In My Mailbox (August 30)

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by Kristi and was created by Alea!

This week I did not receive any books for review, however I purchased a few!

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Bedeviled: Daddy's Little Angel by Shani Petroff

“Mom always said my dad is the devil. I never knew she meant it literally!”

All Angel’s father (a.k.a. the Devil) wants is to be a part of her life. And in return he has the power to give her anything she wants—including popularity and a date with her long-time crush, Cole Daniels. But Angel will only accept him on her terms: get out of the devil business and leave his special powers out of the equation. Is Angel condemning herself to an eternity of lunch at the losers’ table? Or can she and Daddy Dearest strike some kind of deal?

I also checked out a couple of new books from my local library!

Ruined by Paula Morris

Break by Hannah Moskowitz

Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson

So what was in your mailbox this week?

Lipstick Apology Contest

It's about time for another contest!

This time I am giving away a SIGNED copy of Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley and some swag, including Lipstick Apology lip balm!

To be entered, simply leave a comment telling me your favorite kind of lipstick, lip gloss, or lip balm. (Mine is MAC Lip Conditioner--I like the natural look!)

This contest is only open to those who live in the US and Canada.

The winner will be announced on September 10, so get your entry in by 11:59 pm on September 9.

Be sure to read future posts to find out how you can gain extra entries in the contest!

Good luck!!!

Alternate Point of View with YA Book Reviews

Today, YA Book Reviews shares her thoughts on reading and blogging!

I was a person before who didn't like books, in fact sometime before I hated books. I don't know how I hated books but I just did. I never liked to read. This was until my sister came up to me and said, "Hey, read this book." I was thinking why would she would ask me to read one tff I hated books. I don't know why but, I read it. After that day on, I kept reading and reading books until now, which I guess I love books. So, I really thank my sister for making me love books.

I started my blog because I was bored that day, and well, my sister's blog (The Undercover Book Lover), The Story Siren, Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf, The Book Pixie, Bookworming in the 21st century, YOU, and so many more inspired me to start a blog. I thank you everyone who has a blog out there. So after that, I made one, well here I am!

Thanks so much for hosting the "Alternate Point of View" with me, Shalonda!

Thank you so much for stopping in!

If you would like to be featured on a future Alternate Point of View, please email me!

Exciting Opportunity from CSN Stores!

I received an exciting opportunity from CSN stores. They are sending me an awesome piece of luggage to review for my readers!

CSN provides online shoppers with over 200 sites (WOW!) where you can find anything from a mattress to luggage.

After careful consideration, I have chosen the carry-on bag below. With so many book events and conferences coming up, I felt this was the perfect piece to add to my collection. Be sure to check back soon for my review, and in the meantime, check out the other mattress and luggage products CSN has to offer!

In My Mailbox (August 23)

These are the books I received or bought during the last two weeks.

(For Review)

Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga

Milestones by Samira Armin Hodges

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

(Purchased)

Brand-New Emily by Ginger Rue

Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

How it Ends by Laura Wiess

Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by Kristi and was created by Alea.

Waiting on Wednesday (August 19)

The Hollow

Jessica Verday

Simon Pulse

Wait will be over...September 1!

Summary (from Amazon): When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead?and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

Why I want this book so badly: This book has been EVERYWHERE, and I've been dying to read it since I first read the summary. I have high expectations for this one, and have a very good feeling that Jessica is going to deliver a superb debut novel!

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

Alternate Point of View with Reggie

I decided that I wanted to do something a little different on my blog, so I have created this new feature "Alternate Point of View". Basically it will consist of guest posts or reviews (books, music, movies, tv shows, whatever) written by someone other than myself.

Today Reggie of The Undercover Book Lover shares with us about her love of books!

I started my blog because I love books. If you ask anybody in my family or at school to sum up my life in one word, they'd say: BOOKS! Everyone who knows me, knows I love books...which is quite ironic because my blog's title is: The Undercover Book Lover. Usually, my friends assume that I've been obsessed with books ever since I was little... but boy are they wrong! My aunt made me start reading 200 page classic books with no pictures (like Black Beauty or Peter Pan) when I was in FIRST grade! It was horrible! When I asked her if I could read it silently, she said no. I had to read aloud. I only started to love reading in fourth grade, I've been trying to make up for lost time ever since! But even though my aunt had forced me, I think that she was the one who was able to make me a super fast reader (I read 159 books in a month once! No kidding! Books like Two-way street and Twilight!). Without her, I don't think my love for books would have ever sparked and started.

