In My Mailbox (8/24 - 8/29)

I got some very exciting books this week! Unfortunately they've just been sitting on my bed all week while I've had to deal with the first week of school and tons of homework (I don't EVER remember having this much homework the first week of school!) But now that it's the weekend, I'm getting in as much reading time as I can.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

**********

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora Grey is responsible and smart and not inclined to be reckless. Her first mistake was falling for Patch. Patch has a past that could be called anything but harmless. The best thing he ever did was fall for Nora. After getting paired with Patch in biology, all Nora wants to do is stay away from him, but he always seems to be two steps ahead of her. She can feel his eyes on her even when he is nowhere around. She feels him nearby even when she is alone in her bedroom. And when her attraction can be denied no longer, she learns the secret about who Patch is and what led him to her. Despite all the questions she has about his past, in the end, there may be only one question they can ask each other: How far are you willing to fall?

**********

Ruined: A Ghost Story by Paula Morris
Rebecca Brown couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to live while her dad is away on business. She's staying in a creepy house with her aunt Claudia, who reads tarot cards for a living. And at the snooty prep school, a pack of filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda.
Then one night, among the oak trees in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to show Rebecca the nooks and crannies of New Orleans. There's just one catch.
Lisette is a ghost.
A ghost with a deep, dark secret, and a serious score to settle.
As Rebecca learns more from her ghost friend - and as she begins to trust Anton Grey - she also uncovers startling truths about her own history. Will Rebecca be able to right the wrongs of the past, or has everything been ruined beyond repair?

Movie Review: Sleepy Hollow

This is my fourth and final movie review as part of the Gothic Film Club, hosted by Write For A Reader and sponsored by Michelle Zink, author of Prophecy of the Sisters. It's been quite fun, and has given me a reason to watch movies that I haven't seen before. I'll definitely participate in any similar events in the future.

This week, I watched Sleepy Hollow, which is obviously based on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod Crane is sent from New York City to Sleepy Hollow, to investigate a series of murders in which the victims have been beheaded by a Headless Horseman. He doesn't believe what the locals tell him, and sets off on his own investigation - until he meets the horseman for himself.

For me, this movie got off to a slow start. For the most part I found it somewhat entertaining, and able to hold my attention well enough with interesting parts here and there. But near the end was when I really started to get into it; when the plot twist was revealed and a lot of the action started. I think that Johnny Depp did a good job playing Ichabod Crane, but I didn't feel like I really got to know any of the other characters that well. Maybe that's why I felt the movie was lacking something, but couldn't quite place my finger on it. Overall, it was interesting enough, but probably something I'd only re-watch on a rainy day with nothing else to do.

Overall rating: 3/5

Trailer Tuesdays

Trailer Tuesdays is a feature I've started, meant to be somewhat like Waiting on Wednesday but in book trailer format. Every week I'll feature a book trailer of an upcoming or recently released book that I want to read.

This week's trailer is for Hold Still by Nina Lacour. It comes out on October 20th.




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

Blog Tour Review: This Is What I Want To Tell You

Title: This Is What I Want To Tell You
Author: Heather Duffy Stone
Publication date: March 1st, 2009

Summary:
Nadio and his twin sister, Noelle, always had a unique bond. And somehow, Keeley Shipley fit perfectly into their world. But when Keeley spends the summer in England, she comes home changed, haunted by a dark memory. As she and Nadio fall in love, they try to hide it from Noelle, who's jealously guarding a secret of her own. Slowly, a life-long friendship begins to crack under the crushing weight of past trauma, guarded secrets, jealousy, obsession... and an unexpected love that could destroy them.

Review:
This was a great debut novel, and even just a great novel. It started off kind of slow, but as secrets began to either form or be revealed, I was drawn in. Both Nadio and Noelle tell their stories from their own viewpoints; which I think was exactly how it needed to be told. The writing is simple and almost poetic, and does a great job of telling the story, but the lack of quotation marks was somewhat frustrating. I felt sympathy and strong connections toward each of the characters, and enjoyed seeing them evolve throughout the book. This Is What I Want To Tell You is a powerful book about falling in love and having secrets.

