Follow Friday (12) Book Blog (11)

Book Blog- Will return on January 7th



Follow Friday
What are your new years book blogging resolutions?
I listed them over on their own page, but these are them. I'm sure I'll add some more if I can think of any. I'm taking part in Melissa's Blogger resolutions. My list here.

1. Read more to bring down the TBR pile: I know this one will probably be on a lot of peoples list too. Actually, this one probably won't be so hard because I really haven't read a whole lot this year. I really started reading alot in like October I believe so (there's the word again) it won't be hard to fly right past. Plus, there are alot of awesome looking books coming out in 2011 that I want to read making it that much easier to achieve the goal. Yea 2011 Books! 
2. Giveaways & Guest Authors: I haven't actually had either of these since I just started in October, and well my money is a little..well not there at the moment for giveaways. I'm hoping though that I'll be able to do some in the future. (I will actually since I reached 100 followers, the problem is it might be awhile. Just hang with me.) On the guest authors I would love to do these because they look like so much fun, and being able to talk with the authors.
3. Comment more: Yes, I added this one as well because as much as I look around, and read others blogs. I don't comment all that much. When I do it's usually because it's something that stood out to me, or I'm returning the comment. Don't worry though I do read the blogs. :)
4. Write: I'm sure this one is probably on a lot of people list too. I really do want to write. I have like 2 or 3 stories I have some what of an outline on, but I can't get myself to actually take time to write. I even tried..okay not really, but I did sign up for the NaNo thing in November. I just didn't make myself do it. Support would have been nice I guess. (My bad!)
5. Guest Bloggers: I just added this one, but it would be fun to be able to interact that way with other bloggers as well. Maybe it would help with being more active in the community. :) Meeting more awesome bloggers, and actually staying in touch with them through more then just the blog. Ie: Facebook, twitter, goodreads. I'm always on those. What can I say I haven't a life really outside this. Sad I know!

What's been going on over here at Bookaholics Anonymous:
Reviews:
Once a witch
Firelight (working on)
Night Star (working on)

Rants and more:
RIP Toby (my pup)
My poetry
Just spent almost 50 dollars at Half price books today. (a giftcard from my dad and his wife) I was in heaven I only thought it was for 10 dollars. I got some great books that I've been wanting, and have heard good things about. It'll be on my IMM Sunday. Also, I got season 3 of Friends (My new season I'm starting to buy now that I've pretty much completed Gilmore Girls), and 2 DVDs: Office Space. (I've been meaning to watch this since forever), D.E.B.S. I still have about 6 dollars left on it. Another book or 2. :)

Reading:
I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you. (so far awesome book. I can't keep from laughing)
The Forest of Hands and teeth (sadly I haven't finished it. I'm loser I know :))

Ashley

New Years Resolutions: Blogger Style '11

Alright I never actually set any kind of resolutions for the new years because I know that I won't keep them. All those lose weight, stop smoking (even though I don't smoke), be more outgoing, and all that junk  Those never really fit my style, but now I have something that I can actually try for: books and all that pertains to books (and blogging of course) :) The idea came for me to do it from Melissa @ My World..in words and pages.

1. Read more books: I know this one will probably be on a lot of peoples list too. Actually, this one probably won't be so hard because I really haven't read a whole lot this year. I really started reading alot in like October I believe so (there's the word again) it won't be hard to fly right past. Plus, there are alot of awesome looking books coming out in 2011 that I want to read making it that much easier to achieve the goal. Yea 2011 Books! 
2. Giveaways & Guest Authors: I haven't actually had either of these since I just started in October, and well my money is a little..well not there at the moment for giveaways. I'm hoping though that I'll be able to do some in the future. (I will actually since I reached 100 followers, the problem is it might be awhile. Just hang with me.) On the guest authors I would love to do these because they look like so much fun, and being able to talk with the authors. Problem is I have to find some authors that would want too. :) (If your a willing author let me know. My email is on the about me page.)
3. Comment more: Yes, I added this one as well because as much as I look around, and read others blogs. I don't comment all that much. When I do it's usually because it's something that stood out to me, or I'm returning the comment. Don't worry though I do read the blogs. :)
4. Write: I'm sure this one is probably on a lot of people list too. I really do want to write. I have like 2 or 3 stories I have some what of an outline on, but I can't get myself to actually take time to write. I even tried..okay not really, but I did sign up for the NaNo thing in November. I just didn't make myself do it. Support would have been nice I guess. (My bad!) I was also writing a story with a friend who as of a few days is no longer. (That's a story for another day, or just read my other blog or some rants here from the past few days you'll know) Anyhow, we were writing one, and I thought it had some potential I liked the whole idea, but now I guess that won't happen.
5. Guest Bloggers: I just added this one, but it would be fun to be able to interact that way with other bloggers as well. Maybe it would help with being more active in the community. :) Meeting more awesome bloggers, and actually staying in touch with them through more then just the blog. Ie: Facebook, twitter, goodreads. I'm always on those. What can I say I haven't a life really outside this. Sad I know!

I honestly think there's probably more, but as of right now I can't think of any. Stress will do that to you.

So here's to trying to make my goals next year. What are some of your goals?

Ash

RIP Toby (I LOVE you)

Well, the past week or 2 has been some of the worse weeks this year for me. Today, though was THE WORSE I had noticed a few days ago that my dog was missing and I thought he had jumped out a window or something. Not something I want to talk about now, but FYI he passed away. I have this feeling  that maybe his seizures he had a few months ago have something to do with it. It's weird though I found out today, and last night I had a dream that he was alive. I was playing with him, and he was happy, fine. Some dream that turned out to be.

