Shout Outs...More Contests (but they're not mine!!!)

A very very very amazing 300 follower giveaway is going on at Tynga's Urban Fantasy reviews. She is giving away books to 5 winners. It is open internationally and will end on December 23rd. So make sure to click on the image to enter!!!


Another Fallen by Lauren Kate is being given away at The Bookette. This is open internationally and will end on December 2nd. You must click on the link to enter!!!

Month End Author Spotlight: Jodi Picoult

I cannot believe it is already the end of November. That means the end of my Jodi Picoult month as well. I really enjoyed them and I am sooo glad that I chose her this month. I cannot wait to read the ones I missed and all her future books.

Here is my little monthly AS wrap-up...

Overall Rating...

.25

Here are the books I read...
Songs of a Humpback Whale (1992)
Plain Truth (1999)
My Sister's Keeper (2004)
Nineteen Minutes (2007)

After reading J. Picoult's books...you might enjoy...
Books by Nicholas Sparks

Now go and grab your cup of tea or J. Picoult's prefered french vanilla coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) along with a Jodi Picoult book and HAPPY readings!!!

Shout Out...More Contests (but they're not mine!!!)

Reading with Tequila is having a 100 Follower Giveaway. There are twenty books to choose from with three winners (but there will be more if there are more followers). It's open internationally and it ends on December 27th. You need to click on the blogs link to enter!!!

The First Novels Club is having an amazing contest and wrote an awesome post about the authors they met. It is open internationally and ends on December 1st. You need to click on the link to enter!!!

Friday Finds (11/27/09)

Friday Finds at the Store is a meme hosted by Jennay at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and everyone can join. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Beastly by Alex Flinn

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright---a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever---ruined---unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly...beastly.

(I bought this book from a bookstore called Fully Booked)

What did you find???

Shout Out...More Contests (but they're not mine!!!)

Ellz Readz is giving away a copy of Fallen by Lauren Kate. It is open internationally and you must click on the image to enter. The contest ends on December 4th.

Steph Su Reads is giving away two ARC's by Lauren Kate. This contest is open internationally and you must click on the image to enter. It ends December 10th.

The Never Ending Shelf is having a "Thank You" contest. There are two parts to this giveaway and you must click on the image to enter. It's open internationally and ends December 31st.

A Good Addiction is having a giveaway for Fallen by Lauren Kate. It is open internationally and you need to click on the image to enter. It will end on December 6th.

Review: Nineteen Minutes

Title: Nineteen Minutes
Author: Jodi Picoult
ISBN/Publisher: 978-1-4165-4699-3/Astria Books (part of Simon & Schuster)
Age Group/Genre: Adult

Peter Houghton is a seventeen year old boy that was constantly bullied throughout his years of schooling. Even his older brother took part of the bullying (sometimes even as the leader of the bully pack). He lives in a small town in New Hampshire and has no friends, so he turns to the world of video games and computer programming.

One day he decides to walk into Sterling High School with guns and bombs in the car and kills ten people and injures many more. All the witnesses tell the cops that Peter did it and he is thrown into jail. His defense attorney, Jordan McAfee uses an odd defense of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by bullying. Maybe this will be his key to getting out of jail...

Now I can't forget that the story also involves the town's Superior Court judge, Alex Cormier and her high school daughter Josie. Josie was Peter's friend in grade school, but ended up in the popular group as they grew up. And Josie's BF was mister hockey guy on the varsity team and major bully for Peter. The thing is, Josie witnesses her boyfriend, Matt's murder, but can't remember anything.

Will Josie's memory come back and who will it help???

I really enjoyed this story because it is told from different points of views. Also, I was in high school when many of the high school shootings were going around. So, I was able to recall the feelings as a high schooler when this happened. But the most interesting view point was the one that came from the parents of the killer. It was very interesting to read about their lives and how their son changed theirs as well. It made me think about how parenting or lack of parenting or maybe it was ignorance that would lead to such a deadly shooting.

I guess I really liked the beginning and the middle, but once it got to the end...I didn't really enjoy it. I don't want to give too much away, but I didn't like the way it ended. But...I still liked the book as a whole. If you read the story, you must let me know your thoughts on it.

Favorite quote...

Something still exists as long as there's someone around to remember it. Alex Cormier, page 637

My Rating

Now go and grab your cup of tea or J. Picoult's preferred french vanilla coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) along with a Jodi Picoult book and HAPPY readings!!!

Friday Finds (11/20/09)

Friday Finds at the Store is a meme hosted by Jennay at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and everyone can join. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the description on Goodreads of Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. Thanks to three of today's bestselling teen authors John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.

What did you find???

Shout Out...More Contests (but they're not mine)

Reading Cause I'm Addicted is giving away copies of Fallen by Lauren Kate. It is open internationally and you must click on image to enter. It ends on December 1st.

Who, What, When, Where, Why is giving away a copy of Ice by Sarah Beth Durst. The contest is international and you must click on the image to enter. It will end on December 9th.

