November in Retrograde

November is coming to a close and as far as months go, it was pretty good. I started my new job and I think it was a good move.  SO yay for that. I also went to my very first book event- YALLFEST, you can see my review HERE.  I've read some AMAZING contemporary books this month. I seem to have the most luck with those, maybe because I'm pickier when it comes to that genre. As far as John Green goes...I get it now okay? I. GET. IT. He's the shit. As is David Levithan.

NOW for my November monthly recap:

I actually managed to read 6 of the books I had on my November TBR, it would have been 8 but I wasn't able to finish two of them due to disinterest. Usually I don't stick to a list so I'm kinda happy about that.

TOTAL BOOKS READ = 9

 

 

Every Day (David Levithan) 5/5

Perfect (Ellen Hopkins) 4/5

Will Grayson, Will Grayson (John Green & David Levithan) 5/5

Specials (Scott Westerfeld) 3.5/5

Extras (Scott Westerfeld) 3/5

Persephone (Kaitlin Bevis) 4/5 (For Review)

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour (Morgan Matson) 5/5

The Sky is Everywhere (Jandy Nelson) 5/5

Looking for Alaska (John Green) 5/5

 

 

 

Unfortunately, this month I suffered twice from the dreaded DNF (did not finish).

Each book had it's own set of problems. I read more then half of White Cat but could not get into the story and quit. Of Light and Darkness was for review from NetGalley and the original premise sounded promising. However, there was a severe lack of connection with the characters, the writing and the direction the story was going. I'm not going to waste my time forcing myself to finish a book that I don't like only to give it a poor review. I'd rather move on to something that I will like and can recommend to others.

 

 

FAVORITE READ:

This is really tough. Because 5 of the books this month are now in my favorite category. But if I HAD to pick only one....I would probably have to go with Looking for Alaska by John Green. Incredible book. (The Sky is Everywhere is a close second)

 

LEAST FAVORITE READ:

Not including my DNF's I'd have to go with Extras by Scott Westerfeld. Unfortunately this series fizzled out for me and I can only go so long without a character connection.

MOST SUPRISING READ:

This new category is going to highlight a book that suprised me in some way (either good or bad). I'm going to go with Persephone. I read this for review and was suprised that I liked it so much. I've had bad luck with books in the past involving this retelling so I didn't have my hopes up. Yay for a good suprise! I def recommend this book for people who like Greek mythology retellings.

 

REVIEWS POSTED =4

I was a little lax with reviews this month. I'm working on it.
(Click link to read my review if you want)
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour (Morgan Matson) 5/5
Persephone (Kaitlin Bevis)  4/5
Point of Retreat (Colleen Hoover)  4.5/5
Jekel Loves Hyde (Beth Fantaskey) 3/5

TOP TEN TUESDAY (Linked up :)
Books I Want on a Deserted Island
Books that Broke My Heart a Little (or a lot)
Authors I'm Thankful For
Anticipated Books of 2013

 

YALLFEST 2012 RECAP

 

 

 

SO. If you've been following my blog, you know I went to YALLFEST  a couple weeks ago. YALLFEST is a Young Adult Book Festival held in Charleston, South Carolina. I went with my fellow book lover friend Jessica who has her own blog at Deus Ex Blogina and also guest posts at Wastepaper Prose. Here she is holding a 30 dollar Hershey's bar that's as big as her upper body. Who wants smores?!?

YALLFEST was  a great experience and a perfect first book event for me. Everyone was so friendly; the fellow book lovers, the staff and volunteers and the authors. I didn't see any elbows being thrown or pushing and shoving.  Yay for being nice!

I went in with a mission and a plan, which was good because there was SOO much going. I felt a little bit like a paparazzi a couple times when I spotted Reading Angel and Down the Rabbit Hole. I just stared at them. I was too shy to say hello. Haha. I ALSO got to meet Asheley from Into the Hall of Books! She always comments on my blog posts and we seem to have a lot in common so it was great to finally see her in person!

Jenny Han- I love her and I heart this picture. It makes me giggle. I'm SUCH an ace photographer!

Hands down, the best author panel I attended was YA Girl Band! This panel rocked!! The authors were awesome and hilarious and all played off each other. My favorites in particular were Jenny Han, Simone Elkeles, Stephanie Perkins and Elizabeth Eulberg. I LOVED seeing all their different personalities. It makes you just love them even more. Yes Stephanie Perkins is as cute in person as you expect with her pink hair. And Simone Elkeles was def one of my faves. If she decided to give up writing I could totally see her as a stand-up comic. And Elizabeth Eulberg cracked me up many a time.

