Saturday, June 16, 2012

Review- Divergent by Veronica Roth

by Veronica Roth
Published May 3, 2011

Summary:
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five faction Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is- she can't have both. She makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.


During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are- and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves...or it might destroy her.


My Thoughts:
I heard about this book for a while and was really wanting to read it especially after all the hype about it and the next book in the series, Insurgent. I also heard negative things about how it was too much like "the Hunger Games." Divergent had it's own uniqueness (obviously) but I can understand why some people would say it was a bit like "The Hunger Games" I know some points of the book reminded me of it but not much so I wasn't disappointed in any way. It was a quick and fun read. I whizzed through this book in one night while my boyfriend was working and I had nothing else to do. I couldn't put it down and when I did all I wanted to do was get back to it. I loved the setting and the characters. Each had interesting personalities and some of which I loved and some in which I hated very much and made me dislike the character just like the main character did.

It's pretty much like the summary says. It's about Beatrice Prior, a 16-year-old girl who lives within the Abnegation faction. At 16 they are all tested to see which faction would best suit them when it came to the Choosing Ceremony but Beatrice's results come back as "inconclusive" and have to remain a secret and gets no answers from anyone, nor can she ask or speak of it.

I also enjoyed the romance part of it (because you can't have a YA book without some romance right?) I wont speak his name because I don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't read it yet but I found him very mysterious and intriguing to me. A little deep and secretive but romantic at the same time. I had a certain picture of him in my head, which of course I'll keep to myself also but it's pretty much exactly what I said above. He has a sweet personality but doesn't want to overly show it or let it be known to everyone else.

All in all it was a good read. I finished it a few weeks back and can't wait to get my hands on Insurgent now that it's out. I usually don't read one book unless I have them all, that way I don't have to sit and wait a long time and I can just jump into the next one right after but since the book store is so far away here it's not possible so this time I'll just have to wait. Another 5/5 book for me!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (8)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting.






This Weeks Waiting On Wednesday...







My Life In Black & White

by Natasha Friend

Expected Publish Date- June 28, 2012

Summary
(From Goodreads)


Lexi has always been stunning. Her butter-colored hair and perfect features have helped her attract friends, a boyfriend, and the attention of a modeling scout. But everything changes the night Lexi's face goes through a windshield. Now she's not sure what's worse: the scars she'll have to live with forever, or what she saw going on between her best friend and her boyfriend right before the accident. With the help of her trombone-playing, defiantly uncool older sister and a guy at school recovering from his own recent trauma, Lexi learns she's much more than just a pretty face

Friday, May 18, 2012

Fresh Finds




I'm BACK!

So, I apologize to everyone. I've been out for a bit. Busy with life and doing things and stuff. *Le Sigh* On another note, it's beautiful here. We've had a lot of rain the past few weeks and the sun is very Welcome to come back and keep us company! It's nice and warm which is definitely a bonus so I went for a walk and went to the store where I found these:





 The Good Father- Diane Chamberlain
Ascend- Amanda Hocking
Passion- Lauren Kate


 I totally forgot about Ascend coming out back in April so when I seen it at the store I had to grab it! I still haven't started the other 2 yet but I like having all the books in a series when I read them (if possible) I'm happy with my new books BUT these have to be the last ones for a while (Excluding when I get Insurgent cause I really want it) because I have too many books to read now that are unread and I need to get on the ball. 


Here's some other new things:
 

New Business Cards and a Tote That I Got From Vista Print. I 
didn't Think they looked too bad :) I like them and the tote will be nice to hold yarn and strut around with. Something cute and neat to have I guess. We'll see how it goes.






Newborn-3 Month Baby Bonnet & Popcorn Hand Warmers :3



Anyway. Thought I'd pop by, post, share. Life is busy! Hope you all enjoy your weekend!!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Monday Musing (4)

Musing Monday is a weekly event where MizB of Should Be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.