Brizmus Blogs Books is having a pretty amazing 100 follower giveaway contest. You must click on the image to enter and to see the prizes up for grabs. It is open internationally and ends on December 18th.

Want to pick your own book to win. Then head over to Running For Fiction and enter his contest. Click on the link to enter and it ends on December 1st.

The Story Siren is having a "Because Angels are Hot" contest. Click on the image to enter and it is open internationally. It will end on December 8th.

Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Title: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Author: Mark Haddon
ISBN/Publisher: 978-1-4000-3271-6/Vintage Books (part of Random House)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult & Adult (I found it in both sections)

Christopher Boone, an autistic fifteen year-old tells his story. He lets us know that one way to help him relax is by doing math problems (and not easy math problems at that). When things get too much for him, he starts to moan. He doesn't like to be touched and he does not eat foods that are yellow or brown, but if he can dye them red it will be okay.

But the main part of the story is what happens when he discovers that his neighbor's dog was murdered. Now, he'll try to be like Sherlock Holmes in order to track down the killer. But what he doesn't sign up for is the revealing of his parent's broken marriage. Christopher explores a world that he finds difficult and confusing. He can't find a way to relate to others and others find him weird.

Does Christopher solve the murder???

I absolutely adored this book. It may be because I used to work with autistic children and reading from a special-needs child's point-of-view was kind of different, but a great different. This book gave me a better understanding of how their minds work. It was easy for me to imagine Christopher as a real child because he did remind me of one of the little boys I worked with.

I loved that Christopher was a math genius and I caught on before he mentioned that the novel's chapters are labeled using prime numbers (I was the nerd in school that loved the prime number unit & I admit that it's my favorite math section to tutor). Also, the book portrayed a parent's love for their child really well. And in this situation the need to protect a child from hurting and being different.

Mark Haddon does an amazing job telling this story. It is informative to those who don't understand autistic children and would like a better understanding on how their minds work. He also adds humor to the book. This combination is always a win win for me.

I totally recommend this book. However I've noticed that some people have a hard time reading it because it is an autistic child's point of view. But I promise...once you get used to it, you will definitely enjoy it!!!

My Rating

Now go and grab your cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!

Shout Out...More Contests (but they're not mine)

Diana at Writing Roller Coasters is giving away a copy of The Maze Runner by James Dashner. Make sure to click on the image and it is open internationally. The contest ends November 24

Once Upon a Bookcase is giving away a copy of Fallen by Lauren Kate. Make sure to click on the image to enter and it is open internationally. The contest ends November 21.

Good Golly Miss Holly is giving away 3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares. Click on the image to enter and it is open internationally. The contest ends November 22.

The Eclectic Reader is giving away one of these three books (your choice)! Click on the image to enter and it's open internationally. The contest ends November 30.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater; Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick;Maze Runner by James Dashner are all up for grabs at I should be Writing. Make sure you click on the blog name to enter contest. It is open to everyone and ends November 22.

Review: Plain Truth

Title: Plain Truth
Author: Jodi Picoult
ISBN/Publisher: 978-1-4165-4918-5/Atria Books (part of Simon & Schuster)
Age Group/Genre: Adult

A baby is found dead in an Amish farm. The evidence is stacked high against an unwed Amish teenage girl. Katie Fisher denies not committing the murder, but also denies having the baby.

Ellie Hathaway leaves the big city of Philadelphia and her big defense attorney job to get some relaxation at her aunt's farm out in Paradise, PA. But soon finds herself defending Katie. Not only is she going to be Katie's lawyer, but she volunteered to be her guardian. Now, Ellie has to live on the Amish farm with the Fishers.

Who killed the newborn??? And will Ellie survive on an Amish farm???

I really love how Picoult is able to change the point of views in her stories. This one is told in a third-person and also from Ellie's POV. Plain Truth really is a mystery. There are times when I get really frustrated because it was really hard for me to understand Katie's problem.

This story was sometimes difficult for me to read because it did deal with a baby's death, let alone his murder. Once again Jodi Picoult really gets a reader's emotions going, but I still love her. Sometimes I wonder if Jodi was a lawyer in her past life because all the stories I've read by her deal with the court room. This was a wonderful read and I also learned a lot because the author did so much research (come on...she even lived on an Amish farm to get a better understanding of their culture).

I totally recommend this book!!!
BTW...I would love to get a hold of the made for TV movie adaptation of this book.

A fave line...

You can be happy for someone else's good fortune, but that doesn't mean you forget your own bad luck. Katie Fisher, page 358

My Rating

Now go and grab your cup of tea or J. Picoult's prefered french vanilla coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) along with a Jodi Picoult book and HAPPY readings!!!

Shout Out...More Contests (but they're not mine)

The Bookologist is giving away a signed ARC of Captivate by Carrie Jones. Click on the image to enter because it ends today!!! It is international.

Lea at YA Book Queen is havine an awesome giveaway. Make sure to click on the image to enter and it is open internationally. Contest ends November 20.

Lori at Pure Imagination is giving away an ARC of Fallen by Lauren Kate. Make sure you click on the image to enter and it is open internationally. Contest ends November 25.

Eli at The Tainted Poet is giving away a copy of Ice by Sarah Beth Durst. Make sure you click on the image to enter and it is open internationally. Contest ends December 10.


Addicted to Books is giving away a signed copy of The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley. Make sure to click on image to enter and it is open internationally. Contest ends December 29.

Review: Fairy Tale

Title: Fairy Tale
Author: Cyn Balog
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-385-73706-7/Delacorte Press (Part of Random House)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Morgan and Cam have been best friends since they were babies. They have been boyfriend and girlfriend since elementary school. And to top it off they share the same birthday. A week before their sweet sixteen bday party, totally weird things start to happen.

An odd looking boy Pip (Cam's cousin) shows up to live with Cam and his family. Then, Cam starts to act differently and has lost his skill with the football. Soon, all the relationships appear and oh this story involves a changeling.

Will Morgan get to stay with the BF she has loved forever???

This story was a very quick and cute read. I loved how this time around the fairy was the boy. I was really confused on which boy to root for. I wanted Cam, then I wanted Pip, then I wanted Cam again. Oh how confused I was (so I could only imagine what Morgan was going through).

The book felt a little short and I think there could have been more character development. But still it was cute (really cute). If you want a quick and easy read then pick this one up.

My Rating

Now go and grab your cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!

Shout Out...More Contests (but they're not mine)

Author Lisa McMann is haveing a FREAKING huge contest on her blog. Make sure you click on the image to enter (it's amazing). It ends November 26.

BrittLit over at Reading Nook is giving away an ARC of Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. This contest is open internationally and ends on November 22. Click on image to link to site.

The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really) is giving away an ARC of Captivate by Carrie Jones. This is open internationally and ends on November 14. Click on image to link to site.

Jessica at A BookLover's Diary is having an amazing giveaway. There will be 4 winners so be sure to click on her blog link to enter. It is open internationally and ends November 30.

Friday Finds (11/13/09)

Friday Finds at the Store is a meme hosted by Jennay at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and everyone can join. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black

Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces Kaye back to her childhood. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms---a struggle that could very well mean her death.

What did you find???

Review: Songs of the Humpback Whale

Title: Songs of the Humpback Whale
Author: Jodi Picoult
ISBN/Publisher: 978-1-4165-4920-8/Astria Books (Part of Simon & Schuster)
Age Group/Genre: Adult/General Fiction

Jane Jones gets in a fight with her husband and takes off. She leaves San Diego with her daughter and heads to where her younger brother is. Except, it's not a straight shot journey to the East Coast, but one where her brother, Joley sends her to different destinations across the U.S. via letters.

The story eventually lands them in an apple orchard where we will finally meet all five narrators. Songs of the Humpback Whale includes a love triangle and a first love.

But which loves will actually last???

This novel was uniquely told in five different voices. I find Jodi Picoult amazing in the way that she is able to tap into so many characters minds to tell each of their points-of-views. At first, I wasn't quite sure how much I liked the book. Sometimes, the story got a bit repetitive because each character would have their own memories from the same events. But at the same time, it gave me a better understanding of each character.

As I read the book, I wasn't sure who I liked. I didn't know who the good guy/bad guy was. One moment I would be pulling for one character and then I would dislike that character. This novel definitely had me wanting more. In the end, I couldn't forget the characters. And I also craved apples while reading the book.

My Rating:

Now go and grab your cup of tea or J. Picoult's prefered french vanilla coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) along with a Jodi Picoult book and HAPPY readings!!!

Review: Love is a Many Trousered Thing

Title: Love is a Many Trousered Thing
Author: Louise Rennison
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-085389-1/Harper Teen (Part of HarperCollins)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

***Warning...this contains spoilers because it is part of a series (it's hard to talk about this book without talking about the previous ones)***

Georgia is back and her lurvvve problems are still at large. Masimo confesses his love for her, but guess who's back in town? Yep...her first love, the Sex God. And she's not sure what she wants to do or who she wants. She wants to talk to Dave the Laugh, but she still feels weird around him so that's out of the question.

The Nicolson family is still crazy and annoying her. She doesn't want to ask them for help, but sometimes her mutti just might have some advice. Oh and did I mention that the Ace gang and the rest of their class take an interesting camping trip. Time to see how Georgia reacts out with nature.

Who will Georgia's BF be???

This book was fun and filled with hilariosity as usual and...the cover looks extremely yummy. Anyone want some dessert???

The Georgia Nicolson series never fails to me laugh...out loud may I add. This girl is crazy, dramatic, and very boy-crazy, but tons of fun. This series is quite long, but totally easy to read and worth it when you need a break from other books.

So pick up this fun series...I can't wait to read book nine!!!

One fave scene...
Georgia's thoughts on Cinderella...

Cinderella lives with her ugly stepsisters. They hate her because she is pretty, although I can't say I blame the uglies. Looking at the drawing of Cinders, I would be inclined to give her a bit of a duffing-up. She has a very irritating sticky-up nose. Page 70

My Rating

Now go and grab your cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!