 

The authors I got books signed by included: Jenny Han, Stephanie Perkins, Cassandra Clare, David Levithan, Gayle Forman, Carry Ryan, and Simone Elkeles. YAY! My first signed books :)








SO. In the tent where they had the major author signings there were also some independent/indie authors. Well. I got duped in to a mercy buy. Well okay two. So there was this author guy in the tent and every person who got within a 3 foot radius of him he would start pitching his book like a used car salesman. SO me and my good buddy Jessica were finished up with a signing and heading out of the tent. Well we had to walk past this guy and I got caught. Jessica, being the good buddy ole pal that she is hid behind me and sneaked out. I don't like to hurt people's feelings and I felt bad that no one was going to his table so I bought his book. And then I bought the second book too. I can't say no! I couldn't bear to see the sadness in his eyes!  And I'm never ever going to read them. So yeah.


MARGARET (MARGIE) STOHL is AWESOME! She's this tiny little person but she's so full of energy and life and is hilarious. There were a lot of great moments involving her. Like this:

 

My second favorite panel was In Production with Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments) and Kami Garci & Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Creatures) talking about their upcoming book to movie adaptations. They showed us never before seen footage of both films and gave us some insights into the production. ESPECIALLY Cassandra Clare. Oh man. I'm most stoked for City of Bones!!
No pictures allowed but I found this one on the internets, these two are just adorbs!

LAST but DEF not least was YA Smackdown where the authors all get on stage and make fools of themselves. I didn't realize authors had such dirty minds! There were quite a few sexual jokes and I was laughing so hard at times my stomach hurt!

 

Overall, YALLFEST was an excellent experience and everyone should go next year! And don't forget to take a buddy!! 

I can't complete this post without saying something about the city of Charleston itself. It's quite delightful and lovely and wonderful. I would LOVE to live in one of the GIGANTIC mansions with the secret gardens and pathways with a water view.  I just have to find me a rich husband first...

In Charleston, South Carolina you can find the following: (WARNING: I'm about to go a a little picture crazy :)

 

Charleston is a tree-lover's paradise! Gorgeous giant trees, perfect for climbing or sitting under with a good book! 

 

The sign does NOT lie! Delicious authentic eyetalian food!

 

 

AND I'm done. Great trip. Great company. Fun times!

 

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday: oooh the Anticipation!

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish!

This week's topic is:

 

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books For 2013

 

*Link will take you to Goodreads page*

 

 

1. Clockwork Princess (Cassandra Clare)- The LAST book in The Infernal Devices trilogy and I can't fricken wait!!! Although I'm also terrified about what Ms.Clare is going to do to my heart. Because I love me some Jem like whoa and I just can't imagine how things are going to end!  (3/19/12)

 

2. Lover at Last (J.R.Ward)- I've been waiting for this installment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood for a while now and it's finally almost here! BLAY AND QHUINN! BLAY AND QHUINN!! AHHH!! Don't make me hate you J.R. !!! (3/26/12)

 

3. Through the Ever Night (Veronica Rossi)- When I started reading Under the Never Sky, it took me a few chapters to get in to. But then BAM I was taken and loved it and I can't wait to see what happens with Arya and Perry! (1/8/12)

 



 

4. Splintered (A.G.Howard)- This is one of my all-time favorite covers and was on my waiting on Wednesday post a while ago. It sounds amazing! A twisty take on Alice in Wonderland. (1/1/12)

 

5. Gameboard of the Gods (Richelle Mead)- RICHELLE MEAD PEOPLE!!! I mean, who wouldn't be excited for another book by her?? Another lovely cover! (6/4/12)

 

6. Prophecy (The Dragon King Chronicles #1) (Ellen Oh)- Oh man. I see another favorite kick-ass heroine in my future!  (1/2/12)

 

7. Etiquette & Espionage (Gail Carriger)- I haven't read any books by this author, but I feel like this is a great place to start! ANOTHER great cover! Sheesh. (2/5/12)

 

8. The Nightmare Affair (Mindee Arnett)- There's a new creature to fear- a Nightmare! This book sounds original and amazing! (3/5/12)

 

9. Breath (Jackie Morse Kessler)- The final installment in The Riders of the Apocalypse. I've read the first 2, Hunger and Rage and they spoke directly to my soul.  I still need to read #3 (Loss) and then I can pick this baby up.  (4/16/12)

 

 

10. Eleanor & Park (Rainbow Rowell)- This book sounds cute and funny and lovely and I wants it. (3/5/12)

 



 

 

Just a little side note here, but I feel like 2013 is the year of AMAZING book covers!!!  I love all the ones on my list here.

 

AND I can't wait to see where YOUR anticipation lies!  Leave a comment with your link so I can checkcheckcheck it out :)

My Thoughts: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Goodreads Summary:
Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

Genre: Contemporary Young Adult

My Thoughts:
I LOVE road trip books and this was was no exception! It was awesome!

This book is about death and loss and grieving and figuring out how to move on. It's about forgiving others and forgiving yourself.  It's about being human and defining what home actually means .  And it's hilarious and touching and sweet and did I mention funny? And I want to go on a cross-country road trip now!!

Like previously mentioned, the setting of this book is a cross-country road trip from California to Connecticut. Originally Amy's mother had a very specific, detailed route that Amy and Roger were to follow including where and when to stop.  Well, Amy and Roger decide to take a little detour and that's when things get REALLY interesting!

The author has included scrapbook style pages with pictures and drawings and fun state facts. And what would a road-trip be without music?!?  Expect playlists and jams galore! I loved "seeing" all the sights and experiencing different places through these characters. I wasn't just reading about a road trip. I felt like I was in the back seat, my feet hanging out the window, sipping on a root beer and watching the country go by with Amy and Roger.

The characters were easy to love.  They were very well developed and I loved both Roger and Amy.  I felt Amy's grief over her father's death and was able to relate to some of her feelings.  This story isn't just about Roger helping Amy move past the feelings about her father's death. It's about both of them helping each other.  And even though there is a lot heaviness there's also a LOT of lightness and laughter! Not just with Amy and Roger but with a lot of the side characters they come in contact with during their drive.

I feel like everyone needs some road-trip therapy at some point in their life.  Everything looks different when you're in  a car for 15 plus hours at a time. Things become clearer.  Right now, this book is the closest I'm going to get to it.

This is a contemporary young adult read that should not be passed up. The writing is excellent, the characters are heartfelt and lovely and real. There's depth and humor and just that feel-good feeling.

Favorite Quotes:
"I'd found out that if you pushed people away hard enough, they tended to go."

"I just needed to go someplace where I could be alone, and try to handle the fact that everything in the world seemed to be broken."

"Tomorrow will be better." "But what if it's not?", I asked. "Then you say it again tomorrow. Because it might be.  You never know, right? At some point, tomorrow will be better."

Bottom Line: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour took me on an emotional, fun, exciting, hilarious ride and I loved every stop along the way! 5/5

Weekly Recap

So last week I was a little lax with the ole blog and didn't have very many posts due to the Thanksgiving blues.  Now that  that holiday is over with I'm back.  Here's a little recap of the past week of reading.

Books finished:

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson- Loved this road trip book, I'll post a review sometime in the next couple weeks. 5/5


The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson- This book is beautiful. It's hilarious and quirky and  heartbreaking and I couldn't put it down.  5/5


Currently reading:
For review from author- Prophecy Girl by Faith McKay. Just started this one yesterday, hoping to finish it up today.


Next up:
Of course this will probably change, but right now the next book I'm planning on reading is Looking for Alaska by John Green. This will be my first solo John Green book, I've read his co-authored books and am a huge fan. I also own Paper Towns and The Fault in Our Stars. The latter I'm just not ready to read yet... 


I went and saw Breaking Dawn part II in theaters last weekend.  I've never been a fanatic about the movies, because the acting is just horrible. I can't even watch Twilight any more.  I must say, I felt like this one was made really well. The first 1/4-1/2 was a bit boring. And then BAM. Attention grabbed AND held.    AND don't tell anyone but I dare say Garrett now has my heart.. :)  He's my new favorite and I want more of him! I still can't believe that's Lee Pace. Of course I see it now that I know it's him. It's still crazy!

So this week I hope to post a few over-due reviews, some lists and my monthly recap. I have a plan for December. Well an idea of a plan in my head for posting in December. It's all about the follow-through.

I have my new Christmas tree up, now I just have to decorate it. First stop: the grocery store for hot chocolate.

Thanksgiving Blues

As a kid growing up, Thanksgiving was one of my favorite holidays. My family plus aunts and uncles and cousins would all go over to my grandparent's house to stuff ourselves with too much delicious food and hang out. It was always fun times.  Now that I'm a grown-up (boo), those traditions no longer exist. My grandfather died a couple years ago and my grandma isn't doing too well. Everyone has gone their separate ways. Which I know happens as we get older, but it still sucks.  So. The holidays, especially Thanksgiving, no longer hold the same meaning or specialness they once did. I would  just skip today if I could (except for the not having to go in to work part and I do LOVE food).

I realize I'm being very UNthankful today..but I'm feeling blue. SNAP OUT OF IT!


What am I thankful for?

I am thankful for my new job.
I am thankful that I have food to eat and a warm place to lay my head.
I am thankful that I have somewhere to go for this holiday.
I am thankful for the cooler weather and the changing of the seasons.
I am thankful that I am alive.
I am thankful for books.
I am thankful for my soon-to-be-born nephew.

Mostly, I am thankful for my memories.

 

 

(I take no credit for this picture)

Top Ten Tuesday: Be Thankful

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's topic is:

Top Ten Authors I'm Thankful For

 

 

1. J.K Rowling (Harry Potter)

2. Stephenie Meyer (Twilight)

3. Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke & Bone)

4. Maria V. Snyder (Poison Study)

5. J.R. Ward (Black Dagger Brotherhood)

6. Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy)

7. Cassandra Clare (The Infernal Devices)

8. Kristin Cashore (Graceling)

9. David Levithan (Dash & Lily's Book of Dares)

10. Julie Kagawa (The Iron Fey)

11. Colleen Hoover (Slammed, Point of Retreat)

 

I mean. This is not really a top ten, there's WAY too many authors I'm thankful for. Except for #1 they're in no particular order and there's lots lots more that I could list!

 

Leave a comment so I can check out your list :)

For Review: Persephone (Daughters of Zeus) (Kaitlin Bevis)

 

(Goodreads Summary/Link)

There are worse things than death, worse people too

The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.





Source: E-copy from Musa Publishing
Genre: Young Adult

Why I wanted to read it: Greek mythology retelling

My Thoughts:

This is the 3rd Persephone and Hades retelling I've read. Let's face it, the others sucked royally and I had all but given up hope for this particular myth retelling.  BUT I've heard that the third time's the charm..right???

RIGHT! FINALLY! A myth retelling done well. Very well. I loved it. I read it in a couple hours. You should read it too. 

Like I already said, this is a retelling of the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. The author did a fantastic job of putting her own unique spin on a classic story.

I found the characters easy to connect to and they have a clear voice. Persephone as a main character is independent and brave and strong-willed. I LOVE that she talked back to Hades and didn't just accept things without question.  Hades. Oh man. I likey mucho. He's definitely a strong male character. He shows his care for Persephone but also makes it very clear that he has a dark side.  I mean, he is the God of the Underworld after all. And he's all sorts of hot.

Speaking of...the Underworld was explained and described so well that I had no problem imagining it. I also liked the uniqueness and the details of the different areas of the afterlife.  A vivid picture was very well painted and just helped pull me into the story more.

As I was reading this book I was thinking to myself...ahhhhh. How refreshing. For once I have a retelling that is not fully based around an insta-love crappy romance. I love romance as much as the next person but I've read a lot of books recently where this was its downfall.  Don't get me wrong, there is a romance aspect in this story (it IS based on the Persephone & Hades myth afterall) and I foresee it coming more in to play in the next book. The difference is, in this case it was done WELL. The romance didn't take over and it wasn't overdone which made it all the more believable and accepting.

The writing is well-paced, developed and flows. There's also a lot of humor infused into this story which I LOVED.  Humor shows that the characters and story doesn't take itself too seriously and only helped add to its awesomeness.

Persephone is a must read for fans of Greek mythology retellings done right.


Favorite Quotes:
"People fear death, but in reality what they fear is the uncertainty of their afterlife."

"Reality has teeth and claws. It's rarely pretty and never fair."

Bottom Line: What else can I say? I was impressed. Well done! 4/5
I can't wait to read the second book!

For Review: Point of Retreat (Colleen Hoover)

 

(Goodreads Link) 

Source: For Review, Netgalley

Why I wanted to read it: Because I LOVED Slammed and couldn't NOT read this one.


My Thoughts:

Point of Retreat is the follow-up to Slammed, one of my favorite reads of 2012. This review will contain spoilers of Slammed. SO GO READ THAT ONE NOW!!

Point of Retreat was everything I was hoping for and more.  Having loved Slammed, I was a little worried that this one wouldn't be as good. Will and Layken are together now and still living across the street from each other. Layken's mom has died and she is taking care of her brother while Will continues to help raise his little brother.  I knew this book was going to involve a past love of Will's and this was going to create a conflict between him and Layken.

 This storyline could have been boring. BUT Colleen Hoover has this amazing ability of taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary!  She does this by creative writing and making her characters come to life.

If there's one word I could use to describe the characters in this book it would be authentic. I LOVE ALL of them.  I want to be in their little family.  And Will. Oh my. What a freaking catch.

This book made me cry but it also made me laugh out loud and gave me that feel-good feeling.
It's a must read for anyone who enjoyed Slammed.

I highly recommend these books to anyone looking for a contemporary YA read filled with authentic characters, laughter, incredible writing, all around amazingness and a bit of slam poetry.

Favorite Quotes:

"I've learned something about my heart. It can break. It can be ripped apart. It can harden and freeze. It can stop. Completely. It can shatter into a million pieces. It can explode. It can die. The only thing that made it start beating again? The moment you opened your eyes."

"It's like you came along and woke up my soul."

"Sometimes it feels good to have your biggest fears discounted with a simple compliment."

Bottom Line: Point of Retreat was an on-point follow-up to Slammed and Colleen Hoover is butterflying brilliant!  4.5/5