Top Ten Tuesday - October 30, 2012

Hey Everyone!

Before I get into my top ten this week, I just wanted to let you know that I have a giveaway going on right now! You can enter to win a free book of your choice (I'm going to pick 3 different winners, and then let them choose in in order of the draw). You can enter here!

Now onto the fun!

This week`s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and The Bookish, has the topis:

Top Ten Favorite Kick-Ass Heroines

1) Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo


2) Wanderer from The Host


3) Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy


4) Elena from Women of the Otherworld


5) Hermione Granger from Harry Potter


6) Tris Prior from Divergent

(I have to say that I don`t know if I like this casting choice...)

That`s all I can really think of, and even most of these choices feel a little forced. I have been reading the same two books for what feels like forever (A Game of Thrones and Under The Dome) and they are both so long. I`m liking them both, but I`m craving a new read. I`m making myself finish at least one of them before starting something new though! I want to read all the books now!! 

Looking forward to everyone else`s lists!

100 Followers Giveaway!!!

First, let me say that I can't actually believe that I have more than 100 followers. I have been writing this blog for the better part of a year and a half, and as much as I has always hoped people would follow it, I do it because I like doing it, and if people follow, that's just a bonus!

However, since I have started getting more followers, and my stats have shown me that people might actually be READING what I'm writing, I can honestly say that it increases my enjoyment of putting this stuff out there even more. Not one of my followers do I know in real life (at least I don't think I do!) and that makes me feel even better about having you choose to read my blog! In an effort to say thank you, I'm going to be putting together a small giveaway.

I don't have a whole lot to offer right now, as we are moving this week, we are stretched pretty tight financially as far as cash flow goes. (Lawyers, and closing costs, and movers, and alllll that other great stuff that goes along with moving costs A LOT of money!!) But, I do have some older books that could definitely use a great new home.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So if you like, enter, and if you know someone else who might like these books, pass the link along! Or enter to see if you can win and then give a book as a Christmas gift! Books are the sexiest gift, new or used!

Thanks for entering and being a fan of my blog. I really, truly, from the bottom of my heart appreciate it.

Also, I wanted to say a special thanks to Parajunkee, Alison Can Read, and the girls at The Broke and The Bookish for hosting their weekly memes, as without those I never would have reached my first blogging milestone.

Feature & Follow Friday October 26/12

This weeks features are:

and

This week's question is:

Q: What writing device or trick most irritates you when reading a book? For example, if an author employs an omnipotent narrator that is sometimes considered bad form.

A: This week I'm in a huge hurry, but I wanted to participate anyway (I'll hop around later) but, I have two big pet peeves when it comes to reading. One is when characters immediately fall in love. It's not because it's not necessarily possible it's just that in most books its not written that well. Veronica Roth actually has a great post on her site about it here.

Two, Missing parents syndrome. I'm sorry, but some of the things 15 and 16 year olds are up to in some books, almost any parent would be like "hold the hell up". A book thats bad for that that comes to mind is '13 Little Blue Envelopes'.

That's all I have time for right now! Sorry for the rush, have a great weekend!

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Goodreads Summary: Who is the real McLean? 

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out. 

Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.
Why I Read This Book: Sarah Dessen is an author who I kept meaning to read, but she always got pushed to the bottom of my list. Someone lent this book to me, so it managed to make its way to the top of the pile, and I read it.

Review: I thought this was a great book. Dessen writes about relationships (both romantic, friendship, and parental) with a genuine feel. This book had mostly likable characters, but they had some moments where they had to make some tough decisions which showed all sides of their personalities. Great character development. As for the story itself, it was pretty enjoyable, although I have herad from huge Dessen fans that this wasn't here best story. Overall, I really enjoyed it, and in the future, I won't put off picking up her books like I have been.

The one thing I didn't like about the book is near the end there is some much "metaphorical wisedom". McLean "realizes" so much, and strings all the events from the story into one neat little "life lessons" package, which I thought was a little annoying. As the reader, all the conclusions that Dessen wrote down were things I had already connected, so reading it was kind of redundant.

Rating:

Because I Have a Short Dog Too

Top Ten Tuesday - October 23rd 2012

Hello Everyone!

Another Tuesday is here, therefore another Top Ten Tuesday post is too! This week's list is:

Top Ten Books To Get In The Halloween Spirit

I'm not sure I'll actually be able to get a full 10 on this list using only books I have read, so I might pick some books that I think seem like they would get one in the Halloween spirit! So, here goes:

Books I have Actually Read

1) The Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris

These books have all kinds of creatures that go bump in the night, so they are perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit!

