Monday, July 30, 2012

What are you Reading?

My plans for this week are to read at least 2 books. I had a slow week. I have no excuses. I just wasn't in the mood to really read. So I won't say "here's my list of books I will read."
I will, however,  post  a list of books I consider top contenders for my reading selections this week. :)

  • Speaker for the Dead-Orson Scott Card
  • The Pleasures of Men-Kate Williams
  • Saving Ruth-Zoe Fishman
  • Dare Me-Megan Abbott
  • This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel 
Happy Reading to me and to all of you! :)

Friday, July 27, 2012

Quick Review: Final Exam

Blurb:
Kelly has always been afraid of final exams. Now she is scared to death. All during finals' week someone has been playing cruel pranks on her. After she wakes up in a burning room, she knows that someone is trying to kill her--and that their final confrontation will be her toughest test ever.

My Thoughts: 
Okay I have to admit I got this book solely on the creepy ass cover. I know my picture isn't all that great, but if you look over the door to the school the name of the high school is COLUMBINE! WTF?! This book was written a good 8 or so years before the shooting there, so that is creepy. PLUS the tag line is "if you fail...you'll just die."

So yes, this is a bit of campy, cheesy goodness from the get go. It reminded me of the books I read when I was a young little weirdo just getting her first few tastes of creepy. I used to gobble up all the R. L. Stine novels, and the other scary books that aren't really all that scary but make you feel like your parents just let you rip into the new Stephen King. (Maybe that's just me?)

This isn't a ground breaking, earth shattering book. It's rather formulaic and bland in some places. I cringed at how 90's it was. Who is named Tad? I've been alive for 31 years and have yet to know a single solitary Tad!

The ending was out of nowhere and completely random. The "bad guy" didn't even really have anything to do with the main character at all throughout the whole book, but then WHAM they wants to kill her? That was a bit of nonsense right there!

Basically this was a little trip down memory lane. A cheese fest that was a bit boring and made me really glad that my tastes have matured...somewhat.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Review: Wife 22



Blurb:
Maybe it was those extra five pounds I’d gained. Maybe it was because I was about to turn the same age my mother was when I lost her. Maybe it was because after almost twenty years of marriage my husband and I seemed to be running out of things to say to each other.

But when the anonymous online study called “Marriage in the 21st Century” showed up in my inbox, I had no idea how profoundly it would change my life. It wasn’t long before I was assigned both a pseudonym (Wife 22) and a caseworker (Researcher 101).

And, just like that, I found myself answering questions.

7. Sometimes I tell him he’s snoring when he’s not snoring so he’ll sleep in the guest room and I can have the bed all to myself.
61. Chet Baker on the tape player. He was cutting peppers for the salad. I looked at those hands and thought, I am going to have this man’s children.
67. To not want what you don’t have. What you can’t have. What you shouldn’t have.
32. That if we weren’t careful, it was possible to forget one another.

Before the study, my life was an endless blur of school lunches and doctor’s appointments, family dinners, budgets, and trying to discern the fastest-moving line at the grocery store. I was Alice Buckle: spouse of William and mother to Zoe and Peter, drama teacher and Facebook chatter, downloader of memories and Googler of solutions.

But these days, I’m also Wife 22. And somehow, my anonymous correspondence with Researcher 101 has taken an unexpectedly personal turn. Soon, I’ll have to make a decision—one that will affect my family, my marriage, my whole life. But at the moment, I’m too busy answering questions.

As it turns out, confession can be a very powerful aphrodisiac.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was an adorable book. It's not my usual genre, but I was very intrigued by the blurb and the reviews that I saw online. I really enjoyed the humor that was brought to such an almost universal topic, I mean what wife hasn't felt a little distant from what and who she used to be. We take on so many roles as we grow up and older, that sometimes it's good to be reminded of the past. That's why this was a welcomed change of pace for me.

The story is handled and written with such care that I had no problem getting lost in Alice's story. I found myself wondering ahead, trying to figure out where their relationship went wrong. I actually started rooting for her and William. I want them to sort out their problems. The deeper she reflects into her past the more I fall in love with these characters. The more I want them to save it all!

Now the ending is a bit predictable. You really do figure it out pretty soon into the story, but for some reason that wasn't irksome for me. I think that it made it more of an adorable set up. You are in on the secret. You know what Alice doesn't. That sort of makes you a co-conspirator in a way. I think that is a reflection of pretty darn good writing.

