Wednesday, October 28, 2009

A Beautiful Tribute

I know this is a book blog, but because it is my personal space, I decided to do something a little different today.

Michael Jackson's This is It is now out and I am not at all shocked by the fact that it's sold out in most places. As a child, I was in awe of Michael's creative genius. I mean how many artists premiere their videos in front of millions of people on a major television network? I don't know that anyone else has or ever will touch the lives of as many people through their smile, music, dancing, and showmanship. In all honesty, if not for Michael Jackson, some of our favorite stars may not have been inspired to take the stage. But of course, celebs aren't the only ones who were affected by this one man.

I heard about this amazing video and had to share it with my readers because I was so inspired by it. Although it looks like a stage full of young men, it's only one guy singing! And man, is he talented? On top of that, he's a Yale student! The two men responsible for this--Sam Tsui (the singer) and Kurt Hugo (the producer) have some bright futures ahead of them! The music is phenomenal and the video editing is brilliant!

This tribute to a timeless artist touched my heart, and I hope it moves you as well. Enjoy!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Oh My! I Can't Believe It!

I can't believe I missed a monumental event--my one year blogoversary! As of last Thursday, I have been blogging about books for one year!

For me, it is totally unbelievable because I lack "stick-with-it-ness" (I think I just made up a new word)--meaning I find new hobbies all the time, but don't ever stick with any of them for very long. Just goes to show how much I adore the book blogging community.

I began my blog with this review of Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott (which in my eyes is still one of the best written YA novels of all time). And 190 posts later, I am still here!

So thank you all for a wonderful 1st year. I look forward to many more!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Princess Bookie's Mini Challenge

As I posted earlier, Cindy of Princess Bookie is hosting the contest of all contests--and there is still time to enter!

In addition, Cindy is hosting a mini challenge/surprise contest.

The topic:
Name your 8 favorite things (not all books either LOL)

My Top 8
1. My fiance (He's the world's greatest!)
2. The rest of my family (My two wonderful parents and little sister)
3. The color yellow (it always makes me smile :D)
4. Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
5. Oreo Cookies (sensing a pattern here???)
6. The CW (How can you not love 90210, One Tree Hill and The Vampire Diaries?)
7. Cheesy pop music (Think 80s music, N'Sync, LFO, Britney Spears!)
8. Books, of course!!!!!!!!

Your turn! Be sure to head here to join in the challenge.

Contests Galore!!!

Cindy of Princess Bookie is hosting a massive load of contests in honor of the 24 hour read-a-thon!

She is giving away some of the most sought after YA novels including The Naughty List (squee!!!), Captivate, a signed copy of Hate List, Twenty Boy Summer, and a 4 ARC bundle that includes The Dark Divine, Bleeding Violet, Voices of Dragons, and The Unwritten Rule (which I absolutely must have because I love Elizabeth Scott's novels and Tenner books), plus tons of other AMAZING books!!!

If you're feeling lucky, join in the fun here! All contests end tonight at 11:59 PM, so hurry!

*Another* Another Faust Contest Announcement

*Another* Another Faust Contest


Hi everyone. Dina and I are about to kick off a month-long tour for our book, Another Faust, and we want to do it by announcing a contest! We are looking for the most promising writers out there (that’s YOU). And then we want to showcase their work, so that all of the Internet can bask in their awesome writing might (and, you know, give them prizes).


HERE’S HOW IT GOES.


We want you to write your own short story, re-imagining of the Faustian Bargain. (For inspiration, check out Bedazzled, Simpsons “Tree House of Horrors IV,” and The Little Mermaid). It can be about anything you like (but let’s keep it PG-13, and under 3,000 words), and it’s open to everyone.


All you have to do is send your entry to dviergutz@gmail.com before January 31.


Rules and details can be found here:

http://www.danielanddina.com/site/2009/10/writing-contest-create-another-another-faust/

Make sure to read them so you don’t get DQed!