2) The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

The town of Fell's Church seems like it is in permanent Halloween status!

3) Sweet Valley Halloween Books

These books were everything to me growing up, and since I thought the genie costume on the front of the 'Kids' edition was THE BEST costume ever, it would feel wrong not to include these.

That's about all I can think of for books I have read. I'm not going to include paranormal books just because they are paranormal. I only picked ones that really have that Halloween feel. So, some from my TBR list that seem like they also might are:

4) The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Creepiest sounding title anyway! 

5) Feed by Mira Grant

Nothing else from paranormal feels as Halloween to me as zombies!

6) Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendra Blake

Again, just sounds creepy!

7) Drink Slay Love by Sarah Beth Durst

The cover for me is pretty Halloween

8) The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michell Hodkin

This books sounds pretty stange and creepy

9) Hannibal Lecter Series by Thomas Harris

If these books are not the most frightening thing ever (I saw glimpses of the movie) I don't know what is!

10) Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Seems creepy on a relatively endearing level

The Host - Stephenie Meyer

Goodreads Summary: Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.
Why I Read This Book: I don't remember when or where I first heard of this book, but I thought it sounded interesting, so I got it from the library.

Review: I really liked this book. It was exciting, and captivating, and overall a great book. The story is unlike anything I have ever read so far (not to claim there isn't others like it, I just haven't read them) so it was great to read something different to me and really enjoy it. I loved the relationships in the book, and found myself having a lot of the same feelings as many characters. I was conflicted when they were, stressed when they were, and happy/scared/worried/etc when they were to. It was well written, and I thought it was fantastic. I have read the Twilight books as well by Meyer, and although I enjoyed them, this book is so much better. I know that they are filming a movie about this, and I can't wait to see it. I have heard rumors about there being a sequel to this book too, which I'm not sure about my opinion on. I think this book could easily stand on its own, but it is always nice to know what the author decides to do with the characters. Either way, this book is great, I recommend you go read it!

Rating: 

Follow Friday Oct 19/2012

Good Morning and Happy Friday to you all!

Today I am getting back in the grove with one of the first meme's I ever started regularly participating, that I have unfortunately been dropping the ball on lately (I wish they would release the question for this week on Thursday night's so I could get this ready, I work every second Friday!) Anyway, they don't, and here we are. For anyone who stumbles upon this and isn't part of the hop, The Feature and Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous (and fully decked out for Halloween!) Parajunkee and the equally as fabulous Alison Can Read. It focuses on featuring two blogs and also asks a question so we can all get to know another a little better! I have been holding my breathe to hopefully be a feature someday but I fear my irregular participation has probably put a hold on that dream! Anyway, this weeks features are my two newest friends (although they don't know it yet!), so you should go check out both of their lovely blogs!

Book Liaison

I was actually already a follower of this site prior to today (I love when that happens!)  This blog has pretty colours, which just makes me feel happier when I am on their site! From a quick scan of their reviews, I can see we don't have a lot of the same books, which is great! most of the books I have read this year are because I discovered them on someone else's blog! I love that.

This blog is new to me today, and I took a read through, and it appears as though she has just worked her way through Kelly Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series, which I can totally get behind! I have just recently started that series, and it rocks.

And, now on to the question!

Q: When you step out of your USUAL genre what do you like to read? Best books in that genre?

A: It has been awhile since I really read from my pre-exisitng 'safe' genre (which would be basic chick-lit (think Sophie Kinsella, Lauren Weisberger, etc.) which I still love). Blogging has exposed me to soooo many books I never would have picked up 2 years ago - paranormal (vampire, werewolf, fey), YA for the most part I wouldn't have read much of. Dystopian, mystery, crime, I could go on! I had always been a big reader, but I used to just surf the sale tables and pick up something that looked ok. I used to re-read books all the time too, I had to be reading, but I didn't care what. I have changed my reading so so so much since I started blogging. I would have to say now that I am most likely to pick up a paranormal, dystopian, or YA contemporary outside of my usual genres. I can't even begin to list the best books in this genre, because I still have only scratched the surface of getting into them!

Netflix Owns My Life

Hello Everyone! If you are a TV lover, then I hope you will read on! Today's post is going to be about the best and worst thing that has ever happened to me. It is:

Seriously, I freaking LOVE my Netflix subscription! For such a low price, I have access to TONS of TV shows, both new and old that I am just soaking up! Some of the ones that have been taking up the majority of my time recently are:

Breaking Bad: This show is about a high school chemistry teacher who gets diagnosed with cancer and needs to find a way to pay for treatments, and also have money to support his family in case he dies. He teams up with one of his old students, who is somewhat of a junkie and they start cooking meth.