My Toby and I. I LOVE YOU!

Toby

I hope Heaven is good to you!

Maybe by Sick Puppies-
Maybe I'm a dreamer
Maybe I'm misunderstood
Maybe you're not seeing the side of me you should
Maybe I'm crazy
(Maybe I'm crazy)
Maybe I'm the only one
(Maybe I'm the only one)
Maybe I'm just out of touch
Maybe I've just had enough

Maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life
What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change

Maybe it's hopeless
(Maybe it's hopeless)
Maybe I should just give up
(Maybe I should just give up)
What if I can't trust myself?
What if I just need some help?

Maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life
What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change

And maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try

And maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life
What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change

I heard this song the other day, and it fit perfect with the way my mood has been lately, and what with all the shit Ive been going through . Maybe, a change wouldn't be so bad. California sounds like a really good place to go right now. I have a friend that lives there whose been trying her hardest to get me to live with her. It would definitely be a change. Who knows maybe for the better?

Ashley

Once A Witch Review

AUTHOR: Carolyn MacCullough
PUBLISHER: Clarion Books
PAGES: 292

SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series (Always a witch #2 2011)

OUTLINE:
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.

STARTED: 12-21-10
FINISHED: 12-25-10

MY THOUGHTS:
Now it's time to review the first book, since I've already reviewed the second one. :)

FYI: I have the hardback and paperback. Since they are different looking. :) I liked both of them. One I got from Amazon the other from HPB.

The story mainly consist of Tamsin trying to help a Professor find a missing heirloom (so he claims). The only problem is she lied to him. She wasn't the person whom he wanted the help from it was Tamsin's sister, Rowena. Not knowing what Rowena looked like he assumed that Tamsin was her. Tamsin wanting to prove to her Talented Family that she could do something was on a mission to find this artifact, and be someone. From there on the lies grew and with that so did problems. I liked that one of the talents was time traveling because from that you not only got to see what the present day lives of the families were like, but also the past lives of their family members.


I loved this book just as much as I loved the second one even though I knew what was gonna happen. (that was a my bad for reading it out of order) I adore the characters in this book.

Tamsin (The MC) kind of the odd-ball out in a family of Talented Witches. She was suppose to be the beacon of light for the family, but by the age of eight no talent had shown up. Poor Tam. :(
Gabriel (Tams childhood friend) His family had moved away because of his mortal dad I believe, and Tamsin had promised to write to him everyday, but never did. Now he's back with his momma, and his eyes are all on Tamsin. :) Humm could this mean something?
Agatha (Tam BFF) Okay, I love Agatha as a BF. I would have liked to see her more in the story,but since she's just a bestie. I understand there's not to much of a need for her.  
Just all the characters in the book are fun and enjoyable to read about. Tamsin's family is a pretty big one, but you still get the feel for each of the ones mentioned. Her mom who seems like a complete wreck, Rowena who's pretty much self-obsessed, the wise grandmother, and the uncles and aunts, and a few cousins. The talents range from fire to freezing, to traveling to reading the future, to changn g the state of things.

The book had quite a few witty, funny remarks.

I wouldn't say the end left a huge cliffhanger like some books do, but it does make you wonder what's in store for the future of this family, and others.

All in all if your looking for a witchy story that has a bit of a different take on witches this is definitely one of those.

QUOTES:
-Not a drop, not half of a drop, not even a quarter of a half of a half of magic runs through my apprently very pedestrian veins. (Tam)
-Don't you know how damaging that is to your health? (Ro)
Really I wish they printed warning or something on the package. So irresponsible of them. (Tam atsmoking Cigs)
-Just being here, a this is all that's expected, this is all I can be. Okay, now I'm starting to sound like an army slogan. (Tam)

MORE QUOTES TO COME

Merry Christmas N Happy Holidays

A few poems (my writing)

My review brain is on hiatus right now do to stress, and what not (see earlier post to know) At least, I think that's what I'm going to call it. I just can't get into review mode. *sigh* Sorry! SO (I love my so word) with that being said here are a few poems I wrote back in '00 according to the dates. That kind of some me up right now. Oh, FYI I tend to rhyme my stuff, and it's kind of corny. *shrugs*

I go through life.
I go through life
thinking you're not there
I go through life
thinking you don't care
I go through life
thinking it's not fair
this pain I can no longer bear
Yeah my life is great it's true
then why do I always feel blue
I'm now scared of what I see
this can't possibly be the real me
As I've said, everyday's the same
there will never be anyone to blame
Days go by as iff they were years
every minute I try an keep back each tear. 6-17-2000

Death wish
Which way should I go?
I just don't know
Everyday I cry inside
I can no longer deny
Everyday I just cry
No longer do I want to live a lie
Death seems like an easy way out
There is no doubt
Yes, it's forever why would I care
This pain inside I can't seem to bear
I've tried so hard to be strong
bu no longer do I can I go on
My life is worthless, it's plain to see
I'm a failure, a mistake, a screwup, that's me 7-1-00

She's So Unusual
She's so unusual
she no longer
the same
everythings different
she has herself
to blame
she's just
not herself
in her
own world
she lives
sad and alone
she has
nothing to give
her days
have darkened
her nights
have grown cold
there's no one around
there's no one to hold
she keeps
to herself
it's better
that way
no one to bother her
that's all she'll say -2005

Untitled
We never use to fight
everything between us
was always alright
I miss the times
we use to share
the way you were
always there...
What happened
to those times
I wish I could
just press rewind
I don't want
to lose you as a friend
I don't want
this friendship to end -3-31-07

Tragic I know, Trainwreck definitely! I actually have a spiral full of stuff like this, and one day maybe I'll put them up on my other blog.

