In My Mailbox (9)

Jan 7

January 8, 2012

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It’s awesome. Every week, we all get a chance to tell everyone what new books we’ve gotten so that we can tell you guys and we can all drool and squee together! Huzzah for squees!

After last week’s avalanche of books, things were pretty quiet over here this week. Which is…not all bad! I’m drowning over here, guys! DROWNING!! (I’d rather drown in books than anything else, though, so I’m dealing.)

FROM NETGALLEY

Jersey Angel, by Beth Ann Bauman (May 8, 2012 from Wendy Lamb Books). Summer at the Jersey Shore. Ahh, good times. Guys, I will ALWAYS read books about Jersey. I could never leave them flapping out there in the breeze; I’d feel like a traitor. But this one sounds good, with doses of relationship drama and uncertainty about the future after high school.

Lies Beneath: Lies Beneath, book 1, by Anne Greenwood Brown (June 12, 2012 from Delacorte).HOLY BANANAS, murderous mermaids in the Great Lakes?! This is awesome if only because I always associate mermaids with salt water. (Is it weird that this was my first thought? “Wait. They live in fresh water?”)In all seriousness, though, this one sounds really good: Drama, the pressures of familial duties, MERMAIDS, revenge, falling for the wrong person. The recipe for awesome.

The Demon Lover: The Fairwick Chronicles, book 1, by Juliet Dark (December 27, 2011 from Random House). Guys, I had no idea that this wasn’t a YA book until recently. But that doesn’t diminish my interest in reading it, especially when the Goodreads synopsis features the phrase “erotic dream” right there up top. In fact, the synopsis HEAVILY indicates sexytimes, which is exciting but also makes me nervous: that’s HIGH expectations. But I really am intrigued with paranormal stories for adults. Admittedly, my experience with titles like this one is limited, but for some reason, it’s sometimes easier for me to swallow TEENS being with vamps/werewolves/angels/beasties/demons/ghosts/etc. than adults.

FROM THE LIBRARY

The Survival Kit, by Donna Freitas (October 11, 2011 from Farrar, Straus and Giroux). I meant to read this book awhile ago, but never got around to it. My library came through for me again, though, so here it is. This book sounds heartbreaking and emotional and life-affirming, so I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been SLAYED by cancer books lately, though, so I need to mentally and emotionally prepare myself. (I’m looking at you through my tears, The Probability of Miracles.)

That’s it for me this week, friends. Did you guys get anything awesome in your mailboxes this week?

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Top Ten Tuesday (8)

Jan 3

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Most Anticipated Books of 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely folks over at The Broke and the Bookish post a top ten list topic so that book lovers like you and me can pour over our shelves and make our own lists. You can check out all the other Top Ten Tuesday‘s on their site!

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In My Mailbox (8)

Jan 1

January 1, 2012

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It’s awesome. Every week, we all get a chance to tell everyone what new books we’ve gotten so that we can tell you guys and we can all drool and squee together! Huzzah for squees!

Over the last two weeks I managed to accumulate quite a haul of books, you guys. I was STOKED. But since I have more books than usual in my mailbox this week, I’m going to forgo the book covers to save some time and space. K? (UPDATE: Still took me forever to link everything to Goodreads. Oh well.)

HOLIDAY GIFTED TO MYSELF

Breadcrumbs, by Anne Ursu. This one’s out already and I CAN’T WAIT to read it. It’s a retelling (any time I see this word in a synopsis, I’m immediately in. Retellings are the business) of The Snow Queen fable, and features a young girl who must rescue her childhood bff after his heart is frozen and he is taken by the evil queen to her ICE PALACE OF COLD DOOM so she can warm his heart again and they can go back to being bffs. YAY!

The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder. This one is going to be in my hands and under my eyeballs real soon. I can’t wait to read this story about a girl who has cancer and goes to live in a crazy, mysterious town in Maine where weird possibly miraculous things happen as a matter of course. Been hearing AMAZING things about this one, guys.

Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince: Infernal Devices, books 1 and 2, by Cassandra Clare. I’m so excited to read these! I was a little late to the Mortal Instruments series. Truth be told, I tried to read them once, put them down and had to go back to them again later. But I’m sooooo glad I did. This world is awesome, and these prequels sound emotionally draining and fantastic and swoony. LOVE.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, by Jennifer E. Smith. *Sigh* I’m reading this one right now (my copy was shipped early), and I’m loving it HARD. Oliver reminds me of Etienne from ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, who is like instant swoon to me.

