories of hope and triumph, and watching as people with talent were plucked from obscurity into the spotlight. I followed it all, as my own writing career fell to enormous lows – giving up on the first novel, giving up on writing – and enormous highs – writing my second book (The September Sisters), getting an agent, selling the book to HarperCollins.

Then, just two weeks ago, with this latest season of Idol barely into the good part, I got to watch the show the same night The September Sisters officially debuted! It had been nearly seven years since I’d first started looking for an agent, but despite all the rejection and uncertainty, somehow, still, I’d been able to do it. Not as quickly or as meteorically as Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood or Clay Aiken or David Cook, but still, I felt I’d accomplished something huge, overcome some pretty big odds of my own.

And I am still a big fan of American Idol. I already have my favorites this year, a few of them, actually, as much for their amazing talent as for their stories of struggle and triumph – Alexis Grace, Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta, Lil Rounds, and of course, Scott MacIntyre. But I know that no matter who wins this season, I will most likely be watching the finale with a box of tissues. There is nothing else in the world like watching someone’s dream become a reality.

For more about me and The September Sisters, I hope you’ll visit my website, www.jilliancantor.com. Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog today, Shalonda!

A huge thank you goes out to Jillian for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit. (And I mean that.  She is everywhere, and on top of that she has the hardest job of all--she's a mom!!!) 

The September Sisters is available in stores and can also be purchased at your favorite online bookstore.  Jillian's next book, which we are all anxiously awaiting, will be released in Winter 2010.

Seven Book Babes!

Ok, it's official!

Seven Book Babes has officially launched!

For those of you who haven't heard, Seven Book Babes is a YouTube channel created by Sarah. Each day, different bloggers post vlogs about books!  In Sarah's words:  We are book bloggers, YA Book Bloggers to be exact. Our love of books is what has brought our friendship together from all over the US. One day, we thought it would be fun to do a Five Awesome Girl Channel mixed in with books and our lives. We hope you enjoy our antactics, rants, and pure randomness.

The schedule is as follows:

Monday:  Sarah from http://sarahbear9789.blogspot.com

Tuesday:  Sharon from http://sharonlovesbooksandcats.blogspot.com

Wednesday:  James from http://myspace.com/bookchicclub

Thursday:  Shalonda (that's me!) from http://shalondasblog.blogspot.com

Friday:  Hope from http://princess2293.blogspot.com

Saturday:  Zoe from http://booksaregolden.blogspot.com

Sunday:  Vanessa from http://whatvanessareads.wordpress.com

Our vlogs can be found at:  http://www.youtube.com/user/Sevenbookbabes  

The YouTube channel is available for viewing and of course we'd love subscriptions and comments.  See ya'll there!

Fade by Lisa McMann

Fade

Lisa McMann

Simon Pulse

Released February 10, 2009

Summary:  After landing a job with the police department as a narc, Janie prepares for her next case--busting a sexual predator who happens to teach at her high school.  With the help of her boyfriend Cabel, her boss Captain, and Miss Stubin who posthumously appears in Janie's dreams, Janie is in for an eye-awakening experience and her most dangerous job yet!

Review:  I was completely blown away by Wake, the first book in this series, so I had incredibly high expectations for Fade.  Lisa McMann has worked her magic once again!  I LOVED Fade, and it may be just as good, if not better than Wake!  

The storyline of Fade moved at a such a quick pace, I found myself not wanting to put away the book! I was intrigued from beginning to end and as cliche as it sounds, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next.  And trust me, I never saw the ending coming at me!  I was pleasantly shocked and loved that I was left stunned!

My favorite thing about the Wake books are the characters!  Lisa's characters are unforgettable.  I absolutely adore Janie.  Of all the characters I've read about, Janie is one person I can totally relate to.  She's the fun, smart, humble, down-to-earth girl you want to befriend.  And don't get me started on Cabel!  I mean he should win some greatest boyfriend or boyfriend-of-the-year award.  It is so adorable how much he cares for Janie, and he takes such good care of her! His vulnerability is touching, and I just find him irresistibly sweet!  Miss Stubin, Captain, Carrie, Stacey...each is memorable and adds something special to this incredible novel.

This book is absolutely phenomenal!  If you haven't read Wake, get started now!  If you've read Wake, but not yet read Fade, what are you waiting for?  This book is chocked full of everything--mystery, suspense, crime, drama, humor, romance...you name it, this book's got it!

I recommend Lisa McMann's books to anyone who loves to read, and to those who hate to read. Everyone can gain something from her brilliant writing!

9/10  *You've gotta read this one!

My Blog is Fabulous!

I have received another blog award!  This one is from Yan of Books By Their Cover.  Let me just say I am very excited about the award because I absolutely adore Yan!  So thank you, Yan.

Rules are:

Write 5 things you're addicted to and then nominate 5 other blogs to pass this award on to!

1. Duh!  Books!  I don't think I need to say anything else about that.

2. Kettle Corn!  It is my midday snack EVERYDAY!  I could never get tired of it.

3. One Tree Hill!  My absolute favorite show.  I never miss it.

4. Chocolate!  (I talk about food too much) Candy, cookies, covered in fruit.  Can't get enough!

5. Watching movies with my fiance!  We go to the theater too much and watch DVDs every night.

I know I am very boring.  Books, TVs, Food, that's my life!

My nominees:

Kelsey of Reading Keeps You Sane

Lauren of Shooting Stars Mag

Liv of Liv's Book Reviews

Sarah of Sarah's Random Musings

Erika Lynn of Kiss My Book

Winner of GoldenGirl by Micol Ostow!

Thanks to the help of Randomizer, the winner of a brand new copy of GoldenGirl is...

SUSAN!!!

Congratulations, Susan, I will email you shortly for your mailing

address. For those of you who did not win, don't worry, another 

contest will be announced soon!

In My Mailbox (March 1)

In My Mailbox is a totally cool idea that originated at The Story Siren by the oh-so-wonderful Kristi!

Here are the books I received this week...

Via mail:

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler (You cannot begin to understand how excited I am about this.  And let me just say that Sarah O. is absolutely awesome!!!)

Sophomore Switch by Abby McDonald (Swap with a fellow blogger.  Thanks Ashley!)

After the Moment by Garret Freymann Weyr (This book sounded so beautiful, I had to have it! Luckily Garret is super sweet and was able to get me a copy from the publisher.  Thanks Garret, I am excited to read it!)

Ordered from Scholastic Book Clubs:

The Season by Sarah MacLean (YAY!!!  That's all I have to say about that.)

Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies by Erin Dionne (Have wanted it for a while, glad to have it!)

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter (I have the first book, now I just need to get started reading this series.  These books sound super cute.)

Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez (I've seen this book everywhere, and decided now is the time to find out about it for myself.  I love the blurb!)

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (I've read this book a couple of times and already own a copy. However, it has been checked out by numerous students, so I decided I needed a new, personal copy.  But I must say, I like the look and feel of my old one much better, so this Scholastic version may end up on the classroom bookshelf as well. *So excited to see Steph and Lenore posting about Speak this week!)

That's all for this week.  Plenty to keep me busy for a while.

What was in your mailbox this week?