Follow Friday (11) Blog Hop (10)

Will be back January 7th!
I'm use to putting these together. Sorry! There's extra space-age.

What are you plans for this fabulous day?Hum. Well use to my family would always have Christmas on the 24th, but apparently they decided that we needed a change after 24 years of doings things the same. Honestly, I'm not sure what we're  or they're planning on doing. I do know that it'll be Christmas day and I think we'll probably do the white elephant gift exhange. I hate change if you haven't noticed especially when it's messing with traditions. Oh well! Nobody asked for my opinion. I don't want to sound all scroogish. (Is that a word? LOL) I'm just thinking about staying here at my mom's and being alone.  I always have my books to read!

What's been going on this past week at B.A

Hush, Hush Review

Rant(s) here (because that's what I do.)

Top 10 List: here

IMM: Didn't do one this week I left my camera and what I got at my apt. I'll add it to my next one!

Upcoming review: Night Star

Reading: Once a Witch, Forest of hands and teeth (still)

Next to be read: Crescendo and Firelight

Feel free to check out any of the above, and leave comments. I always comment back on here or on something at your site. :)

Happy Reading & Blogging

Oh and from me to you!

Thought this was cute in a weird way I guess!

This was just pretty.

Weekly dose of suckiness (rant)

I think the universe has it out for me this week. Seriously, on Saturday my car just quick working. I had to pay 100 bucks to get it towed back to my moms house. I don't have 100 bucks for that. Then I find out yesterday there's no way to fix it unless I want to pay 2300 dollars to put a new engine in it because my dumb ass froze the engine by not putting in it. Yes, that was my fault because I thought I did a few months back. Moral of this story: Put oil in your car when the light comes on, or you will not have a car.

Then to make matters worse I go to my apartment to check on my dog and cat (I'm still with my mom), and I go in my dog doesn't greet me like he usually does. So by this time I'm freaking out. Thinking he's had a bad seizure, and is lying in here hurt. I look around he's nowhere to be found I get to my room and my window is cracked open a tiny bit, and the screen is broken. Now if this isn't weird enough I live on the 3rd floor of the complex, and my dog is gone. I check everywhere down below in the grass and bushes to see if he fell or something. Nothing at all, so I go to the office to see if anybody has reported a dog they found or to see if they found him laying on the ground dead. (You have to realize I'm in freaking hysteric mode here bawling my eyes out, hyperventilating, and whatnot) She said nobody has said/reported anything. Where the hell did my dog go? If he did fall and somehow made it, and someone found him would they call me because he has his collar with my number on it? I'm like in a state of shock like seriously. At this time I can't really do anything because I have to work (I'm a mess when I get there too). About 9pm or so my friend calls me about my dog asking what happened. I tell her expecting some sort of OMG I'm sorry, supportive friends stuff, and instead this is her text response "Well let's hope someone found him and he's not dead or this friendship is gonna have serious problems. I can't believe this shit!" I was pissed/mad/upset/sad I just broke down crying right there at work. Who says that to their supposely Best Friend? Then 30 minutes later I get a text "I'm sorry I didn't mean that. I'm just really mad right now." I'm sorry? Really that's it? I ignored it! I'm really a nice person, but shit like that is pointless when I'm already filled with guilt and all this other crap. I mean how would you handle that? I know I should be nice and forgive, but everything I do is always wrong in her eyes. It really does hurt to hear someone you've known almost 10 years say crap like that. Opinions?

On a brighter note I got a few goodies from Amy at Attack of the books. :) Just in time I think I might have to read Firelight next (after Crescendo of course). Thank you girl!

Yea! You made my day a little better!

Hush, Hush Review

AUTHOR: Beccas Fitzpatrick
PUBLISHER: Simon and Schuster
PAGES: 391
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series book 1 (Crescendo #2 2010, Tempest #3 2011)

OUTLINE: For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life


STARTED: 12-19-10 (at night)
FINISHED: 12-20-10 (around 1pm)


MY THOUGHTS:
I'm going to start off by saying it took me a day and a half to read this. Yep, that's right I started it and couldn't put it down. At first I was a little reluncant to read it. I mean I bought both the books I just figured it would take me some time to get to them, but after watching a you tube video with the author at a book signing. The way she talked about it, and stuff made me more interested in it. The way she said a lot of publishers (I guess that's who it was) turned the book down because of Vee, one of the characters, and others didn't like her so much either.Then how she talked about Nora and Patch (the scene where they meet in biology) I knew I had to read to see for myself.  I'm glad I did too. I was interested in what happened to Nora and Patch the whole time I was reading. From the moment they became partners in biology lab to the ending I was hooked. Even though I knew what Patch was from the reviews I've read and trailers I've seen I was still wanting to know more. I wanted to see the relationship grow and work, and I admit at times I couldn't understand why Nora kept wanting to go back when she "thought" Patch wasn't good for her. Then I could also see from her point of view he may be dangerous and a little on the weird side, but he was still hot and had his sweet moments. Seriously what girl hasn't dreamed of being with a charming yet dangerous man. I mean really they're in almost every YA book you read right? Then of course you add in a mysterious second guy who shows up in the middle of the book. Perfect..absolutely! Who could forget Nora's BFF, Vee. I honestly loved the character. Yes, at times she was a little rude, and pushed Nora to do things she didn't want but truth be told that's exactly how friends are. (Aubrey if you ever read this. You know I love ya. :)) They push your buttons. They make you do things that sometimes you normally wouldn't do by yourself.