Awkward, by Marni Bates. This got some major props from Pam @ Bookalicio.us, and it sounds funny and geeky and…awkward (go figure). But hooray for awkward and awesome characters!

Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones. So, this book. Sadly, I have not yet read any Diana Wynne Jones, despite LOVING FANTASY LIKE WHOA. When I was younger, fantasy wasn’t my thing (unless you count my fantasy to have a boyfriend like Todd Wilkins from Sweet Valley High). I actually bought this as a legit gift for someone else and wound up giving them other things and keeping this one for myself. Oops! I’m really looking forward to it, though.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente. I bought this one just so that I could have a copy. It was STUNNING and so imaginative and vibrant. It was a beauty, and now I have a copy on hand to brush up on things before the second book comes out!

GIFTS

Mastiff: Beka Cooper, book 3, by Tamora Pierce. I LOVE Beka Cooper. She’s kick-ass and smart and made of awesome. I’m gonna miss her big time.

East, by Edith Pattou. I’ve read this one already, too, but it was so gorgeous and wonderful that I NEEDED TO HAVE IT. Thanks Santa!

NETGALLEY

The Humming Room, by Ellen Potter (February 28, 2012 from Feiwel & Friends). GUYS. This is a middle-grade title that is based on THE SECRET GARDEN, in which a young girl’s parents are murdered and she is taken to live with her rich uncle in an old hospital. There’s ghosty business and a mysterious boy. This one sounds really promising.

Supergirl Mixtapes, by Megan Brothers (April 24, 2012 from Henry Holt). Southern girl moves in with estranged, wackadoo mom in NYC. It sounds like a hipster coming-of-age. The MC is probably cooler than me. 

Various Positions, by Martha Schabas (June 28, 2012 from Doubleday Canada). This book–about a young girl (I think she’s mean to be only 14) who is a ballet prodigy–sounds like it might make me a little uncomfortable. She kind of develops this “relationship” with one of her ballet instructors. I’m really intrigued to see where this one goes and how it handles what seems to be a more serious take on crushin’ on teacher. 

After the Snow, by S.D. Crockett (March 27, 2012 from Feiwel & Friends). This is a dystopian/post-apocalypse set in a second Ice Age where a young boy must go searching for his family with the help of young girl. Sounds stark and FAB. 

WON

So a little while back, Pam at Bookalicio.us ran a giveaway of books and swag from a signing she put together with Suzanne Young and Stacey Jay. This was LITERALLY the very first contest/giveaway that I HAVE EVER WON EVER, and I was so excited because these are two books I want to read in a bad way. Yay! And thanks Pam, Suzanne and Stacey!

Juliet Immortal, A Need So Beautiful, Stacey Jay, Suzanne Young, Paranormal, Paranormal YA, Young Adult

A Need So Beautiful: A Need So Beautiful, book 1, by Suzanne Young. More angels, guys! I’m making up for lost time now, and this book sounds FANTASTIC. Can’t wait to dive in.

Juliet Immortal: Juliet Immortal, book 1, by Stacey Jay. It’s Romeo and Juliet, except they are immortal spirits who hate each other’s guts, and are locked in an unending battle for the souls of people in true love! (Juliet = for, Romeo = against.) WORD. 

Dead on the Delta: Annabell Lee, book 1, by Stacey Jay. I must confess, I had never heard of this book before this giveaway, but I’m glad it was included. It’s an adult paranormal/urban fantasy romance that takes place in Louisiana. It sounds like ALL OF THE AWESOME. 

Whew! Lotsa books this week, my lovelies! Did you guys get anything tremendous in YOUR mailboxes this holiday?

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Tripping Over January

Jan 1

New books that are on their way this month!

Guys. If the books coming out in January are any indication, 2012 is going to be BANANAS. We’re getting off to a great start!

As always, click on the covers to head on over to each book’s Goodreads page.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Favorite Books of 2011

Dec 27

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten FAVORITE Books of 2011

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely folks over at The Broke and the Bookish post a top ten list topic so that book lovers like you and me can pour over our shelves and make our own lists. You can check out all the other Top Ten Tuesday‘s on their site!

Oh man, this one is a KILLER. I don’t know if you guys can ever tell by my previous lists of any kind, but I have almost a mental block when it comes to following number restrictions. I LOVE lists, but things like “pick your favorite ONE book that you read this year” give me the sweats. I’m so sorry, but I’m probably going to give you five instead. I STRUGGLE with the only 10 business! Some weeks are harder than others, though, and this one–picking my 10 favorite books of the past year–oh my God. I don’t even know how I managed to keep this list to a reasonable number. (Well, actually I DO have an idea how: I cheated all over the place. You’ll see.)