And the winner gets all kinds of sweetness:

A signed copy of Another Faust

A handwritten deleted scene

A featured article & interview on our site

An author’s galley of the sequel Another Pan


Though we’ll feature the top five on our site for comments, the judging WON’T happen by popular vote (so basically, we don't care which contestant has the most friends). Dina and I will personally read them.

So, spread the word! Tweet, retweet, forward, thread, spread, embed this post.


Good luck!

D&D

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Unraveling by Michelle Baldini & Lynn Biederman

Unraveling
Michelle Baldini & Lynn Biederman
Delacorte
Published July 8, 2008
Source: Borrowed from Library

Summary: Amanda Himmelfarb lives a far from perfect life. She never quite measures up to the expectations of her mother--The Captain. She is the target of popular girl Courtney "Fakey Flakey". And her year long crush, Paul, is far from Prince Charming. So when Rick, Courtney's boyfriend, offers Amanda a deal that is sure to make her popular, will Amanda be able to resist or will she have to suffer the consequences?

Review: Since reading a starred review of Unraveling in Publishers Weekly, I have been dying to get my hands on this book. While I found the book to be entertaining, it fell short of my expectations.

I was far from impressed by the character development. Very simply put, Amanda lacked depth. While I was hoping Amanda would eventually become a strong, independent young woman, she remained spineless throughout the novel. Being a static character, she never quite mustered up enough courage to stand up for herself, but in the end it showed an accurate portrayal of a typical teenaged girl.

In addition, while this book was full of bright moments which made me laugh, it had its equal share of moments that fell flat. I was not consistently immersed in the book until the last 60 pages or so, and I wanted to give up on it a few times. I am glad I stuck it out because the resolution left me satisfied.

Perhaps the best thing about Unraveling was its format. Rather than just your typical prose, this novel consisted of emails and fortunes from fortune cookies (Amanda collects them). In addition, each altercation between Amanda and her mother was given a clever name, such as Commotion at the Ocean, Slayed over Grades, and Butting Heads over Threads. Finally, Amanda's poems (written by Gabrielle Biederman) breathed life into this book. These beautifully written pieces gave us insight as to whom Amanda truly was.

While this book had its flaws, it provided an authentic look into the life of a teenager and is worth a read.

Score: 6-Good, enjoyable, but not great

Special Note: This book contains mature content that may be better suited for older readers.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Hold Still Contest

Hold Still is officially released as of today!

From Amazon:
An arresting story about starting over after a friend’s suicide, froma breakthrough new voice in YA fiction

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.

Sounds amazing, right?

To celebrate the release of Hold Still, Penguin Young Readers Group will provide an ARC to one lucky reader! The contest will be open to residents of the United States and Canada and will end at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, October 30.

There are 4 ways to be entered in the contest.

+1 leave a comment with your email address
+1 follow or become a follower
+1 link to this contest on your blog (leave the link)
+1 watch & comment on one of the two trailers below



Also, on October 28th at 7p.m. PST, Nina will be doing an author event at
Borders in San Francisco. The event will be streamed live here.

For more information on Hold Still or Nina LaCour, be sure to check out Nina's

Monday, October 19, 2009

Girl in the Arena-I Had to Share This!

Some of you may have already seen this video, but I had to share this with those who had not yet viewed the trailer.

This trailer is genius! No kidding, after watching this, I bought a copy!


For more information on Girl in the Arena, check out the website of Lise Haines.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

In My Mailbox (October 18)

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

Sorry guys, no pictures this week.

Purchased (I love educator appreciation week!)
Broken China by Lori Aurelia Williams
Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Bad Apple by Laura Ruby
Beautiful by Amy Reed
Viola in Reel Life (signed) by Adriana Trigiani
The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
Dark Secrets 1 by Elizabeth Chandler
Ex-Mas by Kate Brian
Swoon by Nina Malkin
The Everafter by Amy Huntley
Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

Borrowed from the Library
Dani Noir by Nova Ren Suma
How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford
The Poison Apples by Lily Archer
The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore
Riot by Walter Dean Myers

So what was in your mailbox this week?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Upcoming Book Signing at Borders

I am so excited to announce an upcoming book signing of author Wendy Raven McNair. Wendy is the author of the YA fantasy Asleep.

