Children's Feature

I've been contemplating for some time a unique feature for my blog.  I've been drawing a blank.  But then I realized that maybe I should do a children's feature.  I'm an avid reader, but I'm also a mom.  My girls are on the younger side (almost 3 and almost 5) but they love books.  We have a weekly library visit and read almost every night.  I'm still working through the idea.  I'm not sure if I want to make this a weekly feature were I talk about what we've checked out and read and what the girls thought of them.  Or, if I should just do this once a month and talk about their favorite books.   I don't think I want to do individual book reviews because I think that might be to much.  

Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this?  I might just start it and see how I feel about it after awhile.  

Torment (Fallen #2) by Lauren Kate

Title: Torment

Series: 2nd in Fallen series 

Author: Lauren Kate

Pages: 464

Published: Sep. 28, 2010 by Delacorte

ISBN: 9780385739146

Source: ARC from Around The World Tours

Description: How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else? 

I Give This ...

While this was remarkably better than Fallen, I was reluctant to give it 4 butterflies.  Sometimes I wish I still did half ratings.  I understand the new drive for series book.  And, I think this can successfully be done that way.  What irritates me a little is when the book is filled with unnecessary information just to make it longer.  I think you could cut out at least 100 pages of this story and be fine with what it left.

Luce annoyed me a little through out this book.  She pulled the whole "I'm a modern women, and I will be damned if I will let a man tell me what to do" card.  Granted Daniel wasn't telling her anything, but not once did she stop to think of the possible danger she was putting herself and others in.  I agree she needs to know the whole story, but I really think there are/were better way to get what she needs. 

Daniel was still being Daniel.  He's aloof and still trying to protect Luce even though this reincarnation is so obviously different from the ones before.  Yet, he doesn't play by the very rules he sets.  It's frustrating because I know life keeps putting Luce in front of him, but at the same time I think things could be different if he would just try a little.

My biggest problem with this series is questions and answers.  I had so many when I was done with Fallen.  Hardly any of them are answered satisfactorily in this one.  Not to mention the fact that I have even more now. 

Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series: 3rd in Hunger Games

Pages: 390

Published: August 2010 by Scholastic

ISBN: 9780439023511

Source: personal copy

 

Description: Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss. The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost. 

I Give This ...

 I was really looking forward to this one (as was just about everyone else).  While, I wasn't disappointed really, I think it fell short of what it could have been.  But, an author can't please everyone.  And, above else the author most follow how they think the story should go.  I do think I will have to reread this one because there was just so much to digest.

There are people who think Katniss acted out of character.  I don't think she did.  She just broadened her goal.  Instead of saving herself, she choose to save everyone.  She knew she had to be the face everyone saw even though she knew she was being used (and I do think she knew it even if she was trying to deny it).    I can't imagine the weight she carried on her shoulders.  

I was heartbroken with what happened to Peeta.  It's so hard to read when he's so different than they previous two books.  Some things he did and said actually made me wince.  It's no wonder Katniss had such a hard time with everything.  Gale, I'm still not sure on.  I think we get a better look at his character in this time of open war.  I still admire him for all he has done for Katniss.

I wasn't surprised that I disliked district 13 almost as much as I disliked the Capitol.  I think they did what they had to do to survive on their own, but I don't think they should have traded one form of total control government for another.  None of President Snow's actions surprised me.  But, I was surprised at President Coin.  Especially at what was proposed for the leaders of the fallen Capitol.

I did feel the middle was slow and dragged a little.  And then the ending was rushed.  It all happened so fast.  I don't really think Katniss was forced to make a choice between Gale and Peeta, but had to accept how she would feel about certain events and her own power of forgiveness.  My biggest thing I had to accept was this story doesn't really have a happy ending.  But then again... why should it.  It reminded me of a quote

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity." - Gilda Radner

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

This past week was a tough one.  I only gave one book 4 butterflies, but I think I was being generous.    It was really frustrating and I'm surprised I got through 4 books.

First up was Torment by Lauren Kate.  It was better than the first one.  But, I'm extremely frustrated with not getting any questions answered.  Not to mention that even more were added.  I still will read the next one though.  I want to know what is going on!