In no real order:

Anna and the French Kiss/Lola and the Boy Next Door, by Stephanie Perkins. I read BOTH of Stephanie Perkins’ books this year and I loved them both REALLY HARD. I’m talking major, MAJOR everlasting love. Stephanie Perkins writes some of the best contemporaries around, no contest. The characters are individual, honest, and real and I LOVES THEM. I feel what they feel. But the relationships? Heavens to Betsy! Those are slow-burning, panty-melting, heart-clenching things of beauty and they make me DIE. Stephanie Perkins could write an Ikea manual on how to put together my bookshelf and I would read every word, rapt, and then clutch the thing to my chest and sigh for days. The love she creates is heartfelt, complicated, genuine, deep, and it ALWAYS WINS. She’s positively magical.

Eon/Eona, by Alison Goodman. HOLY CRAP. These books were so amazing. I had never even heard of this duo until one of my library school book club friends told me that she had just finished EON and was blown away by it. I didn’t need any other recommendation aside from that one to pick up EON, devour it, run to the library, crazed, to get EONA, devour THAT, then collapse in a heap. It was afterglow. (Seriously, though, I’ve never run-walked to my library quicker. I was so afraid that other people would know how incredible these books are and I would have to throw some elbows in the F-J stacks.) These two books are some of the best, most well-constructed, smartest, most magical fantasies I’ve ever read. Eona is an all-time great character. She’s so vivid and real and her story is so intense and twisty and dangerous. Plus, I WEPT at the end of EONA. Tears = win in my book.

A Dance With Dragons, by George R.R. Martin. *Takes several deep breaths* Ok. If you’ve been around my blog before or maybe checked me out on Twitter (you totally should! I’d be so excited to see you!), you might have seen me rave and geek out over A Song of Ice and Fire or even the TV show, Game of Thrones, which is based on the books. I’m kind of a newbie to this series, but it sucked me in IMMEDIATELY and I am now completely in its thrall. ADwD is the most recent book in the series and…I don’t know what I can even say about it that’s not the mindless babbling of a superfan. But what I love about these books is that I cannot stop thinking about them. The characters, the world, the stories…I’m always wondering about where they’re going, and theorizing on what everything means. They’re enrapturing, and ADwD was no exception.

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette, by Jeanne Birdsall. Have you guys read any Penderwicks? They’re middle-grade books, but you shouldn’t let that keep you from reading them. I swear they won’t let you down. This is a sweet, funny, heartfelt, endearing series about this AMAZING family of girls who live with their dad (mom passed away some time before the books began). *Sigh* This family…they just touch my heart, you guys. They LIKE each other. Even when they fight. Their dad is a little absent-minded professor, but the mutual affection between everyone is just so lovely. PLUS, one of my very favorite things to read in books is guys and girls JUST BEING FRIENDS. Good ones. Jeffrey, the friend who is a boy, is the freaking cutest thing EVAR, and the way that he is sweet and close to all the girls–Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty (OHMYGOD, BATTY. Talk about ADORABLE!)–is awesome. In this book, the girls and Jeffrey go on vacation in Maine and it’s all just fantastic and heartwarming.

Iron Fey series, by Julie Kagawa. I sometimes have a hard time with fairies. I LOVE them, and I want to read about them, but occasionally I strike out when reading books about them. Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series, though, was the cure for all my fairy ills. I’m so glad that I caught up with and finished it this year. Meghan is a plucky, strong character and her struggles and journeys are dangerous and complicated by her feelings for the one guy she shouldn’t have any feelings for: Ash, prince of the UnSeelie court (Meghan’s Seelie. Bitter enemies, and all that) and panty-melter extraordinaire. Making things even MORE complicated is her best friend, Puck, who just loves to make trouble. These are the best fairy stories I’ve read and I recommend them to anyone I know who ever says, “I don’t really like books about fairies” because these books are LOCKS for a great read.

Legend, by Marie Lu. This book kind of crept up on me with how much I loved it and now I can’t really get it out of my head. I’ve already read it twice (and reviewed it here), and something about it keeps me thinking about reading it again (I’m a HUGE rereader). Day and June are complex, morally twisty, strong characters whose relationship is fraught with drama and conflicting emotions. The stakes in this story are so high, and I felt real emotions for these characters almost right away. And I LOVED the world, too. Very vivid and clever. I am anticipating book number 2 in this series like WHOA.