Now in the end, this is a great book. It's fluffy and adorable, but also has it's merits.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Quick Review: Ender's Game



My Thoughts:
What the what?! This book! I loved it! I have been meaning to read Ender's Game for a really long time, but I never got around to it. I'd go to the library or bookstore wanting to snag it, but then I would usually get distracted by the flashy new releases! I could positively kick myself for that! This book rocked my socks!

One thing that took a while for me to get into was the fact hat Ender was a kid. All of the kids in this book talk like grown ups, so that threw me for a bit. However, the thing that I thought would turn me off of this book, the space travel, didn't! I'm not a sci-fi fan. I'm more of a fantasy kind of gal. This was a really big shock to me. I loved every page of it.

So basically! YAY Ender! I will be reading more of your story, homeboy!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Review: The Death Cure



Blurb:
Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says.
The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?

My Thoughts: 
I loved the Maze Runner, I really did. I loved the premise and definitely became a fan of James Dashner's writing. The second book was a good, but left me with a LOT of unanswered questions. I still devoured it and wanted more. The Death Cure, is full of awesome writing and loads of action, just like the first two books. Characters get fleshed out more and SOME answers are given. We get to know a bit more about Wicked and what they are doing.

The thing that kept me from giving this book a five fleur rating is the fact that we are STILL left with questions. Some things get resolved, but yet others are left there kind of in limbo. That didn't leave me with the warm and fuzzies. I felt like it was kind of a LOST like cop out to not answer the questions, you were given. I dunno, maybe that's just me.

Now, I did enjoy this book. I again loved Dashner's characters and the story went pretty quickly. There were a few major issues, but nothing that made me want to chunk the book across the room. It's a somewhat decent end to the trilogy.  I would definitely recommend reading it if you've read the first two.

Monday, July 23, 2012

High Summer Read-a-Thon Wrap Up



Well my lovelies, it was fun! I think I did pretty good. Not as well as some, but for me I count this one as a success!

Books I finished:
  • The Hunt
  • Final Exam
  • Dark Lover
1 DNF book (Wicked Lovely)

I read 887 pages total!

I am very pleased with myself! I want to thank Michelle for hosting, and congrats to all the readers! I hope you reached your goals too! 

What are you Reading?

So guys, I did pretty well on the read-a-thon and I'd really like to keep it up! So this week I have a full plate! I'm currently on my 21st day of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and I feel more energetic! I'm gonna use this energy to keep my reading up and my reviewin'! How smart of me! :P Here are my lovely selections:

  • Saving Ruth by Zoe Fishman
  • Going Bovine
  • The Pleasures of Men by Kate Williams
  • Legacy of Tril: Soulbound
  • This Dark Endeavor
  • Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card
I have a few reviews set up already so watch out for those! I hope everyone has a spiffy week of reading!

Friday, July 20, 2012

High Summer Read-a-Thon Days 5-7



TODAY THIS WEEKEND HAS BEEN DEEMED BOOKAGEDDON (by me) ALL THE BOOKS WILL BE READ TODAY WHETHER THEY LIKE IT OR NOT! Someone call Bruce Willis and a team of misfits, because this bookastroid is about to have a hole drilled into it and a bunch of explosives planted inside! I will do the walk of victory at the end of today!


WEEKEND UPDATE

Books:  Dark Lover
Pages read so far:  323
Finished: 2 Books
Challenges:
Notes:
Instructional Picture of the Day:



plus = BOOKASTROID!!!

Get it? I'm clever, yes?

Thursday, July 19, 2012

High Summer Read-a-Thon Day 4


I didn't read much yesterday either, but it was MY fault not anything else. My husband and son had karate class yesterday. Afterwards, we went to get some Mexican food..which begun my downward spiral. One margarita + a couple of beers lead to me being a drooling pile of snoring goo. lol I'm such a lightweight. I HAD FUN THOUGH! So I ain't sad! :P


Day 4

Books:  Dark Lover
Pages read so far: 323
Finished: 2 Books
Challenges:None
Notes: I gave up on Wicked Lovely. :( DNF
Cute  picture of the Day:


Reading Melissa Monkey!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

High Summer Read-a-Thon Day 3



So I had a craptastical day of reading yesterday! Too many distractions and not enough spare time to read. :( Today should be a little bit better..I'm hoping to read 1 book today! :) I'll be satisfied with a half. lol 

Day 3

Books: Wicked Lovely and Dark Lover (I will feed my book ADD)
Pages read so far:  297
Finished: 2 Books
Challenges: none
Notes: beer + books= no reading really lol
Cute  DELICIOUS picture of the Day:


Have a Spike! :) You're welcome!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

High Summer Read-a-Thon Day 2



I had such a great success yesterday! I finished 1 book and read another one. Let's see if I can keep it up!