There was one character I wasn't thrilled about, and that was Ms. Greene. She just seemed  like she was there to make things a little more diffcult for Nora, and poor Nora already had enough problems. Then to find out things about Ms Greene. Yeah well  I didn't like her. :(

Then Jules was another character who was kind of just there in the background quietly waiting for a turn in the spotlight, and needless to say when time came it was def a spotlight moment. I did kind of wonder about him though and what his part was I soon found out. I wasn't to suprised to say the least. I kind of had that feeling.
SIDENOTE:
Sorry I've seen where some people compared it to Twilight. (again with comparing books to twilight. Stop it! Only one book I've read came close to the comparison, and truth be told I loved that book too because it had differences) They even went as far as saying it came close to Plagarism. Oh come on people! This is ridiculous. *shakes head* I know that's their opinion, and well this is mine.

OVER ALL:
I would definitely say if you haven't read it then do so.
It's now on to read the 2nd book, Crescendo!

QUOTES:
-Say provoking again your mouth looks provacative when you do. (Patch) This just made me laugh for some reason. :)
-You smell good too. (Patch)
It's called a shower. Soap, Shampoo, Hot water. (Nora)
Naked. I know the drill. (Patch)
-You know I'm going to kill you right. (Nora)
I was doing you a favor. Eillot is wild about you. After you left. I told him you have like ten guys calling you every night. You should have seen his face. Barey contained jealousy. (Vee)
I groaned. (Nora)
It's the law of supply and demand. Who would've have thought that economics would come in useful? (Vee)
-This is starting to drift into the land of This Makes Absolutely NO Sense. (Vee)
-No, but I chalkd it up to internal plumbing issues. (Vee about Jules)

Book trailer


Have you read it if so what'd you think?

Top Ten Tuesday (Books I hope santa brings)

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

This week is top 10 books you hope santa brings.

1. Anna and the french kiss by Stephanie Perkins- I've heard alot of really good things about this, and it seems different from otehrs I've read. Not to mention it's set in Paris.
2. Pegasus by Robin Mckinley- I have yet to read a story about unicorns, and this looks like a good book to start with. :)
3. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto- It's about Angels coming down to Earth. Need I say more.
4. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan- I have seen so many good reviews and things about this book. apparently it's cute and really funny. Oh and in time for Christmas. :)
5. Amy and Rogers Epic Detour by Morgan Matson- Looks like a good read.
6. Zombies Vs Unicorns by Various Authors- Zombie and Unicorns together in the same book.
7. The complete Uglies series by Scott westerfield- Yeah, I still have yet to read these even though I see them in HPB all the time.
8. Wonderous Strange books by Lesley Livingston
9. The Dark devine by Bree Despain-
10. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh- This is probably my top book right now that I want.

That is my end of the year wish list for Santa. What's yours?

Nightworld Vol 3

AUTHOR: L.J Smith
PUBLISHER: Simon Pulse
PAGES: 732
STAND ALONE/SERIES: Series

OUTLINE: This omnibus volume collects three full-length L. J. Smith Night World vampire romances. The plotlines are taut and riveting: The half-vampire vampire hunter of Huntress must stalk her own kind; in Black Dawn, Maggie Neely stumbles upon a Night World realm where nothing is quite as simple as it first seems; and Keller, the shapeshifting panther heroine of Witchlight, falls fatefully in love with the Wild Power's soulmate.

STARTED:
FINISHED:

MY THOUGHTS:
I'm probably going to re-read these series again, but until I can do that. Below is my video on what I can sort of remember. :)
QUOTES:

MY VIDEO THOUGHTS:

In A Heartbeat Review

AUTHOR: Loretta Ellsworth
PUBLISHER: Walker
PAGES: 212
SERIES/STANDALONE: Stand Alone

OUTLINE: Explores the ties of family and the weight of regret when a mistake costs Eagan her life during a figure-skating competition. Left in the afterlife, reflecting on what she could have done differently, Eagan's still-beating heart is given to Amelia who has been waiting patiently for a transplant. When their thought, feelings, and dreams begin to mysteriously overlap, Amelia knows she must search for Eagan's family and find a way to give them all the closure they need move on.

STARTED: 11-29-10
FINISHED: 12-10-10 (I had to read last sacrifice in bewteen)


MY THOUGHTS:
I picked up this book because the the back of it just sounded intriguing to me. Having gone through somewhat of a heart surgery myself when I was 6 I thought maybe I could relate to it. I mean in this story Amelia, the heart transplant patient, actually goes through a transplant because she has congestive heart failure. ( it was an aeorta valve in my heart that needed fixing is all) Still I felt like I could understand her somewhat. The book is told in two POV's, Amelia (a heart transplant patient)and Eagan (an ice skater, donor), Apparently I have a thing for books being told in different POVs lately. Hum. This was actually quite an easy read and you could follow along real well.

The begining of the book starts off for Amelia where the get a call. Once she gets the transplant she starts to notice that things she does aren't exactly the old her. She takes on the characteristics of her donor like eating grape lollipops (which she hated before), talking back to her parents,and a what seemed like a love for athletics. She met another heart transplant patient and his older brother. (which she became friends with. The older brother.) After having those things happen to her Ari and her set out to find her donors family. what happens when she does. You'll have to read it and see.