Dairy Queen series, by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. DJ Schwenk, you old so and so! Guys, I want to be DJ’s friend. I want to move to her farm, do hard labor, then laugh and be awkward and frank and FANTABULOUS together. I wish I had the stones to join a high school football team, too. This series is so wonderful and one of my favorite reads of the year mostly because there are very few YA protagonists who are more instantly likable than DJ Schwenk. And her relationship with Brian is great because it’s not perfect. Sometimes he acts like a tool, sometimes he’s the BEST EVER. DJ doesn’t really take any of his crap, once she figures out what’s going on because she is so fresh and uncomplicated. But as much as I love Brian, DJ is what makes the Dairy Queen so unforgettable. She has courage and gumption. I love this series HARD.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor. I feel like I should be writing this whole thing in CAPSLOCK because my love for this book is BIG LIKE CAPITAL LETTERS. Before I read this I had never read any books about angels. Crazy, right? But true. It goes without saying, then, that I’m so glad I remedied that with DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE, which was beautiful, gripping, and fantastic. It FLOORED me. Karou is smart, tough, and real. She’s imperfect. And that makes her wonderful. But she’s also mysterious, not knowing truly who or what she is. I was particularly captured by the parts of the story that took place in Eretz, which, like all of the other places described here, was vivid in my mind. And Akiva. GOD! He’s so conflicted and intense. Really, this story is just STUNNING. It’s good vs evil, but the line is blurred and wavering. GAH! I feel like the more I say about it the less I make any sense or do the book any justice at all. It’s magic. It’s gorgeous. It’s engrossing. Hands down one of my very favorite books of the year, and also of EVER.

The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater. I have raved about THE SCORPIO RACES before. I might continue to rave about it for all time. When I heard that Scholastic was handing out ARCs of this at Book Expo this year, I made a beeline for their booth because I knew, somehow, that I would NEED this book desperately before I had even read it or knew anything about it at all, really. We’re meant to be together. THE SCORPIO RACES is my lobster (Friends!). I don’t know that I ever could have predicted loving a story about mythical water horses and the quiet, stark broodiness of a young girl and her friend who might be something more. But I did love it. I loved Puck and Sean, who come together so organically. The horses were majestic and dangerous. And the atmosphere of this book is AMAZING. I love Maggie Stiefvater, but this book, I think, might be hard for her to beat. But if a day comes when she DOES beat THE SCORPIO RACES? HOLY CRAP. I don’t know if I could handle it.

The Sky Is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson. So. This book. THIS. BOOK. This book didn’t come out in 2011, but I didn’t read it until earlier this year and FOR ALL THAT IS HOLY AND AMAZEBALLS I have no idea why I waited so long. Jandy Nelson’s THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE slayed me into little tiny bits, then carefully found all of those pieces and lovingly glued me back together again. I read a lot of books about death and grieving this year, and they were all really good. But this one…it plucked every one of my heartstrings. Lennie is dealing with the death of her beloved older sister, Bailey, and in the midst of her grief finds herself pulled in opposite directions towards two boys: Her sister’s boyfriend, Toby, and the new guy in town, Joe. I liked that Lennie and Toby connected the way they did, even though it was totally wrong and really gross, because it helped me understand how torn up they were over their loss. And Joe. Joe Fontaine is probably tied for first in my favorite YA love interest for this year with Etienne from ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS. His connection with Lennie was so passionate and genuine. I loved them together. And I LOVED LOVED LOVED how this gorgeous book showed me that grief comes from love, but that love can come from grief, too.

*I really also have to give honorable mentions to Jenny Han’s Summer series and Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey series, which I also read this year. These two series ROCK MY SOCKS.

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Book Review | Every Other Day | Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Dec 26

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Book Review | Every Other Day | Jennifer Lynn BarnesEvery Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Published by Egmont USA on December 27, 2011
Genres: Paranormal YA
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher via NetGalley
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads
three-half-stars

Every other day, Kali D’Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She’s human.

And then every day in between . . .She’s something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she’ll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books I Hope Santa Brings

Dec 20

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books I Hope Santa Brings

You know what’s funny about this list? I thought I would have a hard time thinking of books that I want most for Christmas because I actually wanted to make a list of books that were already out that I hadn’t bought already. Since I’ve been buying more books than usual lately, I thought that my list might be a little thin. And then my list went all, “SIKE! HAHA, you silly girl! You can ALWAYS think of MORE BOOKS!” And lo and behold, I easily came up with 10 books AND MORE, but I managed to stop adding books through sheer force of will. My only problem is that I only realized how many books I COULD have asked for when I made up this list YESTERDAY, so I’m probably only getting two of them. Top Ten Tuesday, I love you, but I’m shaking my fist at you today. Because you’ve made me want more things.

