Blog Every Day in August!

I did it in April and I'm doing it again this month! (well next month... well tomorrow!) Just so you know, tomorrow ends the contest for Kristin Cashore's "Fire". And I'll also have another contest starting tomorrow as well. Haven't figured out which book to put up, but I'll give it some thought. I have a bunch of reviews I need to post as well! I'm currently trying to read Aprilynne Pike's "Wings" but I just cannot get into it. It's not the writing, the writing is very good, I think it's just me! Does that happen to you?

Why I love Young Adult Books

My love of reading all things young adult probably started when my oldest daughter, Rebecca was in the 7th grade and had to read Lois Lowry's "The Giver". I wanted to know exactly what type of books they were asking the children to read and felt that i could talk to her about what she'd read. No, I'm definitely not one of those mom's that will scream and shout about the material they have their children read. I'm very open minded and know that some books are more hard hitting than other books and could possibly give them ideas about things that they normally wouldn't have thought of. However, it's a teaching lesson, right? So I read "The Giver" and immediately fell in love with the story and to tell the truth, I'm one of those people who found the ending quite sad, some people find it uplifting. But I pushed this book on so many of my friends because I thought it needed to be read. I never, ever regretted reading that story and I'm so glad that this book was on the list of books to be read. There was another book that my oldest read that I took a different attitude from. At first I blamed the book for introducing ideas into her young head especially during a trying time in the family. I was pregnant with my now five year old, and B was lashing out. See, she was an only child for 13 years, so she had every right to be upset. It was an upsetting time. But after she read Patricia McCormick's, "Cut", she started cutting herself. I would NEVER, EVER ban a book from my house, and I never banned it from my house, but I was skeptical about it. Was this really a book for a 13 year old? So I read it, and I'm glad I did because I realized that blaming the author or the storyline was really the wrong thing to do. Especially without knowing what the contest of the books was. It was a hardhitting book that pulled no punches and it explained in greater detail what my daughter was going through at the time. It made me understand her. Of course I was still freaked out that she was doing this and marking her young body, but it was her way of rebelling. After that, I tried to read as many books that was on her summer reading list or just books that she'd picked up to read randomly. It turned out that I absolutely adored the stories that I was reading, and she, not so much. Of course, there are still young adult books that I won't read and I won't label which ones they are, but there are still a ton of young adult authors that inspire me and challenge me every day. I completely understand why the young adult market is exploding as I type. I can't really say that Stephenie Meyer has opened it up for teens, but yeah, she's made it more accessible. The pioneer in young adult books and even middle grade books will always be Judy Blume. I devoured her books as a teenager. I should probably revisit them now in my 40s and see how they've held up. I will always love the young adult market even as I get up there in age, and I think the teens nowadays are so lucky for the choices they have. Young adult novels in the late 70s/early 80s was fairly non-existent. Judy Blume being the exception. I know I've told the above story before but it really was the definining moment for me and my love of all things YA. Funnily enough, I've yet to read Sarah Dessen or even Meg Cabot. I'm not saying that I shun adult type books too, because once in a while I need something light! :) But lately the YA market has been fantastic. I know I gushed about Barry Lyga's "Boy Toy", and I've finally finished it. And let me just tell you WOW! is what I can say! It was brilliantly conceived, unflinching, hard hitting and just an amazing story. THIS is what I like to read. Make me think about things, give me sides and let me be the deciding factor of what I think. Although, "Boy Toy" is a current story for our times, it's lingering effect on YA novels is amazing. Lyga didn't shy away or paint a clear picture, he presented the facts of which were amazing and he brought it to it's natural conclusion. I really think Kuehnart and Lyga write what they feel deep down inside. It's gritty, it's messy, but it's life. These two authors I hold in special distinction with Nick Hornby, another writer who's not afraid to pull any punches in his novels. With a slick voice and comedic timing, I can laugh out loud and cringe at the same time. They make me feel something that sometimes I find lacking in books. I'm wrapping this up, but I hope that people who read this post will look at books and think about how they make them feel and think. Just some recommendations: Barry Lyga "Boy Toy" Graphia Nick Hornby "High Fidelity" Riverhead Nick Hornby "Slam" Razorbill Stephanie Kuehnart "I wanna be your Joey Ramone" MTV Books