Question:
Other than working at a job, what is your biggest interruption to reading? What takes you away from your book(s)

 Answer:
Well this can be a lot of things. I don't work as I'm a stay at home mom but I tend to be a procrastinator when it comes to...well, life. I want to do so much things at the same that I wish I could have like 10 more of me to get everything done. I have phases. I read for a bit, then I change over to crochet, then I change over to Video Games...so yeah. At the moment I'm on Video Games so it's pretty much me wanting to do so much at the same time that I can't get a lot in. 


What's  your answer to Musing Monday? :)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (8)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting.




This Weeks Waiting On Wednesday....




Burn For Burn
By Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian

Expected Publish Date- September 18, 2012

Summary (From Goodreads)


The start of a brand-new young adult trilogy about three very different girls who overcome their differences and band together to seek revenge on those who have wronged them, uncovering a supernatural secret about what brought them together and why in the process. Each book will rotate back and forth between the perspectives of all three characters.

So I have seen this book flowing around and seen it on a few WoW's this week. I really love the cover, it's what drew me in. Honestly, I wish there was more of a summary then just what is posted. I may have to look around more. Are you wairing this book? What is your WoW?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (7)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting.



This Weeks Waiting On Wednesday...



Blind Spot
By Lauren Ellen

Expected Publish Date: October 23, 2012

 
Summary (From Goodreads)

Seventeen-year-old Tricia Farni’s body floated to the surface of Alaska’s Birch River six months after the night she disappeared. The night Roz Hart had a fight with her. The night Roz can’t remember. Roz, who struggles with macular degeneration, is used to assembling fragments to make sense of the world around her. But this time it’s her memory that needs piecing together—to clear her name . . . to find a murderer. This unflinchingly emotional novel is written in the powerful first-person voice of a legally blind teen who just wants to be like everyone else.




This one sounded pretty good to me and I loved the cover!! What are you waiting for?

Monday, April 9, 2012

Musing Mondays (3)

Musing Monday is a weekly event where MizB of Should Be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.



Question:
What do you think are the top 5 books every woman should read?

Answer:
Well. That can be a hard one. I don't read books that are "Just written for women" (or just for men) I read a lot of YA books so they are for both genders but I will try and answer it by counting down to my top one! :) 

5. The Lovely Bones- Alice Sebold
I heard of this book back when I was in High School. A Girl did a book report and I was instantly intrigued in reading it. It's a great read and as a mother I don't know what I would do if this happened to me. I felt what her father felt and I found myself striving to find out if they found her or not.

4. What was Lost- Catherine O'Flynn
This is another story of a young girl who goes missing. Again, I don't know what I would do. The story revolves around Kim's friend  and Kim herself and looking for the truth. It's an easy read and you get sucked in pretty quick.

3. I am Morgan le Fay- Nancy Springer
This is where my Fairytales began. I seen Cinderella and Snow White and all that Disney stuff but when I bought I am Morgan le Fay in a Schoolastic Book thing in Middle School that's when I began to like fairytales and magic and Fantasy. Always being around a realistic father It was nice to disappear in a story that I wished I could be in. It's a fantastic read for sure!!

2. White Oleander- Janet Fitch
I read this book before the movie and I loved it. I also loved the movie and if you seen the movie before reading it or didn't know that it was a book- go read it! It's full of morbidness and craziness, love and sadness. Every emotion in one book. It's one huge poem to me. The rantings of a messed up girl and I love books that are messed up and weird. This is one. It's a beautiful read!!

1. The Hunger Games (Trilogy)- Suzanne Collins
I don't have to explain these. You can read my reviews on what I thought about these books. I could have filled up 3 spots with these but I decided that all 3 are my Top 1 because you can't read 1 and not the other 2! My new favorite books. BY FAR! It will take a mind blower to knock these books out of the top 1 for me!

Friday, April 6, 2012

In My Mailbox (5)

In My Mailbox is an internet meme hosted by The Story Siren to share new books that bloggers have bought, won, received for review, been gifted, or borrowed.


Oh My Lanta! This week was quite a haul and quite a win! I am VERY excited to share this weeks IMM and hear any comments on books or if they are a good read or not!! :)



This Week In My Mailbox...


