Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday - {5th] Burnout

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It's where we share the upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on!




   
On the day after Halloween, Nan wakes up in a subway car. She is not dreaming. She doesn’t know where she’s been or what she’s done. She’s missing a whole day from her life. And she’s wearing skeleton makeup and a too-small Halloween costume that she doesn't remember putting on.
Nan is not supposed to wake up in places like this anymore. She’s different now, so far from that dangerously drunk girl who hit bottom in the Nanapocalypse. She needs to find out what happened to her, and fast. As she tries to put together the pieces of the last twenty-four hours, she flashes back to memories of her previous life. But she would never go back to her old friends and her old ways. Would she?
The deeper Nan digs, the more disturbing things get. This time, she may have gone one step too far. This time, she may be a walking ghost.



Published Date: September 13th, 3011



I know it's not the prettiest cover out there, but it sounds extremely interesting. Beyond extremely! :) I actually love the cover of the book. It has this eerie kind of feeling. I bet you won't see this book on many W.O.W. Add it to your TBR list. :)

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Teaser Tuesday - {4th]




Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

■Grab your current read 
■Open to a random page 
■Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
■BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
■Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Icon made by me. :)


My last Teaser Tuesday was a fail. I didn't even read the book. It wasn't very captivating. I'm not going to post a review because I didn't read it and it wouldn't be fair. But this week, I know I'm going to read the book. :) I saw it at the store and since it's been on my wish-list for awhile, I had to get it. Plus, looking on Goodreads, this paperback cover was just published TODAY. :D So excited!



I've been following orders." I glanced at Logan, who nodded. "Like you asked."
"Yes, so I've heard," he said. "Our Ren thinks you've taken your orders a little too seriously."
Am I going to have to give up time with Shay because Ren is jealous?"
-pg 318

Friday, June 24, 2011

Between Here And Forever by Elizabeth Scott {17th]






Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible. 
Until the accident. 
Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her. 
She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen. 
Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could...





Title - Between Here And Forever
Author - Elizabeth Scott
Pages - 250
Paperback, Hardcover, eBook - Hardcover
Published & Publisher - May 24th, 2011 ; Simon Pulse
Source - Author ;; Giveaway Winner
Rating - 3/5


How do I start this review out? Maybe with how this book was like over cooked cookies. Not burnt, but not perfect.

I've only read one other book by Elizabeth, and I was blown away by it. So much that I needed to read some more of her books and devour them. But maybe Between Here and Forever shouldn't have been that one. I'm not saying it's the worst book ever, but it was missing something. Something big, but I can't tell what. Abby's sister was in an accident and now has been in a coma. Abby has been talking to her and telling her about things because Tess, her sister, doesn't know what's going on. Until one moment when a guy, Eli, started talking, Abby saw something move behind Tess's eyelids. Abby got her hopes up and practically dragged Eli into the room and made him talk. Abby believed it was because he was gorgeous and Tess was perfect that they'd be destined together.

I get the point and all about how Abby wished Eli would talk enough that Tess would open her eyes and everything would go back to normal, but it wasn't. Some people are just in denial, that's what you could say Abby was. I should feel bad for her, and I do, but Abby would not stop putting her herself down. Whenever Tess came up, Abby would mention that she isn't as pretty as her or something around that nature. Abby wasn't fishing for compliments, but it was just a turnoff. Maybe it's because I can't relate to her at all that makes me not like her. But hey, that's just my opinion.

After all is said and let out, I do recommend this book to anyone who wants a new kind of story. It's a sad story with a huge dramatic twist. 

{New!} First Line - I lean forward and look at Tess.

"Lies are a lot easier than the truth. Simpler."

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu {16th]

Everyone has a secret. But Lucy's is bigger and dirtier than most. It's one she's been hiding for years—that her mom's out-of-control hoarding has turned their lives into a world of garbage and shame. Tackling an increasingly discussed topic that is both fascinating and disturbing, C. J. Omololu weaves an hour-by-hour account of Lucy's desperate attempt to save her family. Readers join Lucy on a path from which there is no return, and the impact of hoarding on one teen's life will have them completely hooked.