Thanks so much Shalonda!!! You've been super FANTASTIC!!!

Thank you so much Reggie for stopping by!

If you are interested in participating in my new feature, please let me know! This opportunity is open to those who love to read and reluctant readers, bloggers and non-bloggers, teens and adults--anyone is welcome to participate! I'd love to have you!

T2T: Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Jumping Off Swings

Jo Knowles

Candlewick Press

Published August 11, 2009

Summary (from Amazon): One pregnancy. Four friends. It all adds up to a profound time of change in this poignant, sensitively written YA novel.

Ellie remembers how the boys kissed her. Touched her. How they
begged for more. And when she gave it to them, she felt loved. For a
while anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their "one-time thing" is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant. Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character’s point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl’s life — and the realities of leaving innocence behind.

Review: I am typically a slow reader because it takes a LOT to capture my attention. I read this book in one sitting!

Jo Knowles is absolutely brilliant! By alternating this story from four characters' perspectives, this book moved at a quick pace. Often, we only see how one or two characters' actions affect themselves. In Jumping Off Swings, we see how the decision made by two characters affects the lives of many people.

In this novel, the characters are truly brought to life. I was very emotionally involved while reading Swings. I could sympathize with each of the characters and their personal battles. It was almost as though I was placed in their shoes. As one would assume, the character I felt most connected with was Ellie, the teenager who becomes pregnant. She faces many interpersonal conflicts, and while I was reading I actually cried (with real tears) for her.

In Swings, Jo Knowles tackles not only teen pregnancy, but she brings to surface issues of peer pressure, family issues, friendship, romantic relationships, and the importance of confidence in one's self. She has articulately written a book that should be discussed. Not only is it captivating, but it causes you to think at a deeper level.

In my opinion, Jumping Off Swings is one of the best books of 2009, and I highly recommend it to anyone.

Rating: 9-You've gotta read this one!

T2T Spotlight on Jo Knowles

I am so pleased to spotlight Jo Knowles on the blog today as part of the Traveling to Teens tour! Jo is the author of the recently released Jumping Off Swings.

S: Of all the issues that teenagers face, why did you feel it was important to write a novel about teen pregnancy?

J: I didn’t really set out to write an “issue” book, but I suppose if you’re going to write a book that involves pregnancy, that’s exactly what you’re doing. I would love to escape that label, though, because I wanted to write a book about how one event effects more than just one person, and that can be applied to anything. I also wanted to explore friendships and what drives certain actions and lack of action. I guess I just had lots of questions and whenever that happens I end up writing stories as a way to answer them.

S: When you begin writing a new novel, what is your first step?

J: Usually a character in a difficult situation comes to mind and I just start writing from his or her point of view and see what happens. With LESSONS FROM A DEAD GIRL, I wanted to explore an abusive relationship between two friends. The scene with Laine sitting on her bed, holding a secret, just came to me and I wrote from there. With JUMPING OFF SWINGS, Ellie in the van was the starting point. As soon as I wrote the first chapter, I knew I wanted to know Josh’s story, too. I didn’t want him to be seen as some stereotypical bad guy because I don’t actually believe those exist. Everyone has a story, a reason for behaving the way that they do. Our back stories shape us and influence who we become. I really wanted to know how Josh got in that van with Ellie just as much as I wanted to understand how Ellie got there.

S: What author has most inspired you?

J: Robert Cormier. I love his honest, raw and brave books.

S: What makes you smile?

J: My son. Also, the phrase, “Let’s go out for Thai food.

Fill in the Blanks

My high school classmates most remember me as the girl who was really, really quiet.

My favorite candy bar is anything that has chocolate—caramel is a plus.

Jumping Off Swings is a book for anyone who has ever wondered.

Thanks so much Jo for participating!

