Books I'm thankful for

I have this blog because I love books. Plain and simple. The reasons I love books are not as simple, but I can easily say that my love of reading and writing has shaped me into a better person than I would have become, had I not discovered my passion for books. I am thankful to every book out there. Not just for myself but for others, because I'm sure every book has helped at least one person. Sure, I may not like them all, but I don't need to. There are two series I am immensely thankful for, that have really affected my life, like I'm sure some of the books I don't like I have done for others.

I can read this series over and over and not get sick of it. This is my ultimate favorite, and it's gotten me through some tough times. Here's the story:

Five minutes before moving out of my hometown where I lived for 14 years, me and my dad had to go to the groery store to get one last thing for the move. I saw Vampire Academy sitting on the shelves and I begged my dad for it because it had the word 'Vampire' in the title. Best. Move. Ever. Since then I have move about five or six times and each time I re-read this series because it helps. I don't know why, but it helps.

Confession: I'm nowhere near being a Twihard. In fact, I don't even like these books. I use to, but not anymore. These books, however, were the stepping stone to my paranormal and book obsession. These books showed me that reading was more than just words on paper, an that reading can break my heart and mend it back together again. I learned a lot from these books, and while they were my absolute favorite at first, I soon learned that they are not all that great.

Visit Beth Revis's blog for a chance to win 19 awesome YA books, all signed. Just spread the word about books you are thankful for!  And while you're at it, share the link of your post with me! I'd love to see which books you are grateful for.

Announcements

Hello everyone! It has been a busy week for me so I haven't been able to post everything, so I'm doing a quick post with a few announcements.

First, I'm going to tell you that me and Bree from The Magic Attic are hosting an October blog hop called Once Upon A Blog Hop

(Thanks for the beautiful button, Bree)

Once a week during the month of October we will feature a different genre.

Week one: Fantasy (Paranormal/Supernatural included)
Week two: Steampunk
Week three: Contemporary (Romance, Edgy, etc)
Week four: Dystopia (Post apocalypse included)

There will be giveaways and we will be asking you questions about the genre and it will all be a bunch of fun, so make sure that you stay tuned for that!

Also, I am going to be taking part of some book tours, so here are the dates:

October 10: Flames of Surrender by Rhiannon Paille (I think I spelled that right!)

October 21: Blood's Voice by Aine Massie

October 23: Savor by Megan Duncan

November 5: Blood Bound by Aine Massie

So make sure you come back on those dates!

*If I forgot you, email me at gabbicalabrese@hotmail.com and let me know!

Something else I wanted to announce is that EVERYONE should head over to Ivy Reads because she is hosting a program that is absolutely fantastic, in my opinion. It is a big sib/little sib program where you fill out an application and you get a blog sibling! If you are a veteran blogger you get to be a big sib, and if you are a novice blogger like me you get to be a little sib! I thought it was a great idea and it definitely deserves some recognition.

Also, don't forget to head over to my new writing blog, WriTEEN Adventures, and if you are a teen that likes to write, fill out the application in the sidebar to become a part of the Team!

And don't miss your chance to WIN A COPY OF VAMPIRE ACADEMY BY RICHELLE MEAD!

Giveaway of Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Hello all! About a week or two ago I picked up a copy of Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, and I was so excited that I grabbed a copy of Vampire Academy as well...even though I already own it!

So, now one lucky person will have the oppurtunity to win a brand new, never been read, copy of Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

For anybody new to this blog, I have an OBSESSION with the Vampire Academy series. It is my favorite series of all time, and if you haven't read it, I seriously advise it!

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Win one paperback copy of Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.

 -This is only available to people in the US, sorry :/

-Must follow this blog.

-Must be at least 13 years old to enter.

-Contest ends 9/23/11

Extra entries:

+1 for following me on twitter @BookBreather Reviews

+2 for tweeting about the giveaway

+4 for blogging about the giveaway

To enter, complete this FORM

In My Mailbox (1)

Sooo, this is my first in my mailbox! I'm excited to take part in this meme!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren!

IN MY MAILBOX:

For Review:

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegan

Tris and Izze by Mette Ivie Harrison

(Thanks NetGalley!)

Flame of Surrender by Rhiannon Paille

(Received for blog tour!)

Enchanted by Rachel Wells

(Received from author!)

Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula by Elise Stokes

(Received from author!)

Purchased:

Vampire Academy and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

So that's what I got. What about you?