Next up was A Lion Among Men by Gregory Macguire. I've read his books before and I've noticed they are hit or miss.  This one was ok.  A lot of the story just didn't seem to really pertain to what was going on.  And I was not happy to get to the end and realize there is probably going to be another book.

I read Moon Rise by Marilee Brothers next.  This had a some of the things I thought were lacking in the first of this series.  It was a little bit more developed and I now feel the story might be going somewhere.

Last, I dragged through Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell.  I thought it was pretty close to awful.  There was way to much dialogue and chasing around a storyline that didn't seem to go anywhere.  I keep buying this series, but I think I'm done now.  I haven't like the last 3 or 4 she's released.

I'm currently reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling.  This is one of my favorites in the series and I hope it will give me a pick-me-up after the week I've had.  I will also read My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison, Moon Spun by Marilee Brothers, and Out For Blood by Alyxandra Harvey.  If there's time, I will read Relentless by Dean Koontz.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

Review:

 

• Torment by Lauren Kate (Around The World Tours)

Purchased:

• Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Library:

 

• The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lambe

Cover Reveals

I've come across some new covers this past week or so that I wanted to share.  I love cover reveals!

 

Blessed (Tantalize, #3) by Cynthia Leitich Smith

 *I haven't read the first in the series, but enjoyed the 2nd.  I plan I reading Tantalize before this one comes out!

 

  Betrayal (Haunting Emma, #2) by Lee Nichols

*I really enjoyed the first in the series and will be looking forward to this one!

Rage (Horsemen of the Appocalypse, #2) by Jackie Morse Kessler

*I love the idea behind these novels.  And for some reason the covers are simple but convey a message. 

Fins Are Forever (Fins, #2) by Tera Lynn Childs

*I haven't read the first yet, but this one is to good to not share!

Book Blogger Hop and Follow My Blog

It's time for some networking! Crazy For Books hosts the Book Blogger Hop which is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!

 Parajunkee hosts Follow My Book Blog!  Happy Follow Friday!

 

Each blog asks a question so here we go...

When you write reviews, do you write them as you are reading or wait until you have read the entire book?

 

I write my review after I read it.  Sometimes, I'm a little behind and it's a few days or longer.  I was taking notes will I read, but lost my little book.  I really need to replace that lol.  

 

What is your high fashion book? --- translation --- best book cover ever.

I love book covers.  I use to not care about them, but that was before I knew how really great they could be.  So, I'll share my favorite series covers that made me realize that covers can be awesome!

     

Today, we are also asked to share our Twitter link if we would like.  I really need to work on my Twitter presence.  So here is my link

http://twitter.com/onebooktime

 

Arizona (Beautiful Dead #2) by Eden Maguire

Title: Arizona

Series: 2nd in Beautiful Dead

Author: Eden Maguire

Published: October 1, 2010 by Sourcebooks Fire

Pages: 288

ISBN: 9781402239458

Source: Sent for review from Publisher

Description: There's been no sign of the Beautiful Dead for weeks. Darina achingly misses Phoenix all over again. But surely he will return with the rest of the Beautiful Dead as so much still remains unresolved. It's been ten months since Arizona drowned in Hartmann Lake. Suicide, it would seem. But something doesn't add up. Drowning herself in a hidden - away lake does not sound like strong, confident, Arizona: Ellerton High School's high-maintenance drama queen. Darina needs to help Arizona the way she helped Jonas. But time is running out...

I Give This ...

After thinking the first in the series was only so-so, I didn't set my expectations to high for this second installment.  I'm happy to report that enjoyed it way more than the first.  Even better, the word Zombie wasn't even mentioned once in this one.

I do have to point out that this series seems to have some glaring faults.  The first being, I'm sure in a sane world, an autopsy would have been performed on Arizona.  And the placement of her wings tattoo doesn't make a lot of sense when the description of what actually happened is revealed.  In my eyes, she technically did drown.   Also, I don't understand what the beautiful dead for 18 months.  Darina gets about a week to help them, but even she doesn't do much.  Hunter is the one who actually solves the mystery.  Why can't he do that all along?