This show is sooo good. They only have up to the end of Season 4 on Netflix, and I'm hoping they put the episodes that have aired for Season 5 on there soon! It's sooo addicting, crazy stuff is constantly happening!

Sons of Anarchy: This show is about a motorcycle club in California who goes to great lengths to keep crime, drugs, and other undesirables out of the town they live in, Charming.

This show is so great! I love it. I just finished all they have on Netflix (which is up to the end of Season 3) and I think I might go out an buy Season 4, because it is just sooo good!! I love it!

Today was a pretty sad day for me and SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motocycle Club, Redwood Originals) though. I was stupid and 'liked' them on Facebook, and this morning when I was scrolling through my newsfeed, the Facebook fan club had posted something about season 5 (currently airing on TV) that was a HUGE spoiler for me!! I'm really mad that I know about it!!

30 Rock: This is a show about the filming of a fictional show at NBC Studios, located at 30 Rockefeller Center. The fake show is an improve acting / skit comedy show (sort of like SNL) and the real show surrounds the main writer, Liz Lemon, her boss Jack Donaghy, the main actors in the show Tracy Jordon and Jenna Moroney, a few other writers, and the page Kenneth.

This show is great when you only have a little bit of time, because each episode is only about 20 minutes long. Its so funny. We recently went on a trip to NYC and we did the page tour of the Rockefeller Center, so when we came back we started watching this show, which occasionally reminds us of the tour we took, which is kind of cool. If you like outrageous humour and/or sitcoms, then this is a great one.

The last one I will talk about in detail is:

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: This show is about a teenage girl named Buffy who is the latest 'Slayer'. She was chosen to battle vamires, demns, etc. to protect the town of Sunnydale. She is aided by a Watcher, Giles, and a group of loyal, helpful friends (Xander, Willow, Cordelia, Oz) who help her with each episodes otherworld task. She even gets some support from a helpful vampire, Angel, who also serves as her love interest.

This show is an oldie, but a goodie. I'm really not sure how I missed the Buffy train when I wa growing up, but I did, so even though it seems a little cheesy now, I'm loving Buffy. I'm somewhere in Season 3 right now.

Other shows I'm occasionally watching on Netflix are:

I'm still in Season 1, but this one is good!

Even though this is over, I'm loyal with my TV
watching, and will see the series to the end.

This show is hilarious, and raunchy, but I love it!

There are some other less notable ones that I watch pretty infrequently. Maybe soon I will post about the shows I actually watch when they air - that'd a pretty long list too :)

Let me know if you are a big TV fan, and which shows you watch!! No TV spoilers though please! Nothing is more crushing than finding out something good because of the internet!!

Fifty Shades Darker - E.L. James

Goodreads Summary: Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life. Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

Why I Read This Book: I read book one in this trilogy to see what all the hype was about. I didn't really enjoy it, but I am just the type of person who has a hard time starting a series and never finishing it, especially when it's only a trilogy. If this was 10 books long, I might have to call it quits.

Review: This is not my normal genre of book, but I certainly do think that I would have liked it if 1) it had any semblance of a decent plot 2) it wasn't written so poorly. I felt like James didn't really have any idea where she intended for this book to go, she just sat down and started writing. The book was extremely repetitive, with interactions between Ana and Christian just being sex - conversation - sex - same conversation - sex - lets talk about the exact same thing for a third time - more sex. There wasn't even really any 'exciting' sex in this book, it was just the exact same session over and over. Also, I felt like James would throw in random "big" words every now and again that didn't flow with the rest of the text, she clearly made friends with a thesaurus for this one. Christian's abusiveness and Ana's passive/whining personality really irritate me, I couldn't get through more than two chapters in one sitting without wanting to smash my ereader.

I had been saving writing this review, because when I was reading this I made notes about it, but I feel like I don't have anything much new to say, this book is either loved or hated by the masses, so I will stop here, I just have to say, I'm not looking forward to the next book, but I'm a little curious to see what happens. I will read it, but I think I will put it off for a few months. I have way to many books I'm excited about to start reading one that I'm not.

Rating:

Re-Designed and Ready To Rock! + Top Ten Tuesday (Oct 16th)

Hello Everyone!

So, you may or may not have noticed, but over the last month I have just not been into blogging, and really haven't been doing much reading either... (which I completely blame of Sons of Anarchy!! But my TV life is a whole other story!!)