Bought:


Fever- Lauren DeStefano
Starters- Lissa Price
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies- Seth Grahme, Jane Austen 
Clockwork Angel- Cassandra Clare
Divergent- Veronica Roth

I bought all 5 books for around $40-50. Can't go wrong there! PP&Z and Clockwork Angel were $4.99 each at Indigo


Won:

Cemetery Street- John Zunski

I Won This Ebook Copy Of Cemetery Street From My Friends at Owl Read It! Thank You! <3





The Savage Grace- Bree Despain

So I won this AWESOME Swag Package from Jessica over at Books: A True Story




Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting.



 This Week On Waiting On Wednesday....



 
Clockwork Princess
By Cassandra Clare
Expected Publish Date- Goodreads says March 2013, The Cover says November 2012...We'll see :P

Summary (From Goodreads)

In Clockwork Princess, Tessa and her companions travel all over the world as they race to stop the clockwork army before it's too late. As Jem's health worsens alarmingly and his friends search desperately for a cure, can Tessa choose between the two boys she loves — even if it means never seeing the other one again?







So I recently Bought Clockwork Prince and have yet to get Clockwork Angel. I am excited to read these books once I have them all!! What's on your WoW?

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Teaser Tuesday (3)

 Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB as Should Be Reading



To Participate You:
-Grab your current read
-Open to a random page
-Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page
-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(make sure what you share doesn't give too much away, you don't want to ruin the book for others)
-Share the title and Author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR if they like your teasers!
 
 
 
 
 
 This Weeks Teaser Tuesday
 
Pg 158.
Her mother took her reading glasses off and held them freely in her hands. They waved side to side as she spoke. "Parker, why do you think she got involved with that girl in the first place?"



So yes, I'm still reading this book. It was in my last Teaser Tuesday as well. I've been busy with things going on that I am having a hard time finding time at the moment!

Monday Musing (2)

(My Late MM)

 Musing Monday is a weekly event where MizB of Should Be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.


Question:
Do you belong to any book clubs- face-to-face, or online? If so, how long have you been with the group(s)? If not, why?




Answer:
No. I'm not with any book clubs. I'm recently new to blogging and I had no idea that there were blook clubs online. But I guess the internet has everything anyway so I shouldn't be too surprised. haha.I've always wanted to be a part of a monthly book club in a friends home, even a craft night but it would be hard with no transportation and getting the people to join up. So maybe I may look into an online one :)




 

Friday, March 30, 2012

In My Mailbox (4)

  In My Mailbox is an internet meme hosted by The Story Siren to share new books that bloggers have bought, won, received for review, been gifted, or borrowed.




This Week In My Mailbox...


 Bought:

Wither- Lauren DeStefano




Yay. So It's hard to find a lot of the books I want where I am from. The closest big bookstore is about half an hour to 45 minutes away and I don't have a car at the moment. I am picking this bad boy up today from a lady who was selling it on a local buy and sell & I am excited. That means I will have book #1 from The Chemical Garden series and I can grab Fever and then I can read them in Order. When I read a series, I have to have all the books before I read the other ones. Haha :)


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (5)


 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting. 



This Week On Waiting On Wednesday...



City Of Lost Souls

By Cassandra Clare
Expected Publish Date- May 8, 2012

Summary (From Goodreads)

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing- but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.




 



Friday, March 23, 2012

In My Mailbox (3)

 In My Mailbox is an internet meme hosted by The Story Siren to share new books that bloggers have bought, won, received for review, been gifted, or borrowed.


Last week my IMM was empty =( I didn't get any books. So this week I am making up for it :)


This Week In My Mailbox...



Bought:


  
Crescendo- Becca Fitzpatrick
The Way We Fall- Megan Crewe
Fallen In Love- Lauren Kate
If I Die- Rachel Vincent
Born Wicked- Jessica Spotswood
Clockwork Prince- Cassandra Clare

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Review- Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

By Suzanne Collins
Published- August 24, 2010


Summary:
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss' 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- expect 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 rebel's Mockingjay- no matter what the personal cost.