For more information about Jo and her books, visit her website and blog.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week Meme

I am really excited about Book Blogger Appreciation Week. This is the first year in which I have participated (I lurked last year, but had not yet started blogging when it was held), so I am tickled that this meme is the first BBAW related activity!

1) What has been one of the highlights of blogging for you?

The biggest highlight that sticks out to me is getting to know bloggers all over the world! I mean how many people get to interact daily with such an amazing, intelligent, and fun group of people! I have made some amazing friends through blogging and the list just keeps growing!

2) What blogger has helped you out with your blog by answering questions, linking to you, or inspiring you?

Lenore has been the most inspiring. When I started blogging, she immediately made me feel welcome. She has given me helpful advice, not only about blogging, but about a number of things. She is so genuine and I absolutely adore her! Lauren and Chelsea have also been extremely helpful. They were among the first to comment on my blog. They have also invited me to participate in a number of events in the YA blogging community, and they have both sent emails on a few occasions just to say hi and bring a smile to my face.

3) What one question do you have about BBAW that someone who participated last year could answer?

As a person who is always pressed for time, approximately how much additional time should I expect to devote to BBAW activities? As this is my first year, I want to participate as much as possible, therefore I'd like to figure out (in advance) how I should handle time management.

In My Mailbox (August 9)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi and created by Alea.

This is going to be a short In My Mailbox because while I did purchase books this week, none were for myself and I did not get a chance to visit the library. But, I did receive two books this week, and I am thrilled to read them both!

Jumping Off Swings-Jo Knowles (for T2T tour)

Ellie remembers how the boys kissed her. Touched her. How they begged for more. And when she gave it to them, she felt loved. For a while anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their "one-time thing" is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant. Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character’s point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl’s life — and the realities of leaving innocence behind.

The Body Finder-Kimberly Derting (for 1 ARC Tour)

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

Contest & Phenomenal Blogger You Should Know About

We all love contests, right?

Well Ari the absolutely adorable blogger at Reading in Color is hosting her first contest. Ari is giving away a copy of Zetta Elliott's A Wish After Midnight (It was featured on my IMM post last week, and I've heard it is AMAZING)! So be sure to enter!

Speaking of Ari, if you haven't taken a moment to read some (preferably ALL) of her reviews, please do so. Not only is she bursting with personality, she writes with such enthusiasm and sincerity. I have not been this impressed by a new blogger since Vania (and we all know how awesome she is).

Ari truly is a breath of fresh air and brings a voice that the YA community has been lacking. So stop by her blog, give her a huge welcome, and of course, enter her contest!

Happy Release Day Jennifer Jabaley!

I am wishing Jennifer Jabaley a very happy release day. Her debut novel Lipstick Apology is available in stores today, so be sure to run out and get a copy!

Jennifer is super sweet and an absolutely wonderful person. Be sure to check back this month for more on Lipstick Apology and coverage of Jennifer's release party here in Georgia!!!

Congratulations Jennifer! I wish you much success!

Winner Annonunced!!!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the Gorgeous & It's Not You, It's Me contest. The winner (chosen by randomizer) is...

A Flight of Minds!!!

Be sure to check back soon for another contest!

In My Mailbox (August 2)

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by Kristi and was created by Alea.

This week was a rather exciting week in books!

Books received for review:

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick-I had no idea this was coming! It magically appeared!

A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott-I just added this to my wishlist, so when the author offered me the opportunity to review it, I couldn't resist.

From the Library:

Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LeFleur-My library did not have this, so I asked them to order copies.

I have a super fantastic library, so they had copies in stock in a short amount of time.

Books purchased:

Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert-I absolutely had to have it!

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent-I've read awesome reviews of this one.

Posh by Lucy Jackson-I haven't heard much about it, but I loved the cover.

South Beach by Aimee Friedman-Another cover I love. I've wanted this one for a while.

So Punk Rock: And Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother by Micol Ostow and David Ostow-I hadn't been able to find this in any bookstore, so when I found it back home, I almost shrieked! I am a fan of Micol's writing, so I'm pumped to read it!

Told you, I'm super excited about this week's books. What was in your mailbox?