Reviewed as part of Traveling to Teens.

Characters: 8/10
Plot: 7/10
Originality: 7/10
Writing: 6/10
Overall grade: C

Review: Slept Away

Title: Slept Away
Author: Julie Kraut
Publication date: May 26th, 2009

Summary: Laney Parker is a city girl through and through. For her, summertime means stepping out of her itchy gray school uniform and into a season of tanning at rooftop swimming pools, brunching at sidewalk cafes, and—as soon as the parents leave for the Hamptons—partying at her classmates’ apartments.

But this summer Laney’s mother has other plans for Laney. It’s called Camp Timber Trails and rustic doesn’t even begin to describe the un-air-conditioned log cabin nightmare. Laney is way out of her element—the in-crowd is anything but cool, popularity seems to be determined by swimming skills, and the activities seem more like boot camp than summer camp.

Splattered with tie dye fall out, stripped of her cell, and going through Diet Coke withdrawal, Laney is barely hanging on. Being declared the biggest loser of the bunk is one thing, but when she realizes her summer crush is untouchably uncrushable in the real world, she starts to wonder, can camp cool possibly translate to cool cool? Summer camp might just turn this city girl’s world upside down!

Review:
What I expected from this book is pretty much what it was. A light, quick, and fun read about a city girl being shipped off to summer camp by her parents. As someone who's never even been close to a summer camp, it was fun for me to read about all the activities, the mess hall, and the crazy counselors. One thing that made me not able to put this book down was the humor. Laney's sarcastic humor and comments that were made throughout the book had me literally laughing out loud at some points. She was definitely a character I could relate to and empathize with, and that made it even more enjoyable because it almost felt like I was in her shoes while I was reading. The writing was unique and to the point, and created a clear picture in my mind of what was happening. All of these things made for an enjoyable but quick read.

Characters: 8/10
Plot: 7/10
Originality: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Overall grade: C

Movie Review: Interview With the Vampire

Welcome to my third movie review as part of the Gothic Film Club, hosted by Write For A Reader and sponsored by Michelle Zink, author of Prophecy of the Sisters.

This week, I chose to watch and review Interview With the Vampire. Louis shares his story of how he got to be a vampire, and the others that he shared the experience with over hundreds of years.

I'm honestly not quite sure how to review this one. I enjoyed watching it, but in a strange way. It was interesting hearing about the life of a vampire, and unlike any movie I've seen before. As new vampires were either met or brought in to the family, I was drawn in and wanted to learn more about how everything worked. Watching how they sucked the blood of their victims was intriguing, but eerie (if the sight of blood makes you queasy, this is probably not a good movie to watch.) Honestly, the first half of the movie held my attention better than the second half; though the latter still had some entertaining moments. Probably not a movie I'd watch again, but it was worth seeing once.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Review: Candor

Title: Candor
Author: Pam Bachorz
Publication date: September 22nd, 2009

Summary:
Everything is perfect in the town of Candor, Florida. Teens respect their elders, do their chores, and enjoy homework... because they're controlled by subliminal messages. Only Oscar, the son of the town's founder, knows how to get kids out - for a price. But when Nia moves into town, Oscar is smitten. He can't stand to see her changed. Now he must to decide to help Nia escape Candor and lose her forever, or keep her close and risk exposure...

Review:
I loved the concept of this book, how a whole town is controlled by messages. It started off a bit slow for me, but I think that was needed in order to introduce the town and how everything works. I wasn't a huge fan of the main character at the beginning, but as I read more and other people began to come into the picture, I started to like him more. Even though all of the characters are brainwashed, they still manage to have their own personalities. The whole book is very thought-provoking, and the ending was somewhat of a twist but at the same time fit perfectly. If you're looking for an intense, unpredictable book, Candor is for you.


Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Originality: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Overall grade: A

Trailer Tuesdays

Trailer Tuesdays is a feature I've started, meant to be somewhat like Waiting on Wednesday but in book trailer format. Every week I'll feature a book trailer of an upcoming or recently released book that I want to read.

This week's trailer is for Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater, which comes out on October 1st.





