Quote Impressions - The Contemp Edition

Quote Impressions is a feature where I highlight different quotes from different books that resonated with me and made a huge impression. The kind of quotes that made me pause in my reading and go, "Wow!" or smirk like a crazy person, or even laugh out loud.

The Contemp Edition

“Every time he looked at me I felt like I'd touched my tongue to the tip of a battery. In art class I'd watch him lean back and listen and I was nothing but zing and tingle. After a while, the tingle turned to electricity, and when he asked me out my whole body amped to a level where technically I should have been dead. I had nothing in common with a sheddy like him, but a girl doesn't think straight when she's that close to electrocution.”  - Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

“I couldn't decide if I was more offended that people thought I was the kind of person who would kill myself over a boyfriend or that I was apparently too stupid to know how to do it right.” - The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook

“It's like the piano and the cello are being poured into my body, the same way the IV and blood transfusions are. And the memories of my life as it was, and the flashes of it as it might be, are coming so fast and furious. I feel like I can no longer keep up with them but they keep coming and everything is colliding, until I cannot take anymore. Until I cannot be like this a second longer.” - If I Stay by Gayle Foreman

“Home wasn't a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life, wherever you may go.” - What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

“Last year I kissed this freshman girl at a pool party and she wouldn’t get off my nuts for six months. Which is why my policy is now no psychotics, and no freshmen. The freshmen thing is obviously easy to avoid, while the psychotics pose a bit more of a problem. It’s not like girls walk around with “I’m crazy” stamped on their chests.” - Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Have you read any of these books? Do you want to? What do you think of the quotes!? 

Practically Peeing - The Entangled Edition

I know, what a weird post title! But there's a lot of times when I'm excited for a book I say I'm peeing my pants for it. So "Practically Peeing" is a feature sort of like Waiting on Wednesday or On My Wishlist or Books  To Pine For where I showcase books that I realllllllly want to read. They might already be released, they might be a year away, they might be coming out next month! Either way, I can guarantee, I really want to read them.

Entangled Publishing has made QUITE the splash in the publishing industry. There are several amazing titles that have been released and several amazing titles yet to be released. Here are few that I really want to read!

Gravity by Melissa West
October 16, 2012

In the future, only one rule will matter: Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed--arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know--especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

 Touch by Jus Accardo

November 1, 2011

When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.

Except there’s something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she’ll turn to dust if he touches her. It’s not until Dez’s father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there’s more to this boy—and her father’s “law firm”—than she realized.

Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation—an organization devoted to collecting “special” kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons—his entire life. And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills. The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they’re caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe.

A secret Kale will kill to protect.

Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

June 12, 2012

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life? 

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

November 29, 2011

Starting over sucks.When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.And then he opened his mouth.Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. The hot alien living next door marks me.You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is. 

Book Review: Dark Secrets 1 by Elizabeth Chandler

Dark Secrets 1 by Elizabeth Chandler

Series: Dark Secrets #1

Genre: YA Paranormal 

Publication Date: August 4, 2009

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Format: Paperback

Pages: 496

Source: Borrowed from friend

Two girls haunted by the past...and destined to relive it In Legacy of Lies, Megan has to stay with the uptight grandmother she wants nothing to do with. She's determined to get through the visit without any drama, but when she falls into a twisted love triangle with potentially fatal consequences, Megan may be caught up in her family's legacy in more ways than she realizes. In Don't Tell, Lauren knows that by returning to the town where her mother drowned seven years ago, she'll be reliving one of her most haunting memories. When she arrives, she is propelled into a series of mysterious events that mimic the days leading up to her mother's death. Maybe her mother's drowning wasn't an accident after all...and maybe Lauren is next. (Summary from goodreads.com)

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Both of these books were extremely quick reads. They were fast-paced, mysterious, and actually quite creepy! 


Legacy of Lies, the first book in this bind-up, was originally published in 2000, and Don't Tell, the second book, was published in 2001. Keeping that in mind, the writing was different than what I'm used to. However, I will be reviewing it as normal. 