I've been doing some thinking about my blog, and I really do love writing it, but sometimes I feel a lot of pressure. There are so many AMAZING book blogs out there, that I feel like I don't compare at all. I constantly feel pressure to have more books read so I can post more reviews to the point where it doesn't feel fun anymore. I'm sure I'm not the only person out there who has felt this way at one point or another over the life of their blog.

Some conclusions that I have come to are:

• I need to make this a ME blog, and not just a book blog. I still want to keep mt title, and have it remain a mostly book related content, but I think posting about other things I'm doing will help keep the pressure off reading becoming a chore instead of a love.
• With that, you can expect to see some posts about the following:
• TV Shows
• Movies
• Crafting things I do
• My Dog
• My Life in General
• I think that by adding these things in, not only will my readers get to know me as a whole person, but I will feel more connected to my blog and that will show in the quality of things I do on here as well. I think it's just best for me, the blog, and my readers.
• Another thing is, Twitter. I really tried to get into tweeting, and I actually kind of like doing it, but I read to many things on Twitter that I didn't want to see! I am way too busy to watch most of my shows when they come on, so I normally end up a season behind most things (Netflix and I are BFF) and lots of people live tweet though things and spoil it! Its infuriating! So, I don't think I will be doing much tweeting. Just so you know why :)

That's about all I wanted to say on that. Now on to the TTT Goodness!

For anyone who doesn't know, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by some lovelies over at The Broke and The Bookish! So go check it out!

This week's topic is Top Ten Favorite Authors in X Genre

I think I'm going to do it sort of the same way Kelly from the Broke and The Bookish did, and pick more genre's and do a few from each!

Top Three Favorite Contemporary Romance Authors:

1) Stephanie Perkins
All Hail Stephanie Perkins and her lovely lovely adorable books. If you haven't read Anna and the French Kiss, shame shame on you! This book has all the feel good warm fuzzies, the "OMG KISS" factor, and the relatableness that is so important in YA contemporary romance books. She is amazing.

2) Megan McCafferty
What a fantastic series McCafferty wrote (yes, I'm looking at you Jessica Darling). This book series IS the teen girl experience. There was so many times that Jessica could have been me in high school (we even have the same name!) These books are fantastic. Also, Bumped is a great book too. A great dystopian book, still littered with teen romance. She is fabulous.

3) Sarah Dessen
Contemporary romance: nailed it.
She is fantastic, and I rack myself with guilt that I have only opened myself to her grandness recently. I need more Sarah Dessen in my life!

Top Four Favorite Fantasy Authors:

1) J.K. Rowling
No explaination needed, buuut. She rocked the world's socks off, seriously. Harry Potter actually changed me, and very few books have done that.

2) Cassandra Clare
I haven't even read that much by her, only 3 of her books, but even while reading other good books I can't stop myself from thinking "I wish I was finished this so I could start the next Mortal Instruments book" That's how much I just love them. The Infernal Devices too. Clockwork Prince was great. If I wasn't working so hard on trying to clean up some old TBR list stuff, I would have devoured them all long ago. She has a fantastic, enthralling writing style.

3) Richelle Mead
The fact that it took me so long to read a book by her is amazing. I only started the Vampire Academy books a short time ago, and I'm already hooked! They are great stories. She rocks.

4) Stephenie Meyer
I enjoyed the Twilight novels, but she wouldn't have made this list for those. However, I recently finished The Host, and I loved that book. Wow, it was fantastic. If anyone is staying away from it because they didn't like Twilight, you shouldn't. It's an emotional roller-coaster of goodness. Go read it!

Top Three Favorite Dystopian Authors

1) Lauren Oliver
Delirium is great, Pandemonium is great, can't wait for Requiem! Oliver is a fantastic author, I have Before I Fall and I can't wait to get to it. I'm even planning to pick up Liesel and Po just to have more of her! She really is amazing.

2) Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games is what I attribute my love of Dystopian to. I had read (and loved) other dystopian books (like Ender's Game) but I wouldn't have been able to classify a love for this genre until this series. She is such an engaging, exciting author. I hope that what she comes out with next is also great!

3) Veronica Roth
For a debut novel, Divergent was awesome! I fell in love with Tris and Four and that world. Insurgent was amazing too. Whatever happens next, I can't wait to get my hands on it. She is fantastic, and I hope she keeps it up!

Anyway, that's all for me today. Whew, this was a long post. PS all the authors names link to their individual websites, so if you want more info on them, pop by and say hello!