In this sequel to Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception, faeries follow James and Dee to Thornking-Ash Conservatory, where James struggles with his feelings for Dee and with the dangerous faerie muse, Nuala. When Halloween plunges both Dee and Nuala into danger, James finds he can only choose one.

Big contests in the blogosphere!

I usually don't make posts about contests (unless they're my own, of course!). Usually you can find them linked in my sidebar. But there are so many BIG contests going on right now, that I thought I'd take some time to point them out in case you haven't already heard about them.

Super End of Summer + Birthday contest
Prizes:
- ARC of Shiver
- ARC of How to Say Good-bye in Robot
- ARC of As You Wish
- ARC of Give Up the Ghost
- ARC of Lipstick Apology
- ARC of Devoured
- ARC of The Sweetheart of Prosper County
- Hardcover copy of Eyes Like Stars
- Hardcover copy of Hannah (Daughters of the Sea)

Mega Palooza contest
Prizes:

- Signed copy of Dreaming Anastasia + Goodies

- Hardback Another Faust

- Hardback Prophecy of the Sisters

- ARC The Dark Divine

- ARC Hush Hush

- ARC Give Up The Ghost

- ARC Ash

- ARC Behind Every Illusion

- ARC Shiver

- ARC Eyes Like Stars

- ARC The Demon's Lexicon

- ARC Betraying Season

- ARC Any Given Doomsday

- Dead Until Dark

- Gossip Girl 1st Book

- The Black Tattoo + poster

- Vampire Academy

- Frost Bite, a Vampire Academy Novel

- Shadow Kiss, a Vampire Academy Novel

- Blood Promise, a Vampire Academy Novel

Huge contest
Prizes:
- Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC
- Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC
- Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC
- Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC
- Troy High by Shana Norris ARC
- Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC
- Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC
- Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
- Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)
- a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)
- 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)
- Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
- Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC
- Preorder for Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
- AND a book of your choice

Just click on the titles of each of the contests to go to them and enter!

Review: Wish You Were Here

Title: Wish You Were Here
Author: Catherine Clark
Publication date: March 25th, 2008

Summary:
Ariel Flack never thought she'd write a postcard saying "Wish you were here," especially to Dylan, the boy she's had a crush on forever and is finally (sort of) dating. She also didn't know she'd be sending that postcard from the family vacation from hell—a two-week geriatric bus tour with her crazy mom, annoying sister, embarrassing uncle, and frighteningly energetic grandparents. As South Dakota rolls by at five miles an hour, Ariel begins to learn that sometimes life is just too complicated to fit on a postcard. Sometimes your parents let you down (and sometimes they don't). Sometimes you meet an unexpected fellow traveler. And sometimes you just have to go where the road takes you—even if the tour bus won't.

Review:

This was one of the most fun books I've read in a while. Filled with tons of funny and unexpected moments, I couldn't help but laugh and smile throughout the whole book. First Ariel's mother tells her that they're going on a road trip. As if that isn't bad enough, Ariel soon finds out that it's actually a bus trip - filled with her crazy relatives, lots of old people, and even a Chihuahua. The tour is through Leisure Lee Tours, with two crazy tour guides, and no set schedule. If this doesn't create opportunities for interesting things to happen, I don't know what does. The writing was fresh, and the plot was original and not something that I've already read a million times. Each character had a unique personality and their own quirks; which I liked because even though there were quite a few of them, I felt like I got to know every one of them. If you're looking for a quick, fun summer read before the summer's over, I'd highly recommend this one.

Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Originality: 9/10
Writing: 8/10
Overall grade: B

In My Mailbox (8/10 - 8/15)

Had a great week this week! Most were purchased from Harmony Book Reviews. Candor was a contest win, and a couple were from Random Buzzers. So many great books, I can't wait to read them. I'm a bit low on time, so this week I'll just post the pictures with the title linking to the Amazon page instead of posting a description.