Title - Dirty Little Secrets
Author - C.J. Omololu
Pages - 224
Paperback, Hardcover, eBook - Paperback
Published & Publisher - March 15th, 2011 ; Walker & Company
Source - Library
Rating - 4/5

How can I even begin to praise this repulsive book? I know, that might sound bad, but it is exactly the opposite.



I've never read a book that dealt with this issue before, so I didn't really even know what to expect. My expectations were met, they were excelled! I read this book in a day! One reason because it's not a big book. It really didn't take long. Second reason, I had to know what was going to happen next. The main character, Lucy Tompkins, was well written. But she got on my nerves, I'll explain why later on.


I don't think I'm spoiling anything by stating that Lucy's mother is a huge hoarder. Well, it's stated in the description, so I know I'm not. Their house is very cluttered, and you can barely see past the stacks of things. Piles of trash everywhere, dishes stacking up in the sink, even a dead hamster! What kind of person would want to live in a place like that? Lucy doesn't, neither did her brother Phil and her sister Sara. Unlike her, they had hit the legal age to live that house. They were probably ecstatic to get out of there. Lucy still has two years, and has to wait it up with all the mess. She can't clean it up, or else her mom will flip and have an asthma attack. 

While looking for a pair of scissors in the mess she calls her house, she has her last asthma attack. Lucy comes home to find her mother dead, lying in her bed just inches away from her asthma. Now, Lucy is doing everything in her power to not let her secrets out when the paramedics come to get her mother. Their house is so cluttered they couldn't even get the stretcher through the hallway to get to her mother. 

Okay, let me stop there. First off, my problem with the book started right there. Lucy didn't show any emotion really to finding her mother dead. All she worried about was not letting the secret of her mother's problem out. Later in the book, I can see why she wouldn't want to cry after all the horrible things her mom had done (nothing too bad, no abuse or anything related to that). But still! A daughter found her own mother died. The one who birthed you! Why wouldn't you cry?! That got me mad, but my anger was disappeared when the last chapter took place. I was so stunned, even though the thought crossed my mind, it was just like...WOW. 

Overall, this was a great stand-alone novel. I definitely recommend this realistic fiction. P.S. Don't you just love the hardcover copy?

{New!} First Line - Everyone has secrets.


If Kaylie ever did find out the real secret, she wouldn't think it was so funny. "I don't have a secret," I lied.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday - {4th] Shattered Souls

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It's where we share the upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on!

So, this week, I've had many books that I really want to get, but it's just my luck that they haven't come out yet! Below is only one on my TBR list. :] 



A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger
Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.
Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.





Like? Yes.
Love? Yes.
Want? Yes.
Need? YES.
Too freaking bad it comes out on December 8th. We have to wait about five more months! It's agonizing!

So what are you waiting on? Any suggestions?

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare {15th]





When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? 

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.... 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.



Title - City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
Author - Cassandra Clare
Pages - 485
Paperback, Hardcover, eBook - Paperback
Published & Publisher - March 27th, 2007 ; Margaret K. McElderry Books
Source - Brought
Rating - 4.6/5


City of Bones was... not what I expected it to be. I mean that in the best way possible! 


It started out with Clary, Clarissa and her best friend going to a club. Well, technically, in the beginning, the story was told how the demon was caught. Which was pretty interesting, and then it went to be about Clary. I'm not a big fan of third point-of-views, but I had to give it a try. First point-of-views are way better in my opinion. The author switched a couple of times to put more emphasis on another character, which was understanding. Cassandra has a nice writing style; most times when people go on and on about one certain thing for more than two paragraphs, I'll skim through it. I didn't this time. Something about the writing kept me intrigued and my eyes glued to the page. I read from page 120 to the end {485} in one day. It's a shocker, but I couldn't take my eyes off the page. I give a cheer to Cassandra for that.


Now, the part I have been waiting to gush about. Clary and Jace. I love them with a passion. My new favorite people in the world. They are just so... Clary is such a... Jace is such a... I can barely think of the words to fill those sentences. Jace is by far my favorite fictional crush. His attitude and sarcasm make him even better. When he was first introduced, I thought he was hilarious, and he never failed me since. He's one of the self-centered guys, but I still love him. I never knew there could be a guy that uses that much wit and can still be insanely attractive. Jace proved me wrong. Clary is funny as well. She has her naive moments, but I would too if I was told everything that she was told. And, I can not forget about Simon! He's my second fictional crush, right behind Jace. Simon is so cute! He's the kind of guy I would love to hang out with. He, like Jace, had loads of funny moments. Especially since Simon hates Jace, they had their retorts.