Despite all that, I really like the story this time.  I think it's because I liked Arizona more.   Her life leading up to her death was way more complex that I thought possible.  She's hiding so much from everybody, and it's interesting to watch all the facts unfold.  And what really happened was crazy.  Not to mention the events that occur right after we learn the truth.  I don't think justice was truly served.

I also liked Phoenix and Darina's relationship in this one.  It seemed more real and not nearly as rushed.  I also think Darina is starting to build more character, although I really wish there would be more of a connection with her mom.  Plus, the other character are starting to have more life.  

I'll be reading the next one.  I was to see how this all plays out in the end.   

 

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Title: Chasing Brooklyn

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Pages: 412

Published: January 2010 by Simon and Schuster

ISBN: 9781416991687

Source: ARC from 1 ARC Tours

Description: Restless souls and empty hearts. Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca chasing her through her dreams.  Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface. As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

I Give This ...

I have to admit something ... if one of my daughter's names (or mine) is on a book cover, I'm going to pick it up.   But, the description of this book sounded so haunting and the cover just added to it.  I was curious.

I'm glad I've finally gotten to read it.  I never thought that an entire 400+ page novel written in verse could work so well.  But, it's beautiful.  Brooklyn is a very moving female character.  You can tell just how deeply she carried for Lucca.  You see her really fight to move on with her life, but her grief just consumes her.  When she she starts seeing Gabe's ghost, you can't help but be frightened right along with her.

I was hesitate on Nico at first.  But, I think we're suppose to be.  He is after all Lucca's brother.  I like how the author slowly brings his personality to the pages.   I think we see him just as a brother at first until he becomes his own person.  He comes to life and you realize that maybe that Nico and Brooklyn can help each other if they can just get past their connections to Lucca.

The novel was really well done and I enjoyed every minute of it.  I can't wait to read something else by Lisa Schroeder.

Winner! The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

I've drawn the winner for The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong ....

Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Congrats!

*winner has been notified and has 48 hours to respond or I will draw a new winner!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I love it when I finish off a pile of books and don't even realize how fast I've read them!  I started the week reading The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa.  I really enjoyed it and can't wait for more!  I want more of Ash.

Next, I read Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder.  I've never read anything by her (or anything written in verse).  I was surprised at how well the story was told using this method.  And you really feel the emotions.

I started Moonstone by Marilee Brothers next.  It was an okay story.  Interesting premise but not fully connected with the characters yet.  I'm hoping the next in the series is better.

I was able to read Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson next.  I was unsure of the religious aspect of this book at first.  But, it plays into the story beautifully.  I think it does a good job of pointing on that views on what's morally right and wrong is created equal and that one isn't more right that the other.  I really loved this story.

I started A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon and got a good chunk of it read.  I'll continue on with it for the rest of the month.  Tonight I will start Torment by Lauren Kate.  I'm also hoping to read  A Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire and Moon Rise by Marilee Brothers.  If there is time, I will read The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell.

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

Review:

• Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder (1 ARC Tours)

Purchased:

   

• Don't Die Dragonfly by Linda Joy Singleton
• Last Dance by Linda Joy Singleton
• Witch Ball by Linda Joy Singleton
• Sword Play by Linda Joy Singleton
• Fatal Charm by Linda Joy Singleton

Library:

    

• A Lion Among Me by Gregory MaGuire
• My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1) by Pittacus Lore

Title: I Am Number Four

Author: Pittacus Lore

Series: 1st in Lorien Legacies

Published: August 2010 by Harper Collins

Pages: 440

ISBN: 9780061969553

Source: ARC from Star Book Tours

 

Description: Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real. Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing. But they know. They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They killed them all. I am Number Four. I am next. 

I Give This...

 

I have serious conflicting thoughts on this book.  For the idea, I would give it 4 butterflies.  For execution, I would probably give it 2.  And yet, the story was really easy to read.  Over 400 pages for a ya novel and I breezed through.  Maybe because overall, I don't think this book has much substance to it.