Girl To The Core by Stacey Goldblatt









3 Willows by Ann Brashares











Candor by Pam Bachorz











Leaving Simplicity by Claire Carmichael










Because I Am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas











Purge: Rehab Diaries by Nichole Johns











Slob by Ellen Potter











Fancy White Trash by Marjetta Geerling












Adios To All The Drama by Diana Rodriguez Wallach











DupliKate by Cherry Cheva










Purge by Sarah Littman











Wish You Were Here by Catherine Clark

Movie Review: Edward Scissorhands

Here's my second movie review as part of the Gothic Film Club, hosted by Write For A Reader and sponsored by Michelle Zink, author of Prophecy of the Sisters.

This week, I chose to watch and review Edward Scissorhands. Created by an inventor who died before he could finish him, Edward has scissors for hands. When Peg finds him, she decides to bring him home with her so he can have a family to live with. Everyone in the neighborhood is curious about the new visitor, except for a few who don't think too highly of him. But when Edward meets Peg's daughter, Kim, he begins to fall in love with her.

I'm probably one of the few people who, until now, hadn't seen this movie. I'm glad that I finally got around to it. Edward's character was so innocent; I instantly loved him from the beginning. This movie was well put together, and combined many different themes. Love, humor, curiosity, acceptance, and even a bit of fear and sadness. It was one of those movies that leaves you with an overall warm feeling at the end, but you also can't help but feel a bit sad. Edward Scissorhands definitely holds a place in my heart now, and this is a movie that I will watch over and over again.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Winner of Pure

It's time to announce the winner to my Pure contest! I think this has been the most successful contest I've had so far, so thanks to all of you who entered. I had 24 people enter, with a total of 79 entries. And the winner of Pure is...

Kelsey!

Kelsey, I've sent you an email. Please reply within 72 hours or a new winner will be chosen. Thanks!

Trailer Tuesdays

Trailer Tuesdays is a feature I've started, meant to be somewhat like Waiting on Wednesday but in book trailer format. Every week I'll feature a book trailer of an upcoming or recently released book that I want to read.

This week's trailer is for After by Amy Efaw, which is released today!



An infant left in the trash to die. A teenage mother who never knew she was pregnant...

Before That Morning, these were the words most often used to describe straight-A student and star soccer player Devon Davenport: responsible, hardworking, mature. But all that changes when the police find Devon home sick from school as they investigate the case of an abandoned baby. Soon the connection is made—Devon has just given birth; the baby in the trash is hers. After That Morning, there’s only one way to define Devon: attempted murderer.

Review: Psych Major Syndrome

Title: Psych Major Syndrome
Author: Alicia Thompson
Publication date: August 11th, 2009

Summary:
Patient Name: Leigh Nolan
Age: 18 years

Presenting Concerns: Leigh Nolan has just started her first year at Stiles College. She has decided to major in psychology (even though her parents would rather she study Tarot cards than Rorschach blots), despite reporting that she thinks, "Psychology is a load of crap." Patient has always been very good at helping her friends with their problems, but when it comes to solving her own...not so much. Patient has a tendency to overanalyze things, particularly when the opposite sex is involved. Like why doesn't Andrew, her boyfriend of over a year, ever invite her to spend the night? Or why can't she commit to taking the next step in their relationship? And why does his roommate Nathan dislike her so much? More importantly, why did Nathan have a starring role in a much-more-than-friendly dream? Aggravating factors include hyper-competitive fellow psych majors, a professor who's badly in need of her own psychoanalysis, and mentoring a middle-school-aged girl who thinks Patient is, in a word, naive. Preliminary treatment will include Introduction to Psychology, but may require more if she's going to answer these questions and make it through her freshman year.

Diagnosis: Psych Major Syndrome


Review:
This was an interesting book with a few fun and unique things about it, but otherwise it was kind of predictable. Not to say it wasn't good, though. I really liked it; especially how at the beginning of each chapter it would have a definition of a psychology term. As someone who's interested in Psychology, the emphasis on psychology related things was something that made the book more likable for me; though perhaps I'm a bit biased. There were also other events I enjoyed reading about, like Leigh participating in a mentoring program at the middle school and the students that she met. Leigh was a character I felt I could relate to, but the main part of the novel about her relationship with Andrew and Nathan was predictable. I could tell how it would end by the time I was halfway through the book, and that was definitely a drawback. Overall, I did like this book a lot, but a lot of it was easily predictable. In some ways there was a uniqueness to it, but maybe not as much as you'd expect.