Blogging about Books

I went to the bookstore today after a doctor's appointment for my five year old. We went to trusty old Borders and I found exactly what I was looking for. I finally found Lisa Mantchev's Eyes Like Stars and even though I read it back in February and reviewed it way back then, I wanted, nay, needed to own a hardcover copy for myself because the cover is just too gorgeous not to own! Then of course I just had to make my way over to the Z's because I just had to see if Prophecy of the Sisters was in stock. And lo and behold, it was! They had a ton of them! Michelle would be so proud. So I do what is natural and I grab one because even though I was one of the 'first' bloggers to read the book, and devour it and love it, and write to Michelle daily telling her how much I loved it, I knew I also had to own a copy of that one. Plus Michelle held out on the surprise. Which is the surprise on the actual hardcover. Fear not, I spoil you not! This cover is equally gorgeous and I'm sorry that these pictures from goodreads do not represent the covers in real-life person. The third book I bought is by my newest favorite author, Barry Lyga. They had Boy Toy there, but I really wanted The Astonishing Fanboy and Goth Girl but it wasn't there, so I settled for Hero, Type, which I'm thrilled about because it sounds fantastic. And I can embarrass him some more and that's always fun to do. I highly recommend these three books all for different reasons, but also because they are fantastic books by fantastic authors who all have different voices, but will control the world of fiction in the coming years. I look forward to reading sequels and just reading what these talented writers have to say.

Time out from contests for something important.

I realized that I never really gave a run down of what I did when I went to BEA. But I should've gushed about this and I didn't. I went to a star studded YA themed party given by Little Brown for the upcoming release of the anthology, "Geektastic". Which is edited by the lovely Holly Black and Cecil Castelluci. I got to meet, Holly and chatted with her for sometime. She doesn't live too far from me here in MA. I also got to meet the talented David Levithan (of Nick and Nora fame) and his own lovely books and he's an editor at Scholastic and works with a friend of mine, Cheryl Klein. I met Scott Westerfeld and his wife, Justine. But there was one guy there that I had absolutely no clue about. Never heard of him, never read his books, didn't even give him the time of day. However, my compatriots all knew who this dashing man was (huh?) so I went up and introduced myself to him and started chatting to him, explaining to him that I hadn't a clue about him at all. So I know you're all wondering... Who did I meet? He was so funny, and smart and cute and lives so very far away that stalking him would be criminal. He seemed really down to earth and wasn't even the bit annoyed that I kept reminding him that I hadn't a clue about him prior to meeting him. Well color me stupid because I am reading his book right now and lo and behold, the joke was on me. His writing is gorgeous, beautiful, mesmerizing. I cannot put this book down, but I felt I had to let you, my readers know that this book is a must read, you will fall in love with his protaganist and everyone else in this story. I'm not finished with it, but want to savor every bit I can take. I am amazed that the name Barry Lyga has never crossed my lips prior to May 30, 2009. And I highly recommend everyone to read Boy Toy. And for extra incentive, the copy I'm reading is signed by the man himself and I will be giving this special book to a special person who I deem worthy to own this glittery gem of a book! So for those of you who can't wait, I say get thee to a bookstore, library, yard sale and hunt down a copy of Barry Lyga's books. All of them!

CONTEST TIME!

Giving away a copy of Kristin Cashore's Fire!, All you have to do is post here your name, e-mail address. That is all. Please ONE entry per person. Contest will end on August 1, 2009 Please note that is is open for US residents only.

Suprises!

I've just RECEIVED Three finished copies of Shiver and two finished copies of Ruined. WHAT am I to do with all these books? Hmmm....:)

Ballad, Maggie Stiefvater

I finally read this book (and it was autographed to me!), and what can I say. I missed James and Dee and the all the crazy faeries that followed those too. I'm going to admit that I loved this book. The snarkiness of James is perfect and hides his inner self and the pain that he is feeling because of his feelings for Dierdre. But James goes on his own now that they're an Thornking-Ash School for gifted musicians. Everytime James plays the Bagpipes he summons a not-so-nice Faerie, Nuala. Who lives every 16 years by sucking the life out of humans who are talented. She gives them the power to be even better than imaginable, but as she does it, she drains the life force. However, snarky James is more in trouble than that. Nuala is falling in love with him and he returns the favor! Dee is very much on the outside in this story, and it works well to allow James to shine in his sarcastic goodness. You know the pain he feels and you realize that he does what he does for reasons. Shiver is a very different book, but I really think Maggie shines with James and Nuala. I cannot wait til book three! 5 Bookmarks!

