tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82034569689787160042024-02-07T19:22:23.341-06:00BookBreatherBookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.comBlogger353125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-23349101987809170512013-09-05T20:46:00.000-05:002013-09-05T20:46:43.158-05:00Blog Tour: Rogue by Gina Damico (+ Giveaway)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Gina Damico, the author of the Croak trilogy. The last book in the series, Rogue, is going to be released September 10, 2013. That's a little less than a week away! In honor of that release, Gina has organized this awesome tour with fun clues as to what goes down in Rogue, a scavenger hunt or sorts. and, of course, giveaways! <br />
<br />
I'll let her explain how this works: <br />
<br />
<strong>Hey hey Croak fans! Welcome to my blog tour / photo hunt / <i>Rogue</i>stravaganza! </strong><br />
<strong>
</strong>
<strong>From now until ROGUE's release on September 10th, each stop on the tour will reveal an image that represents a chapter in the book - could refer to setting, plot, an important object, mood, or whatever other diabolical visualizations with which I feel like tormenting my dear readers. Each image also contains a hidden letter...though really, they're not <i>that</i> well hidden. (If you have eyes, you should be able to spot them.) Collect the letters every day, and at the end of the tour I'll hold a contest, the winner of which will receive signed and annotated copies of the complete trilogy. (For a complete description of the contest, tour schedule, and links to the stops you might have missed, check out the blog tour page on my </strong><a href="http://ginadami.co/blog-tour"><u><span style="color: blue;"><strong>website</strong></span></u></a><strong>.) </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>This photo is for Chapter 17. I will let the image do the talking.</strong><br />
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<strong>Thanks for having me! Good luck everyone!</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgrFYfIEALei38fqUB971Bh58Aj5XfxLj9UqcgbjZQFl-4T5T2EV4bZmIpyomZ8NxzxDxrezMM0cbLNHyYDQO7Vn2mvSL88xN4Klv2q4ag-vnvDVpgR9A9AsUJMmd_gqYsHXVyHhOPvFd/s1600/Divider.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgrFYfIEALei38fqUB971Bh58Aj5XfxLj9UqcgbjZQFl-4T5T2EV4bZmIpyomZ8NxzxDxrezMM0cbLNHyYDQO7Vn2mvSL88xN4Klv2q4ag-vnvDVpgR9A9AsUJMmd_gqYsHXVyHhOPvFd/s640/Divider.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vjYFkwJl0aeL98k8dnRXtSJNbGSGwf08lThd-EXIcIxYVj41RNTnOrAhcIqc2BNpv5hU_KhCxL-prMpKpxPVCo8mu499mlwEapTRqLGK-tpj0I8Z2YZr-C3647_UuBTDcYI-mTSFQJ5J/s1600/Rogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vjYFkwJl0aeL98k8dnRXtSJNbGSGwf08lThd-EXIcIxYVj41RNTnOrAhcIqc2BNpv5hU_KhCxL-prMpKpxPVCo8mu499mlwEapTRqLGK-tpj0I8Z2YZr-C3647_UuBTDcYI-mTSFQJ5J/s320/Rogue.jpg" width="216" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span lang="">Series: Croak #3</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Genre: YA Paranormal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Publication Date: September 10, 2013<br />Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt<br />Pages: 336</span></div>
<blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teenage Grim Reaper Lex’s power to Damn souls is getting out of control. She's a fugitive, on the run from the maniacal new mayor of Croak and the townspeople who want to see her pay the price for her misdeeds. Uncle Mort rounds up the Junior Grims to flee Croak once again, but this time they're joined by Grotton, the most powerful Grim of all time. Their new mission is clear: fix his mistakes, or the Afterlife will cease to exist, along with all the souls in it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The gang heads for Necropolis, the labyrinth-like capital city of the Grimsphere. There, they discover that the Grimsphere needs a reboot. To do that, the portals to the Afterlife must be destroyed...but even that may not be enough to fix the damage. Things go from bad to worse, and when at last the fate of the Afterlife and all the souls of the Damned hang in the balance, it falls to Lex and her friends to make one final, impossible choice. (Summary from Goodreads.com)</span></blockquote>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ginadami.co/" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Website</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a class="c_nobdr t_prs" href="http://facebook.com/ginadamicobooks" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; outline: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://twitter.com/ginadamico" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4983109.Gina_Damico" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Croak-Gina-Damico/dp/0544108841/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376058896&sr=1-3" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rogue-gina-damico/1114057266?ean=9780544108844" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780544108844" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">IndieBound</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>El Giveaway</u></span></div>
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On each tour stop, Gina is being the coolest thing in the cool-iverse. She is giving away a Croak prize pack, which includes 3 signed bookplates, 3 magnets, and a scythe pendant. And to add to the awesome, this giveaway is international! All you have to do to enter the giveaway on my stop is comment on this post. Tell me what you think the picture means. If you have not read this series, tell me why you would like to. </div>
BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-22365323895009094532013-08-24T22:07:00.002-05:002013-08-24T22:07:52.751-05:00Ooops, I did it again. Went missing, that is. I'm really sorry guys. I had tons of things scheduled for the past 2 weeks and didn't post any of them. School started on Monday and I had to do a lot of preparing for that (read: last minute summer assignments). Needless to say, it's been a long 2 or 3 weeks.<br />
<br />
I should be back in about a week, hopefully. And I'll try to post things as often as possible.<br />
<br />
On a related note, school is going pretty well so far. My first 3 classes are my challenging ones (College Algebra, AP Literature, and AP Chemistry). The following 4 are a breeze (and some are completely snooze-tastic). Also, I'm pretty far along in my all-region music and have confidence in my ability to qualify for all-state this year.<br />
<br />
Update of my life: over. Thanks for hanging in there, lovely readers.<br />
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<br />BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-88924606088675152902013-08-15T23:20:00.000-05:002013-08-15T23:22:46.928-05:00Book Review: Wake by Lisa McMann<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1661957.Wake?ac=1">Wake by Lisa McMann</a></span><br />
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Series: Wake #1<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
Genre: YA Paranormal<br />
Publication Date: March 4th, 2008<br />
Publisher: Simon Pulse<br />
Format: Hardcover<br />
Pages: 225<br />
Source: Library<br />
<blockquote>
<span id="freeText2532441195629807289">For seventeen-year-old
Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old.
Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and
the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a
lifetime.<br />She can't tell anybody about what she does they'd never
believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the
fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can’t control.<br />Then
she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone.
For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's
twisted psyche. She is a participant.</span></blockquote>
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When I write a review, I usually take a lot of notes. The only time I
don't take notes is when I'm to deeply involved in the story or there is
nothing to note. For this book, it's the latter. <br />
<br />
What I wanted: A kickass girl who can see and manipulate people's dreams while trying to figure out the origin of her ability.<br />
<br />
What
I got: A mopey teenager who has the ability to see into people's dreams
paired with an agent who's investigating a drug bust. Barely a plot.<br />
<br />
This
book has so many good reviews and I was anticipating something epic,
kick-butt and something that would stick in my brain. What I got instead
was this (admittedly) interesting writing style but a flat plot that
leaves me trying to remember important details in the actual book. I
have a great memory, I think, which is why it's bad that I don't
remember much from the book.<br />
<br />
The most important (and interesting
-good and bad) thing about this book is really the way it's written. It
kind of reminds me of a bunch of home movies. You know, with the date on
the corner of each clip? This book was told in jumpy bits and time held
significance to the story. I didn't actually pay as much attention as I
should have and that was why it was such an unappealing book for me. It
was also written like a screenplay with "Janie does this and Janie says
that." When you've got a third-person and present tense writing style,
I think it'll tend to sound very dry.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I
appreciate originality, but there's a difference between originality and
bad writing. It was quite honestly one of the worst writing styles I've
yet encountered. Mind numbing and bland with no similes, barely-there
descriptions and characters never having a voice or thoughts makes this
to be one of the hardest books I had to get through.<br />
<br />
The plot
also makes no sense. We've got this girl who enters other people's
dreams when they're sleeping in the same room as her. Most dreams are
either the falling, sex-crazed or naked people in a public area where no
one notices. Before I explain the plot further, I just want to point
out that not everybody has such dirty dreams. Half of this book was
Janie going into a dream of the sleeping subject having sex with someone
else. I don't need to read about that and it did nothing to help the
story, plus it got very old and repetitive, very fast. <br />
<br />
So.
Moving on. We're introduced to a guy named Cabel who is obviously the
love interest. I'm not even sure what happened (and I literally finished
the book about 2 hours before writing this.) All I know is that the
novel ends with Janie becoming a worker for a secret agency. If this
info is wrong, my fault.<br />
<br />
The plot is so blurry in my mind. It
didn't stick and I think I might've skipped halfway or something. I'm
that person who doesn't like to DNF so reading this and finishing it was
somewhat agonizing. I like books that stick in my head after finishing
and this didn't do that. I think it escaped me, to be quite frank
because of how simple the plot was.<br />
<br />
The characters were also so
annoying. Janie, this girl who's been in people's dreams before is just
so irritating in the way she acts. She jumps on her emotions and doesn't
actually stop to see if what she's doing is right. And besides having
her ability, she's completely flat, boring, useless, personality
lacking, what other words can I use? <br />
<br />
When I hear "ability to go
into other people's dreams" I think fantasy, paranormal, supernatural
and the theme/mood of the book has a out-of-reality kind of idea. This
book was so cut and pasted that if Janie didn't have an ability, there
would be no storyline. Period.<br />
<br />
I was also left confused in so
many parts. What Cabel's job was escapes me. It's told that he works for
this top secret "something" and he's investigating a drug bust. He also
has to have a cover, fake date a girl and have a rep for being a
dealer. It's this false pretense to try to uncover some problem that
readers have close to NO insight on.<br />
<br />
I really didn't like this
book and it did nothing for me. I can't think of anything good about
this book besides how easy visualizing was, but that just won't cut it.