Both of the plots were interesting. They both had secrets and betrayal and subtle paranormal aspects, and that was cool. The author did an excellent job of making you guess who is really responsible for all the bad things happening. While I'm happy the romance didn't overshadow the main story, I wish there was a little more depth to the relationships. It's not exactly insta-love, but in both the books the main character falls for the boy and we really don't know why. I kind of feel like both of the stories could use more depth in general. I couldn't really connect to the characters and I didn't feel like I really got to know any of them. The writing wasn't bad but it was certainly lackluster. 


But really, the intrigue of the plot was what kept me interested. After I finished I could genuinely say I enjoyed the story, though I didn't emerge from the book with the characters in my heart and constantly darting through my mind. Both of these stories were quick, creepy, and pretty fun reads. I liked Don't Tell a little bit more than Legacy of Lies because it's creepier and the characters are certainly more interesting. I'd recommend this bound edition if you're looking for something interesting yet doesn't require a deep emotional investment. 

Behind the Blog (2)

Behind the Blog is a feature I've created to allow my readers to learn more about me 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.

TV Shows I Can't Get Enough Of

1) How I Met Your Mother

I watch this every day. No joke. The characters are great and I really want to know who Ted ends up with :D 

2) Friends

Bahaha how could you NOT love this show!? 

3) Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Everybody knows this show is amazeballs. 

4) Scrubs

I've seen every episode. I love how it has a good balance of funny and serious.

5) Once Upon a Time

This show is interesting and keeps me guessing! I love the back and forth between fairytale and reality. 

6) Make it or Break it

So. Much. Drama. I can't help but love it. 

7) Switched at Birth

I love the plot and the characters (for the most part) and the intensity of the sign language scenes. 

8) Greek

I've seen all the episodes, and this show definitely has a special place in my heart. All I can say is, CAPPIE!!!!

What are your favorite shows!? 

Book Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Series: Delirium #2
Genre: YA Dystopian
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 375
Source: Purchased

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.
Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

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If you follow me on Twitter, you might know that I've been dying for this book since I finished Delirium. Then, when I went to buy it the day it came out and I could not find it in any book-selling stores in my area. I was so upset. Finally, my dad brought it home to me a couple weeks after its release and I almost had a stroke because I was so frackin excited. At least the wait was worth it. So so so so so so so so worth it. Lauren Oliver brings back everything we adored in Delirium--beautiful prose, a haunting society, high emotion, relentless tension--and even more: edgier writing, sharper beliefs and goals, and a much tougher lifestyle. Lauren Oliver has created yet another book that will rage in my soul for my entire life.

I don't even know how to coherently express my love for this book, besides, "OMGOMGO MGKDGNIQUERBGIBDNKASFJN FGIHJBFGVAN AHHH YAYAYAYAYAYAYAAYAYAYAYYAYAYAYAYA OMG.  PWENFHOIABXCKJFD!" I feel like Lauren Oliver took a stroll through my heart and discovered exactly what will make me love and break my heart and BLOW MY FRACKIN MIND. Because that's what she does. Every word builds me up to break me down to build me back up. I'm not sure how she manages to fit all these feelings in one book, but she does.

This book has a lot more action than the first. Whereas Delirium was about Lena discovering what she wants and figuring out how to grab hold of it, Pandemonium was about Lena fighting for what she wants and struggling to hold on to it. The book alternates between "Then" and "Now."

In the 'Then' section, Lena has just arrived at the Wilds and she is struggling to recuperate--physically and emotionally. And yet, she doesn't back down. She wants to get her strength back and she wants to carry on. She turns her weaknesses into strengths. We're introduced to new characters, which I absolutely fell for. They all have an air of mystery surrounding them because nobody in the Wilds is particularly fond of discussing the past. But their strength and kindness is evident even if their lifestyle is harsh and their words are terse. There's a lot of despair and hopelessness in this section.

In the 'Now' section, Lena has created a tough outer shell around herself. She tries not to think of the past and just keep doing what she knows is right. I think I liked this section a lot better than 'Then.' This section is just a little more fierce and contains a lot more action. I also feel more connected to Lena in this section.