Characters: 8/10
Plot: 7/10
Originality: 7/10
Writing: 9/10
Overall grade: C+

Review: Coffeehouse Angel

Title: Coffeehouse Angel
Author: Suzanne Selfors
Publication date: July 21st, 2009

Summary: When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her life upside down. Because this adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is really a guardian angel on a break between missions. And he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Now if only she could decide what that might be...

Review:
At first, Coffeehouse Angel seemed like a light read about friendship and love. But it was also a bit more than that. Katrina was one of those types of people who's caring and likes to do good for everyone else. She gives Malcolm the coffee and pastries before she even knows him, and she tries to keep her grandmother's coffeehouse in business. But when Malcolm tries to help her and give her what she most desires, she has no idea what she wants. She was a very real character and I could definitely sympathize with her on a lot of things - like trying to figure out her talents, and her feelings about seeing her best friend Vincent with another girl.

All of the other characters were also very well developed, and I got to know and love each of them. The setting of Nordby added a uniqueness to the story, and I could really picture it in my head and see how it fit together with everything else in the book. This is a charming story that starts off as one thing, and evolves into something completely different by the end. If you're looking for a book that will leave you with a good feeling when you're finished, I'd definitely recommend this one.

Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
Originality: 10/10
Writing: 9/10
Overall grade: A

In My Mailbox (8/3 - 8/8)

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, I was in Las Vegas doing some shopping for the past few days. I did manage to read a little bit while I was there, so I should have another review up soon. Here's what was in my mailbox this week :) I'm reeeeally excited for Psych Major Syndrome.


Thicker Than Water by Carla Jablonski

Kia is searching for an escape. From her mother's cancer. From her father's apathy. From her own rage. The pressure is building. There's a craving in her veins, a secret urge. She needs a way to let the inside out. But she knows she must resist. She knows she must find another way. When she becomes immersed in an underground scene - goths who live as vampires - Kia thinks she's finally found that way. At the center of everything is the sexy and mysterious Damon. With his otherworldly presence he pulls Kia deep into the night. into a world where the unbelievable can be believed, the unreal made real, until Kia herself can no longer draw the line.

********************

Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson

Patient Name: Leigh Nolan

Age: 18 years

Presenting Concerns:
Leigh Nolan has just started her first year at Stiles College. She has decided to major in psychology (even though her parents would rather she study Tarot cards than Rorschach blots), despite reporting that she thinks, "Psychology is a load of crap." Patient has always been very good at helping her friends with their problems, but when it comes to solving her own...not so much. Patient has a tendency to overanalyze things, particularly when the opposite sex is involved. Like why doesn't Andrew, her boyfriend of over a year, ever invite her to spend the night? Or why can't she commit to taking the next step in their relationship? And why does his roommate Nathan dislike her so much? More importantly, why did Nathan have a starring role in a much-more-than-friendly dream? Aggravating factors include hyper-competitive fellow psych majors, a professor who's badly in need of her own psychoanalysis, and mentoring a middle-school-aged girl who thinks Patient is, in a word, nave. Preliminary treatment will include Introduction to Psychology, but may require more if she's going to answer these questions and make it through her freshman year.

Diagnosis: Psych Major Syndrome

Movie Review: The Talented Mr. Ripley

Usually I only do book reviews. But I'll be reviewing a movie each week for the next four weeks, as part of the Gothic Film Club hosted by Write For A Reader and sponsored by Michelle Zink, author of Prophecy of the Sisters.

This week, I chose to watch and review The Talented Mr. Ripley. It's set in the 1950's, where Tom Ripley, a young man from New York, is sent to Italy by Mr. Greenleaf in order to bring back Dickie Greenleaf, his rich and spoiled son. But when the plan fails and Dickie makes Tom angry, Tom kills him and begins to assume his identity.