If I wanted visualizing ops, I'd go read some screenplays.<br />
<br />
But
please remember: I am the black sheep so you should give it a try! You
might think the writing style is interesting and amazing. After all, I'm
just another opinion!<br />
<br />
No Stars... </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-80050973832428307952013-08-15T08:54:00.000-05:002013-08-15T08:54:00.851-05:00That Time I...Discovered Jane Austen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So the summer is winding down. I have less than a week (!) until my senior year of high school begins. A few weeks ago, I pushed past my denial of the approaching yeah and figured it was probably time to start my summer assignments for my AP Literature class. My assignment is to read 2 books, then do some crap revolving around the novels. One of the books I was assigned to read was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. </div>
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I received it in the mail last Wednesday. With a mental groan, I forced myself to pick it up, supposing it would be another Scarlet Letter incident. For those of you that don't know, I hated The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It was long-winded, hardly comprehensible, and excruciatingly boring. The reading experience was good for an English lesson--riddled with symbolism and other rhetorical devices--but had absolutely no entertainment value. </div>
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But Pride and Prejudice was not like that, nosirree. </div>
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I am shocked to discover that I love Jane Austen, and I love Pride and Prejudice. I was taken by the characters, both round and flat (in regards to their character development, of course). I was thoroughly entertained by their various antics, the dialogue, and, above all, the writing. I had to read slowly, but it was still pretty easy to understand. While reading, I almost forgot that the book was a school assignment. </div>
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I will definitely be reading more Jane Austen. </div>
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Have you read anything by Jane Austen? What did you think? Did it meet your expectations (or soar past them, like it did for me)? </div>
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-47214827156173727592013-08-11T08:49:00.000-05:002013-08-11T08:49:06.685-05:00Book Review: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVUqE2aceekrwycHZpJFdxfYDuNVT3XdJukekkLzi-YaL6pYkod7rZK32qWVwZfEMhVW4RSO8HPNJewJB5NxfufdqVTRn1xjPEbuK0-KqBTheTzWEKn4dRIEAyofG0rNpeiHaIkHKFK7r/s1600/bookreview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVUqE2aceekrwycHZpJFdxfYDuNVT3XdJukekkLzi-YaL6pYkod7rZK32qWVwZfEMhVW4RSO8HPNJewJB5NxfufdqVTRn1xjPEbuK0-KqBTheTzWEKn4dRIEAyofG0rNpeiHaIkHKFK7r/s1600/bookreview.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13326831-the-testing?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau</span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOQyvYq2C8Yih9tp0upG-rvEE9KODKrpW7o4B_BxgMQQZJtvXsaJ16AA3JduOpL4ca4-kD22NRQDL85w1EG07wi_8o76_EIJxnJtP0UbPHtl7DXe3KdQiVBVUdPqdPDw5NR2XsJ7n_h2r/s1600/The+Testing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOQyvYq2C8Yih9tp0upG-rvEE9KODKrpW7o4B_BxgMQQZJtvXsaJ16AA3JduOpL4ca4-kD22NRQDL85w1EG07wi_8o76_EIJxnJtP0UbPHtl7DXe3KdQiVBVUdPqdPDw5NR2XsJ7n_h2r/s320/The+Testing.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="212" /></a>Series: The Testing #1<br />
Genre: YA Dystopian<br />
Publication Date: June 14, 2013<br />
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children<br />
Format: Hardcover<br />
Pages: 336<br />
Source: Purchased<br />
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Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?<br /><br />The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.<br /><br />Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.<br /><br />But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust. (Summary from Goodreads.com)</blockquote>
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Before I do anything I will just say...</div>
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The Hunger Games > The Testing</div>
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Ok, so let's start with the outside of this book. I purchased the UK edition of The Testing and I have a couple lil nags about it really.</div>
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1. I'm fed up of people putting 'For fans of The Hunger Games' on the front of books because either the book is nothing like The Hunger Games or is basically a replica - if I wanted to read another THG then I would just re-read the damn original and not a knock off copy cat dystopian story.</div>
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2. It is pretty (very) similar to the US edition cover of Divergent - even down to the massive symbol on the cover.</div>
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BUT it is a pretty cover, I guess. :)</div>
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Now onto the actual story. </div>
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I'mma list my nags first (of which there are many) but note that I did actually quite enjoy this book!</div>
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I thought the story as a whole was actually really well done and I love the author's writing style - Charbonneau is very talented indeed. Many elements of the plot were original, dark and kept me intrigued. BUT then there was the overlap to several other existing dystopian novels...</div>
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Firstly there were the colonies (Districts - The Hunger Games / Factions -Divergent).</div>
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Each group in The Testing had it's own symbol (Copying Divergent?)</div>
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Also, the graduation ceremony reminded a lot of The Reaping from The Hunger Games.</div>
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A certain character reminded me very much so of Cinna.</div>
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There is another Peeta.</div>
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There is a substitute for the silver parachutes in the arena from The Hunger Games.</div>
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Our protagonist, Cia, is singled out and recognised just like Katniss was, only Cia had no reason to get attention.</div>
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A certain injury sustained and the use of a crossbow were used - I found both lacked originality. </div>
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Also, have any of you watched the Japanese movie Battle Royale? If you have then Joelle kinda copied a certain element of those necklaces the kids are forced to wear.</div>
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These are just a few of my nags.</div>
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Now I know I've made this book sound awful and completely unoriginal but I refuse to lie (unlike many reviews out there). This book DOES have many copied elements but it also has MANY original parts to it too!</div>
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Some of Charbonneau's ideas blew me away and many of the twists I didn't see coming. </div>
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I did really enjoy this novel and will definitely be picking up the sequel but I had to point out my nags.</div>
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-58981787519267790932013-08-09T21:34:00.000-05:002013-08-09T21:35:20.596-05:00Book Review: Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br />Title: </b>Thirteen Reasons Why<br />
<b>Author: </b>Jay Asher<br />
<b>Pub Date: </b>Oct. 18,2007<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Razorbill<br />
<b>Page Count: </b>304<br />
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<span id="freeText6323303651096453573">Clay Jensen returns home
from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his
porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah
Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.</span><br />
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On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she
decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find
out how he made the list.<br />
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Through Hannah and Clay's dual
narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending
story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1217100.Thirteen_Reasons_Why"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2Sbyyikk3dJ_dacFWMXLdUZHKyDFTV6UsmI39ZqKO92Zw5QUmeHtiNBjNTmmeHwAdK8bX2SprQrfVFVBMwppSdLMBoZVuZ8Nn0t9Z1EqDEVVMro45ZLI7ircKDxzzEJYPdo45JgFkzs/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus.png" /></a></div>
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Suicide. This book focuses on a girl named Hannah’s suicide. Suicide is not a joke, nor is it something to be played off nonchalantly. Suicidal thoughts can be found in the preppy heiress or the girl with nothing left to lose. It doesn’t matter. You know that girl who’s always smiling and never gets mad? Five bucks says that she’s gone through something terrible. Something that if you haven’t gone through yourself, you wouldn’t understand. I will warn readers that this review may have some personal and also may be sort of long. <br /><br /> But suicide doesn’t just affect the person who’s committing. When you put that gun in your mouth, pop that handful of pills, or submerge yourself in that bathtub, you’re making a choice that everyone else has to live with. It’s like making a big mistake and then leaving so everyone else can pick up the pieces. People don’t know this, though. They usually think “another suicide, I feel so bad for this person,” that is, if it’s a good person’s thoughts. But this is someone who doesn’t know the victim directly. This is a story of a person and how he had to deal with the suicide of someone whom he could’ve helped.<br /><br /> We start with our main character, Clay. He receives a set of tapes from the late Hannah Baker. These are tapes that are meant for people, 13 different people or more specifically, the 13 reasons why she committed suicide.<br /><br /> Clay is a person who is as affected from Hannah’s suicide as everyone else and possibly more. He actually liked her, but never fought hard enough. So from that, how guilty do you think this guy is? And how do you think he’d feel, knowing that the reason he has the tapes is because he was one of the reasons Hannah committed. His thoughts were chaotic at some moments. I felt it real and genuine, the way he was acting. You’re supposed to be distraught over the things people did.<br /><br /> Hannah has a voice of a person who just wants to be loved. There is no happy ending for her and she’s come in terms with that. Even in the way she records the tapes. Jay Asher should be applauded for being able to capture such a beautifully devastating point of view that is Hannah.<br /><br />I think the reason this book stuck out so far for me was because of the way it was told. It wasn’t about a girl who wanted to suicide and was trying to keep it together. It was about a girl who just couldn’t keep it together and had to kill herself. But also about how it wasn’t just her actions that led her to the point where there was no other option. <br /><br /> But this book doesn’t necessarily spotlight the stages in which Hannah decides she needs to end her life. It shows how each individual person (out of 13) had a part in her decision. How even the most insignificant of things could push her to the edge. How one little action could kill a spirit. And then, it was about how each person had to know the role they played in Hannah Baker’s death. <br /><br /> “And the snowball keeps a-rollin’” It started with one person who made a mistake. Word got out. Next thing you know, someone else pulls something. And the snowball effect continues, which was another main idea in this book. A very important main idea, might I add.<br /><br /> If you haven’t ever dealt with suicide, you may not feel the full impact that I did. I felt the wind knocked out of me when reading certain parts and it made me sick. Not because the book was bad, but because I was reliving memories of when I was bullied and near suicidal. It wasn’t easy for Hannah and it isn’t easy for anyone else. I can’t count on my fingers the amount of times I needed to a) cry, b) take a breather or c) just stop reading in fear that I would explode.</center>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a lot of this from me while reading.</td></tr>
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I feel like writing more. Like trying to show everyone I talk to on the blog, twitter and everywhere else my story. I want to show my scars and this book helped me, personally more than ever. How many times did I nearly get a paranoia attack from someone who didn’t respond to me on twitter when I posted something about me wanting to cry? <br /><br /> I connected with Hannah; Hannah gave me hope. She sucked up every single bad thought and recorded it all in a tape recording to haunt everyone who deserved it. If I could do that...</center>
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<br /> The 13 reasons and 13 people were so creative and so believable. It isn’t about calling someone “ugly” or even tripping someone in the school hallway. An act that isn’t even completely meant to be malicious can be taken that way and it can. Ruin. Someone’s. Life. The reasons and people were also so diverse. Some people were cheerleaders, jocks; the usual. But there were also loners, the “nice girl” and even the prankster. It wasn’t about that group of popular people that made hell for the “loser”. <br /><br /> I’ve always admired authors who can make their readers feel. It doesn’t matter if it’s laughing, crying or even anger. The purpose of a book, in my opinion, is so that readers can experience a world that isn’t their own. They can be picked out of their problems and live out as someone else. I haven’t “felt” about a book in so long and this one showed me what it’s like to actually cry again. Jay Asher is a phenomenal writer and I’m happy to have read this breathtaking novel. <br /><br /><b>It sort of saved my life. </b></center>
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5 STARS.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-33645075189734689252013-08-04T02:00:00.000-05:002013-08-04T02:00:38.019-05:00About that review I was supposed to write...<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
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Hey guys! So it's Sunday and I don't have a review for you (I know *slaps hand*) BUT I do have a good excuse! I started a review book (a sequel) and wasn't really digging it, which I was so disappointed about because I adored the first book in the trilogy, *sigh* so I decided to put it aside for now and picked up *drum rolllllllllllllllll* The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau which was published in the UK only a few days ago!</div>