Blog Tour Review: Naturally, Charlie by S.L. Scott

Goodreads Summary: Twenty-five year old Charlotte “Charlie” Barrow is caught between her old life and the one she is beginning to build when she crosses paths with a handsome stranger on the subway. Not looking for romance, she closes her heart off to the possibilities of love. With a knack for mishaps, Charlie maintains her sense of humor while befriending the kind stranger who seems to be there at all the right times.

New York freelance writer, Charlie Adams, is forging his own path beyond the expectations of the society circles of his childhood. Rejecting family money, and fast-lane friends, he is snubbed by his family as he follows his own compass to a life more extraordinary. 

Through a coincidence of events, they come to rely on each other for comfort. This is the tale of two Charlies learning to trust again while fighting their fates to create their own destiny.

Why I Read This Book: This book was given to me as part of a book tour led by The Readiacs.

For the full blog tour info, you can go here: Naturally, Charlie Blog Tour
The book will be available November 1st, 2012.

Review: This book tells a fabulously sweet story of two friends, both coincidentally named Charlie, who's relationship progresses into more throughout the book. I really identified with this book, as when I started dating my BF, he had a friend much like the Rachel character in this book. I think that the author wrote in a way that made the book feel very real, like a new relationship sort of does. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but this book is just so sweet and cute, if I could, I would cuddle with it! I don't normally gush cuteness over books, but this one is just so adorable. The banter between the two seems very natural, and is pretty funny at times.Also, any book in NYC already owns a small piece of my heart!

Some things that were a little less than exciting, was that because the POV switches between male and female perspectives, there is often some repetition in events, which was well done in this book, but is kind of annoying overall. And, I felt a little like the ball was dropped on the epilogue. I just wasn't into it.

Overall, this was a great, quick book. If you are into cute, contemporary reads, I definitely recommend you pick this book up!

Rating:

Me Talk Pretty One Day - David Sedaris

Goodreads Summary: David Sedaris's fourth book mines poignant comedy from his peculiar childhood in North Carolina, his bizarre career path, and his move with his lover to France. Though his anarchic inclination to digress is his glory, Sedaris does have a theme in these reminiscences: the inability of humans to communicate. 

The title is his rendition in transliterated English of how he and his fellow students of French in Paris mangle the Gallic language. In the essay "Jesus Shaves," he and his classmates from many nations try to convey the concept of Easter to a Moroccan Muslim. "It is a party for the little boy of God," says one. "Then he be die one day on two... morsels of... lumber," says another. Sedaris muses on the disputes between his Protestant mother and his father, a Greek Orthodox guy whose Easter fell on a different day. Other essays explicate his deep kinship with his eccentric mom and absurd alienation from his IBM-exec dad: "To me, the greatest mystery of science continues to be that a man could father six children who shared absolutely none of his interests."

Every glimpse we get of Sedaris's family and acquaintances delivers laughs and insights. He thwarts his North Carolina speech therapist ("for whom the word pen had two syllables") by cleverly avoiding all words with s sounds, which reveal the lisp she sought to correct. His midget guitar teacher, Mister Mancini, is unaware that Sedaris doesn't share his obsession with breasts, and sings "Light My Fire" all wrong--"as if he were a Webelo scout demanding a match." As a remarkably unqualified teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago, Sedaris had his class watch soap operas and assign "guessays" on what would happen in the next day's episode.

It all adds up to the most distinctively skewed autobiography since Spalding Gray's Swimming to Cambodia. --Tim Appelo

Why I Read This Book: Someone else on my Goodreads added it, and I just did too for some reason. Then they gave it 5 stars, so I thought "hmm, better get to that one soon".

Review: This book had some funny parts, but overall was kind of uninteresting. Maybe it's because I haven't a clue who David Sedaris is, but I found his life based anecdotes not all that 'book-worthy'. Funny/interesting/lesson-based things happen to me too, but I'm not writing about it. Unfortunately, I don;t have much more to say than that. I laughed at a lot of lines in the book, but I also found myself skimming several parts too. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good enough to want to pick up another one of his books. I think I have some on my TBR list that I should go remove, there are way too many books I'm dying to read, that it disappoints me I wasted time with this.

Rating:

So I finally made a new post...

I'm sure this happens to everyone at some point or another, but for the last few weeks I haven't given one crap about this blog, and haven't been doing much reading at all. Today I have a post with a small review scheduled, but only because I felt like I had to. So for anyone who actually reads this, sorry about the lack of content, and I promise when the desire to read and write comes back (which it will, just who knows when!) I will be back too!

Happy Fall to you all, and see you when things return to normal!