Follow Friday (32) Blog Hop (31)

The magic book fairy pops out of your cereal box and says "you and your favorite character (from a book of course) can switch places!" Who are you going to switch with?
Rose from Vampire academy definitely. I feel like a broken record, but seriously she has awesome friends. Her best friend is a queen, her boyfriend is a hot russian guy, she could kick pretty much anyones butt. :)

“Who is the ONE author that you are DYING to meet?
I don't think that there is any one particular author I would like to meet. All the ones that I've read their books would be awesome. If I had to say though Karsten Knight, Leah Clifford, Alyson Noel, and so many more. :)
Some I've already met Richelle Mead, Rachel Caine, Tera Lynn Childs, Tracey Deebs, Jennifer Archer. All but Richelle Mead I got pictures with which is awesome.

Review: Unlocked

AUTHOR: Ryan G. Van Cleave
PUBLISHER: Walker and Company
PAGES: 176
SOURCE: Bought
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Stand alone

OUTLINE: Andy is the janitor's son, an outcast, a nobody. Then the rumor starts—that Blake has a gun in his locker. In a moment of misguided hopefulness, Andy steals the keys from his dad and opens up Blake's locker, hoping that finding the gun will change his own status. But the gun isn't there and Andy remains an outcast. When an unlikely friendship develops between the two loners, Blake shares most of his secrets with Andy

MY THOUGHTS:

I had mixed feelings on this one. I had to pick it up with a tagline like "If you heard a rumor, would you stop the shooter?" and the jacket flap of course.

It was a journey through one social outcasts life becoming friends with another outcast. In the beginning it wasn't to much really to like or dislike. I didn't care one way or another about the characters themselves. I think what kept me reading was wanting to know if something bad was going to happen. I mean what good can come from a supposed gun being in a locker at school. Nothing!

Andy had heard rumors of another boy bringing a gun to school and hiding it in his locker. Of course so had every other student in school so when Becky Ann asks if Andy would take a peek in Blakes locker and he might get something out of it he was if-fy, but when a popular girl tells you she wants something and in return you'll get something do you ignore her? Of course not!

He should have known that things aren't always that easy with the popular kids though. However, some good things did come from I guess you could call it snooping. He became friends with above mentioned outcast. They may have not talked much to each other, but sometimes a friend is someone you just need beside you. They shared their love of mcdonald fries, and games, and oh yeah one other thing that I'll let you read for yourself.

So when things start going south and Andy realizes maybe what Blake does say holds some truth, and things could get ugly if Andy doesn't tell the adults what he may/may not know. Andy questions what he believes to be right and wrong.

Question if you knew something bad might happen would you be that one person that could save your friend and maybe more? Even if it meant your only friend might turn his back on you, and the people who used to treat you like roadkill now have a sudden interest in being friends with you?

All answered as you read Unlocked by Ryan G. Van Cleave.

If you want a book that'll make you think give this one a shot. (No pun intended)

Real(life)ity VS Bookality

The birth of this post was thought up because I think wayyyy to much about certain things. I know hard to believe right? I think about what's going on in my life and then I look back at books I've read and I wonder. How would those characters have done it? How would they have handle the situation? If they overcame the problem could I? Okay, I realize it's a book and it's written like that, but what if they were real people?

In books where the friends/best friends get into big fights things almost always turn out for the better. (At least I think so.) Forgive and forget or forgive and get over it...right? What if that's not so easy? Real life is never as easy as 1...2....3. It's never whats done is done and that is that. When things are said to one another there's usually some truth in what's said. It's now out in the open and it can't (and won't) be forgotten that's how people are. We hold grudges. (or maybe that's me) We remember everything. (or in my case I tend to remember the stuff that's most hurtful.) the worse it is..the harder it is to forget. I know I'm probably not making any sense to those of you who decide to read it. Part of me wants to remain stubborn and say it was all her fault, but then the other part knows that it's never just one persons fault. It takes two people fight and both to keep it going, but one can change the outcome. I'm just not sure I can be the one. What if she doesn't care anymore for the friendship? Would I just be setting myself up for more disappointment?

What also got me thinking about this particular thing is I finished reading Sean Griswolds Head by Lindsey Leavitt. (I know the book has little to do with friendship. It has more to do with a girl and her family going through stuff) but in it Payton and her friend get in a fight. I couldn't help but looking back on the fight I had with my BFF and wonder if I had messed up. I understand friends get in fights, but I guess I'm being stubborn not wanting to be the first to admit that I was being stupid. (Now I'm not saying she wasn't wrong for what she said) I just can't imagine staying mad forever, and I miss being able to talk to her. I miss doing things together walmart shopping, movies, hanging out watching supernatural, writing our story, going on vacations together. So are my feelings normal, or is it because I'm just feeling lonely and want someone to feel this void I seem to have?