I particularly enjoyed whenever the subject of the alien's planet was brought up.  I thought it was an original idea of how intermingled our history was with theirs (keep in mind I haven't read a lot of book involving aliens).  I actually thought the story of their world was better developed that the rest of the novel.  I was intrigued be the idea of the nine and how they were being hunted in order because of the charm put on them.

I liked the discussions of the development of their powers (or legacies).

But, sadly this novel spends most of the time in the real world.  It seems more about the everyday struggle of a teens battle to blend in.  I didn't buy the relationship between Sarah and John.  Their 15 and professing their undying love for each other.  I'm not sure how that's possible because I didn't get the feeling that had much of a relationship.  Plus, I could never figure out why Sarah's ex was there in the end.  The reason given just didn't git well with the rest of the story.

I also wasn't really fond of the two different battles with the Mogadorians (the enemy aliens).  It just felt forced and then big battle felt way to sci-fi for me.  I'm not sure I will read the next in the series.

* Pittacus Lore is a pseudonym for the collaboration between James Frey and Jobie Hughes. 

 

Friday—Future Treasures

 

We’ve been visiting each other and getting to know each other better…now is your chance to share what you enjoyed about BBAW and also what your blogging goals are for the next year!

I enjoyed getting to know new bloggers.  I've loved having new visitors to  my own blog.  It's great connecting with other's who share the same love of books that I do (no matter what the genre is).  I've loved interviewing Michelle from The True Book Addict.  I love that publishing companies are recognizing the new face of reviews.  We aren't like the critics.  We do what we do because we love books.  We aren't seeking fame and fortune.  We don't get paid for this.  

As for me, I plan on continuing on.  I want to read a few more classics and contemporary fiction.  I want to refine my reviews.  They have come a long ways since those first days, but I know there is still room for improvement.  I want to reach out more to other bloggers.  I don't network as much as I feel I could.  And my main goal is to find a unique feature or idea for my blog.  I'm coming up with a big blank for that one and I've been working on it for awhile.

So, if you are new followers from this week... Welcome!  I hope you stick around.  And to my older followers... a big thank you to you as well.  There must be something here you like because you keep coming back to visit.  I love having this outlet in my life.  I find it amazing everyday that this is just an extension of what I love to do!  So please, feel free to follow me on google friends, twitter, goodreads, or facebook.  Don't be shy, leave comments, send me tweets, book recommendations, or even just an email!  I'm always looking for a good book!

Thursday — Forgotten Treasure

Sure we’ve all read about Freedom and Mockingjay but we likely have a book we wish would get more attention by book bloggers, whether it’s a forgotten classic or under marketed contemporary fiction. This is your chance to tell the community why they should consider reading this book!

Actually, what I wish I saw more of was reviews of older books.  Maybe it's just the blogs that I'm following, but the trend seems to be the latest and greatest.  I'm sure there are tons of great books that I'm missing that were published 5, 10 or even more years ago.  From like 1995 until last year pretty much all I read was stuff like Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, Dean Koontz, and Patricia Cornwell (not a bad thing, but it's all I looked for).  Occasionally something different was thrown in there but they were few and far between.  I

I'm behind on classics.  I haven't read them and what I have read seems to be hit of miss.  I disliked The Scarlet Letter and Wuthering Heights, but really loved Pride and Prejudice and Little Women.  It's so hard to know what to read and what to stay clear from.

Wednesday—Unexpected Treasure

We invite you to share with us a book or genre you tried due to the influence of another blogger. What made you cave in to try something new and what was the experience like?

Probably at very least half the books I have on my to-read list I've seen on other book blogs.  Book bloggers have introduced me to young adult, paranormal, and fantasy.  Without them I probably would never have read The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, The Study series by Maria Snyder, Graceling, Fire, Thirteen Reasons Why and many more.  I would never had thought to pick up Scott Westerfeld, Carrie Ryan, Michelle Moran, Diana Peterfreund, or Patricia Briggs.

I love my fellow book bloggers.  They've introduced me to a world of books that I didn't realize was out there (I was stuck in a major reading rut when I discovered book blogs).  My list of books I want to read has grown to the point I don't think I will ever catch up.  I add at least a few every week.  I'm thankful for that because I realize I will always have a great book to look forward to!