My Thoughts:
*Sigh* I'm sad. The trilogy series is over ='( I just want more. I want more Katniss and I want more Hunger Games. Katniss. I love her and her character. I wish I could be as strong, determined, and smart as her! I didn't want any of it to end! I usually can predict what happens in a book but I don't think I was prepared for this one at all! The first book was definitely my favorite. I found there was a lot of action but the third book was good also! VERY good! I found it had a bit of a slow go at it but as you got further into the book more action unfolded and I was left speechless a lot! 

In the beginning, Katniss has been rescued by District 13 (Yes, it exists) which is run by President Coin (who I DESPISE!) Katniss is just as strong and amazing as the other books if not more especially since a lot of people just want to kill her off. She finds out that even though she was rescued along with some of the other Tributes that Peeta was not saved. He was captured by the Capitol and is considered a traitor to some after calling for a cease-fire. Katniss decides to be the Mockingjay for the Rebellion. She sets out to each District and tries to over take them and try and help those in need of help or those who are sick or dying. She just ends up in trouble most of the time and in the hospital herself throughout the book. 

Okay. So. "Love Triangle." In the first 2 books, I was team Peeta all the way. But as I read this book I really liked Gale. I always loved Gale. Hard working, rugged, rough, etc. I'm not sure if he truely loved Katniss. If he did he should have told her sooner, like before the Games. Maybe things would have been different. I hated Peeta in this book. I was turned away from him. But I guess it wasn't his fault. Being tortured and hijacked. But still. Maybe it just angered me that he was such a wonderful person and I loved him so much that I hated what happened to him. But in this book I was leaning towards Gale. 

The Ending. Made me sad. A lot of things happened in the final few chapters. I was surprised by the Epilogue. It's not what I had expected and kind of hoped for the opposite but I was still happy. I wasn't disappointed but I was and am disappointed that it's the end. It left me feeling empty and wanting more. Like I lost something inside me. I don't know how to explain it. I just want more. You definitely need to read these books! Raw emotion EVERYWHERE!!

My Rating


My favorite part of the book, I loved it and I will always love this poem!

The Hanging Tree

Are you, are you
Coming to the tree
Where they strung up a man they say murdered three.
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

Are you, are you 
Coming to the tree
Where the dead man called out for his love to flee.
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

Are you, are you
Coming to the tree
Where I told you to run so we'd both be free.
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

Are you, are you 
Coming to the tree
Wear a necklace of rope, side by side with me
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

Waiting On Wednesday (4)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting. 



This Weeks Waiting On Wednesday....




By Kimberly Sabatini
Expected Publishing Date- October 30, 2012

Summary (From Goodreads)

Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lives...

When Elliot dies for the third time, she knows this is her last shot. There are no fourth-timers in this afterlife, so one more chance is all she has to get things right. But before she can move on to her next life, Elliot will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she'd rather keep burried. Memories of people she's hurt, people she's betrayed...and people she's killed.




First off, the cover pulled me in to look more into this book. I'm not one to keep track of all the new books out there that are coming out. Usually I just look at the future releases and find one I like and want to get my hands on when it comes out! And Secondly, the description pulled me into it even more. I want to learn more about this "3rd time dying" thing that seems to happen in the book. So it's another book for my To-Read :) What's yours?


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Teaser Tuesday (2)

 Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB as Should Be Reading


To Participate You:
-Grab your current read
-Open to a random page
-Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page
-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(make sure what you share doesn't give too much away, you don't want to ruin the book for others)
-Share the title and Author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR if they like your teasers!
 
 
 
This Weeks Teaser Tuesday
 
 
"What the hell are you still doing here? I told you to go." She walked over quickly and grabbed Parker by the wrists, forcing her backward toward the hall.
"Stop! Please."

So I just got done The Hunger Games series and haven't cracked into this one yet! But I'm eager to get into it! Watch for my review :)

Monday, March 19, 2012

Monday Musing (1)

 Musing Monday is a weekly event where MizB of Should Be Reading will ask a book/reading-related question, and you answer with your own thoughts on the topic.

Question.
Would you choose to review a book if its description sounded interesting but the cover was terrible?