I can't bring myself to text her and just say hi or how are you. -sigh- I'm definitely not like any of these characters at least they have the courage (or balls whatever you want to call it) to try and be better. Rejection, Disappointment, hurt those are things I'd rather not feel.

On some side notes:
1. Maybe a month or so ago my friend came into where I worked with her grandparents, and while I was helping them she never once looked at me or said anything to me. I know I could have taking the step and been nice, but I guess it hurt to see her ignore me so I did the same.
2. Today I was shopping at walmart with my mom, and apparently she was there as well and ran into my mom, and she asked How I was. So does that mean something? Or am I looking to much into this?

I'm telling you my mind is at a constant battle with who knows what.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A little look at what has me thinking:
THE BEGINNING: There's a little more to the story then what was exchanged between us on these conversations, but I think I was irrtitated so much that I really just couldn't talk or type anything else. I was literally shaking and having an anxiety attack at the time too. So yeah. If you want to know more I have an older post back in december I think that explains things more.

MY FRIEND: I feel a little pathetic but I dont wanna leave my window in case I see Toby out there so I can run out and save him :(. Seems like I'm the only one who cares that he's out freezing in the cold and starving!
ME: I'm glad to know you think I don't care about my dog, and that i'm some horrible person because I LET this happen. Out of everyone you should know damn well that's not true. You weren't there when I found him gone or the window broken, or when I went to the office crying to them to see if they found him. Do NOT act as if I DONT CARE. You don't think I feel bad, guess what I do

A MONTH AFTER:
MYFRIEND: Hey I just want you to know I'm sorry about Toby.
I know you loved him and you must know how much I loved him too.
You made a bad choice but I had no right to say the things I did. I am sorry.
You're my best friend, Ashley and we've been through a lot together.
I'm bitter about him dying and a lil
frustrated that you never called me for help but I do love you!
ME: You don't think I know I made a bad choice.
You don't think I have a constant guilt now. everytime I see a picture of him now I cry.
Those made for some of the wost weeks I've been through.
I know you loved him, he was your dog before mine. It's definitely made me realize things.
MYFRIEND: I know you are aware of what you did. Im not trying to make you feel worse...
I just want you to know that I'm still here for you!! ME: Alright.
ME: Alright
MYFRIEND: I love you. I'm going to bed but if you need to talk or get
away you can always call me or come over... no judging from
It was an accident what happened. Goodnight

I haven't talked to her since this.
So do you all think book friendship are anything like real life friendships? Sorry to totally bore ya'll with personal problems.

-edited- June 10,2011
So I apologized. We went and hung out, ate dinner, and saw a movie. I'm very glad I did. Thank you for those that read this or responded on twitter ya'll were helpful, and it means alot to me that people take the time out to read and help. I can say that if you've been there or whatever that it's feels better to apologize and have your friend back. :) Then wasting anymore time because you never know what might happen.

Follow Friday (31) Blog Hop (30)

Share your favorite post from the last month and tell us why it’s close to your heart!”
 I really haven't done alot of posting, but here's a review I did for a book that I enjoyed alot. Aliens, Hybrids, super powers, and other stuff mixed together. Check it out. Starcrossed: Pegiree

What are you doing to prepare for an upcoming zombie apocalypse and/or the return of Mel Gibson to the silver screen? (Both of which could be terrifying.) I'm curious why does it have to be a zombie apocalypse? What about a werewolf or vampire apocalypse? I'm just saying. I could definitely go for either of those. Sorry I know I changed the subject. I'm thinkin I would find a basement and hide. I would get all the necessities

my books number one, foods, drinks, games, music, and the pets, and maybe my family and then hide. Everyone I'm sorry to say ya'll are goners (Is that a word?) Gone-ers? I dunno.

RAK (June)

Alright I'm trying to tell myself this month to not buy so many books. I want to be able to go on vacation somewhere, and if i can hold off on book buying maybe I can save money and actually go somewhere instead of being stuck here for my vacation. (This is going to be soooo hard though) Although I'll probably buy a few for some people. :)

Anyways, if you haven't heard of this awesome thing hosted by the girls over at Book Soulmates then you should check it out. I've gotten some really cool books from people, and I've sent some books out. ( I actually sent some to the phillipines, and was glad to know it got where it was going.)

Anyways my list
Rak wishlist

Pictures, Books, Pictures of books

PICTURES, BOOKS, PICTURES OF BOOKS.

I get a little overly excited when taking pictures sometimes. I think photography is fun. I am by no means a photographer, but when I see something I think...would that make a cool picture? I can not tell you how many random pictures I have on my facebook account. The sky, snow, books, random things, and my pets. That is exactly what this post is. Pictures of my bookshelves. I know I have tons of them, but everytime I move it changes so the pictures change. These are all of places where I had to put my books and the shelves. Remember these are only the YA books.

My daughter of the moon books by Lynne Ewing. They're sitting on my windowsill.

My DVD shelf turned Book shelf. :) You can tell I still have some dvds on there.

Below are the individual shelves broken down.

 The top of my white bookcase. Yes, I have started to collect the BDB series.

Shelf 1
My sad lonely book 2 HP is the only paperback I have in that collection. :(

Shelf 2
So I mainly have my dvds behind as you can tell but I have my books in front. Then I have goodies from different movies and shows. :)

Shelf 3
Most are hardback and then another twilight thing. Those are playing cards I think.

Last Shelf

My paperback books. This shelf I actually changed a little bit after taking the picture because I added some other books to it.

BOOKSHELF NUM DOS-The overstuffed bookshelf. As you can plainly see. :) This one really doesn't have any rhyme or reason to it. I try to keep hardbacks on one shelf and PB on another and sometimes that doesn't work.

Shelf Uno

I hate not being able to see what's behind but what can I do? I try to keep books in a series together though.

Shelf Dos
Paperbacks. That is all. :)

Shelf Tres
All hardbacks. :) Is it sad to say I forget what books are behind the front ones.

Shelf Quatro

This is really a mix. Most are series that I put together. Vanish is the one non-YA book I left out because I have to finish reading it.

Shelf Cinco

Hardbacks with a little bit of Beanie Babies. :)

Notice: Not a bookshelf.
Yeah this is my use to be desk. :) which kinda turned into...

a substitute bookshelf...

(Those are some of the first books/series in YA I read)
House of Night, The Immortals, Vampire Academy, and Wolves of Mercy fall.
That's why they get the special non bookshelf shelf. That looks like it's about to break. EEP!

The top (top) of my desk.
I told you books everywhere. Don't tell me I'm not addicted!

Bedside table
The one last spot they took over. :)

Questions? Answered! (2)

I sit here trying to think of something useful to do. I could read...which I've been doing and now I'm about finished with Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer. So I decided to take a little break. I haven't done one of my Questions? Answered! post in awhile and I have compiled a few questions that I answered so here it is.

Remember if you wish to you can copy the questions and answer them on your site as well. Leave me a comment and let me know. I will come by and check it out. :)

Do you have a preference between male and female MCs, and why?*
In a lot of the books I read the MC is always a female which is completely fine with me. If I had to choose I would probably say a female MC just for the fact that I can easily relate to them better being a female myself. It is nice however to read about a male MC every once in awhile. Like in the Chronicles of Vladmir Tod. I've actually only read the first two books. (I do have the others well except for the 12th grade one) I also have the first book (Infinity) and second book (Invincible) of the chronicles of Nick, and then the caster chronicles book 1 (Beautiful Creatures) and book 2 (beautiful darkness) and book 3 (beautiful Chaos which isn't out til end of '11) which has Ethan as a MC. Are there any others that you all can think of?
It's weird I think ever since I could write and knew what a diary was I kept one. Sometimes I would go months without writing in it. I think the main portions of the diaries came when my mom left us back when I was in middle school. It helped let out the stuff I could never tell my family which was stuff that would have had my family thinking I was crazy. I still have one that I write in every once awhile it's not a daily thing. Only when I'm really, really pissed off or down I write in it as if I'm telling someone because it does make me feel better. I'll sometimes go back and look at earlier entries, and I'm like why did I ever feel like that?

Does anyone keep a diary / journal anymore?? (From book soulmates on facebook)
It's weird I think ever since I could write and knew what a diary was I kept one. Sometimes I would go months without writing in it. I think the main portions of the diaries came when my mom left us back when I was in middle school. It helped let out the stuff I could never tell my family which was stuff that would have had my family thinking I was crazy. I still have one that I write in every once awhile it's not a daily thing. Only when I'm really, really pissed off or down I write in it as if I'm telling someone because it does make me feel better. I'll sometimes go back and look at earlier entries, and I'm like why did I ever feel like that?

Is romance a defining factor of YA? If so, why, and if not, why is it so prevalent? (from Tina @ Book Couture)
I don't think it's nessesscary (I never can spell that right) to have the romances, but I think it gives the book a little something more to enjoy, along with the plots, and everything. Sometimes I enjoy when books have just one love interest. Even though now with YA books that's hard to find in my opinion. I guess in a way it shows teenage/youg adult lives. People have their "crushes", and then who their dating. I'm guessing here. :) There are others aspects to teenage/YA life though then just love like others mentioned the struggles with addictions of all types, family issues, friends (who aren't love interest), and just normal everyday things. More stuff like that is important in reading because it could potentially help those that read it, and isnt' that a good thing? Now I have to admit I'll read those few and far between, but when I do read them they stick with me and leave me thinking what if?

What are five of your pet peeves related to books or reading?
1. How you can be in love with a book that no one knows about then it becomes a movie and everyone is suddenly in love with it and they had no idea it was even a book to begin with! (I do have to admit though twilight was my exception to this rule because I hadn't heard of it before the movies) I'm thinking this will be even more so once the hunger games and the mortal instruments books become movies. The hunger games I can't say really. I've read the first book soo I'm hoping when the movie comes out I'll enjoy enough to get me to read the other two if I haven't by that time. I'm actually finishing the MI books now, and I can say if people who haven't read these books by the time the movie does come out will want to read them.
2. Books that are missing the jacket covers. This is part of the book why mess with it? When I go to used book stores and the books are missing these it irritates me. I know it shouldn't because it's a used BS, but still I guess I don't understand why you need it if you get rid of the book. I mean there have been a few books I would have love to have gotten, but decide not to because they were missing the cover part. :(
3. I always try and finish a chapter before I stop reading for whatever reason. I hate leaving the book/scene/whatever half through. I have to come to a complete stopping point.
4. Slow-paced books. I will usually continue reading the book, but I get very frustrated that it takes so long for something interesting to happen. When this happens I usually stop the book, and go back to it after awhile.
5. Changing the style of the book. I admit I try and wait for all books in a series to be the same type. (Like all hard-cover, all paperback) but sometimes it just doesn't work and my poor bookshelf shows that. :( (Half my HoN books and VA books are like this. The beginning books are paperback and the last half are hardback. #epicsadness)

What book universe would you choose?
This is a really hard question for me because so many books I've read the past year or so have universes that I would love to just jump right in. Vampire Academy, Mortal Instruments, HoN, Harry Potter. As much as I love my VA books (And boy do I. I've read them at least 3 times each :) ) I'm reading the mortal instruments books, and I'm loving the shadowhunters world, Idris. I think that's what it's called I don't I could really choose one world because they all have their uniqueness-es to them.

Are you predictable when shopping for books? Do you have a shopping pattern?
I'd probably say that I'm predictable in the sense that I'll usually go straight to the YA section, and look over those shelves quite a few times. You never know you may miss something. That's especially true if I'm at Half price books. I always look through the shelves more than once and I always find a book I overlooked. Also I guess in a way that would make up my shopping pattern.

Do you always have a compulsive need to buy books or are you someone who likes books, but doesn't always have the desire to purchase them?I think I have a compulsive need to buy books...sadly. I usually go to the bookstore weekly. Yes! I said weekly and when I go in there I purchase. I seriously can't go to a bookstore without purchasing at least 2 or 3 (Most of the time it's more as you can tell from my IMMs).Question is....Do I need them? No. Do I want them? Yes. Compulsive? You decide.
From http://thebookjunkiesbookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-buying-patternshabits-do-you-have.html

Do you buy the books that there are a lot of "hype" about or do you tend to avoid them? Do you tend to buy books that have had a lot of "mixed" reviews so you can formulate your own opinion?
I think if it's really an interesting sounding book, or one that is in a series I've read I'll usually go ahead and get it and not worry about the "hype", but if it's one that's a start to a series I'll usually give it a few months or so before I decide to go and buy it. I try not to judge a book on what others say about it I like to form my own opinion. I will read the reviews just to see what others say, but in the end it doesn't really make a difference to me.

How much does the book blogging community contribute to your book buying habit/pattern?
Let's just say before I started blogging/reviewing books I would have never bought as many books as I do now. I mean for starters I wouldn't even know where to begin with what's new and good out in stores. Before my blog I would literally just go to walmart and look at the books in their little section. (I never thought of going to a HPB to look for books) I'd read the backs of the books at walmart and if they sounded interesting I bought the first book, and if I liked I would buy the others. (That's how my VA obsession began) Now though I'm well aware of the awesome books that come out even before they do, and it makes me look for them when they do. I'd say the BB community has definitely contributed to my book buying habit. It's okay though I forgive ya'll. I could have habits worse then books so it's totally cool. :)