Mastiff, by Tamora Pierce. Beka Cooper! Girl, I can’t wait to read all about your last adventures in the Provost’s Guards. Since I actually thought to ask Santa to bring me this book for Christmas, I should be reading about you really soon. I’M PSYCHED! Tamora Pierce’s books are some of my very favorite fantasies, not only because the worlds are lively and complete and the stories are gripping and awesome, but because the main characters in her books are KICK-ASS NINJA girls who are independent, confident, brave and smart. Love them.

East, by Edith Pattou. THIS book was so gorgeous. But because I LOVE my library and I want it to be there forever and ever, I borrowed this book instead of purchasing it. I read it. I loved it. NOW I WANTS IT. It was so lovely and evocative and touching! It just gives me the warm fuzzies, even though the book contains polar bears, ice, winter, snow, and traversing the Arctic Circle. *sigh* I need to own this one, friends. I hope Santa got my letter.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (UK Edition), by Laini Taylor. All I want is the cover. The book is AMAZING, but I like the UK cover better than the US one. Something about the black opalescent feathers is just so striking and stunning that I want to be able to hold it in my hands and pet it and STARE. I mean, LOOK at the PRETTY:

The Probability of Miracles, by Wendy Wunder. I just love the sound of everything about this book. A young girl with cancer moves to this wackadoo little town in Maine (called Promise) where all kinds of improbable things happen–even things that might be considered…MIRACULOUS. I wish I had remembered to ask for this one! I might have to Santa this one to myself for Christmas. Plus, that cover! So gorgeous!

Witch’s Brew, by Heidi Kling. Witch’s Brew, Witch’s Brew, where for art, thou, Witch’s Brew? I’ve been waiting for this book to come out for what seems like FOREVER. I’m beside myself with anticipation! because I’ve heard wicked awesome things about it: an ebook series published in installments that is a kind of choose your own adventure. WORD! DOUBLE WORD because it’s a series with 10 BOOKS IN IT about WITCHES. Putting this on here is more like a wish, though, since I probably won’t be able to get it for Christmas. I’m hoping that some holiday karma will at least get me a release date and a cover!

Kat, Incorrigible, by Stephanie Burgis. Magic? Check. Plucky, trouble-making young heroine? Check. Annoying sisters? Check. Regency-era England setting? Check. True loves hanging in the balance? Check. Magical shenanigans all around? Check. Sounds like something I would LOVE because I ADORE plucky, trouble-making, magically inclined young heroines AND Regency-era England. Alas, my library doesn’t have this one. *sad face* Santa? If you could?

Hourglass, by Myra McEntire. I can’t believe I haven’t read this yet! Ever since I heard it was about time slipping/travel, I immediately thought of one of my very favorite adult series, OUTLANDER, by Diana Gabaldon. I’m not entirely sure that the two have very much in common at all aside from the time-bouncing, but that’s not the only reason I want to read HOURGLASS and am hoping that Santa can DIVINE my wish for it and surprise me come Christmas morning (is this NOT part of his magic?). No, I am hoping that this book is under the tree because it sounds plain AWESOME and intriguing.

Midwinterblood, by Marcus Sedgewick. I can’t read anything about this book without being completely fascinated. It sounds kind of mind-blowing. It’s the story–well, it’s lots of mini-stories–about two people/souls who, over the course of the retreating centuries (the book starts in 2073 and goes backward) are bonded through various kinds of loving relationships–mother and son, husband and wife, and more–while trying to reunite with one another. You see, these two souls who love each other dearly and for infinity, always seem to be wrenched from each other in the most painful ways. I’m not sure that I’m doing the book itself any justice with my description, but it really does sound crazy good. HOWEVER, CURSES upon this book because it’s not available in the US yet. I might have to scour the internets and ship one to myself. Not very Santa/Christmas-magicky, but I don’t have any choice!

A Long, Long Sleep, by Anna Sheehan. So I’m a sucker for fairy tale retellings, and this science-fiction-esque spin on Sleeping Beauty sounds fantastic. A girl who is woken from a chemically induced sleep by a boy after 62 years of sleeping, during which time her family and all the people she loved are killed, and becomes the heir to an interplanetary empire and must face all the dangers that entails while trying to come to grips with her feelings for the boy her kissed her awake. But seriously, INTERPLANETARY EMPIRE, you guys!! I LOVE it!