Answer.
Well, that's a hard question. I don't like literally "Judging a Book by It's Cover" but I totally do! Some of the times if they book doesn't have a good enough cover or one that draws me in, I wont buy it. BUT I do read the description time to time on some of them, to give them a shot. (That sounds mean haha) I guess I'm a bit of a snob. I know that the books with shotty covers mean that they are going to be horrible or bad books, that's just what I'm drawn to. So I'd probably turn my head on this question and say no. =( 

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Safe & Sound





So I am eagerly awaiting the release of "The Hunger Games" movie and this song is one of many on the soundtrack and I am by far SO in love with this song. I'm not a huge Taylor Swift fan but I enjoy her voice in this song. It's not her usual love song or break up song. It also includes The Civil Wars who I LOVE. 

It's so beautiful and I can just imagine it playing in the background as Katniss is in the arena, in the Game and after she sees her home, District 12 in ruins around her. At what used to be. Ack!It gives me chills. I feel kind of silly but at the same time I don't really care. It's been a good 2 or 3 years since I've read a book (in general) but one that has left me with anticipation and left me feeling raw emotion.  I'm sad that I'm reading the final book. I don't want them to be over with.

Anyway. If you haven't yet heard this song, here it is. Also, I included the other songs that will be on the soundtrack in case anyone wants to go check those out too. There's a great choice of bands on this one! :) Enjoy!


And May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor.



The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 and Beyond


  1. Taylor Swift (feat. The Civil Wars)- "Safe and Sound"
  2. Taylor Swift- "Eyes Wide Open"
  3. Arcade Fire- "Abraham's Daughter"
  4. Kid Cudi- "The Ruler & The Killer"
  5. Miranda Lambert (feat. Pistol Annies)- "Run Daddy Run"
  6. The Civil Wars- "Kingdom Come"
  7. The Decemberists- "One Engine"
  8. Glen Hansard- "Take the Heartland"
  9. The Low Anthem- "Lover is Childlike"
  10. Punch Brothers- "Dark Days"
  11. Secret Sisters- "Tomorrow Will Be Kinder"
  12. Birdy- "Just A Game"
  13. Ella Mae Bowen- "Oh, Come & Sing"
  14. Jayme Dee- "Rules"
  15. Carolina Chocolate Drops- "Reaping Day"
  16. Neko Case- "Give Me Something I'll Remember"

Some songs are not out yet and will be released when the movie and soundtrack are available

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Review- Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

By Suzanne Collins
Published- September 1, 2009
Summary:
Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribubte Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and long time friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale hold her at an icy distance. Peeta turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol- a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scared her even more is she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.



My Thoughts:
Oh My.  Book number two! Suzanne Collins did it again. She left me wanting more just like the first one! Brilliant writer! Brilliant books! In words I can only explain it as intense. Again, I was left experiencing the raw emotions that Katniss felt throughout the book. In my opinion I know that It will be a great read because not many books can make me feel like that and make me feel as if I am the character or make me sad or angry. It takes a lot for me to feel emotions in books and this one did me in!

The book begins after Katniss and Peeta arrive back home to District 12 after win the Hunger Games with a series of events that leaves you biting every nail off. It follows with Victory Tour, rumors of District 13 and a rebellion on the rise in each of the Districts and the MockingJay and what it represents now to them all. Just as I'm settling into the book and trying to figure everything out that has happened- BAM, Cliffhanger! This book had many of them and left me guessing what was going to happen next and hanging on to the edge of my seat! I couldn't put it down! I didn't want to sleep. 

Now, on to this 'Love Triangle' that seems to get a bit more intense in this book. I usually get annoyed with Love Triangles very easily but this one seems to suck me in. I am leaning more towards "team Peeta" and I hate using that term- TEAM. Very passé. Anyway, Katniss finally comes to realization she has feelings for Gale but still cares for Peeta and Gale tells Katniss how he feels but backs off. And as for Peeta, he still truly loves Katniss and his love only grows stronger for her and is burning. I don't want to say too much about the book because pretty much anything I say or add would give away parts of the book! I think everyone needs to read the series and experience it for themselves! Get the books! You will love them! And if you don't, well I'm sorry but you must be MAD! ;)


 I rated this book: