Sarah Ockler is giving away $25 book store gift card

Just fill out a survey. It's a brief survey only 8 questions, but the more people fill out, the crazier things, Sarah will do! So go ahead, I know you want to!

In my Mailbox (4)

Memefied by Story Siren and brain child of Alea Today brought a wealth of goodies: From Steph Su: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Rachel Cohn & David Levithan (loved the movie, will I love the book?) The Looking Glass Wars, Frank Beddor From Harper Canada: Once Dead, Twice Shy, Kim Harrison The Ship of Lost Souls, Rachelle Delaney From Little Brown: Tumtum & Nutmeg Rumblewick's Diary: My Unwilling Witch Goes to Ballet School (My Unwilling Witch Sleeps over) (books attached), Hiawyn Oram, Sarah Warburton The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Nagaru Tanigawa Sleepaway Girls, Jen Calonita Suddenly Supernatural: Unhappy Medium, Elizabeth Cody Kimmel Martha Doesn't Say Sorry! by Samantha Berger, Illustrated Bruce Watley

Hunted, P.C. and Kristin Cast

I could post the back teaser of the book here, but I won't. I could say this book was amazing, but I can't. Basically what we have in this book is a lot of drivel, annoying teen speak (WTF and my BFF is so not my BFF anymore! Hello?). ARGH! It took me forever to read this book, because it was SO annoyingly bad. Zoey again proves herself to be the hoe-ist of ho's (her words, not mine). If there was a story here, I completely missed it. Oh, right, Kalona (Yawn, "I'm gorgeous and you want me") Zoey ("I will not succumb, but DAMN is he hot or what? Hello!"), Aphrodite ("Stay away from my man, Twins!") she wussed out bigtime. Damien or Darius? THE AUTHORS COULDN'T KEEP THEM STRAIGHT EITHER! Zoey (I have so many boys, but do I or don't I have sex with Erik, but I'm attracted to Heath (he's my human) and now there is Stark who is a red fledgling. Who she can't seem to keep her lips away from. Just ARGH, ARGH, ARGH! If this review is confusing, heh, THAT's what I had to deal with! The world is ending and all Zoey can think about is who can she kiss during time of war! The writing was terrible, the dialogue is cringeworthy and the editing was sucktastic. The editor of this book should be ashamed to let such junk leave their desk. I don't live in Tulsa, so I haven't a clue about Doppler 8 or what if I didn't know who Christian from Project Runway was (I do and yeah, he was fierce!), but the pop culture references were annoying. If my teen daughter turned to me actually said the letters, W.T.F., I'd kill her. I'm around teens quite a bit, and they DO NOT talk that way. Probably even in Tulsa! Skip it. Better yet, burn it. It really doesn't deserve a bookmark, it was that bad.

I've upped the ante

If you leave a message on Kenneth Zink's Music Myspace (he will have to friend you first!) you will be entered to win the book that he is scoring! His mom's "Prophecy of the Sisters". This gothic young adult novel will keep you gasping and wanting more! This is a much sought after book to, so to have one now is extra special! So show the love, leave a message on Kenneth's music space letting him know what you think of the music he's created for the book! I think it's time to get your Prophecy ON! :) And I might throw in another book of my choosing, so you NEVER know what you might get! Kenneth Zink's Myspace *if you don't have a myspace, you can still listen, just post here that you listened and tell me what your favorite composition was.

Something I URGE all of you to check out!

The Talented and beautiful, Michelle Zink, just happens to have a talented and very handsome son, Kenneth Zink:) Who is scoring the music for the book, "Prophecy of the Sisters". YOU MUST go listen to his compositions. They are eerie, haunting and just absolutely brilliant! So far he has three original compositions up and they are just amazing. And just so you know, HE IS playing the piano in all three pieces! You can find him here: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=462272678 Please leave a comment for him telling him how much you love the music. EDITED: I'M CHECKING EVERY SO OFTEN TO SEE IF ANY OF MY PEEPS HAVE GONE OVER TO SHARE THE LOVE WITH KENNETH. IF YOU LEAVE A MESSAGE, A LUCKY PERSON JUST MAY WIN A COPY OF PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS!!! (NOT THE SWAG BAG, JUST THE BOOK) Laura

In my Mailbox (3)

Memefied by Story Siren and brain child of Alea March 23-27, 2009 It's been a slow few weeks for me, but this week yielded some awesome books. From Brooke: Ink Exchange (ARC, I sent her a year ago!), Melissa Marr Leftovers, Laura Wiess From Paperbackswap The Tenth Man, Graham Greene The Quiet American, Graham Green From Penguin Peace, Love and Baby Ducks, Lauren Myracle The Chronicle of Vladmir Tod: Tenth Grade Bleeds, Heather Brewer Tales of the Underground, John Barnes Along for the Ride, Sarah Dessen Strange Angels, Lili St. Crow Chasing the Bear: A Young Spenser Novel, Robert B. Parker Waiting for you, Susane Colasanti Lipstick Apology, Jennifer Jabaley Unclaimed Heart, Kim Wilkins Academy 7, Anne Osterlund Peace love and baby ducks is my second (which is good because they're PROMISED!) Along for the ride is my second Lipstick Apology is my THIRD! I would picspam you, but honestly, it would take forever for me to post all these pics!

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

Stupid Cupid (book 1)—coming December 22, 2009! Felicity Walker believes in true love. That’s why she applies for a gig at the matchmaking company Cupid’s Hollow. But when Felicity gets the job, she learns that she isn’t just a matchmaker…she’s a cupid! (There’s more than one of them, you know.) Armed with a hot pink, tricked-out PDA infused with the latest in cupid magic (love arrows shot through email), Felicity works to meet her quota of successful matches. But when she bends the rules of cupidity by matching her best friend Maya with three different boys at once, disaster strikes. Felicity needs to come up with a plan to set it all right, pronto, before she gets fired…and before Maya ends up with her heart split in three. My Thoughts: I've been a fan of Rhonda's since we hooked up on Livejournal, and since last year I have been hounding her for an ARC of this really cute book. I like the idea behind it, because we all want a little bit of love!

Help me pick a book?

After I finish Hunted, I need to decide on what I want to read, but I can't decide! So will you? I'm gonna post a bunch of books in no particular order. Can you help me decide what I should read? I really appreciate all the help! The Season, Sarah MacLean Cracked up to Be, Courtney Summers Bewitching Season, Marissa Doyle Eon, Dragoneye Reborn, Alison Goodman The September Sisters, Jillian Cantor The King's Rose, Alisa Libby Bones of Faerie, Janni Lee Simner Night Runner, Max Turner North of Beautiful, Justina Chen Headley Zombie Queen of Newbury High, Amanda Ashby Fairest of them All, Jen Blazanin The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan GoldenGirl, Micol Ostow Absolutely, Maybe, Lisa Yee I know it's over, CK Kelly Martin Evermore, Alyson Noel Kiss Me, Kill Me, Lauren Henderson Twenty Boy Summer, Sarah Ockler The ABCs of Kissing Boys, Tina Ferraro Dust of 100 Dogs, AS King Okay this is a HUGE list why doesn't everyone pick a 10 books out of that list that I should read within the next few weeks.

Blog Awards

I've received a few blog awards within the past week, and I've been so lazy that I haven't done anything about it. I just want to say thank to those who have nominated me and sent me an award. I'm going to take a blog award sabbatical. I hope you don't mind.

I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone, Stephanie Keuhnert

In the same vein as Irvine Welsh, Roddy Doyle and Nick Hornby, Stephanie has a voice that MUST be heard. Her debut novel exudes with sex, drugs and of course, the iconic rock and roll. But that's not all this story is about. In more ways than one, this story is about family, having it, not having and trying like hell to find it. I've been really struggling to write a review that really explains the awesomeness that is "I wanna be your Joey Ramone". So I wanna hear what YOU guys thought of this book. I absolutely adored it. The voice and tone of the book is exactly what I needed to get out of my rut. Emily Black is not your typical teenage girl, she's all about the music and getting out of her small little town in Wisconsin. By the age of 15 she's already a well-known customer of The River's Edge. A local hot spot for local and up and coming punk bands. What grabbed me about this story was the desperation in Emily's character at times. Growing up thinking that her mother left to follow the music. Emily longs for that. She's brought up listening to music and longing for following it. Constantly seeking out a normal family when she doesn't realize that she's in a normal family. I really cannot do justice to this book, and want to hear what you thought of it. Please share...

Have you Stewed enough?

Okay, the book is.... PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS, by Michelle Zink!!!! You guys are good! Contest rules will be published soon, just keep watching this space!

Happy Birthday, Carol(ina)

Today I suspend blogging to wish a fellow blogger a Happy 17th Birthday! She's currently on vacation in Florida (Lucky Her!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROLINA! Here's a nice cake for you!