Breadcrumbs, by Anne Ursu. Something about me and my reading habits: I’m kind of a seasonal reader. I like to read books that take place at certain times of the year AT those certain times of the year. For instance, I would never read a book that takes place in the cold, snowy winter–like BREADCRUMBS–in the middle of July. Don’t kill my summer buzz, winter book! I’ll get to you, I promise! And BREADCRUMBS sounds just like the kind of thoughtful, sad, it’s-cold-outside-but-I-feel-warm-and-fuzzy-INSIDE kind of books, and it’s getting tons of recognition. Since it’s finally winter time, I’m completely ready to read this one. I can’t wait to get my mitts on it.

Ahh!! There’s too many books!! This list could have been so much longer!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely folks over at The Broke and the Bookish post a top ten list topic so that book lovers like you and me can pour over our shelves and make our own lists. You can check out all the other Top Ten Tuesday‘s on their site!
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In My Mailbox (7)

Dec 18

December 18, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It’s awesome. Every week, we all get a chance to tell everyone what new books we’ve gotten so that we can tell you guys and we can all drool and squee together! Huzzah for squees!

You guys, I got LOTS of COOL THINGS this week! From everywhere! Huzzah!

FROM NETGALLEY

Katana, by Cole Gibsen (March 8, 2012 from Flux). Two words: SAMURAI BUFFY. Say no more, Flux. I’m in. It’s a 2012 debut as well!

Pieces of Us, by Margie Gelbwasser (March 8, 2012 from Flux). Flux added some killer-sounding books to NetGalley over the last week or so, and they all sounded so great! This one is a contemporary about four teens who have complicated lives at home but manage to leave the drama behind at their lake houses each summer. OR DO THEY?? Mwaaahhaaha! (I don’t know why that just happened. This isn’t a scary book. Just lots of DRAMA.)

Buried: A Goth Girl Mystery, book 1, by Linda Joy Singleton (March 8, 2012 from Flux). This one sounds interesting, too. Thorn, the main character, is starting a new school and discovers a locket that leads her to the unmarked grave of a newborn baby (BANANAS, yes?). But Thorn has some secrets of her own to sweep up under the rug while trying to figure out what happened to the baby. Obviously, there is also man candy in the person of Phillipe, described as a “smoking hot musician.”

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, by Jesse Andrews (March 1, 2012 from Abrams). THIS book. *sigh* Sounds amazing and heartbreaking. It’s about a socially awkward loner named Greg who likes make movies with his one buddy, Earl. Until he befriends a young girl with leukemia. And that’s about when I start CRYING. And the cover! This is the one to beat so far for my favorite cover of 2012. FYI, this is also a debut, friends participating in the DAC!

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe, by Shelley Coriell (May 1, 2012 from Amulet). This is about a girl–Chloe–who has to join her school’s struggling radio station for credit and winds up meeting quirky, awesome misfits who become her friends and hosting a call-in show. At home, she’s dealing with her grandmother’s deteriorating health. Solace in radio, my friends. Looking forward to this one. Another debut, too!

FROM THE LIBRARY

Uncommon Criminals: Heist Society, book 2, by Ally Carter (June 21, 2011 from Hyperion). Guys, I’ve been waiting for this one to come in for MONTHS. Teenage thievery is apparently popular around here! You know what, though? I can’t even blame whoever managed to get a copy from my library before me. The first book in this series, The Heist Society, was different and enjoyable, and I’m hoping this book follows in its footsteps and ramps up the action and romance a little, too. 

Sword of the Rightful King, by Jane Yolen (May 1, 2003 from Harcourt). You guys? I am on a MISSION. A mission to find an Arthurian legend book that BLOWS MY MIND TO BITS. I’m still looking. Hopefully this one will be a step in the right direction because it’s not a contemporary retelling; it’s historical/fantastical fiction. Fingers crossed!

A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness (September 27, 2011 from Candlewick). Oh man, I can’t wait to read this book! The number of OUTSTANDING reviews I’ve read of this one are beyond count. It’s the story of Conor, a young boy whose mother has cancer who is visited in the night by a monster. Said monster, in his own way, helps Conor come to grips with his mother’s illness. I’m ready to be heartbroken, you guys. Also, on an aesthetic note, the book itself is really nice. Slightly larger trim size, nice paper. Hooray!

BOUGHT

Vanish: Firelight, book 2, by Sophie Jordan (September 6, 2011 from HarperTeen). I recently read–and enjoyed–the first book in this series, Firelight, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on VANISH. I read it already, too, and liked it a lot. I’m hoping to review it soon as well. Yay!

WON

The Near Witch, by Victoria Schwab (August 2, 2011 from Hyperion). So, around Thanksgiving time, Victoria Schwab ran a contest over on her blog. And lo and behold, I WON a copy of The Near Witch, which I had gotten from my library and read already and LOVED (my review action), but THIS COPY is extra special because it has a narwhal stamp in it! HUZZAH! (PS. Sorry for the tiny pics. Click to enbiggen!)

*Thanks so very much to Flux, Abrams, Amulet, and Victoria Schwab for being awesome and generous!

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2012 Challenge: Amy’s Pile of SHAME

Dec 17

Amy’s Pile of SHAME Challenge

I know that I already posted the details of the actual, official challenges I’m taking part in next year. (Check out the Challenges tab up there on the menu for updates, my dears!) BUT because I’m crazy and also a slacker I have decided to create a personal challenge just for me to complete and YOU GUYS? I’m going to DO IT (she says with her fingers crossed).

Some quick background on what caused this masochistic insanity: a couple of weeks ago, I posted a Top Ten Tuesday about the 10 most embarrassing books STILL on my TBR pile. I had some doozies on there. Appropriately, and with some affection I have to say, I called it my “pile of shame.” But because shame is NO FUN, I’ve decided to go after my PoS like I’m cutting through jungle underbrush with a machete. IT’S GOING DOWN. (Hopefully.) I’m not really making any rules for myself, although I can tell you right now that this is probably the worst idea. That might change. Until then, though, here’s my list as it stands right now. Some of the books on there are EGREGIOUS and others are just books that I’ve had for awhile and want to read. Basically, this challenge is an excuse to read books that are slightly past their prime in terms of currency.

I would ask you, friends, to PLEASE try and refrain from the hurling of rotten fruits and veg at me because I really need ENCOURAGEMENT. Ok? Thanks guys. LOVES YOU SO MUCH.

Without further ado, in no particular order…*hears JAWS theme*…

Amy’s PILE OF SHAME

*gasps from the crowd* *babies crying* *women screaming* *civilians running for their lives*

1. Across the Universe

2. Demon’s Lexicon

3. Need

4. Nightshade

5. Revoution

6. Rampant

7. Hunger

8. Beauty

9. Beast

10. An Echo in the Bone

11. Jellicoe Road

12. The Book Thief

13. The Golden Compass

14. The Hobbit

Wish me luck!!

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books to Give for Christmas

Dec 13

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books to Give for Christmas

Giving books for Christmas is pretty easy in my family. Well, I should rephrase. Giving books for Christmas is easy in my family FOR A FEW PEOPLE. Me. I’m probably the easiest. If most of my presents under the tree are books, I’m happier than a pig in…well, *ahem*. I’m very, very happy. My mom is another one. She reads a ton. But sometimes I find it hard to figure out what books to give, especially to pickier readers. Thankfully, this list throws all that worry aside and I can just give people books that I THINK and HOPE they would enjoy as much as I did because the books reminded me SO MUCH of them.

Merry Happy, book readers!

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. This one I would give to my Mom. She’s actually ASKED to read it before, but she always kind of backs off. I think she’s afraid of YA. Which makes no sense, am I right? No, I think she is just so used to reading, you know, books for grown ups that reading a book for young people doesn’t even cross her mind as something she would enjoy. But THE HUNGER GAMES is a different animal altogether, and I think she would appreciate it. Oprah certainly never chose a book like this one!

The Sky Is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson. Oh, Jandy. Your book is magic. Not coincidentally, Santa and Christmas are ALSO magic. I want to spread your book around like Christmas cheer, so I’m going to give this one to my mom AND my sister. They both have sisters (one of whom, obviously, is moi), so they would understand the sisterly bond between Lennie and Bailey, and I think they would both fall in love with Joe. Most importantly, though, I know that they have both lost loved ones suddenly and without warning, and I think that Lennie’s story of grieving and love would touch them right where it touched me: the ticker.

Anna and the French Kiss, by Stephanie Perkins. Ooooh! *Squeals* This book! So, some quick family background: when my mom turned *cough*50*cough* a couple of years ago, we took a family vacay to Paris. It was MAGIC. Best vacation EVER. I know that my mom and my sister would read this book and be transported, as well as fall completely in love with Anna and the tingly, AMAZING Etienne.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jacqueline Kelly. So, my cousin is 10 years old. She is AWESOME. (She’s also smarter than me. Once during a visit she asked me for help with her Chinese math homework, and I was like, “What’s Chinese math? *crickets* Bueller?” It’s legit, though, and she didn’t really need any help.) But aside from myself, she is without a doubt the most voracious reader in my family and I love it so, so much. But why this book? Well, my cousin loves science and animals and nature. Always has. And Calpurnia…Calpurnia is MY GIRL. She’s spirited, smart, curious, determined, and funny. She reminds me so much of my awesome little cousin and I HOPE more than anything that she loves this book because every time I see it on my shelf, I think of her and how much I see her in Calpurnia, this young spitfire who likes staring at bugs and sucking in as much of the world as she can fit in her lungs.

A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin. I just spent most of yesterday in a state of nerd happiness about Game of Thrones the TV show, which comes from my constant state of nerd happiness about the books on which the show is based. My dad’s not the biggest reader, but he does love fantasy, especially the really long kind that he can listen to in his car for weeks and weeks, like he does with Harry Potter. If I’m being honest, though, I kind of want to give him this book because I KNOW that neither my mom nor my sister would EVER read these books and my dad is my only hope for a kindred spirit.

Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale. We’re back to my cousin again. Because not only is she going to singlehandedly raise the US math and science standardized test scores, she’s also a girl after my own heart: she LOVES fantasy. LOVES IT. (If she was a year older, maybe two, I’d have already given her THE SCORPIO RACES because horses are her spirit animal; horses + fantasy = Scorpio Races. I literally CANNOT WAIT to give her this book.) But can you talk about really great MG/YA fantasy without mentioning Shannon Hale? I can’t. And while there’s not a lot of hard, magical fantasy in PRINCESS ACADEMY, it has Miri, who is brave, tomboyish and generous of spirit. She’s also a mini badass, and I love her.

She’s So Dead to Us, by Kieran Scott. In case I haven’t mentioned it, I’m from New Jersey. (You know, that place where Snookie is NOT actually from.) This book–this whole series–takes place in New Jersey. Not the part of Jersey where I live, but still. The connection is strong. My sister, I think, would LOVE this book. The Jersey connection is a plus; the rich, snobby, mildly slutty high schoolers are a plus, too, because that’s sort of wealthy-trashy. And my sister LOVES trashy (Right now this minute, she’s watching Melrose Place–THE ORIGINAL–on Netflix and getting upset that Sidney is leaving). These books are pure guilty pleasure and I loved them. I think she would too. In fact, I bet my MOM would love these, as well. These kids are like the kids of the Real Housewives of New Jersey! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente. *Sigh* THIS book was so fantastical and whimsical and wonderful. It’s just so gorgeous! Over Thanksgiving, my cousin told me that she had been reading a book, a fantasy, and she was disappointed that the ending was “too logical,” as in she was expecting something more fanciful. Future blogger? Methinks yes! But anyway, I think that this book has PLENTY of illogical things for even the most hardcore fantasy lover. It’s imaginative, clever, vibrant and…just…perfect. Also, the girl’s name is September, which is my birth month. Bonus for me. This book would also be an interesting test case to see if books for young people seem as magical to actual young people as they do to me and lots of other readers who haven’t been children in a long time. I’d be curious to see if she liked it.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer #1), by Jenny Han. For the love of ANGST! This trilogy was so full of tortured emotions, grief, love, and, well, angst that is just tore up my heart. Wait…did I mention that this book was angsty? What a coincidence! My sister’s middle name is Angsty! She would devour these. And then we could debate: Conrad or Jeremiah? (God! I’m still so torn! But probably Conrad. He made me DIE. Or…I don’t know! Jeremiah squeezed my heart so hard! I need a ruling!) But these books remind me of my sister, with the drama and the brooding and the tugging heartstrings. That’s a compliment, by the way.

The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkein. I remember seeing these movies every year right around now, actually, and just being so overwhelmed by the AWESOME. And that was AFTER I read the books. My dad loved the movies, but–for shame!–he’s never read the books. And I just can’t live with that. This series is one of the reasons I love fantasy, and I think my dad would love it too.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely folks over at The Broke and the Bookish post a top ten list topic so that book lovers like you and me can pour over our shelves and make our own lists. You can check out all the other Top Ten Tuesday‘s on their site!
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