I thought the movie started off slow, and it took a while for everything to fall in place so that I could understand it. But once I started to get a clearer idea of what was going on, I was drawn in and couldn't keep my eyes off the screen. It was intriguing to see how crazy a person can get, to kill someone and then assume their identity. Tom Ripley started out as someone you felt sympathy for, but turned out to be a very twisted man. But even after he starts doing psychotic things, you can't help but feel sympathy towards him. I love how it was set mainly in Rome and Venice; I think that added an interesting depth to it. I felt that the last scene somewhat left me hanging, but at the same time was a great way to end it. The movie was complex and requires that you pay attention the whole time in order to follow everything, but it's definitely worth it because in the end you'll be left with a million different thoughts swirling around in your head.

Overall rating: 4/5

Trailer Tuesdays

Trailer Tuesdays is a new feature I've started, meant to be somewhat like Waiting on Wednesday but in book trailer format. Every week I'll feature a book trailer of an upcoming or recently released book that I want to read.

Today's trailer is for Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink, which was released on Saturday (August 1st).



Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can't trust each other.


I'm probably one of the few people that doesn't own a copy yet (mostly due to the fact that I haven't seen it in the bookstore here) but I'm hoping that will change soon.

Review: Shiver

Title: Shiver
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publication date: August 1st, 2009

Summary:
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.


Review:
Before you start reading Shiver, make sure you have ample time to be able to read it from cover to cover. And possibly repeat. Once I started reading it, I did NOT want to put it down. Maggie Stiefvater has created a completely believable novel, with characters that you'll instantly love. It's told from alternating viewpoints by Grace and Sam, which only makes it more amazing because you can see their feelings and see the story evolve from both of their perspectives. The chemistry between them was breathtaking; desire and longing and tension could be felt throughout the whole novel. There were moments where I almost had to hold back tears; it was just that beautiful. It's almost like Twilight, but Twilight definitely pales in comparison to Shiver. It only took a few pages before I was hooked, and Shiver has quickly become a new favorite novel of mine.


Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
Originality: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Overall grade: A+

In My Mailbox (7/27 - 8/1)

It was seeming like nothing was going to show up this week, but today something finally did. My contest win from Katie's Book Blog! I'd have to say that the one I'm looking forward to the most is Coffeehouse Angel. I've heard so many good things about it from a lot of you, so that'll probably be the next book I read after finishing the one I'm currently reading.

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she’s got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad’s girlfriends and is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar...and that’s just how she likes it.
Of course, that doesn’t help her get noticed by her crush. Hannah’s sure that gorgeous, sensitive Josh is her soul mate. But trying to get him to notice her; wondering why she suddenly can’t stop thinking about another guy, Finn; and dealing with her parents make Hannah feel like she’s going crazy. Yet she’s determined to make things work out the way she wants – only what she wants may not be what she needs...
Once again, Elizabeth Scott has created a world so painfully funny and a cast of characters so heartbreakingly real that you’ll love being a part of it from unexpected start to triumphant finish.

********************

Playing With The Boys by Liz Tigelaar

New girl Lucy Malone is heartbroken when she doesn't make the Beachwood High soccer team. Then her coach suggests she put her super-accurate kick to use in another sport- varsity football.
What? Coach Martie wants Lucy to try out for the football team? But she's a girl!
Then Lucy's new friends Charlie and Pickle point out that the cutest guys at the school are on the football team. And being the only female could have its advantages.
Spurred on by her new friends, Lucy tries out for the place kicker and makes the team! She plays her first game, and discovers she loves football. Too bad none of the guys love having Lucy on their team.
Can Lucy overcome the objections of her coach, her teammates, and her overprotective dad to win the big game - and the heart of the starting quarterback?

********************

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over, never expecting this random act of kindness to turn her life upside down. The adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is actually a real guardian angel on a break between missions, and now he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Fame and fortune seem like the obvious requests, but after two botched wishes, Malcom knows Katrina is hiding something from him. But how can she tell him the truth, when her heart's desire has become Malcom himself?

Happy Release Day to...

There are a few great authors with books being released today that I wanted to mention. So happy release day to:

Rachel Vincent


Maggie Stiefvater


Michelle Zink

And don't forget about the Total Chaos Twitter Party at 5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST tonight for Prophecy of the Sisters! It will be under the hashtag #unlocktheprophecy and there will be prizes! Again, happy release day to all of you! :)