100 Followers!!!!

Because I just got my 100th Follower I think something BIG should happen. But what could it possibly be? I still have that unnamed contest. Oh, and I received the swag bag and the goodies are plentiful! *Due to FOOD being included in the package, unfortunately this contest is open to US only...Don't want to break any International Relations with sending chocolates to a foreign country. *Sorry!* One bracelet! One chain necklace! one Victorian era choker! box of chocolates! note cards! Victorian era journal! ARC of Eyes Like Stars!! ARC of Unnamed Book! Chapter booklets WITH gorgeous tattoos!!!! All for ONE lucky person... But HOW should I hold a super-duper contest? I'm really stumped and I think YOU guys really want this awesome gift. I can tell you that the author is a mom to FOUR children. Her book first sold to publisher in 2007 This year is a special year for her for TWO reasons! She's got dark brown hair. She's originally from California Hmmm, but how to hold this contest... Any ideas? :)

This Is What I Want To Tell You, Heather Duffy Stone

Tells the story of Fraternal twins, Noelle and Nadio Carter. Each chapter alternates between the two voices. Noelle's best friend Keeley, has always been there for her. They were two peas in a pod. Never could you separate the two. Then Keeley goes away to England for a summer and Noelle's world is turned upside down. She doesn't have a friend to talk to, she gets involved with the 'bad' girl from school. She meets and falls for an older guy who seem fairly superficial. Noelle is deep, she sees her surrounding and watches what is going on around. Nadio always seems to write his missing dad in his mind. He composes eloquent letters but never seems to put them down on paper. He is breaking out of the kid mode and realizing that he is the man of the house and feels compelled to protect his mother and sister. But at times he doesn't understand the role and runs to get away from the heat. He feels free when he runs. It is during one of these runs, that he sees Keeley after her trip abroad. Although, he's always associated Keeley with Noelle, this is different. She seems more separate. I liked the tone and pace of this story. At times I found myself really liking Nadio's story better than Noelle's. She was angry and at times you don't understand why. She avoids her best friend, her family, to hang out with and older guy (he's 19). But she wants and needs more. There is a quiet, seething, anger boiling inside of her. I liked watching Nadio's and Keeley's relationship grow, although she has a secret hanging over head, and Nadio realizes something is wrong. They are deliberate in the way they handle their relationship. I recommend this book to all teens because I really do think they'll identify with the feelings that run through the book. 3 Bookmarks.

WINNER of RANDOM Contest!

Randomizer has spoken and the winner is! KB teach46530 AT gmail DOT com. KB if you could e-mail me at lauram68 at gmail dot com with your home address, I will get the book sent out to you ASAP! Thank you to everyone who participated!

A Reading Slump

I am in. I've tried reading several different books now and just get that 'blah' feeling. Not from the books, just from me. It's like I feel burnt out or something. I haven't been feeling 100%, so maybe that has something to do with it. I am reading Heather Duffy Stone's book (and I owe her an e-mail!), but it's taking longer than it really should considering it's not that long of a book. I feel as if I have to force myself to read. It has nothing to do with her writing, it's wonderful. Or the storyline, it's interesting. It's all me. Do you guys ever feel this way? You get a book or books that you're dying to read and once you get it you're just 'blah', due to no fault of the author? Maybe it's the weather here in MA and I'm waiting for warm, sunny days where I can open windows, or sit outside with a large hat and listen to the birds while I read? I just don't know. BLAH. The random contest is going very well, still not sure when I'm going to end it, so you better act fast! The unnamed contest is equally going swimmingly and author has added extra goodies to the swag bag. Still trying to figure out how to exactly HOLD this one... But I'll come up with something.

Random Contest--CLOSED!!!!

To Celebrate the upcoming release of Jeannine Garsee's, Say the Word, I'm giving away ONE copy...now. All you have to do and I need you to pay careful attention: Just post here that you want a copy! That's it. Just post here that you WANT a copy. OH, and it's a hardcover, first edition, fully finished copy... Did you get that? You just have to POST here that you want a copy. I'm not sure when this will end. It's that RANDOM of a contest! *Random contest is open TO EVERYONE in the world...

More on unnamed book contest.