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*has a spazzy dystopian happy dance* </div>
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I'm about half way through and am really enjoying it so far despite its similarities to The Hunger Games. (We will see how I feel at the end of this book!) I promisey promise that I will have a review of The Testing up and ready for next Sunday as scheduled!</div>
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GUYS! (Stay with me, I'm almost done! This is the important part... kinda.)</div>
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I'm considering picking up CITY OF BONES for my next read because the movie's out this month and I really want to read the book first to see what all the hype is about. I'm not a fan of books written in 3rd person BUT I have enjoyed many so I'm definitely prepared to give this a go! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMqYN9DbVYsqvnt8RTfM6YyNkWshlwoTSFVXUY5CbzNpFVRgsR7534HxG4Xqq738eJTdFghv7cvv0DcmJOCIkTVlN_2VtWBaQRNuhCNzsqiZBf-Yjr6jI154tvnGrsN_jbfomDcxzvysU/s1600/cityofbonestitletreatment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMqYN9DbVYsqvnt8RTfM6YyNkWshlwoTSFVXUY5CbzNpFVRgsR7534HxG4Xqq738eJTdFghv7cvv0DcmJOCIkTVlN_2VtWBaQRNuhCNzsqiZBf-Yjr6jI154tvnGrsN_jbfomDcxzvysU/s400/cityofbonestitletreatment.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have you read it? Would you recommend it? I just kind of need persuading to read it really. :)</div>
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Anyways, thanks for reading my rambling!</div>
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Ciao! </div>
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-62908133298461050932013-08-01T00:00:00.000-05:002013-08-02T12:06:49.257-05:00July Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO1KqFu5BDMplzIp9ZblkG5i1lU1_rgXO11BxFgn5JJ9Cm0GK2MGmv-VC4wBMVJUGMBcF-TRpNjna4kzz44vPO6eTfvWkShSkZeAZ45P9wDn-AK7RCI5H-AiMAzhN2vq9DDBP5Vzu-fP3/s1600/July+Recap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO1KqFu5BDMplzIp9ZblkG5i1lU1_rgXO11BxFgn5JJ9Cm0GK2MGmv-VC4wBMVJUGMBcF-TRpNjna4kzz44vPO6eTfvWkShSkZeAZ45P9wDn-AK7RCI5H-AiMAzhN2vq9DDBP5Vzu-fP3/s1600/July+Recap.png" /></a></div>
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If you haven't been obsessively keeping tabs on our blog, I must say I'm neither surprised nor upset. So here are some posts of note from July, just in case you missed them ;D</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJwJ5ASuRN22Y84EvFKF9nBnakbd_ciV7fGChlSVisNs_lw_gCwQ-xFc1fJoaWZYvMeuu7y9s_5_45i1wYgxvmwRAc-6MDbA5uFIWUiCmTByk49zcnyDOdIzHUQkkTh1GwYSOeJpROxzZ/s1600/Book+Reviews.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJwJ5ASuRN22Y84EvFKF9nBnakbd_ciV7fGChlSVisNs_lw_gCwQ-xFc1fJoaWZYvMeuu7y9s_5_45i1wYgxvmwRAc-6MDbA5uFIWUiCmTByk49zcnyDOdIzHUQkkTh1GwYSOeJpROxzZ/s1600/Book+Reviews.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/arc-review-charmed-by-cambria-herbert.html" target="_blank">Nova's review of Charmed by Cambria Hebert</a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-falling-kingdoms-by-morgan.html" target="_blank">Charlotte's review of Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes</a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-wait-for-you-by-j-lynn.html" target="_blank">Gabbi's review of Wait For You by J. Lynn</a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-amongst-ruins-by-saewod-tice.html" target="_blank">Charlotte's review of Amongst the Ruins by Saewod Tice</a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-5th-wave-by-rick-yancey.html" target="_blank">Charlotte's Review of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey</a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-really-awesome-mess-by.html" target="_blank">Gabbi's review of A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook & Brendan Halpin</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq30d9EavIVx6IdUlRzw6tds_-LWWiB4g8vFH3CVMpJ-nhLPSvg9bbN4kYseFZlr8q3DtGbJ42O_MRexrxg7v485xq6k-LtvcWq2Hha84TrZu2DRSpCtvBjOCSz0IZsbfjXDNg9OnEMq2/s1600/top+ten+lists.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq30d9EavIVx6IdUlRzw6tds_-LWWiB4g8vFH3CVMpJ-nhLPSvg9bbN4kYseFZlr8q3DtGbJ42O_MRexrxg7v485xq6k-LtvcWq2Hha84TrZu2DRSpCtvBjOCSz0IZsbfjXDNg9OnEMq2/s1600/top+ten+lists.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/top-ten-tuesday-wordstopics-that-make.html" target="_blank">Top ten words/topics that make me NOT want to read a book</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu45gipqiu7Dl4go9KaiC5clisrTIBN1C2xukkczTDeyZc8wbQyzeLlyH2AkiLADmwFT6BMD-0iYell-3fGss1LoK6oY4DLmC_Uu1lz3pPs_NXcpK780NkH0wfwmGon-j_U7bSmmRWOl9/s1600/etcetera.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu45gipqiu7Dl4go9KaiC5clisrTIBN1C2xukkczTDeyZc8wbQyzeLlyH2AkiLADmwFT6BMD-0iYell-3fGss1LoK6oY4DLmC_Uu1lz3pPs_NXcpK780NkH0wfwmGon-j_U7bSmmRWOl9/s1600/etcetera.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/behind-blog-top-3-things-i-need-to.html" target="_blank">Behind the Blog: Top 3 things we need to survive the day</a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/interview-with-lea-nolan.html" target="_blank">Interview with Lea Nolan, author of CONJURE</a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/07/quote-impressions-romantique-edition.html" target="_blank">Quote Impressions: The Romantique Edition</a></div>
BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-21887933075328248632013-07-29T01:46:00.000-05:002013-07-29T01:46:45.944-05:00It's Monday! What are you reading? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnA7uLi417y4cd95SXHkolvZSQqt5BLDKYlep9MuMjOWGW31WDAtLt85O7Prf-ZAnKsob_-CpexYbdU-_q5jmjrpaT8xzolPIzbo1Uc4SQNdgmFLUGFikbwTo5NsRlAtf21C3wj_ol1Oo/s1600/it's+monday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnA7uLi417y4cd95SXHkolvZSQqt5BLDKYlep9MuMjOWGW31WDAtLt85O7Prf-ZAnKsob_-CpexYbdU-_q5jmjrpaT8xzolPIzbo1Uc4SQNdgmFLUGFikbwTo5NsRlAtf21C3wj_ol1Oo/s1600/it's+monday.png" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #8ce3e1; font-size: large;">Read: </span><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17288907-a-really-awesome-mess" target="_blank"><i>A Really Awesome Mess</i></a> by Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin<br />
<i><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11147422-invisibility" target="_blank">Invisibility</a> </i>by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17214420-just-between-us" target="_blank"><i>Just Between Us</i></a> by J.H. Trumble<br />
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<span style="color: #8ce3e1; font-size: large;">Currently reading:</span><br />
No clue!<br />
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<span style="color: #8ce3e1; font-size: large;">Up next:</span><br />
Good question.<br />
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Man, I didn't expect to read so much this week, now I have no idea what to do next. So many options. I think I'll have better luck deciding what I'm in the mood to read next when it isn't 2 AM.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqeuys8UKxnvpml7SfYQ09Bl41wI3h3-c4mObiXbC2p-2Ps3phzPoRqyrdVU5RsowD51MMyW7wwib6kyGRTi6L0fiBo0yIVg3Re5TUFcVl7W4sacgWeRuTBJZIGZgiOX6fMjt0iKSNnAv/s1600/gabbi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqeuys8UKxnvpml7SfYQ09Bl41wI3h3-c4mObiXbC2p-2Ps3phzPoRqyrdVU5RsowD51MMyW7wwib6kyGRTi6L0fiBo0yIVg3Re5TUFcVl7W4sacgWeRuTBJZIGZgiOX6fMjt0iKSNnAv/s1600/gabbi.png" /></a></div>
<br />BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-18998762147215752162013-07-27T00:00:00.000-05:002013-07-27T00:00:02.443-05:00Quote Impressions: The Romantique Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsqnohypvcPdooDgLE0ILRiUOMu3hPWBPOeOd_D12HF1QG6Bc3KwZ4qndCLL8Lb8IvudMy_yjssnEEFq1cTBdw2vUt03R8wd2nPqQGbZKCXKs7trOvDYk-eEZCbpi_lFsaGxZrPCBcJmi/s1600/QuoteImpressions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsqnohypvcPdooDgLE0ILRiUOMu3hPWBPOeOd_D12HF1QG6Bc3KwZ4qndCLL8Lb8IvudMy_yjssnEEFq1cTBdw2vUt03R8wd2nPqQGbZKCXKs7trOvDYk-eEZCbpi_lFsaGxZrPCBcJmi/s1600/QuoteImpressions.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcmFX6_sy1EjTvNRd19z7XBk-waBwzkHHVCW5sk240THLnIVeW6GaxK1oDplFZ4KrV55XxjyxAJk6itzleKNWeamYJSGSj8oHVO9lMIZlPer485TnKEJszxo_MJWZtdxk1jxAnNRWeZbS/s1600/novarecommend.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcmFX6_sy1EjTvNRd19z7XBk-waBwzkHHVCW5sk240THLnIVeW6GaxK1oDplFZ4KrV55XxjyxAJk6itzleKNWeamYJSGSj8oHVO9lMIZlPer485TnKEJszxo_MJWZtdxk1jxAnNRWeZbS/s1600/novarecommend.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV753ftqBqVdLwDCdTxJyzHNzHeCeaQcugEjL-IzRei2MVxlMqphcV2cInmHaoEen-J3e7zPssqNmGaiDHWmKo8u9K0NW1G8CsmJPwPj6-M-50EFSpeiR-UhjPleVrgYdtOV-JL8xvrY7E/s1600/gabbi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV753ftqBqVdLwDCdTxJyzHNzHeCeaQcugEjL-IzRei2MVxlMqphcV2cInmHaoEen-J3e7zPssqNmGaiDHWmKo8u9K0NW1G8CsmJPwPj6-M-50EFSpeiR-UhjPleVrgYdtOV-JL8xvrY7E/s1600/gabbi.png" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars?ac=1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcmFX6_sy1EjTvNRd19z7XBk-waBwzkHHVCW5sk240THLnIVeW6GaxK1oDplFZ4KrV55XxjyxAJk6itzleKNWeamYJSGSj8oHVO9lMIZlPer485TnKEJszxo_MJWZtdxk1jxAnNRWeZbS/s1600/novarecommend.png" /></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” - <i>The Fault in Our Stars </i>by John Green</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3777732-city-of-glass" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3cKsly-txbI1n0KHfqJAxy8359ZC85cC3iCVmnTSfTP1eAE80pzeHTp9v5CPLy0xauec6KhunGjKJR1rGOrhDxpdeM4qER6z1R69SFKiI9JU-Ob_0IlKVDBmRzQyIDOCFBPg2kz089FB/s1600/City+of+Glass.png" /></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“'And I'm suppose to sit by while you date boys and fall in love with someone else, get married...?'" His voice tightened. "'And meanwhile, I'll die a little bit more every day, watching.'” - <i>City of Glass</i> by Cassandra Clare</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12989112-such-a-rush" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXXpsaVCHUN_FREUQLmLg5Dds5p9fh-VyPdodAHapWGunQuudBvoQzbsTXqk4Ys8BIBtlzX2xR97bKeWvtYAAXzTsiAYGeqfO4Jkl_AVBTXl1u5-odxJvL7UgdEf2nXGU9bQvJ3itrwwB/s1600/such+a+rush.png" /></a><span id="goog_1217514316"></span><span id="goog_1217514317"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“On a sigh he brought up his hand and used one long finger to brush a dark curl away from my face. With the saddest look in his eyes, he said, 'A girl needs to be held right now, and comforted, and told that everything is going to be okay. I'm sorry I can't do that for you. I don't have any of that left.'<br /><br />'I have a little,' I said, 'and I'll lend it to you.'” - <i>Such a Rush</i> by Jennifer Echols</blockquote>
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Enjoy the various degrees of swoon. Also, clicking on the book covers will take you to the respective book's goodreads page. </div>
BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-65517366935826644042013-07-26T00:00:00.000-05:002013-07-26T00:00:03.599-05:00Book Review: A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5UXuMeVDFbb5kmlg1J4TWVbUvB7qeAtRgd317-hilGNPbDp5gN1LwBnR2UVxSuQFSptirdrIgj8_pVlkf_6z0ZPG-PoPAip8p7if8-QaYc7U1qEL6f4cuR_cQ4EGef0Blj76HXgxIOMN/s1600/bookreview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5UXuMeVDFbb5kmlg1J4TWVbUvB7qeAtRgd317-hilGNPbDp5gN1LwBnR2UVxSuQFSptirdrIgj8_pVlkf_6z0ZPG-PoPAip8p7if8-QaYc7U1qEL6f4cuR_cQ4EGef0Blj76HXgxIOMN/s1600/bookreview.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17288907-a-really-awesome-mess" target="_blank">A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin</a></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsCQhGoPD_mGx1nDMDJgd-6AG4dgrx49KXh-3ESeVTqTIHZpvuVgH0fVAKyUTx5EICDYdoK9PZlDX9q5U7nqpJ0hLYDTCPj_zIG_743xa3RCqqRWsXJNoKX61UY-E6ftu9oB9vKDJ3I4Z/s1600/A+Really+Awesome+Mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsCQhGoPD_mGx1nDMDJgd-6AG4dgrx49KXh-3ESeVTqTIHZpvuVgH0fVAKyUTx5EICDYdoK9PZlDX9q5U7nqpJ0hLYDTCPj_zIG_743xa3RCqqRWsXJNoKX61UY-E6ftu9oB9vKDJ3I4Z/s320/A+Really+Awesome+Mess.jpg" width="212" /></a>Series: Standalone<br />
Genre: YA Contemporary<br />
Publication Date: July 23, 2013<br />
Publisher: EgmontUSA<br />
Format: eARC<br />
Pages: 288<br />
Source: Received from publisher for review via NetGalley<br />
<blockquote>
A hint of Recovery Road, a sample of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, and a cut of Juno. A Really Awesome Mess is a laugh-out-loud, gut-wrenching/heart-warming story of two teenagers struggling to find love and themselves.<br />
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Two teenagers. Two very bumpy roads taken that lead to Heartland Academy.<br />
Justin was just having fun, but when his dad walked in on him with a girl in a very compromising position, Justin's summer took a quick turn for the worse. His parents' divorce put Justin on rocky mental ground, and after a handful of Tylenol lands him in the hospital, he has really hit rock bottom.<br />
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Emmy never felt like part of her family. She was adopted from China. Her parents and sister tower over her and look like they came out of a Ralph Lauren catalog-- and Emmy definitely doesn't. After a scandalous photo of Emmy leads to vicious rumors around school, she threatens the boy who started it all on Facebook.<br />
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Justin and Emmy arrive at Heartland Academy, a reform school that will force them to deal with their issues, damaged souls with little patience for authority. But along the way they will find a ragtag group of teens who are just as broken, stubborn, and full of sarcasm as themselves. In the end, they might even call each other friends.<br />
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A funny, sad, and remarkable story, A Really Awesome Mess is a journey of friendship and self-discovery that teen readers will surely sign up for. (Summary from Goodreads.com)</blockquote>
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<i>A Really Awesome Mess </i>was a reading experience that I did not expect. I'm fairly certain that, had I not been highly looking forward to something completely different, I would have enjoyed this book much more than I already did. That being said, I did find this to be a fun and quick read.<br />
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The best part of this novel, in my opinion, is the group dynamic between Emmy, Justin, "Mohammed," Diana, Jenny, and Chip. There is humor, affection, and various screwed-upedness. I loved the transition from not knowing/liking each other to becoming partners in crime, looking out for each other, and challenging each other to face their aforementioned screwed up-edness. Together they are an interesting bunch. Individually, however, I can't say I particularly adore any of the characters. My favorite story belongs to Diana (but I won't give anything away). My least favorite is probably Jenny's, though her illness is very interesting and not something one will find in a lot of books.<br />