When: Saturday, October 17 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: Borders at The Avenue East Cobb
4475 Roswell Road in Marietta, GA

Summary (from Wendy's website): Adisa Summers doesn't know her boyfriend, Micah Alexander, can fly. These two African American teens come from loving families. However, things are not always as they appear. Micah's parents never touch him though they have the normal parent-child physical interaction with his younger brother. And does the birth certificate Adisa finds, listing strangers as her parents and Valenté as her last name, really belong to her?

Micah's odd emotionless behavior, rigid posture, and vacant eyes are a mystery sending mixed messages to Adisa. When a flash of lightning sends a tree crashing down on her, Adisa is shocked to see Micah actually flying to her rescue!

In an instant, Adisa is in his arms, looking up at the sky over his shoulder as they fly parallel to the ground. She sees the tree descending fast, bearing down on them and Micah suddenly shifts, shielding her completely with his body. As the tree explodes against Micah's back, Adisa feels him shudder with the impact and the air fills with wood chips and sawdust. Miraculously, they aren't smashed into the ground. They safely continue flying, the wind rushing around them as they weave past tree trunks.

After this dramatic rescue, Micah finally begins to open up to Adisa about his secret life as a superbeing and she discovers another shocking secret. Micah burns for her--literally as well as figuratively.

Adisa's journey to unravel these family mysteries requires a strength and maturity she is forced to grow into as her love for Micah is repeatedly challenged. In the end, she is confronted with the ultimate question. Is she truly a super being, asleep to her powers for so many years?

Asleep (a Young Adult novel) is a superhero teen love story, set in modern day Atlanta, filled with thrills, romance, and suspense.

If that summary thrills you as much as it did me, please join Wendy at Borders this Saturday!

For more information about Wendy or Asleep, be sure to check out Wendy's website.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

I'm Back!

After a long hiatus, I am so excited to be back!

For the past two weeks, I have been very ill and unable to complete many daily tasks--including reading and blogging. But for the first time in over two weeks, I am feeling like myself and so eager to be back in the blogosphere. It may take me a week or so to get back in the swing of things, but I will have some posts scheduled shortly and I look forward to talking with you all again!

Until then, I need to announce the two winners of the Defining Twilight contest. And the lucky ladies are...

Lilibeth and Arielle (of B.A.M. Book Reviews)

Ladies, please email me your addresses and I will send you a copy of Defining Twilight!

If you did not win this time, no worries, I will be having another contest soon.

Oh, it's so good to be back! :)

Sunday, October 04, 2009

In My Mailbox (October 3)

I decided that I will only feature books I purchase or borrow from the library in my IMM posts.

During the last few weeks, I have gone overboard on book purchases, which means I probably won't be buying many more this month.

Purchased:
The Hollow by Jessica Verday
Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
Are U 4 Real? by Sara Kadefors
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
Troy High by Shana Norris





Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Exit Here. by Jason Myers
Graffiti Girl by Kelly Parra
Oblivion Road by Alex McAulay
Things Are Gonna Get Ugly by Hillary Homzie
How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier
My Life as a Rhombus by Varian Johnson
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
Devoured by Amanda Marrone

Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde
And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman
Second Skin by Jessica Wollman
Bliss by Lauren Myracle
Burned by Ellen Hopkins
6X: The Uncensored Confessions by Nina Malkin ($1.00!)
Oh Baby! by Randi Reisfeld & H.B. Gilmour ($1.00!)
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga


I also borrowed the following books from my local library:

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri
Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Positively by Courtney Sheinmel
Possessions by Nancy Holder
Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

Thank you to Kristi for hosting In My Mailbox, which was created by Alea!