I was talking to my sister about Contest. She doesn't read, but that's okay, I'm the oldest, which also means, I'm the nicer one. She doesn't understand my love of young adult books and I told her that YA really is a misnomer, because I think they appeal to everyone. I have a brother too, he's more into Nick Hornby ('coz of me!) Have you ever tried to cartoonize yourself with Zinkys? I tried but it doesn't work for me. Maybe I'm just clueless as to how to cartoonize myself. Oh, you're still waiting on clues for the book? Well it's spectacular, sophisticated, sensational, and serious. I'm such an alliteration snake. So there you go, can you pick out the clues? I understand chocolate will be involved in swag bag... *and if your name is Yan, you cannot post the answer:)

In My Mailbox

I forgot to add that this was started The Story Siren I'm a bit late with this post. I will post pictures later, but this is what I've rec'd 3 copies of Say the Word, Jeannine Garsee 1 copy of Hunted, PC & Kristin Cast 1 copy of Twenty Boy Summer, Sarah Ockler (now signed as I met her yesterday) Rec'd yesterday in NYC City of Glass, Cassie Clare I know it's Over, CK Kelly Martin The Season, Sarah MacLean The September Sisters, Jillian Cantor Fairest of them All, Jen Blazanin If I Stay, Gayle Forman GoldenGirl, Micol Ostow Dead Girl Dancing, Linda Joy Singleton The Devouring, Simon Holt Beautiful Americans, Lucy Silag The Kings Rose, Alisa M. Libby Stargazer, Claudia Gray Bones of Faerie, Janni Lee Simner Zombie Queen of Newbury High, Amanda Ashby 2 copies of Say the Word, Jeannine Garsee (that brings me to 5 total!)

You guys up for a contest?

What if I said that I have a copy (ARC) of a highly anticipated book and I'm gonna work with the author to hold a contest here where she could also include some goodies into the contest. I'm not going to name the book.... yet, but I will tell you that, it's awesome, it's gonna be HUGE and doesn't come out until mid-summer! huh, any guesses? I'm tellin' ya, it's HUGE! :) AND just found out that this author is THROWING in a SWAG BAG with goodies... You guys are gonna be in HEAVEN!!! AND: (I'm an idiot!) She's THROWING in another copy of the book! SO that means TWO winners.... It is NOT Prada and Prejudice It is NOT Sarah Dessen This book comes out Summer of '09... THAT's all I'm saying! I know I'm going to HELL! :)

Blossom

Willow Giveaway--HUGE Giveaway, too!

Lauren has come up with an awesome contest where you can win multiple prizes!!!! Below are a list of people who are in on this contest (myself included). Just follow the details, make sure you if you preorder the book, that you e-mail Lauren at the e-mail address below. Have fun! Details: Starts: March 1 Ends: April 30 To enter: One must buy the book (ARCs do not count of course) and send proof (receipt, picture of book, etc.) to me at: Lauren51990 AT aol DOT com Book: Willow by Julia Hoban is not released until April 2, so if someone pre-orders the book in March, that will count, and if they go out and buy the book in April, that will count. I hope that is everything regarding the main details. As for what the prizes are and who is all involved, I have included that below with their blog links. Thanks again, Lauren www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com List of prizes Khy is giving away Does This Book Make Me Look Fat? http://www.freneticreader.blogspot.com/ Kelsey is giving away B&N ten dollar gift card in a cute felt penguin “bag” and some bookmarks. http://justblindedbookreviews.blogspot.com Carrie will give Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby http://carriesyabookshelf.blogspot.com Kelsey is giving an ARC version of Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway http://readingkeepsyousane.blogspot.com/ Alea is giving away Sherlock Holmes Volume 1. http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/ Kristi is giving a 10 dollar Amazon gift card. www.thestorysiren.com Harmony is making a soundtrack with songs she feels fit the book. http://harmonybookreviews.wordpress.com/ Lenore is giving 10 dollars to Amazon www.presentinglenore.blogspot.com Gabbi is giving Chloe Doe by Suzanne Phillips http://fivestarreading.blogspot.com Lauren will give the winner a book of their choice (has to be paperback!) www.shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com Chelsea is giving a $10 card to Amazon www.thepageflipper.blogspot.com My Favorite Author is giving Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson www.myfavoriteauthor.blogspot.com Vanessa is giving Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin http://whatvanessareads.wordpress.com/ Shalonda is giving away Sherlock Holmes Volume 2. http://www.shalondasblog.blogspot.com/ Carol is giving an ARC of Because I Am Furniture. http://www.bookluver-carol.blogspot.com/ Tirzah is giving Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier www.thecompulsivereader.blogspot.com Lauren is giving a 15 dollar gift card to B&N www.laurenscrammedbookshelf.blogspot.com Laura is giving a 10 dollar Borders gift card and the book Flygirls. http://laurasreviewbookshelf.blogspot.com/ Sarah is giving The Adoration of Jenna Fox http://sarahbear9789.blogspot.com/ Alyssa is giving Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston. http://theshadyglade.blogspot.com