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Emmy, one of the narrators, really bothered me, though. For various reasons. For one, she refuses to accept her painfully obvious eating disorder. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/626545719" target="_blank">Please refer to this hilariously awesome review that just so happens to perfectly describe how annoying Emmy could be at times. </a>Another thing is the way body image defines her life and the lives of those around her. I know that she has an eating disorder, so body image is a prominent thought in her mind. That does not stop me from being infuriated. At one point she says something along the lines of, "That girl is overweight so she must hate herself." Get the fucking fuck out.<br />
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Probably the most major flaw in this novel, though, is the lack of depth. Seeing as the setting is a mental illness rehabilitation center, this book features a vast range of mental illnesses. I did not feel like any of them were touched on as deeply as they could have been, which really hindered the emotional connection. All the feels were right there, a breath away from surface, but they never made it for me. Why do authors refuse to give me the feels? I love to see the characters suffer!<br />
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Would I recommend this book? Yeah, I would. It's entertaining, quick, and provides a bit more substance while still being a generally light read. It's not super original, but it does have aspects I've never read about before, which makes it a trillion times cooler and more memorable. Though this wasn't the reading experience I was hoping for, it is one I am happy I had.<br />
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Oh, and there's a really comical situation with a pig. Quite a few pig-related comical situations actually.<br />
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My true rating falls somewhere between 3.5 and 4 crowns, but it leans more toward 4. </div>
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<br />BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-22386836514308159272013-07-23T00:00:00.000-05:002013-07-23T00:00:07.979-05:00Top Ten Tuesday: words/topics that make me NOT want to read a book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">created by The Broke and the Bookish</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Top Ten (seven) Topics That Make Me Not Want To Read A Book</span><br />
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Okay, I'm going to cheat on this a little. I try to be open to all books, give them a chance even if they have elements I'm not entirely interested in. So, instead of things that turn me off before I crack open a book, I'm going to list the things that make me not like a book while reading it (besides the painfully obvious ones like insta-love, unoriginal plot, stilted dialogue, etc.).<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">1) Moving to a new school/town for generic reasons. </span><br />
Find a different way for your MC to meet a new cast of characters. Or, if you are going to have such a cliche inciting incident, at least add your own twist to it, make the cliche something something un-cliche.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">2) Evil popular girl.</span><br />
Especially if she's perfect and gorgeous and a cheerleader. It just grinds my gears. I don't even have words. Sometimes a person can be beautiful, talented, a cheerleader, and "perfect" and just be genuinely sweet. And, okay, this is kind of a completely different issue, but just because a girl is really feminine/preppy doesn't mean she's stupid or an awful human being in general.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">3) The electric charge. </span><br />
You know, that moment when the MC and his/her meant-to-be make physical contact and a pulse of electricity races through him/her.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">4) LGBT Shaming.</span><br />
I don't think I've ever run into a serious case of this, but if I were to--HOLD MY HOOPS, GIRL. I will not stand for it.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">5) Making light of suicide. </span><br />
Suicide is a tragedy, and it is all too common in our society. It's not something to be joked about. Ever.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">6) All the insecurities. </span><br />
I get that teenage girls have insecurities, obviously. But I'd like to see more girls loving themselves. It hasn't been easy, but I love myself despite all the things others may deem unlovable. Maybe, for once, the girl <i>can </i>be good enough for the smokin' hot guy. Maybe, for once, the girl can be beautiful even if her body isn't the traditional definition of perfect. Maybe, for once, her looks and her mistakes won't define her. And this actually applies to guys too, even though I said "girl" the entire time.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">7) Over dramaticness. </span><br />
If you're going to be shunned by an entire school, or whatever, at least make it something believable. LIKE OH NOEZ YOU STOLE YOUR BFF'S BF? WORTHLESS PIECE OF SHIT. No thanks. Oh, and an MC that cries all the frackin time--or better yet, feints? I'll pass. Every now and then, okay whatevz. I once read a book where the MC cried <i>at least </i>every other page. Too much.<br />
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<br />BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-58579461519486459482013-07-22T14:48:00.000-05:002013-07-26T09:52:51.584-05:00Book Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101128-the-5th-wave" target="_blank">The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey</a></span></div>
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Series: The 5th Wave #1</div>
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Genre: YA Post-Apocalyptic</div>
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Publication Date: May 1, 2013</div>
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Publisher: Putnam Juvenile</div>
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Format: Hardcover</div>
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Source: Purchased</div>
<blockquote>
The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.<br />
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After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.<br />
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Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.</blockquote>
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This book was so good! The plot, the characters, the pacing, the writing, all of it! </div>
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I was hooked from the start, from the moment I stepped into this world the action was raging. Not even 20 pages in and you're shown how Cassie's world has been turned upside down - literally - and how instinct has torn her heart apart in a frenzy for survival.</div>
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Cassie (short for Cassiopia) is on a lonely stretch of highway, running from the haunting past she has endured with no one to trust. The 4th wave is upon her, smothering her chances of survival while the 5th wave is unknown, but it's coming.</div>
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This story was just ghdfyjfhrhtfhj!!!!! It's an alien story, yes, but is it a typical alien tale? No. Hell to the no. This has been so intricately planned and written, it is unique and enthralling. It does remind me (slightly-ish-not-majorly) of another book out on the market but it'd be a spoiler to say which! </div>
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Usually in alien apocalypse books/movies, aliens come down to earth in huge spaceships with large machines buried deep beneath the earth and the aliens are butt ugly baboons BUT The 5th wave puts an end to this. There is literally no confrontation (until the 4th wave - which you learn more about later in the book). Instead, the 1st wave consists of an electromagnetic pulse taking out all electricity/battery operated appliances etc. The 2nd wave is a tsunami, killing thousands and herding survivors. The 3rd wave sends out the pestilence (a deadly disease spread via birds because birds know no boundaries). The 4th wave brings Silencers, forcing survivors to stand alone. And the 5th wave? No one knows, but it's coming.</div>
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This fast-paced, action-packed plot is accompanied by some remarkable characters. There's Cassie (our protagonist) who is a head-strong, brave survivor of this otherworldly apocalypse - she's such a legitimate character, all of her actions and emotions are realistic, she's so human. </div>
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Another character is Evan Walker BUT I can't really say anything about him (or any other characters) without slipping out a few spoilers. </div>
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One thing I did love about this book was how you were never quite sure yourself who to trust or where others held their loyalties. You were in Cassie's shoes right up until the moment of truth.</div>
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I should have also mentioned that this book is written with alternating POVs between characters - who I cannot say. ;)</div>
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I definitely did love this book! It's a must read for everyone - particularly apocalypse/dystopian fans! I will certainly be picking up the sequel!</div>
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OH! And a little p.s.<br />
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The aliens in this book are called 'The Others'. I only figured this out after misreading the first couple sentences a million times. Oh and make sure you read the page titled "Intrusion 1995" before chapter 1. :)<br />
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Check out this awesome book trailer by penguin illustrating all 4 waves, it got me uber hyped up for the book!</div>
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-581127648114054022013-07-15T00:00:00.000-05:002013-07-15T00:00:03.706-05:00Book Review: Amongst the Ruins by Saewod Tice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12603783-amongst-the-ruins?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Amongst the Ruins by Saewod Tice</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Series: The Chronicles of 2020 #1</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Genre: YA Dystopian</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publication Date: September 12, 2011</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publisher: Noble Young Adult</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Pages: 321 pages</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Source: Received for review from the author</span></div>
<blockquote>
In the year 2220, only about 15% of Earth's population have survived and thrived after the Nuclear Disaster of 2020.<br /><br />With the collapse of modern society, the population has regressed into eight clans.<br /><br />Amongst these clans, an unusual girl grows from child to adult.<br /><br />Raised on the run and in hiding, Shilo wants to be free of the expectations of women. But in a ruined world where anyone could be an enemy, only the radiation-twisted mutants are clearly identifiable. A fertile female is a precious treasure, and any lapse in caution can mean a loss of the freedom she longs for.<br /><br />Training as hard as a soldier would, in order to free herself from social constraints, she finds herself faced with an offer from a new clan--an offer that provides her with what she desires. But her recently found independence brings discovery, and discovery brings two very different men from her past—and each of them is determined to claim her.<br /><br />One is obsessed with owning her, the other desires her as the only person who can make him love again. (Summary from Goodreads.com)</blockquote>
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So, uhhh, I read this like really amazing book, it's called "Amongst the ruins" and if you don't read it then, uhhh, I guess it's your loss.<br />
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This books was truly amazing! I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. It's the first novel in the promising 2020 chronicles. When I finished reading "Amongst the ruins" I completely fangirled to the author and she hasn't replied yet so I think I scared her? Maybe the part where I told her I "loved" her did it?<br />
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Ok, so onto the more serious part of the review... Heck, this is going to be so hard to write! I'm still so hyper about the book!<br />
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I genuinely don't know where to start or what to say to prove how phenomenal this novel was. It's hard to sum up awesomeness in a few paragraphs.<br />
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Unlike most dystopian novels, whose plots sound promising but fail to deliver, this story really struck me and is now one of favourites of all time.<br />
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The plot was basic yet seemed so complex at the same time. There were so many twists and unpredictable turns. In the future the remaining 15% of the population live in clans due to the collapse in society after a nuclear disaster devastated mankind. The 'Nigredo" are savage, radiation-twisted mutants, almost human-like if it weren't for their lack of empathy, who threaten to ruin the life mankind has salvaged from their past failures; but they're not all that endanger Shilo's life, freedom and future.<br />
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Shilo's transformation from a young girl in hiding to a young woman who will stand her ground is compelling and dangerous. Everything she does is to survive. Nothing else matters but survival in this world, but for Shilo, survival isn't enough. She wants freedom from the trap she's fallen into, from the expectations of women in this monster of a world.<br />
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The characters are what make the story. The characterisation was beautiful and ever so real. The heartless mean fueled me with adrenaline and her friends and family enveloped me in warmth. I felt everything she experienced as if I were her, but at the same time I felt as though I was sat on the side line, unable to help her when my heart was screaming at me to do so.<br />
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The relationships between characters, whether they were enemies, friends, family or lovers were indecisive, believable and emotional. The feelings characters developed towards one another and the words they wished they'd had a chance to say make you realise just how precious life is.<br />
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I really can't strain enough how prodigious this novel was. The plot was simple yet layered, the characters all too human and beautiful.<br />
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A compelling read. An admirable protagonist. Her story will consume you.<br />