Winner of Catching Fire is...

Hillary booklovergal12@hotmail.com

Catching Fire Contest!

you can find here This contest will finally end tomorrow night at 10pm (I promise I will pick a winner!)

In My Mailbox (13)

Memefied by Story Siren and started by Alea Received from Penguin: Mischief Maker's Manual, Sir John Hargrave Lipstick Apology, Jennifer Jabaley (this is my 8th copy) Fire, Kristin Cashore (my second copy) After, Amy Efaw, (Second copy) Hold Still, Nina LaCour (second copy) I am a genius of unspeakable evil and I want to be your class president, Josh Lieb From Scholastic: Moribito, Nahoko Uehashi (second copy) Suite Scarlett, Maureen Johnson (my 9th copy) Black Rabbit Summer, Kevin Brooks (second copy) Gentlemen, Michael Northrop (finished copy) Sea Change, Aimee Freidman, (second copy) A Map of the Known World, Lisa Ann Sandell (third copy) Reincarnation, Suzanne Weyn (second copy) Distant Waves, Suzanne Weyn Thirteenth Child, Patricia Wrede Because of all these duplicates, I'm going to giving books away at random times, so please tune in throughout the weeks to see which book I'm giving away and any random time. Also, please note that these are US/CA contests only

Winner of my 200 Followers Contest

Was number 48 and I had to go all the back to the beginning and count! But it is... nfmgirl Also, known as Heather! Heather, you'll be getting Suite Scarlett and Shiver in the mail together! Congratulations!

MIA

Sorry guys that I've been missing in action! My daughter's graduation party was on Saturday so I had a lot of planning to do. Plus, I completely forgot about the Catching Fire contest! So I'm going to let that one run for another week. I will be picking the winner of Shiver sometime today. I'm up to 201 Followers and I will include everyone up to the point I pick the winner. I hope everyone is having a nice summer so far and reading a ton. Why don't you tell me here what you're reading, have read or looking forward to read. Plus, I can always make some recommendations for cool summer reads based on what you're reading!

OMIGOD! I hit 200 Followers!

I'm not sure when it happened :( But it finally happened! I will pick a winner soon! Thanks you guys! you all rock! Laura

Some News... and... A Contest!

Okay, I still need 9 more people left before I giveaway, Shiver! C'mon people, all you have to do is follow me, it's that simple! Once I hit 200 EVERYONE is entered. I just finished reading my copy of Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins and I loved it. So for one week, I'm holding a contest who can tell me in 50 words or less why they should win this book! This contest will end at 11pm EDT on Friday, July 10! So get your imaginations going and tell me why you should win Catching Fire!

The Stolen One, Suzanne Crowley

From Goodreads: When her adoptive mother dies, Katherine Bab takes the chance she has been waiting for her whole life: she moves from her country village to London, to uncover the secret of who she really is. Before long, Kat has become a favorite of Queen Elizabeth herself, and rumors are swirling - could fiery-haired Kat be the secret daughter of the Virgin Queen? Kat's got plenty of other things to figure out, as well . . . such as how to choose between her childhood love and two handsome men at court vying for her affection. This smart, sensual novel drips with intrigue, period detail, and drama and will resonate with anyone who has ever longed to find his or her place in the world. Obviously the cover grabbed my attention first and foremost, but the one thing that surprised me was how much I really enjoyed this book. I literally held off sleep to finish it. Katherine Bab is a great, if selfish character, but it's easy to see why she does what she does. She's never known who she is and was told that no one wanted her. Like Goodreads says, after her step-mother passes away, Katherine takes her sister and leaves her country life and moves to the city of London where she believes she will find out who her parents are. She's known all along that she didn't belong with Grace Bab and her sickly daughter, Anna. Her fiery red hair made her even more of an outsider, but the whispers that she could in fact be the spawn of Queen Elizabeth herself, propels Katherine to follow her own destiny even after a marriage proposal from Christian. The country lad who loves her. With intrigue and deception, Katherine finds romance, lies and above all, realizes that true love may be waiting for you at home. 4 Bookmarks