Day 2

Books:Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Pages read so far:  247
Finished: 2 Books
Challenges: none
Notes: Not a good day...I think I was able to read 2 pages! :( Bah!
Cute picture of the Day:
 A gaggle of adorable babies! Enjoy the cute!

Monday, July 16, 2012

High Summer Read-a-Thon Update Post 1



Day 1 is upon us, and I am eager to begin! I'll probably post 1 update a day just to keep things tidy, followed by a end post that tallies up my efforts. Sooo...Reading ONWARD!

Day 1

Books: The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda, Final Exam by A. Bates
Pages read:  146
Finished: Y-2 Books
Challenges: 99 Page Test
Notes: I finished 2 books today! WHAT WHAT?

Cute picture of the Day:
 

Sunday, July 15, 2012

High Summer Read-a-Thon Intro Post


Yes, I cannot resist these lovely things at all! People "RATs" are like crack to me! I do try to give them up but alas, I'm hooked. So, since my lovely friend Michelle is hosting this one, I just HAD to sign up! So here I am, y'all!

This is a week-long RAT so I am posting my reading list. I probably won't read them all, but I will do what I can!


My List: 
  • Read-a-longs (Rebecca and Anna K and Graceling)
  • Going Bovine
  • Legay of Tril: Soulbound
  • Wicked Lovely
  • Arranged
  • The Unseen
  • The Roots of the Olive Tree
Quite a lofty list, and I may even switch some of these out. I do however want to read at LEAST 3 books this week! I can't wait! :)

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Weekend Reading (Early Edition)

Yes, yes, I know it's not the weekend yet! FOR YOU! Bwahahahahaaa! For me, I have 4 hours of work today, then Friday off. So it's kind of like my weekend starts a little earlier than most. I didn't do as well as I had hoped with the read-a-thon. I'm still behind a few books for my goal, so I have decided to make this my catching up weekend.

My Goals:
  • Finish: Wife 22
  • Read: Graceling
  • Read: The Hunt
  • Catch up with my Read-a-longs
There! My goals are set and I'm ready! Wish me luck!

Monday, July 9, 2012

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon: Update Post

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon


I'm starting this 'thon at roughly (and I mean rough) 8am CST. I might get up earlier, but don't bet on it. I like my sleep almost as much as I like my books. So I imagine that coffee will be a integral part of me reaching my goal.

Speaking of coffee..THIS is what I THINK I look like:

All elegant and shizz, but THIS is what I really turn into:



So ONWARD reading! HO!

Status Update 1:
Time Started: 8:15 am CST (I did say rough)
Time Finished: 10:46pm CST (this isn't how long i read just when i shut my book for the last time of the day)
Book: Ender's Game-Orson Scott Card (finish up)
Page Started: 136
Page Finished: 201
Completed: N
Notes: I hoped to finish Ender's Game, but sadly too many distractions. I plan on having it done tomorrow and a good chunk out of the next book.
Challenges:
Mini Challenge  

Status Update 2 :
Time Started: 10 am CST (Had some errands to run this morning.)
Time Finished: 12:25am (I stayed up to finish EG)

Book: Ender's Game-Orson Scott Card FINISHED
Page Started: 201
Page Finished:324

Completed:Y-Book 1
Notes: I managed to finished Ender's Game!!

Challenges: None

Status Update 2 :
Book: Wife22
Page Started: 1
Page Finished:117

Completed:N

Notes: I started reading Graceling, but changed to Wife 22. I didn't finish it, but I'm really liking it. It's a quick read so far.

Books Read: 1


Ending Totals:
Books Read: 1

Pages: 305

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon

Yes, another read-a-thon! Stop rolling your eyes! I have it on good authority that this time I will be moderately successful! Don't ask me who this authority is, but let me tell you, she's pretty cool! *wink*
So do you wanna join in? Click the button ^! I don't think it's too late to join. What are we doing? Reading..how long
 are we reading? July 9th-11th. What am I reading? I'm super stoked you asked. :)

My List:
  • Going Bovine-Libba Bray
  • Wife 22-Melanie Gideon
  • Legacy of Tril: Soulbound
  • The Hunt 
  • My read-a-long books: Rebecca and Anna K. (not the whole thing mind you just the parts) and Graceling!
I am going to try to devote at least  15 hours total to reading! I have work and my husband and son have karate class, but I think 15 over 3 days is doable!