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*Recommended for 15+ due to mature content*<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amongst-Ruins-Chronicles-2020-ebook/dp/B005OZIIVE/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344082495&sr=8-1-fkmr0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Purchase this novel! </span></a></div>
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(Also available at Amazon US and from the publisher.)</div>
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-44451463548958131322013-07-13T00:00:00.000-05:002013-07-13T00:00:03.596-05:00Interview with Lea Nolan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Guys, I am <i>so excited </i>to have the fantabulous author Lea Nolan on the blog today! Miss Nolan is the author of <i>Conjure</i>, book one in the Hoodoo Apprentice trilogy. Lea rocks my socks off with awesomesauce writing and a fun, unique story.<br />
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<i>Welcome, Lea! </i><br />
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Thanks so much for having me, Gabbi! I'm thrilled to be here!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">1) What are four adjectives that describe CONJURE?</span></b><br />
Magical<br />
Adventurous<br />
Curse-ridden<br />
Swoonworthy<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">2) Before reading your book, I had never heard of hoodoo. How did you come across it? </span></b><br />
I had already decided the book would have a pirate and would somehow feature the Gullah, but it had been years since I researched either back in college. In the midst of refreshing my knowledge about the South Carolina Lowcountry and the Gullah, I stumbled upon hoodoo and nearly jumped for joy! It felt like the universe had handed me this perfect combination of elements to write about. And bonus--no other YA books featured hoodoo at that time (this was waaayyy before Katie Crouch's The Magnolia League and its sequel, The White Glove War came out) so I knew I had to write about it.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">3) What are three songs you feel best sum up CONJURE? </span></b><br />
Without a doubt, Colbie Caillat's Bubbly perfectly sums up Emma Guthrie's feelings for Cooper Beaumont. I listened to that song about a million times when I was writing CONJURE just to make sure I knew exactly how he makes her feel. He's just about the perfect guy and boyfriend, so it totally makes sense that Emma would feel (as Colbie sings)...<br />
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<i>I get the tingles in a silly place</i></div>
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<i>It starts in my toes</i></div>
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<i>And I crinkle my nose</i></div>
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<i>Wherever it goes</i></div>
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<i>I always know</i></div>
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<i>That you make me smile</i></div>
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<i>Please stay for a while now</i></div>
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<i>Just take your time</i></div>
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<i>Wherever you go</i></div>
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~Bubbly, Colbie Caillat</div>
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWGqoCNbsvM<br />
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Whenever I thought about the flashbacks that feature Bloody Bill Ransom, the 18th century pirate that committed the crimes that caused the heinous curses in the first place, I listened to The Rolling Stones' Sympathy for the Devil. There's something about that rhythm and Mick Jagger's snarling vocal that made me think of a lusty and very naughty pirate.<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRXGsPBUV5g<br />
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And for the final climax, I listened to Elton John's Someone Saved My Life Tonight. I love this song so much. I'm listening to it as I write this now. There's something so beautiful about this anthem that fits perfectly with the emotion I tried to instill in that scene.<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiuCk6_yEPw<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">4) What do you love most about Emma, Cooper, and Jack?</span></b><br />
I love, love, love Emma's strength and determination to save those she loves. She risks everything for her brother, Jack and for Cooper, too and I can't imagine anything more heroic or admirable. And she's a kick-a$$ hoodoo apprentice, which is pretty dang cool.<br />
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I adore Cooper's pure heart. He's so good, and his destiny is so unspeakably horrible, you want Emma to do everything possible to save him from it. I know I'm rooting for her! And Cooper's rock hard abs and massive biceps don't hurt either.<br />
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Jack. Ah, my cocky, pain-in-the-butt, Jack. I know some folks get frustrated with him in this story, but I've got to be honest, I really love him. But that's because I understand what's happening to him throughout the novel so I cut him some slack. And I know that deep down inside that crusty, sometimes jerky exterior, he really loves Emma. He just doesn't have to show it as effusively because they're twins and he knows she'll always be there for him. Plus, he makes me laugh. I promise, you'll see a different side of Jack in CONJURE's sequel ALLURE which comes out in October 2013. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">5) Do you have any writing rituals or must-haves to make the magic flow?</span></b><br />
As sad as it sounds, I need to kick myself off the internet because I. CAN'T. RESIST. THE. INTERWEBS. Pathetic, I know. I had to buy the Freedom program (http://macfreedom.com) which is an "Internet blocking productivity software." Best ten bucks I ever spent. I also participate in #1k1hr writing sprints on Twitter to pound out words when I'm drafting a book. How do I get on Twitter when I've turned on the Freedom program, you ask? Simple, I log in on my iPhone! Hahaha! So I don't completely stay away from the Internet, but it's not nearly as easy as when I use my lap top. Finally, I need my Panera ice tea, otherwise known as my elixir of life. <br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>6) Curses play a huge role in Conjure. If you could curse your arch nemesis, what kind of curse would you put on him/her? </b></span><br />
Ooh, this is a diabolical question--I LOVE it! Um, let me think...uh, I've got nothing. Here's the thing. I don't think I actually have the stones to curse someone for real, thought there are a couple people I might make an exception for. *strokes chin menacingly like Uncle Olaf*<br />
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Seriously I think the worst thing that could ever happen is for someone to never know true love and contentment in their life. And for the most part, I think most people who suffer that fate usually bring it on themselves, which is more tragic than anything I could ever wish on them. So, I guess what I'm saying is that I tend to follow the motto of "live and let live" which sometimes also means "live and let people screw up their own lives."<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">7) Who are some authors that inspire you to write? </span></b><br />
I love to read great prose. And by that I mean, reading, then re-reading and savoring specific lines and phrases, then feeling sick to my stomach because I know I'll never be as good. Two writers who do that to me are Maggie Stiefvater and Markus Zusak. I'm also madly in love with Meg Cabot, Tera Lynn Childs, Alyson Noel, and so many others I can't recall at this moment because you've put me on the spot.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">8) Any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?</span></b><br />
READ!!! There's no better teacher than a professionally edited book written by a fantastic writer. It will teach you the basics about mechanics but also how to structure a story, how to tap into emotions, how to create character and story arcs, etc. It's important to read widely within a genre and read lots of different things, too. Also, I highly recommend joining writer's organizations like the Romance Writers of America (RWA), Savvy Authors, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and their local affiliates and online special interest chapters. This is where you'll interface with a writing community, meet other writers, gain access to classes, critique partners and other workshops to further your writing craft and knowledge of the publishing business. And of course, WRITE!!! Don't let knuckleheads tell you that you can't. If your writing needs work, work at it, learn the tricks of the trade and you'll improve. But don't let anyone crush your dreams.<br />
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Thanks so much for having me! This was a blast!<br />
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<blockquote>
Lea Nolan couldn’t read until the third grade. After a lot of hard work she finally got the hang of it and quickly learned the best way to get out of doing chores was to tell her parents she was reading. Soon she was hooked, devouring books by Roald Dahl, E.B. White, Judy Blume, C.S. Lewis, and anything with a shiny Newberry Award sticker on the cover. Books provided a portal to enchanted lands where anything was possible and characters relied on their wits to wiggle out of sticky situations. Today, even though she’s all grown up, Lea writes the kinds of stories she sought as a teen--smart paranormals with bright heroines, crazy-hot heroes, diabolical plot twists, plus a dose of magic, a draft of romance, and a sprinkle of history. She holds degrees in history and women’s studies concentrating in public policy and spent fifteen years as a health policy analyst and researcher. She lives in Maryland with her heroically supportive husband and three clever children, who’ve figured out how to get out of doing their chores.</blockquote>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><a href="http://www.leanolan.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Her Website</span></a> ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LeaNolanAuthor" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Her Facebook Page</span></a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/Lea_Nolan" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Her Twitter</span></a> ~ <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5560132.Lea_Nolan" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Her Goodreads Profile</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Series: The Hoodoo Apprentice #1</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Genre: YA Paranormal</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publication Date: October 23, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publisher: Entangled Publishing</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Pages: 314</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425130-conjure" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Goodreads Page</span></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Be careful what you search for...<br /><br />Emma Guthrie expects this summer to be like any other in the South Carolina Lowcountry--hot and steamy with plenty of beach time alongside her best friend and secret crush, Cooper Beaumont, and Emma’s ever-present twin brother, Jack. But then a mysterious eighteenth-century message in a bottle surfaces, revealing a hidden pirate bounty. Lured by the adventure, the trio discovers the treasure and unwittingly unleashes an ancient Gullah curse that attacks Jack with the wicked flesh-eating Creep and promises to steal Cooper’s soul on his approaching sixteenth birthday.<br /><br />When a strange girl appears, bent on revenge; demon dogs become a threat; and Jack turns into a walking skeleton; Emma has no choice but to learn hoodoo magic to undo the hex, all before summer—and her friends--are lost forever. (Summary from Goodreads.com)</blockquote>
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-50313471979151676692013-07-11T11:15:00.000-05:002013-07-11T11:15:23.769-05:00Blog Tour: Identified: The Maya Price Story - Faith A. Rice-MillsIdentified: The Maya Price Story by Faith A. Rice-Mills<br />
Series: The Maya Price Story series, #1<br />
Publication date: December 3rd 2012<br />
Genre: YA Paranormal/Fantasy<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span id="freeText10438275622264325741">Maya Price is a typical
eighteen-year-old girl without many worries. Her biggest problems
include getting ready to leave her hometown for college, figuring out
how to avoid her ever-so-strange stepmother and trying to muddle though
her feelings for her best friend, Pete. Yet, one of her last nights in
her hometown, she and Pete are in a car accident. A stranger pulls Maya
from the accident, leaving Pete behind, and takes her out of this world
and into another dimension. Maya soon discovers that she has been taken
to a dimension called Leets by a group of people that call themselves
shifters. Shifters are of mixed human and onyx blood and have various
abilities. These shifters are able to travel between dimensions, control
the four elements (fire, earth, wind, water) and the five senses
(sight, sound, smell, touch and taste). Their leader, Victoria, informs
Maya that she, too, is a shifter and that she must choose to join them
or risk being sought out by their greatest enemy, a shifter named
Leonas. Maya joins Victoria and her ragtag group of rebel shifters at a
training camp called Level One. he is teamed up with a group of seven
other shifters, including a streetsmart girl named Luz, who is
especially adept at controlling fire, her twin sister Espy, and a
nervous boy named Lamar, who can manipulate sound better than any other
shifter. Together, Maya’s team trains for the battles that will soon be
inevitable. However, Maya soon learns that her purpose is not to just
move the earth or send water flying into the air. There are rumors of a
hidden prophecy and that the prophecy mentions Maya by name. Supposedly,
the prophecy says that Maya will one day have to choose a side and will
be essential in bringing her chosen ally to power...</span></blockquote>
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<center>
<textarea id="code-source" name="code-source" rows="3" style="height: 489px; width: 512px;">Prologue
My name is Maya Price. There it is, my name. Two syllables, then one. What does it mean, really? Do those three sounds tell you who I am? What I’ve done? Where I’ve been? My story is not so unlike yours, but in many ways it is. It is a love story, a tragedy, a triumph. It has suspense and mystery. In my story there is life, but there is also death.
To understand my story, you have to know me. It’s not that I want you to know me or even that I don’t want to know you. I just need you to understand. Please don’t try to delve into the depths of my psyche and attempt to analyze every action that has led me down this road. Just try to be aware of the factors that brought me here.