Eagan is the other POV in the story she is the ice skater, who lived her life very pessimisticly (word?). She bought tons of bottle water, granola bars, and batteries with her birthday money thinking that the world might end. Little did she know it would only end for her. During a skating routine she twisted the wrong way and ended up hitting her head on the side. When she came to she was in a gray mist. The in-betwen. This is where she stayed  pretty much throughout the whole book, and only was in half way through the book did she finally have someone to talk to who she called Miki, a little girl. The begining of her chapters are of her telling about the mist and stuff, and then she immediately goes into one of her memories that relates to what she talks about. (Kind of confusing)

I think is definitely worth a read, or you want something a little different n the paranormal. :)


QUOTES:
-Half an inch. It's enough too cause dreams to fall apart..enough to make the difference between life and death. (Eagan)
-It's ironic that when I was alive all I thought about was death, and now all I can think about is my life (Eagan)
-Don't put it on to thick (E's Grandpa)
I'm not an old man. I'm doing it just right. (Eagan)
Our first project, maybe our last young lady. (E's Grandpa)
-They're praying for you. Here, on Earth. Do you feel it? (Miki)
Is that was this feeling is? I thought it was gas. (Eagan)
-Life. It's being able to use all your wood, not just the good,straight pieces. (Eagan's Grandpa)
-Ameliastein. Part me and part gross experiment. (Amelia)
So do you have any other borrowed body parts besides the heart? (Ari)
Nope not yet. (Amelia)
Then your not Ameliastien. (Ari)
-

Have any of you read the book. If so tell me what you thought.

Follow Friday (10) Blog Hop (9)

"What do you consider the most important in a story: the plot or the characters?"

Humm that is a good question. I think I have to agree with Jennifer's answer. Usually I'll look at the back cover or where ever the little synposis is, and if it sounds like it has a good plot I'll usually by it. (That's what happened with the Vampire academy series. Look where that left me I love it!) I think once you get into the story though, the characters also play a huge part in it. They have to be somewhat interesting or the plot does kind of just well nothing it's just there. Then again without a plot you just have characters talking. So humm good question. :)


What do ya'll think?

What did you study in college, or are currently studying and did it lead to your current 9 to 5 or are you doing something totally different?

I actually just went to a 9 month kind of schooling for Pharmacy Tech. That was 5 years ago, and I'm still at my same job that I got right after getting out of that school. I'm at a different store, but same company. I've actually thought about going back to school for english. I don't know though. Some of my pharmcist keep telling me I should. I'm one of those people who kind of like to stay in their comfort zone. :( I'm trying to work on that.







What's happened this week?
I went to the Last sacrifice signing on Tuesday. To check it out go here.
I've done a few reviews. (Last Sacrifice,TTYL, In a heartbeat, Cut)
I finished reading Last Sacrifice, and Nightstar (I'll work on a review for that a little later)
Currently reading The forest of hands and teeth. (I know I keep stopping and starting this one, but it's my main one now to read)
I have my secret santa stuff, but I haven't mailed it yet. (I will tomorrow though. I promise!)

Last Sacrifice Signing

Well I got to go to Richelle Mead's Signing in Allen for my fave book series. Although I didn't actually get there til it was just the signing part. I really did want to hear her read, and all that stuff. I didn't leave to go though til about 530, and it was an hour away so yeah. I still got my books signed that's really all that matters to me. I did get a few pictures too. It was majorly packed there compared to the signing I went to last month. This line went in and out and between the rows at borders. Apparently this was the biggest signing for the L.S tour yet. It was funny when I got up to let her sign my books (I took L.S, Vampire Academy, and Frostbite) she looked at my frostbite cover and then the I guess the edition it was. (apparently I have the older cover and older edition) She said it was still in good condition it looked like. (of course I take care of my books) Anyways, that was pretty much it. Oh, some of the girls behind me actually had gone out a couple days before and gotten a tattoo of the molinja mark on the back of their necks. That is a die-hard fan right there!

 
 
 

Yes that is me in the black!

Want the book get it here -><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595143068?ie=UTF8&tag=bookaanony-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1595143068">Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, Book 6)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookaanony-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1595143068" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

Cut Review

AUTHOR: Patricia McCormick
PUBLISHER: Push
PAGES: 160
STAND ALONE/SERIES: Stand alone

STARTED: 12-12-10
FINISHED:

OUTLINE: Fifteen-year old Callie is so withdrawn that she's not speaking to anyone including her therapist at the residential treatment facility where her parents and doctor send her after discovering that she cuts herself. Her story unfolds primarily through dramatic monologues, gradually revealing the family turmoil that led to her self-destructive behavior. Her little brother, Sam, is ill he nearly died in her care. Since Sam's illness, Callie's mother has become so worried and fragile that she rarely leaves the house. Her father has responded to the psychological and financial stress of Sam's illness by disappearing into his work, and when that doesn't work, into his drinking.

MY THOUGHTS:
I went into this book not really knowing anything about. I saw it on the shelf at HPB, and the cover kind of drew me in, along with the title. A little weird I know, but if you knew my background when I was younger. I don't think it would be so weird. (Trust me my poetry is proof) I went into the book thinking it would be good (not in like a happy sort of way), but more of an emotional way. I wanted to like it, but it just didn't have the connection with the characters I was looking for I guess.