Are you joining in? I hope so! Look for my starting post to pop up soon!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Review: Wishbone

Blurb:

Julien Grenier witnessed the brutal murder of his grandfather. Now, at forty-five, he continues to be plagued by horrific nightmares and reenactments of that tragic event. Living a successful though austere lifestyle on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Julien has recreated himself, building emotional walls that even his young wife cannot penetrate. Though somewhat moody, Julien is a good man with a heart of gold, and a great sense of loyalty and responsibility; enabling his wife, Rachael, to turn a blind eye to his tightly-kept secrets. Rachael is thirty-two years old; an art dealer and playful free spirit, but after a home invasion assault leaves her emotionally unstable and destroys their care-free and content world, they relocate to a safer environment with the hope of a fresh start. Kings Hollow is a quaint town, nestled in the serene Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. At first, their new home appears to be the miracle they prayed for, until a traditional children's game begins to destroy their bliss; Rachael is no longer herself and Julien is experiencing a string of bad luck and unfortunate accidents. At the center of it all is seventeen-year-old Sarah, a part-time caretaker on the property. Can Julien and Rachael escape the nightmare of Kings Hollow...or is this just Wishful thinking?

My Thoughts:
This was a wonderful surprise. I honestly wasn't sure if I would like it. It sounded good, but I have been fooled before! I'm grateful that I didn't have to shake my fist at my computer screen this time! The plot is fast paced and haunting. It had everything a girl like me could want in a book. Great writing, nail biting plot, great characters, and a delicious cohesive storyline that I just gobbled up.

Julien is a character that has had a lot happen in his life. He's witnessed the murder of someone close to him. He's built his life back up, but is still effected by that fateful night. Thanks to Hudson's great writing skills, he doesn't come across as a cliched tragic figure. He's interesting to read, and believable. I think those two qualities are occasionally lacking in books now-a-days. You're supposed to enjoy the characters, just cuz.

So let's see. Great story-CHECK, good writing-CHECK, excellent characters-CHECK..Do I recommend this? Yes!

 **I was given a digital copy of this book for an honest review. all opinions are mine and mine alone.

Guest Post:: Brooklyn Hudson - A World Without Books


By Brooklyn Hudson


A world without books ... will probably (hopefully) never be. There will always be lovers of hard copy books just as we will always have art lovers. I own an iPad, iPhone, Kindle, you name it; but nothing takes the place of the smell and feel of a book in your hands – especially a used, worn book. 


Nowadays I download books to my e-readers but the books I fall in love with I then buy in print form to keep on my shelf. I think schools need to push reading more, like they did when I was a kid. I ask children I meet about reading and sadly, some of them tell me their teachers don’t encourage a love of reading…that scares me a little.



Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Supernatural Thriller
Rating - R
More details about the author & the book

Connect with Brooklyn Hudon on Twitter & Facebook

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Review: A Monster Calls


At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting-- he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.


My Thoughts:

This book slayed me. The cover is a bit of no fair..it looks creepy and stuff. The blurb doesn't really give you much of a clue about what you are getting into. Is it a revenge book? Is it something scary? What kind of monster is this? All sorts of mental screwery is involved!

This book is the saddest thing evar! Seriously y'all I was bawling my brains out by the time I was done. Conor loves his Mother, but she is dying of cancer. Right there my brave face vanished. :( Poor Conor has so much going on, and then his grandma and his dad come back into the picture to muck up his flow. He has to deal with them trying to drop reality bombs on him, telling him he needs to prepare for the worst.

The Monster comes in the form of a Yew Tree. A giant yew tree that comes every night to tell him a story, but at the end requires him to tell THE STORY. Is the Monster a friend or a foe? Does he want to help Conor deal with his Mom's illness, or does the Monster have other plans? So many questions! I love questions!

Heart-wrenching, gut twisting, and kick in the throat emotional torment happens for Conor. He has to face what no kid should ever have to face. I swear to you, if you do not cry while reading this book you have no soul whatsoever! I loved every page of this book.

Oh yeah, and there are pages and pages of beautifully dark art work!

**my copy was obtained from my public library

Monday, July 2, 2012

What are you Reading?

I am more than pleased at the reading I got done this last week. I hope for another week full of reading and reviews!

Read-a-long Plans
  • Rebecca-Ch. 1-4 (whole book should be done by July 17th)
  • Anna Karenina pt. 1 &2 (read these by July 7th
  • Middlemarch (this should have been finished by the end of June, but I'm going to shoot for Friday)
Review Books and Library Books: 
  • Ender's Game
  • Wishbone-(ebook) start..review due July 6th
  • Going Bovine-(library) start
Upcoming Reviews:
  • A Monster Calls
  • The Death Cure
These are my plans for the week! What are you going to read?