I just couldn't bring myself to fall for the new guy. I mean, not even just because I adore Alex and I miss the hell out of him in this book. But also because the new guy is so naive that I just get this little boy vibe from him. I just couldn't. I mean, he's a good character but he's not good for Lena, in my opinion. I also missed Hana and Grace. I haven't read the Hana novella, so I'm not sure what happens to her, but I do hope she will be in the next book.

The ending, of course, was epic. While I kind of expected it, when it happened I was completely taken aback. I expected nothing less from Lauren Oliver. She rips me apart and stitches me back together over and over and over in the best possible way. I cannot wait for the next book. This is a series I am one hundred percent invested in and will never forget. It makes me feel so much more than I can possibly describe.

April Book of the Month!

There are a ton of books coming out in April that I am excited to read! But there is one book in particular that I have been dying to read for ages. Without further ado, my April book of the month: 

Maya and her friends--all of whom have supernatural powers--have been kidnapped after fleeing from a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set, and after a terrifying helicopter crash they find themselves pursued by evildoers in the Vancouver Island wilderness. (Summary from Goodreads)

I love Kelley Armstrong's YA books. Her narrators are fun and strong and her plots are original. The Calling is the second book in the Darkness Rising series and releases April 10, 2012. 

The Selection by Kiera Cass (April 24, 2012)

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris (April 24, 2012)

Black Heart by Holly Black (April 3, 2012)

Those are my picks of the month! 

Which books are you most looking forward to this month?

Book Review: Slide by Jill Hathaway

Series: Slide #1
Genre: YA Paranormal Thriller
Publication Date: March 27, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: eARC
Pages: 187
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again. (Summary from Goodreads.com)

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When I read the premise for Slide by Jill Hathaway I knew this was a book I had to read. I mean, I've never read anything like it. This girl can slide into other people's mind and she witnesses a murder. No big deal, right? Seriously, though, this story is epic. It's full of deaths and mystery and so much frackin intrigue. How could anyone resist? 

The beginning was really strong. We're introduced to Vee's narcolepsy, and in turn her sliding, which really sucked me in! But then the middle kind of sagged for me. Vee spends a lot of time wishing and wanting. She wishes that she could tell Rollins the truth about sliding, she wants to figure out who the murderer is, and she wishes people would consider the prospect of a murder instead of suicide. It killed me because it's like, Girl, you've got this incredible skill and you're not even trying to utilize it. But once she realized she could use her gift to help her solve the mystery, things got much more interesting. All of a sudden, everyone was a suspect. As the story unfolded, though, it was pretty obvious who was guilty and his or her motivations. 

I simultaneously liked and disliked the ending. I mean, it was really intense, but it almost felt like I was watching a scary movie. You know the whole, "DO NOT GO UPSTAIRS. DON'T LOOK IN THE CLOSET! TURN AROUND. RUN. RUN NOW!" kind of thing. Sometimes I thought that Vee was kind of dumb. Everything was right under her nose the only way she saw it was with a big neon sign. At first, I wasn't pleased with the ending, because I thought this was going to be a standalone, but when I discovered it is a series, I thought it was all wrapped up quite nicely. Still, there are more things I want to know. Like, why does she slide? Is there a way she can control it? And did the very very very ending mean what I think it did!?

I thought that the characterization was executed pretty well, for the most part. Vee may not be the brightest, but I do love her background story and the way that, even though her sister is a complete brat to her, she is still always there for her and eager to protect her. Rollins was my favorite, of course. He was mysterious, but not in a way that we didn't get to know anything about him. He was sweet and obviously really cared for Vee. I hope there is a buttload more of him in the sequel. Zane was an okay character. We learn a few major things about him but for the most part we don't get to know him at all. There was a case of insta-love with him, but the romance doesn't play a particularly prominent role in the book, so it's not as annoying as most cases. 

All in all, Slide by Jill Hathaway was a quick read with an interesting premise. I will definitely be looking forward to the sequel. Although I wasn't particularly blown away by the book, I think it's a book that appeals to everyone, and I'd recommend you give it a shot!