When I was seven, my parents decided that I needed to see a therapist. I understand. I mean, I wouldn’t talk to anyone except my sister.
My therapist’s name was Dr. Thornbird. She wore a black suit, black kitten heels, and had black, short-cropped hair. I shrank away from her as she came to sit next to me on the couch. “Is there anything you would like to talk to me about, Maya?” she asked in a calm, emotionless voice. What is a Thornbird? I thought but did not voice my question out loud. We sat in silence for ten minutes, she scrutinizing my face and I scrutinizing her black pearl earrings. Finally, she stood up and walked to her mahogany desk. From inside its many drawers, she pulled out a black moleskin notebook and a brilliant blue ink pen. She walked back to me and stared resignedly before handing me both.
“Why don’t you write it down.”
It was a command, not a request.
Maybe it was the grown-up looking notebook that convinced me, or maybe the pen, so brilliantly blue and so different from those we used in school, but I did write it down. I slowly took the pen and journal from her and wrote one sentence. I don’t remember anything. I looked back at Dr. Thornbird hesitantly, waiting, and she nodded her approval.
From that day, I wrote everything down. There are hundreds of black moleskin notebooks lining the bookshelves in my bedroom. No one has read them.
But recent events have called for me to provide a record of what has happened in a new set of notebooks. Explanations need to be made, apologies need to be written, forgiveness requested.
I may not make it through this alive.
To those of you who belong in both my worlds, this is my request: tell my story. Not so that I will be remembered, but so that you will learn from my journey. Change my name if you must, but advise anyone who will listen. The events that have affected us so profoundly need not reoccur.
To you, the one that I love: do not wait for me in the dark corners of your room hoping that I will stretch out my hand and take you with me. I ask you this favor until it is we are finally together. Our time will come, and on that day, when you have finally stopped looking for me over your shoulder, I will come. Until then, I will forever wait for you.
To those of you who don’t know me, I am Maya Price. This is my story.
</textarea></center>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1355279149p5/6621559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1355279149p5/6621559.jpg" /></a><span id="freeTextauthor6621559">Faith A. Rice-Mills is the
author of Identified: The Maya Price Story and a handful of short
stories. She moonlights as a Spanish teacher, but has wanted to be a
writer since she wrote the poem “The Jackowhipp’s Wail” as an
eight-year-old. Her writer’s spirit resides somewhere between Narnia
and Mount Doom, but her physical body lives in Texas with her family.
Besides writing, she loves reading (and will take recommendations!),
yoga, coloring with her daughter, and watching Parks and Recreation with
her husband. She dislikes snakes, the word “literally,” and teaching
double object pronouns in Spanish. She is currently working on
Burdened, the second book in The Maya Price Story series and is writing
whatever short story she has to get out of her brain.</span></blockquote>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251174/" id="rc-d04251174" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-26366289991928284192013-07-10T22:13:00.000-05:002013-07-10T22:13:00.633-05:00Book Review: Wait For You by J. Lynn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziai3APo55IhyphenhyphenhZf2wO5CoezKD0DyuUdmrIKCdNicAvqKsSF7HxStFQu7hYwO-n8zWDUQM__Lxs1CUcyy6Fioqet-rijKkJnN42RHpqSQ1y-KQyzNE0kVdvitShFNFunddD7az6sAvaou/s391/book+review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziai3APo55IhyphenhyphenhZf2wO5CoezKD0DyuUdmrIKCdNicAvqKsSF7HxStFQu7hYwO-n8zWDUQM__Lxs1CUcyy6Fioqet-rijKkJnN42RHpqSQ1y-KQyzNE0kVdvitShFNFunddD7az6sAvaou/s1600/book+review.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17754041-wait-for-you" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Wait For You by J. Lynn</span></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Series: Wait For You #1</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Genre: NA Contemporary</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publication Date: September 3, 2013</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Format: eARC</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Pages: 384</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Source: Received for review from publisher via Edelweiss</span></div>
<blockquote>
Some things are worth waiting for...<br />
<br />
Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago--an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe--please God--make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn't need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she's building for herself.<br />
<br />
Some things are worth experiencing...<br />
<br />
Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that's just so... so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.<br />
<br />
Some things should never be kept quiet...<br />
<br />
But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she's has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?<br />
<br />
And some things are worth fighting for...(Summary grom Goodreads)</blockquote>
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I'm not going to lie, I read <i>Wait For You</i> months ago, and I've long since forgotten tons of details about the book. I do, however, remember reading this book in one sitting and becoming completely invested in the story line. This was my first Armentrout experience and it has definitely prompted me to have more Armentrout experiences.<br />
<br />
<i>Wait For You</i> has the factors you can find in just about every New Adult book these days: A tragic event happens in the MC's past and she has to deal with it before she can accept new love into her life. Suffice it to say, the plot is not really this book's strongest point. So what is the strong point? The writing. Even now, I can distinctly remember the tension that was in every sentence. Armentrout has a serious knack for manipulating emotions.<br />
<br />
It seems minor, but I have one main complaint about this book. I hate how Cam makes it abundantly clear that he is interested in her, but she insists that a guy like that couldn't possibly like a girl like her. Ugh. I get insecurities, I do. I'm a teenage girl. And I guess I understand why she would be insecure after everything she has been through. Still, it’s a pet peeve of mine in novels, probably because I see it so often.<br />
<br />
I know that, for the most part, I did enjoy the characters and I was certainly rooting for their happily-ever-afters. They did not, however, make a lasting impression on me. I don’t remember much about them, though I do know that Cam and Avery (whose name I had to look up while writing this review) both experienced significant growth.<br />
<br />
One of the things that I like most about this book is the way that the sexytimez are handled. I mean, they’re sexy all right. Like I said: Armentrout infuses so much tension into her writing, and that includes tension of the sexual variety. But the more mature scenes are done in a way that is classy, not trashy or obscene or disgusting. And that’s saying something because there are certain, uh, things in this book that are considered taboo and could have turned into an uncomfortable reading experience. Instead, Armentrout crafted something full of discovery, new feelings, and handling hormones.<br />
<br />
In summary, I’m confident enough in the feelings that have lingered with me for this long to recommend <i>Wait For You</i>. It has a lot of depth and emotion. If you’re a NA lover, this is not one you want to miss out on. If you’re looking to make your first foray into the NA world, this might be a good one to start with.<br />
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-63579575063024075762013-07-08T00:00:00.000-05:002013-07-08T00:00:00.531-05:00It's Monday! What are you reading? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Read: </span></div>
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Nothing. Cool!</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Currently Reading: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332270-tumble-fall?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tumble and Fall</span></a> by Alexandra Coutts</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11147422-invisibility?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Invisibility</span></a> by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Up Next: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15777621-this-song-will-save-your-life?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">This Song Will Save Your Life</span></a> by Leila Sales</div>
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Well, this looks very similar to my Monday post last week, only with less books read. </div>
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<br />BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-26551113877590142802013-07-07T00:26:00.002-05:002013-07-07T00:26:36.343-05:00Behind the Blog: Top 3 Things I Need To Survive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Behind the Blog is a feature I've created to allow my readers to learn more about us outside of the blogging and book world. My hope is to connect with readers outside of books, make friends beyond the blog. As far as I know, the title of this feature came from my own mind. I don't recall seeing it on a blog before, so if you have a feature with the same name, no copy intended.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Top 3 Things I Need To Get Through An Entire Day</span></div>
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1) <span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Caffeine</span> - Yes, I have a physical addiction to caffeine. Aside from that, though, I would be a total zombie without it. Or witch--trust me when I say you do <i>not </i>want to talk to me before my coffee.<br />
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2) <span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Chap stick</span> - I feel like I hold some sort of record for how often lips can become chapped. And, despite the endless tubes of chap stick I buy, I always seem to be missing some when I need it the most.<br />
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3) <span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Wallet</span> - It's like my safety net...especially now that I have a job again. I don't feel right leaving the house without some cash and my debit card. Knowing my luck, I must be prepared for emergencies!<br />
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1) <span style="color: #a64d79;">My phone!</span> My life is contained within this hand-held device, I swear! I can keep in touch with my friends, family, boyfriend and all things bloggish on the go. :)<br />
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2) <span style="color: #a64d79;">Jacket.</span> Yes, I know. I sound weird. I tend to always carry a jacket/hoodie with me - more of a comfort/lack of confidence thing I guess.<br />
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3) <span style="color: #a64d79;">Book.</span> I always pack a book in my bag just in case I have a spare few minutes as I often can't wait to get back home to continue reading.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>What do you need to survive an entire day?</i></b></span></div>
BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-87517904242848930542013-07-06T01:40:00.000-05:002013-07-06T01:40:10.540-05:00Book Review: Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmvEPWJxSb8G98iCes3xVKlmQgw_35LcaIKzdYI5-n9AZLUzhtkMLCaKcsv2ri8ri2XfhdxTXFD0ck6ZLXabyWc-JZ6rFnwqmy0aljGgPkU0yFBI7weTg4TPnMkpvBGIsGssxvX1DWKx5/s1600/book+review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmvEPWJxSb8G98iCes3xVKlmQgw_35LcaIKzdYI5-n9AZLUzhtkMLCaKcsv2ri8ri2XfhdxTXFD0ck6ZLXabyWc-JZ6rFnwqmy0aljGgPkU0yFBI7weTg4TPnMkpvBGIsGssxvX1DWKx5/s1600/book+review.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12954620-falling-kingdoms?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEazBrlG78G1ibQqeXryatfej9je6fuea4U3uWR1M8zZOZRsOTucDiLNPdv_ZVCqQqXX25nbZ9-YcrZqwJz0SljsBbcPAER8TatLYv1rc5iGOgt2LdglPxQ29tGme6cfmXHPOH8D2ZnEX0/s1600/Falling+Kingdoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEazBrlG78G1ibQqeXryatfej9je6fuea4U3uWR1M8zZOZRsOTucDiLNPdv_ZVCqQqXX25nbZ9-YcrZqwJz0SljsBbcPAER8TatLYv1rc5iGOgt2LdglPxQ29tGme6cfmXHPOH8D2ZnEX0/s320/Falling+Kingdoms.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Series: Falling Kingdoms #1</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Genre: YA Fantasy</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publication Date: December 11, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publisher: Razorbill</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Source: Purchased</span></div>
<blockquote>
In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:<br /><br /><b>Cleo: </b>A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.<br /><br /><b>Jonas:</b> Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.<br /><br /><b>Lucia: </b>A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.<br /><br /><b>Magnus:</b> Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword. . . .<br /><br />The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed? (Summary from Goodreads.com)</blockquote>