Callie is the main MC who gets sent to this "rehab" center called Sea Pines, or in the words of the girls that go there "Sick Minds" (I thought this was kind of cute) because of her addiction to cutting. While she's there she doesn't really seem to wanna make any attempts to get better. She doesn't talk to anybody there, not the girls, counselors, or in group. In that way it's kind of hard to follow because you have mostly her thoughts on the girls, the counselor, and others at the place. No actual interaction until almost the end. At the end like I said is when she started to actually open up to people, and started telling her story as to why she was there, and the guilt she had from her brother being sick, and her mom having to deal with her brother, and then her dad's business.

The other characters in it Debbie, the over-weight girl, Becca and Tara the anorexic girls, and Sydney and Tiffany who are addicted to drugs. Then a new girl named Amanda shows up later whose also a cutter. Honestly I couldn't make myself like any of  them except maybe Amanda when she showed up just because she seemed like she didn't care. She had that smart-ellic attitude.

So I'm kind of torn between how I feel about the book. I think it could have been more thought provoking for readers had it more details I guess you could say. This is one of those type books where it's hard to write about because I don't really know how to put it into words. It was apparently a banned book too although I didn't see the explicitness of it. That is just me though. *shrugs*

I would have to say maybe 2.5 stars.

Still remember though just because it didn't work for me. It still may work for you and it really is a short read. :)

Half Price Books (rant)

As you can tell from the post name I did find my way back to HPB. I went to one yesterday, and then the other one today. I originally intended on going to get some stuff for my friend  for x-mas like some tv seasons and other movies, but I completely forgot what she said she wanted. *oops* Anyways since I was there I thought why not look at my YA section. I must say the one today had some awesome books. I got 5 of them today, some which finish off some of my series I was tryin to get, and another which is the start to a series I keep seeing everywhere, and figured it was time to get. The last one is on my Contempt Challenges list for next year. I'm excited about that. Now I have 3 books from the list to read. What's weird is this book just came out December 1st and I wasn't expecting to see it at a half price books store yet. It's all good though.

I love going in there everytime I do I always end up talking to people about some books this time some lady was looking for Torment I think. They had fallen in PB, but not torment. Then we talked a few minutes about those and the Hush,hush series.

I've talked about doing a giveaway when I got to 100 followers , and I definitely will. I'm going to wait for the holiday season to be over because I still have alot of stuff I need to get done, and stuff I need to get for my family. So with that being said if I can get to 200 before January I might be nice enough to add another winner. :) That will happen in January I PROMISE!

So upcoming and behind stuff I've done on here: Humm let me think.
Behind stuff: I've written a few reviews Last Sacrifice (which =Uh-mazing) TTYL (cute little book) In a heartbeat (sad but sweet)
Reading: The forest of hands and teeth, Cut, and I'll probably start on Nightstar.
Signing: Richelle Mead is having a signing in Allen,Texas on Tuesday. I'm so going so look for that coming up!

This has nothing to do with books or what not, but I was thinking about getting a tattoo with my sister in law next week when she gets one. I'm not exactly sure what I want though. I want something small because it'll be the first time to get one, Hum?

In my mailbox (9)

This is In My mailbox hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren

Sorry about the crappy lighting of the video!

I got my Secret Santa stuff today in my mail so that's what came first I thought I'd share my suprise with ya'll. This was actually really fun for me. (I need to send mine out. It'll be Tuesday probably when I'm off. Sorry I'm so late.)

What I got in my package:
A little 2011 calendar
A word search book (I love word searches..yea!)
Chocolate
A keychain
A notepad (I can never have too many notepads. I love to use them for my reading and jotting things down)
Twilight Hunger by Maggie Shayne
A bookmark
A postcard from SC (It can go next to my California one)
A little note

Half Price Books
Cut by Patricia McCormick
Avalon High by Meg Cabot
I'd Tell You I  Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
Spells by Aprilynne Pike
After by Amy Efaw
The Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki

Walmart
Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead (alread read and reviewed..sorta)

Other books mentioned
Wings by Aprilynne Pike (read and reviewed)
Cross my heart and hope to spy and Don't judge a girl by her cover and Only the good spy young are the other three in Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls Series)

My lovely stack. :)

All my goodies together

My awesome secret santa stuff. Thanks Jen. Love it!

So that's my mailbox. Not as many as usual, but these were a little more expensive because most were hardback. :) So tell what'd you get in yours?

TTYL Review

AUTHOR: Lauren Myracle
PUBLISHER: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
PAGES: 221
STAND ALONE/SERIES: Series (TTFN book2) (L8R,G8R book3)

OUTLINE: An epistolary novel for the 21st century, this sharp, funny, and true-to-life breakout hit about friendship is told entirely in instant messages. And Internet-savvy teens have fallen in love with flirty Angela (SnowAngel), moody Maddie (mad maddie), and good girl Zoe (zoegirl) and their frank perceptions about a tumultuous tenth-grade semester.

STARTED: 12-4-10
FINISHED: 12-5-10

MY THOUGHTS:
I saw this at Half Price Books and figured I'd get it. One it's a very easy read as you can tell. Two it's VERY differently written then every other book I've read, or even seen actually. As stated above it's told in complete IM chat form. It's told between 3 best friends. When I first started I wasn't quite sure if I'd like it, but it turns out I did. I mean it wasn't super, but told from 3 teenage girls POVs it was good. I was able to relate to them rather well. (Not that I had any of those kind of problems when I was in 10th grade but still) Their emotions were pretty well conveyed. You knew what they were feeling, and all of this through IM's. That shows me right there that the author knew how to write believable characters at least to me.