I give this book a 4.6, only because I felt that it didn't need to be that long. 485 pages? Not worth it. I love reading huge books, but they have to have a purpose. The whole story on took place for about five days. Do you see the point I'm trying to make? A book doesn't need to be almost 500 pages if it takes place for about five days. It'd be a different story (no pun intended) if it took place over a month or two, but not around a week!


Other than that, I recommend this book. It's a great first start. Obviously from my stated opinion, it's not fast-paced. But it did leave me with my jaw dropped a couple of times. I can't wait until I get my hands on the second book. 



"It seemed like the most likely explanation."
"You guessed? You must have been pretty sure, considering you could of killed me."
He pressed a button in the wall, and the elevator lurched into action with a vibrating groan that she felt all through the bones in her feet. "I was ninety perfect sure."
"I see," Clary said.
There must have been something in her voice because he turned to look at her. Her hand cracked across his face, a slap that rocked him back on his heels. He put his hand to his cheek, more in suprise than pain. "What the hell was that for?"
"The other ten percent," she said.

And... (I need at least two Jace and one Simon lines! Courtesy of Goodreads) 


Jace - "Just because you call an electric eel a rubber duck doesn't make it a rubber duck, does it? And God help the poor bastard who decides they want to take a bath with the duckie." 


Jace - "By the Angel," Jace said, looking the demon up and down. "I knew Greater Demons were meant to be ugly, but no one ever warned me about the smell." Abbadon opened its mouth and hissed. Inside its mouth were two rows of jagged glass-sharp teeth. "I'm not sure about this wind and howling darkness business," Jace went on, "smells more like landfill to me. You sure you're not from Staten Island?" 

Simon - "That's why when major badasses greet each other in movies, they don't say anything, they just nod. The nod means, 'I' am a badass, and I recognize that you, too, are a badass,' but they don't say anything because they're Wolverine and Magneto and it would mess up their vibe to explain." 

Teaser Tuesday - {3rd]

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:



■Grab your current read 
■Open to a random page 
■Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page {I often use more!}
■BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
■Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!





I had plan to reread Shiver first, but I think I'll work on my library book. Return it to the library and get another book! My library doesn't really hold recent titles, but they do have some good books. This book isn't something I'd normally read. But I didn't even read the description because I liked the cover. That's bad!
"That guy in the bread truck is staring at us," Sprout said.
"Take a picture, it lasts longer," Frances Lee said.
"He's actually a Hollywood scout in disguise of a hamburger-bun delivery man," I said.
"He's looking for a pair of great buns, ha-ha," Frances Lee said.
-pg. 162

Saturday, June 18, 2011

In My Mailbox - {2nd]


In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.
Icon made by ME! :D

Eeep! My second IMM! And I'm so excited to do this. I know I said I probably wouldn't, but I got a load of books {e-books} this week. Since I can't post pictures of e-books, I'll just put the picture of the book. But, I got one paperback book this week. At the This Is Teen event earlier this week, I bought a Meg Cabot book! 

F.Y.I. The links lead to the description and everything on Goodreads.


Bought:
(Sorry for crappy picture. Camera is missing so I took the pic on my phone)
Insatiable by Meg Cabot {Been on my wish-list for awhile!}


E-Books:

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach
Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney
Rhymes with Cupid by Anna Humphrey
Vixen by Jillian Larkin
The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate {excited to read!}
Mercy by Rebecca Lim
Breathless by Jessica Warman
Anathema by Megg Jensen {The author personally sent me this book! Ahh!}
Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel



Interesting set of books, huh? I think so! I'm even more happy that for the Anathema book, Megg sent it to me! I hear all about how people receive books from the author, but to experience it first-hand.. Wow! I was so ecstatic. It was over Twitter! I love Twitter now. :D ♥