CONTEST CLOSED BBAW Giveaway - The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

 

In honor of Book Blogger Appreciation week, I decided to host a giveaway!  I had a hard time deciding what to giveaway though.  So what did I settle on...

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

Contest CLOSED!

Interview Swap with Michelle from The True Book Addict

I'm really pleased to have Michelle from The True Book Addict at One Book At A Time.  I'm so glad we were paired for the interview swap.  I love her blog and look forward to discovering more historical fiction through her reviews!

Tell us a little about yourself? 

I'm a stay-at-home mom of two boys.  Until recently, I was a part-time student majoring in history and English, but I capped out on student loans so I was unable to go back this semester.  I've turned this bad news into good by deciding to focus full time on writing my novel.  Now...if I can just stop procrastinating! Five things I love: my boys, books, cats, history and Christmas!

When did you start blogging and why?

I actually started dabbling with blogging about books on MySpace two years ago.  Then, last summer I met some book bloggers on Twitter (namely, Ryan at Wordsmithonia) and was introduced to the book blogging world.  I had no idea that the community was like this and I was so enamored of it.  I launched my blog early in August of 2009.  And the why?  I live, breathe, and eat (just kidding) books! I just love talking about books, whether anyone is listening or not.  It's cathartic and it helps me to enjoy books all the more.

I see you have 7 different book blogs?  Do you update each regularly?

The True Book Addict is my main blog, my book blog, and I update it many times per week.  Historical Fiction Connection is a historical fiction hub for authors and bloggers that I co-produce/edit with Marie from The Burton Review...updated whenever we receive content from authors/contributors.  Challenges of the True Book Addict is where I keep track of the reading challenges I'm participating in...updated as I finish and review books (ideally).  The Christmas Spirit is my year round Christmas blog (Christmas fanatic here!)...updated every 25th of the month, throughout July, and from Thanksgiving week through 12th night (or Epiphany).  101 Fantasy Reading Challenge and The Michener Challenge are dedicated blogs for two perpetual challenges I host...updated as needed for the challenges.  Finally, The Story Inside Me is my writing blog that I am planning to use for writing updates, inspiration, and accountability.  Sorry you asked?

How much time do you spend on your main blog?  How about the others?

I spend a lot of time on my main blog.  It's hard to gauge in time, but I am constantly posting and changing things there.  When I update my challenge blog, I usually spend a large block of time because I made the mistake of joining too many challenges and it takes me forever to update.  Believe me, I've learned my lesson! As for the other blogs, pretty much what I said in question 3.


What’s your favorite thing about blogging?

I love the book blogging community.  I have made some great friends on the blogs.  It's amazing that there are this many people who are of the same mind as me, at least when it comes to the love of books!

When is your favorite time to read?

My best time for reading is night time because I'm such a night owl.  I tend to drowse while reading during the day, unless I'm reading away from home.

Do you have any family members that enjoy reading as well?

My mom, my sister, and my dad.  My mom and I are the ones with HUGE home libraries, although mine is more huge than hers! My sister and I probably have the most in common in our reading tastes.  My sons also love books, although sometimes laziness rears its ugly head.  But I think my love of reading has rubbed off on them enough so that when they are really comfortable with reading, they will love it for life. *fingers crossed*


I counted 32 current challenges and 1 complete!  How do you keep up with them all?

It's very difficult and I do not recommend it.  Last year was the start of my first year blogging and when I found out about reading challenges and saw all the new ones coming out in the new year, I was like a kid in a candy store.  I just recently updated my challenge blog and I have conceded to failure on several.  So, again, lesson learned.  I will be much more selective next year.


Do you read anything that wouldn’t fit into a challenge (besides the page count and 100+ challenge)?

Not really.  I can usually manage to even fit review books into challenges since most of them don't require you to list your books ahead of time.


What’s been your favorite challenge so far?

My favorite challenge is the R.I.P. Challenge hosted every September/October by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings.  Second would be any historical fiction challenge.