After I read the book I did a little research. (don't ask why because I don't know) I found that this book was actually being banned from schools because of some of the graphic wording it had in it. I mean okay I was alittle stunned to see some of stuff the girls talked about too. Let's be honest with ourselves here though it's high school, and believe it or not worse things have been done and said then the things in the book. A little bit of sex talk, and partying, and drinking. (and probably the whole student/teacher relationship thing) will happen. I'm pretty sure that keeping this book, or anthing like it out of schools is not going to do a damn thing. I'm sorry but it won't.

Each of the girls had their own little problems.

Maddie made the mistake of becoming friends with "the queen bee Jana" which led to some partying, and other interesting things happening to her. Okay, I was a little upset when Maddie acted the way she did towards her friends. I mean all they wanted to do was help her, and she blew them off. That sadly though is how friends sometimes are. In the end everything was okay.

Angela was going out with some guy, and when it was over she couldn't believe it. She wanted to know why. She was a little whiney about it too. (Like I said 10th grade girl)

Zoey was supposely the "good christian girl" who got caught up with her teacher. Did that catch your attention?

Anyways, to learn about their daily life and struggles. Pick up a copy of the book.


I know I don't have to much to say about the book, but I just wanted to put this out here.
If you haven't read then read it. It really isn't all that bad of a book, and you can probably find it for cheap somewhere like I did. :)

QUOTES:
I might add some a little later.

Last Sacrifice Review

AUTHOR: Richelle Mead
PUBLISHER: Razor bill
PAGES: 594
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Series (Vampire Academy 1, Frostbite 2, Shadow Kiss 3, Blood Promise 4, Spirit Bound 5) Sadly this is the last book

OUTLINE: I can't really post an outline of this book without really giving away the other books, and what's happened in them. So if you really want to know go over to goodreads. (That's where I get most of them)

STARTED: 12-7-10
FINISHED: 12-9-10

MY THOUGHTS: OMFG! I mean really what else is there to say! I read this almost 600 page book in 3 nights. (Sometimes it'll take me a week or so to read a 250 pg book. That has to tell you something right there.) From the moment I started reading this I fell in love all over again with the series and it's characters. Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian, and Adrian. Even Abe, and Sidney I got to love again. I can't really say alot without giving to much away. Which is VERY, VERY hard for me because I want to tell my favorite parts of the book. I want you to be able to be just as excited about this as I am. Really I do. That is not going to happen though because alot of people have yet to read the series or this final book. To that I have to say why the hell have you not started the series yet? Huh? Why? I know the first book is a little slow but it's the set up for what is to come and to better the other books.

Oh, and the new characters that were added The keepers group. Loved too. They may not have had a big big part but what they had was good. A little more history in the VA world.

I was SO excited for the way it turned out. I mean I was literally dreading having to see what Richelle would do to the characters, but everything worked out for the best, and to that I'm grateful. I know for some it may not have been what they wanted, but for me I loved it. Are you getting tired of hearing that? SO with that being said if you want to know what I liked about the book. You can email me, IM me, FB me whatever and I would love to have someone to talk to about it. I think I might put some of my favorite scenes here but hide them, and if you want to read them then that is up to you completely.

*HIGHLIGHT THE NEXT STUFF TO READ MORE ABOUT LAST SACRIFICE AND MY FAVE STUFF. MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

So first things first. Favorite scenes would have to be 

-When Dimitri and Rose were at the Library flipping through the "100 best places to visit" book. I was like AWWWW. I wanted them to be together right then. It was a sweet moment between them.
-The moment in the alleyway when Dimitri had gone all crazy, and then Rose stopped him. He finally opened up to Rose and let her in. As stated from Rose "So small, yet so monumental...and very private." I adored this scene. You rarely got to see this side of Dimitri. Although you did see it alot more after. :)
- The quarrel between Marcella Badica and some commoners with the chairs. Hilarious. I wanted to slap Marcella.

I was sitting there reading thinking okay it was definitely Daniella who Killed the queen because let's face it that's what they all thought too. I was totally on board with that. I didn't want it to actually be who it was. I was kind of sad for her because well let's face it. She was alikable character and nice to Rose and all of them. I was thinking to myself why on earth would she frame Rose. *sadness*

Lissa and the test she had to go through for the whole queen thing what a nice added touch too. I mean I figured she would pass and all cause she had too. She had to be queen. It was nice to see she actually did make it though, and she'll get to go to college and be with christian, and Rose as her guardian. I'm so happy!

Rose oh rose she got her happily ever after (even though Adrian was an ass about it, and completely was ruining her moment) This was the best part seeing her being able to be with Dimitri was just right. It felt right. :)

So that is all for now.

*SPOILER-Y PART ENDED*

MEMORABLE QUOTES:
- Right. He's depressed, but you're the picture of happiness and joy (Abe)
- Sometimes talking to you is like talking to myself..pretty damn annoying. (Rose)
-You guys are shopping? Getting a little girl time? (Christian to Lissa and Adrian)
Hey, you'd benefit from a wardrobe change. Besides I bet you'd look great in a halter top.(Adrian)
-The stupider, the better (Adrian)
-I'm suppose to be the general here, Now I'm barely a lieutenant. (Rose)
-Did you hotwire this car? Steal the car? (Rose)
You have an interesting set of morals. Breaking out of jail is okay, but still a car and you sound totally out-raged. (Dimitri)

MORE QUOTES TO COME. I just have to re-find them in the book and write them down!


PICTURES:

Sorry I tend to squint when I take pictures.My book and me=love. :)

See this is the kind of OCD things I have with reading books. I always take notes. Whether it be quote/passages I like or what I'm thinking.

Yes, more notes of mine. The second one was from when I was reading at work. Got to love my Medicine notepads.

My book without the cover in all its amazing-ness.

The front. Yes, you should be very jealous of my book. Even though it's pretty much the same as everyone elses.

EXTRAS:
Vampire Academy IS NOT twilight!
Okay, seeing as how this is the last book. I was surfing google to find some stuff to add to this review because it's technically the last one for the series. (even though I haven't put up Blood Promise and Shadow Kiss yet..My bad!). I found this page (here) I think it pretty much sums up what I think to about the comparison. To be quite honest you can't really compare them. (I'll admit I LOVE Va way better) but the truth is they are different. I really like both series. They both had things in them that I loved to pieces. (VA just had more stuff) Yeah now I'm just kind of rambling on. Another thing if it weren't for the twilight books I probably wouldn't have found these books by myself. (I know it's awful)

That is all for now!

You know you're addicted to Vampire Academy when..

I was reading some stuff on my FB, and Richelle, the author of VA, put up a link to win a copy of the book. The link was titled "You know you're obsessed with  Vampire academy when..." These were some of the answers on there. Awesomeness!

Here was the link


....When you plan on walking 3-4 miles to the nearest bookstore (& back) to get your copy of last sacrifice because the roads are too icy & dangerous to drive on & it's -12 out there. You could get 'frostbite' but as if that would stop you.

...When you go to school wearing a Nazar charm and a large brown coat so you'll have something from Rose and something else from Dimitri!

...When you go to get Last Sacrifice at the midnight release and get attacked by Strigoi on the way.

...When you stay up every night after spending your only money on the newest book and then spend all your spare time re-reading the books whilst you wait for latest book to be released. (This was me sadly. I mean I even when up to walmart at 1230am to get it, but they hadn't put it out yet. Then I went back at 10 before work, still nothing, then at 4 that's right nothing. I had to drive to another walmart after work to get it at like 8 or so.) 

...When you carry a wooden stake in your bag...JUST in case your old geography teacher turns strigoi before period 3.



Does anyone else have anything to add? Let me know!
Fyi- I'm almost done with the book, and wow is all I can say. :)

Follow Friday (9) Blog Hop (8)

What is the thing you like most about reading book blogs?  Is it the reviews, author guest posts, articles, giveaways, or something else entirely?"

Honestly, I love everything about them. I think the reviews are a man part though. I like being able to see what others thought of the books I've already read, or want to read.

Do you have an under-noticed author that you think we should all know about?

Hum that's actually a good question I think most of the books I have read are all pretty much well-lnown authors. I know that my friend got a book published in September. It wasn't anything major really, but it was a start for her. The book is Heinous Crimes, Immoral Minds By Aubrey Becker. I have my little review of it on here. If you want to know more it's also on Amazon. Also if you want to know more about it you can always ask me. I've thought about seeing if she would maybe give me a couple (if she still has some) to maybe giveaway on here just to get her name out there. Tell me what ya'll think.

Top 10 Tuesday (Cozy reading spots)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish.

This weeks top 10 list is Favorite Cozy reading spots:

1. My Tub: I thought I would the weird one by picking this,but reading some others it's apparent I'm not. I've been told it's a stupid place to do because the books could get wet (Duh) or something else could happen. (although I don't know what). I also have a little neck pillow for it jsut because the way my stupid tub is shaped. it doesn't have a slant to it.
2. The Car: Don't worry I'm not reading and driving at the same time. I love to be able to take a book with me when someone else is driving and we have a little bit of a drive. (actually even if it's a short distance I stil read). I had a friend ask me one time how I could read in a moving car because it made her car sick. My answer. It's simple. I guess I'm not a car-sickness kind of person. I know this is bad, but I take my books with me and leave them in the front passenger seat, and read at redlights if I can. (Some red lights are so freaking long) This is not a habit I promise.
3. My bed: This is probably one of those answers everybody will put, but it truly is one of the best/coziest places to read. To be able to snuggle in your comforter and in my case with my dog right next to me (or under my legs if I'm sitting a weird way I can't explain) Also with my cat sitting on my other side. I love my animals coziness.
4. At work: Yup, you read right. I love to read at work. Not actually while I'm working because that would be pretty hard to do. What with counting and all. On my breaks I usually like to go to our breakroom and take my book with me. I can usually get in a few chapters if I try hard enough. I use to be able to read at my other job after we slowed down at night, but this store is much more fast paced.
5. In the chair I'm sitting in now: LOL how's that one for you. It's actually just a dining room chair that my butt has grown accustom to while staying with my mom. (electricity is turned off, but no worries it will be back on friday after 2 months of not being at MY apartment) I'll sit here and mess on the computer awhile, and then grab my books I have sitting next to me and read. Then back to my computer. It sometimes is an ugly cycle. :) Like I said it's quite comfy to me now. Maybe because I've made an indentation in the chair. :)
6. The Park: I don't go to the park much to read, but we do have a few little parks around where I live and to be able to just go there and sit on a bench or one of the picnic tables at like dusk. When it's not hot or cold is really relaxing and can be very peaceful if no one else is around.

I couldn't come up with 10 but I think I got pretty close just 4 away. What are some of your coziest places?