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"Choose your side. Kingdoms will fall."</div>
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Falling Kingdoms falls under an unfamiliar genre to me, unlike anything I've read before - it was fresh and I loved it.</div>
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My comfort zone, genre-wise, lies with dystopian novels but I was determined to give Falling Kingdoms a go as it fitted all criteria when I searched for a novel based on my love for programmes such as Pillars Of The Earth, World Without End and Merlin. I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed, quite the opposite actually.</div>
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Falling Kingdoms is a story built around the solidity of 3 Kingdoms but is mainly the workmanship of the characters - each strong and distinct - as well as their varying beliefs.</div>
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As a whole, I'm not a fan of 3rd person (which this novel is written in) but I was so absorbed in this enthralling story that I hardly noticed it at all.</div>
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Another concern I had, which this book quickly overcame, was that I would become overwhelmed and confused with the load of characters. This certainly was not a problem; after being a few chapters in you know who is who and what they do like the back of your hand - BUT if any confusion does arise, there's a handy cast list and map for all 3 kingdoms located at the start of the novel.</div>
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The narrative (though in 3rd person) flips between the 3 kingdoms, following the perspectives of differing characters (mainly those of the princess, rebel and sorceress mentioned in the blurb). I found myself enjoying every element and perspective of this novel, never once was I bored or wishing for the plot to hurry on.</div>
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Rhodes created an outstanding world - one so vivid in my imagination with an array of strong-headed and unique characters. The plot never failed to keep you engaged.</div>
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I surprisingly loves this book and would definitely recommend it. I can't wait for the sequel.</div>
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-55924793995931949702013-07-05T15:06:00.003-05:002013-07-05T15:06:39.022-05:00ARC Review: Charmed by Cambria Herbert<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17463583-charmed"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;">Charmed by Cambria Herbert</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: medium;"></span><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Series:Recalled #2</span><br />
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Genre: NA/Mature YA (17+)</span></div>
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publication Date: July 22, 2013</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Format: ARC</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Source: Received for review</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="color: black;"><span class=" PIN_1373054175566_hazClick" id="freeText17208495275008600913">Life
or Death? Not many people would choose death. But what if death chooses
you? What if death doesn’t mean the end of your life, but the
beginning? <br />For a Death Escort, death is life. Death is your paycheck. Death is your job.<br />And Charming is the best Escort the Grim Reaper has ever had.<br />But
when you piss off the Reaper, being the best doesn’t matter. So
Charming is assigned a Target who is practically impossible to kill. He
knows the Reaper hopes he fails—that he’s counting on it. So Charming
vows to prove him wrong. He vows to make the kill.<br />But someone else
vows to get in his way. Someone with a big mouth, a sugar habit, and
blond hair. Someone who makes his heart start beating again. <br />And so
Charming is left holding more than one person’s fate in the palm of his
hand. He thought the choice would be easy, that there really wasn’t a
question at all. <br />He was wrong.<br />Life or Death?</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWhKbFv9y_nGp6pSIM_mRF7Dvwpa7gRbKg7-AbM_GRPs9_dMu2MwwAt6yIB5wLmyWDwnopWx3WY3haiUI-g1KnSdY8OtAbZmVF5UU5jkqjTSgmUcKqJizs5jNCMeNzTQFoo8lr7mpriHI/s320/mythoughts.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWhKbFv9y_nGp6pSIM_mRF7Dvwpa7gRbKg7-AbM_GRPs9_dMu2MwwAt6yIB5wLmyWDwnopWx3WY3haiUI-g1KnSdY8OtAbZmVF5UU5jkqjTSgmUcKqJizs5jNCMeNzTQFoo8lr7mpriHI/s320/mythoughts.bmp" /></a></div>
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I read this book, paused and then read it two more times. This is actually something I tweeted to the author and it is 100% true.</div>
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I think my "relationship" with Cambria Herbert started when I was interested in reading Heven and Hell #1: Masquerade and I semi-liked it. It really wasn't my thing because of the idea, not her writing. When I found about her Recalled Series, I was like "GIMME GIMME!" It was amazing (book 1) and my favorite character was Charming. Yes, the cocky jerk's name <i>is </i>Charming. When I found about this book (#2) called "Charmed", you know, I was certain I'd know who the main character was which was why I begged for an ARC and I got it.</div>
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This book is witty, interesting, <i>dead</i> funny and a <i>killer</i> adventure. We're introduced to Charming, who is an Escort (a Death Escort, ergo, he kills people for the Grim Reaper). He's been killing for 90 years, so he might as well not have a heart but after pissing off GR, he's faced with an impossible target and very limited time. If that isn't enough for this guy, he's also got Frankie, a girl who despises him that's trying to save his Target.</div>
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I loved the concept of this book because although Charming was a major jerk for so much of the book, he was changing and you could see it in the way he interacted with Frankie. The character development of everyone was great and it made for lovable characters because the fact is, Charming's a killer and we love him all the same.</div>
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I think the main reason I loved this book was being of the dialogue. Herbert writes in a way that is fully mind captivating as well as interesting and appeals to my weakness for witty charm.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-36284667569567518422013-07-01T00:28:00.000-05:002013-07-01T00:28:44.010-05:00Cover Madness Giveaway!<center>
<a href="http://www.xpressoreads.com/2013/06/cover-madness-giveaway-hop.html" title="Xpresso Reads"><img alt="Xpresso Reads" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzzIrznNb1EhH8LUpObpBTGfuPcLDyhOEQS57J6SfG5R7Oa7EYSxdbi1vZLwqEWippyYWceKpuhyNm8WW6KIomyWeBoMf1oKzqdPD0bJNSn3mnrzH_nReZBJJpUWslndyqKhPWvgqy1Fd/s1600/CoverMadnessHopButtonShare2.png" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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I am so happy to be participating in a giveaway that showcases ALL THE PRETTY COVERS! Thanks so much to Xpresso Reads and Alluring Reads for hosting this hop. </center>
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So basically, I've selected <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>some of my favorite recently-revealed covers</b></span>. If you win, <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>you can pick one of these books to be allllll yours</b></span>. You can chose one of these for pre-order, or, if a book shown is part of a series, you can pick one of the earlier books. This giveaway is international--<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>available to those who live anywhere The Book Depository ships</b></span>. This giveaway ends July 14, 2013.</center>
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Here is what you have to chose from: </center>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16090645-ask-again-later?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Qx4Jl538K-5-xwq-uXkdpFsVqrMxc0EfCjTGmkQcB-PMqekRDO1rmP5T0xGa3zrJfuJHl1A9BDn7ml6zvLrnK9VfYWFq8GJYkwVzgG1AE8tP05hyphenhyphentshQdviGFkUapBfZuQDmx034Qb13/s200/Ask+Again+Later.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17149396-avalon?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH_hVFvgxcQhUo1k17ACIKjYh_7LjA0couI8IQbGDXJrWAVMNCZm5rl7I0Emv_DKYbjas5-ge7faPvilvzUFhRldJFwRgLcwma32dYp2iwHNc92lYEtumMPcxGiYCtUf2qGDRYH7U3JtJ/s200/Avalon.jpeg" width="132" /></a><span id="goog_77671472"></span><span id="goog_77671473"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14290364-champion" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsa2wdFdiNwNwg_G5c8R9mO7eg9izZuzBIaDihox_30gO5J7J-wExrjRr-0moyUkxVKVA3ff8UCpLbHmAjuOxfBkbKDL4b7Ic39swRRynQalRIMtqv0m7CuCEEWxfhs3yJ0qSXAZpSdqWU/s200/Champion.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12369550-elusion?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhht_gWxILBto-oTAKMWKYiq2N2t6Gw_n25jiFyi6gdLgmvfc2aNXt74V1yJu_8t6uuNBot4R0uEMyInYbiiHUwa5zGE8AkMBRcZfcXFuX0F1U7Bzmk9TnMAE3pSJ3cSjbUptzKTfFSL_bf/s200/Elusion.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13626692-evertrue?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3yG9YjcJdJ6RdiOwQ-nH1UtPHZYcRKRvo_Irdh3kQp4jqYZOnR7jITeJ6ZV-RGkcXReOkddomtQBaV7MLXS_dIW0GlXxS1NtpP2tAQaUG33ZL0aSY4DDxql30U9x4g39nLEf98nNJpMd/s200/Evertrue.JPG" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15839984-cruel-beauty?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmZ5LOGzlWClcjG5fVsOoATc6zZsck77TRbuHSXi06KUdrqKERe_FHviI8W912cR3Yn566_D4373nby5YmBvuqLkh5dl6cbuXEhyphenhyphenD2WsbUhuqMQg0h_5TnujWyPJ5GbARGnYMJDmxIsv9/s200/Cruel+Beauty.jpeg" width="132" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18053047-maybe-one-day?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaCc60_4XoC7G4g3bahafHfQGqjjv6VQTGgJrVy26zsbr5cPcfq6U4opPRYWmg6THVn5nDZk3Fk1QMghdJAy-YtSWpnoFIdsAIMIm8mqk-FI-j3WRC4B3Eu_61MIQhvck0Gvsia0ksB3m/s200/Maybe+One+Day.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13085374-infinite?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YD8iq98aZBmyEB20tlm0JRf3-5JgJVJq8uljvcmWE_nfj3tPXcwhIei2Fl3tseks-N6Uh5QkongMRmCjXKhDmMzeFy7gAF7sSeIRNRPHrSpmCqne_YJt4ZOxUfrJSOi-3gpBJ23U5fMp/s200/Infinite.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18052934-no-one-else-can-have-you?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-HK_TKNedkEJEs3smH3vNe5wBMdgN_puXWHZ9t1-hYLq5eRBaOUZuaXCe80_BX3FvbDyaKcobEvpKPCqaWq-6p3DDBkqEz5iEibpuzBx5JnF7FOav3BN-0TGPqgu0OV3v0fdEFwFg808/s200/No+One+Else+Can+Have+You.JPG" width="131" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13518102-salvage?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxM-dzgTJfUNJXaIYPuB6XY_c7o3f-0odeI5OOVjKxgjRdpoI7lcqxUp2pVLSBFNy31y3czQXD7CWQzaMff4gjbu_iJaB2fpg9q7bvs2mhcvCs1VSm0qoqvAASjqJvwJNqLZTpBimwtNkY/s200/Salvage.jpg" width="133" /></a><span id="goog_77671515"></span><span id="goog_77671516"></span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10123237-the-inventor-s-secret" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrjUI3BoP6W8B9c34lPQAvV5jb6pTwKvSP1jLqIopDiA_-UxSOTFkx1sy4gUW78boD4Cp44IigOg2RIAuiphwMBlP8CnxSlJSaRm3JIUPjBsewtq2QsAYrX1tz-N-yOLasI4hgIgHV0If/s200/The+Inventor's+Secret.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15728577-side-effects-may-vary?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcqpuzLeK-xbdQv9mPOEsijhytbRb11zewVyn8gCi8BFuiMuvEKmtqSfQctPRXQPoyYl5KIZk15hEuXecMlr5zxpMqvfSW620_2Gn5ON5a22lET89RuUPA6BmWc61Bg39JiMkKe8QVVAW/s200/Side+Effects+May+Vary.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17233800-crash-into-you" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1smp09xj800f2v2h1_6b-vJ0EjAeO0mpN92Zh6RYXWugN9zWCcKM-RDFq33rctSG1J_fC2k1Qyp-Rv_QAAkqD3YyWF5-_07H_LGD-8TYaSWbRTMKMSLHgRpwYeKj-pQKnQM9FFKv8-yMz/s200/Crash+Into+You.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18079614-minders?ac=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPffUviuPUJAtydc_p6EpMKHWNRNAh_OkGqU7yZVTmvRzaYZ3n-fZIjSNuSVPBbuvS-w8O6nVq-xrn4ymxVRlxbsgbXx6e5SY94SLaYBNuHxehheVCFnYnH-tlTy0p8Gx44J4E0FS_2CT/s200/Minders.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com117tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-41127250377931094182013-07-01T00:00:00.001-05:002013-07-01T00:00:10.419-05:00It's Monday! What are you reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7CuY5bLj6LZvPoaxUXy0jvjGIem70T5OsYigOONgS1sV4XXc_7VX3NiBuI_1xhUbhoueCNSlPOhH1KYcQrLNd3_p3ilWpNeDWrsst6cevL0_zwlfy1gQP5TglUMbJkz3fwt0J50E7Y80/s417/ItsMonday.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7CuY5bLj6LZvPoaxUXy0jvjGIem70T5OsYigOONgS1sV4XXc_7VX3NiBuI_1xhUbhoueCNSlPOhH1KYcQrLNd3_p3ilWpNeDWrsst6cevL0_zwlfy1gQP5TglUMbJkz3fwt0J50E7Y80/s1600/ItsMonday.bmp" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Read: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17313435-saving-ben?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Saving Ben</span></a> by Ashley Farley</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17695128-fall-from-love?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Fall From Love</span></a> by Heather London</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Currently Reading:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332270-tumble-fall?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Tumble and Fall</span></a> by Alexandra Coutts</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11147422-invisibility?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Invisibility</span></a> by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Up Next: </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15777621-this-song-will-save-your-life?ac=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">This Song Will Save Your Life</span></a> by Leila Sales</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluCbSGbUwJKks-YuwWzbMLG-dNZEcEiPACJLQi_OfX56pCfnap_GL1wa_pJoHoZuhIiTSYbmkWcOxytW7_YfhxhSzm58dbNuj7ER2DGQJFixZ2EfnLZVka79hCtHeKIFrg6qgYKcb8V4Z/s167/gabbi2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluCbSGbUwJKks-YuwWzbMLG-dNZEcEiPACJLQi_OfX56pCfnap_GL1wa_pJoHoZuhIiTSYbmkWcOxytW7_YfhxhSzm58dbNuj7ER2DGQJFixZ2EfnLZVka79hCtHeKIFrg6qgYKcb8V4Z/s167/gabbi2.png" /></a></div>
<br />BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-6561091741850272542013-07-01T00:00:00.000-05:002013-07-01T00:00:08.786-05:00June Recap <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmldsx7uaj9TX4xkozXzuW2-Wugk2nGV8a5Wqh6zcjyydlsQZFgminpdQ4di5ItuYJOhzIOm514XLcWFzLe5aqHhYmTEL1dFX1dJWSWPBiDuD_54gZ0he8dtqAqrY3ytozMFpcty3_rB1G/s400/junerecap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmldsx7uaj9TX4xkozXzuW2-Wugk2nGV8a5Wqh6zcjyydlsQZFgminpdQ4di5ItuYJOhzIOm514XLcWFzLe5aqHhYmTEL1dFX1dJWSWPBiDuD_54gZ0he8dtqAqrY3ytozMFpcty3_rB1G/s1600/junerecap.png" /></a></div>
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If you haven't been obsessively keeping tabs on our blog, I must say I'm neither surprised nor upset. So here are some posts of note from June, just in case you missed them ;D</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk3exmCNjhYoy8c27e34ev9JdrA_M6VFGD4zhrrtH9u2EAkejIWmzVbKwf7QerV60Y-KYISom0CmaMl81Vo7Hgyv1rEsfJM_XyAq_4yvwr08rR61ZZ5UxYXZdL8usIhpt5gyKAUrLuqSd/s243/bookreviews.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDk3exmCNjhYoy8c27e34ev9JdrA_M6VFGD4zhrrtH9u2EAkejIWmzVbKwf7QerV60Y-KYISom0CmaMl81Vo7Hgyv1rEsfJM_XyAq_4yvwr08rR61ZZ5UxYXZdL8usIhpt5gyKAUrLuqSd/s243/bookreviews.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-day-i-met-suzie-by-chris.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Charlotte's review of The Day I Met Suzie by Chris Higgins</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-dare-you-to-by-katie-mcgarry.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Gabbi's review of Dare You To by Katie McGarry</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-book-of-broken-hearts-by.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Gabbi's review of The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-incarnate-by-jodi-meadows.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Charlotte's review of Incarnate by Jodi Meadows</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-moon-and-more-by-sarah.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Gabbi's review of The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/blog-tour-review-and-giveaway-saving.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Gabbi's review of Saving Ben by Ashley Farley (Blog Tour)</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/blog-tour-review-giveaway-in-too-deep.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Gabbi's review of In Too Deep by Michelle Kemper Brownlow (Blog Tour)</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/blog-tour-review-giveaway-fall-from.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Gabbi's review of Fall From Love by Heather London (Blog Tour)</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsYrof47CypUdQI3KqSEKDx_l7tTd6izJfbiO0_J-spwb3Ogv2T5_tat9zqa9WM1KcufsWypAbIemUD83eVrBukdl700r57X_Kr5Z1leQaPKNhuUArS_f-rzFLrm06yV33OhX0wJS5KVv/s252/topten.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsYrof47CypUdQI3KqSEKDx_l7tTd6izJfbiO0_J-spwb3Ogv2T5_tat9zqa9WM1KcufsWypAbIemUD83eVrBukdl700r57X_Kr5Z1leQaPKNhuUArS_f-rzFLrm06yV33OhX0wJS5KVv/s252/topten.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/top-ten-tuesday-books-featuring-travel.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Top ten books featuring travel</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/top-ten-tuesday-beach-reads_11.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Top ten beach reads</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/top-ten-tuesday-summer-tbr.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Top ten books on my summer TBR</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/top-ten-tuesday-books-ive-read-in-2013.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Top ten books I've read in 2013 so far</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1HYtyKUUD0PK-FBhUl4YZ7UnOvhsKBaFQg_YbXAc4T7zsxhsJK65xCtrhCZ7HvblcosPIKO8OeWSP-c_3Urj1xtYT2JQsh0p38NXLJlziDPeAjhqfi7kqXJN3Wh1YWC26ASd-meATItd/s281/practicallypeeings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1HYtyKUUD0PK-FBhUl4YZ7UnOvhsKBaFQg_YbXAc4T7zsxhsJK65xCtrhCZ7HvblcosPIKO8OeWSP-c_3Urj1xtYT2JQsh0p38NXLJlziDPeAjhqfi7kqXJN3Wh1YWC26ASd-meATItd/s281/practicallypeeings.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/practically-peeing-series-continuation.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">The series continuation edition</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMl0_XpQD1KTE-DwAw6GJ4QAHCF4q6SyqKRB4423mY6_DIlndf-modAXdla6T5DbDJEpvUSJORIpEVgROZH4gFt8GnbhEcBcb4Qrsqz_vYyB9XxNhSD0ZnYGrIi2Pe4BmhTw_H0xr0JHG/s210/misc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMl0_XpQD1KTE-DwAw6GJ4QAHCF4q6SyqKRB4423mY6_DIlndf-modAXdla6T5DbDJEpvUSJORIpEVgROZH4gFt8GnbhEcBcb4Qrsqz_vYyB9XxNhSD0ZnYGrIi2Pe4BmhTw_H0xr0JHG/s210/misc.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/noahs-guilty-pleasure-movies-letters-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Katie McGarry shares Noah Hutchins's guilty pleasure movies/TV shows</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://bookbreather4lyfe.blogspot.com/2013/06/character-interview-noah-hutchins-from.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Character interview with Noah Hutchins</span></a></div>
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BookBreatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17472614809459173585noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8203456968978716004.post-59910599081151630882013-06-29T00:54:00.000-05:002013-06-29T00:54:25.225-05:00Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway - Fall From Love by Heather London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjuEBGAPxESizTOMeN9BlnQAXq1LYWJtK4bY7CmJ3fF2TiWc9YdJFZmIR5avRlAqA-lKd9M3-lnxpC5-5DJfVTFMAGn5ZXWbRQdEnYbFgCxjw70dX-PCSXRsbNdA4iPd8cs8-hS9TBINQ/s850/FallFromLoveTourBanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjuEBGAPxESizTOMeN9BlnQAXq1LYWJtK4bY7CmJ3fF2TiWc9YdJFZmIR5avRlAqA-lKd9M3-lnxpC5-5DJfVTFMAGn5ZXWbRQdEnYbFgCxjw70dX-PCSXRsbNdA4iPd8cs8-hS9TBINQ/s640/FallFromLoveTourBanner.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17695128-fall-from-love" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Fall From Love by Heather London</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOB7-Xio3BY9uANoTwn0wzIa8eJzVuujxN5XPszDdJ6BjL_b6NaBpJZN-cTqRHQJReBz-nU3junf1ZtKns1z2ULHS7NQv0Gnub1d3Rb8U_vZVx6dunPriNx12Y6PDvY8Dq18aW1dtC0X1/s475/FallFromLove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOB7-Xio3BY9uANoTwn0wzIa8eJzVuujxN5XPszDdJ6BjL_b6NaBpJZN-cTqRHQJReBz-nU3junf1ZtKns1z2ULHS7NQv0Gnub1d3Rb8U_vZVx6dunPriNx12Y6PDvY8Dq18aW1dtC0X1/s320/FallFromLove.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Series: Standalone</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Genre: NA Contemporary</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Publication Date: June 17, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Format: eBook</span></div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Source: Received for review for blog tour</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Struggling to put her life back together after a tragic mountaineering accident kills her college sweetheart, twenty-one-year-old Holly Treadwell is trying to set aside her grief, forge ahead in school, and find herself again.<br />
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When Carter Hansen, a guy who brings back horrible memories from the night of the accident, finds his way back into her life, Holly’s unsure if she should let him in. He terrifies her in more ways than one and invokes feelings in her that she thought were buried forever. Regardless of her fears, she knows she must face him in order for her heart to heal.<br />
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Everyone tells Carter that what happened on the mountain that night was just a terrible accident, but even then, he can’t help but carry around the guilt and is unable to forgive himself. He’s drawn to Holly and being near her helps ease his conscience and gives him the release he needs.<br />
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As Holly and Carter’s relationship grows, they begin to realize that the more time they spend with one another, the more their wounds begin to heal—her grief and his guilt. But when Holly learns the details about the night of the accident—what everyone has been keeping from her—it will rip open old wounds and tear apart what they’ve both worked so hard to overcome…</blockquote>
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I absolutely adore reading about the new adult age group, but I'm really struggling to find a NA book I love. I'm beginning to wonder if it's <i>me</i>. Because, just like with <i>Fall From Love</i>, I've liked all the NA books I've read recently well enough--found them interesting, found the story lines compelling--but I haven't been able to become completely engrossed, to connect with them as well as I would like.<i> </i>I enjoyed getting to know the characters in <i>Fall From Love</i>, and I enjoyed overcoming their struggles with them. But enjoying something is certainly not the same as being blown away by it. </div>
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A few months ago, Holly (the main narrator) lost Adam, her boyfriend of 2 years, to an accident up in the mountains. Of course she is racked with devastation, but I feel like we're told that more than anything. We're told that she has been awful, living in a black hole of despair, hardly showering or cleaning up after herself. Her pain was all on a large scale, but sometimes it's the little things that hurt the most. I would have liked more triggers throughout the story. Like what if a song reminded her of Adam, or his favorite sports team was playing on the TV or someone used a phrase that he said a lot. But throughout the entire novel, I don't think Holly was actually reminded of Adam, rather she was reminded of the night she lost him. Also, there wasn't really much that showed the impact of his absence in her life. That just made it so hard to feel like she missed him and was grieving his death. It was more like she was grieving the idea of his death. </div>
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Then there was Holly's relationship with Carter. At first, she can't even hear the sound of his voice without suffering physical pain because it reminds her of The Night Adam Died. She dreads his presence. Then he shows up to a party that Holly is at, they have a conversation, and seeing him is really no problem. After one successful night hanging out, they become really close friends. Everyone besides them can see that they need to get down and dirty. Finally both of them do see it but they just don't want to ruin their friendship. I liked Carter, but my god, it's unconvincing <i>and </i>cliche. Yet the entire time I was rooting for them to just get over their hold-ups and get on with the bowchickawowwow. Their relationship was, at least, very sweet. Though I may not find it completely realistic, I liked that they made each other stronger and looked out for one another. In the end there was a lot of growth for both of them and I was satisfied with how things turned out.</div>
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The writing wasn't bad, but it also wasn't mind-blowing. There were quite a few cliches, and some of it lacked the proper depth. Certain passages that were obviously supposed to be profound and thought-provoking, supposed to be beautiful, were actually pretty MEH to me.</div>
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I really liked Jenna. She was a fantastic friend to Holly. For me, strong, genuine friendships make a story four zillion times better. I guess you could say Jenna and Holly's friendship was one of my favorite aspects of the book. </div>
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I know it seems like there is a lot of negativity in this review, but I did enjoy <i>Fall From Love.</i> Though I'm not going to go around gushing to everyone and shoving it in people's hands, I think it is worth reading. Learning how to love again, to face your fears even when they seem insurmountable, and learning what risks are worth taking... Powerful ideas expressed through an intriguing situation and likeable characters. And, as I said, it might just be me. Others will probably find this more emotional than I did, and others will probably connect to it better. </div>
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