Do you have a favorite genre?  I would say historical fiction based on your blog and some of your challenges, but I could be wrong?

Yes, historical fiction is my favorite.  Followed by horror and fantasy.  I'm a pretty eclectic reader, but I'm drawn to historical fiction.

Is there a genre that you’ve recently discovered?

Dystopian, which I have read and Steampunk, which I have learned about, but have not had the pleasure of reading yet.

Do you have a favorite book of all time?

This is such a hard question because I have so many favorites.  But the book I have read the most times is the one I feel is my favorite and that is Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice.  I have read it four times!

How about favorite of this year?

This is going to sound funny, but I can usually judge how much I loved a book on whether it made me cry or not.  While I will read a sad book, I'm not fond of sad endings so it seems kind of a contradiction, but tears do not always mean sadness for me.  Tears are often a release or a sign that I've felt something deeply.  Two books have had this effect on me so far this year....The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show by Frank Delaney.


What book that is on your to-read list are you looking forward to most?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling.  No, I have not read it yet! Shocking, huh?  I read the books each time within six months before the movie was released.  The first part of the last movie comes out November 19th so I'm looking forward to getting the book read before I see it.

Thanks Michelle for answering my questions!   And if your interested I answered some question for Michelle which are posted on her site!

Monday—First Treasure

We invite you to share with us about a great new book blog you’ve discovered since BBAW last year!  If you are new to BBAW or book blogging, share with us the very first book blog you discovered.  Tell us why this blog rocks your socks off and why you keep going back for more.

It's so hard to pick just one.  I was still very green at last years BBAW and I wasn't following very many blogs.  My list has grown exponentially since then.  So here are a few that I love

Girls In The Stacks - I love what these ladies do!  Their blog is very unique and I like how they review different books.  Plus, if they both read the book that doesn't mean they both liked it!

Polish Outlander - I can't tell you when I discovered this blog.  But, it's one of my favorites.  We seem to like the same books.  Plus, she's always posting about new historical fiction that I almost always add to my to read list!

Princess Bookie - I love Cindy!  Not only does she have a fabulous blog, but she also runs Around The World Tours.  It's my favorite tour website hands down! 

Steph Su Reads - Have you ever read her reviews?  They are fantastic.  I wish I had 1/4 of her review writing ability.  Plus, she doesn't sugar coat her reviews.  If she doesn't like it, she tells you exactly why.  And about 90% of the time, I completely agree with her!

I hope I've been able to point you in the direction of a new blog.  Feel free to share yours!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I didn't post last Monday.  We were on vacation and the house we were staying in didn't have internet (oddly it was top of the line everything else but not internet).  Not posting made me realize how much I like this meme for my own benefit.   I had nothing picked out for the week, so I had no idea what to read.  

I finished Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins while on vacation.  It was probably not the best time to read such a book and I will reread it sometime soon.  I didn't dislike it, but it was a lot to digest.

Next I read The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green.  It was cute and had some serious tones to it that I think were done really well.  I can see this becoming a series (or trilogy) and I would read the next one.

I decided to read my library book Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning.  It was an excellent start to the series, but I was just so-so with the book as a whole.  I wanted some release with the sexual tension between the two main characters and didn't feel like I got it.

Since I had such a hard time choosing a book, I read Aristobrats  by Jeniffer Shaw next.  I have to admit it wasn't really my type of book and held little cross over appeal for adults.  But, I decided to try and rate it from a pre-teen point of veiw.  I think I would have loved it if I was 10 or so.  It had everything I would want my daughter to read at that age.  Really good message on positive self imagine and values.

I decided to reread Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling next.  Have to keep up if I want to reread the whole series by November!

I'll start Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa tonight.  I'm really excited for this one.  I loved The Iron King and the short story Winter's Passage.  I also plan to read Moonstone by Marilee Brothers, and Saving Maddie  by Varian Johnson.  If there's time, I really need to start A Breathe of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon.

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

For Review:

• Aristobrats by Jennifer Solow

Swapped:

• Aries Rising by Bonnie Hearn Hill
• Taurus Eyes by Bonnie Hearn Hill

Library:

 

• The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa