Review: The Reluctant Heiress

Title: The Reluctant Heiress
Author: Eva Ibbotson
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-14-2412277-0/Speak (part of Penguin)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Star-crossed lovers Tessa and Guy are very different people, from very different worlds and very different lives. Tessa is a princess, and a very beloved princess in her town. But leaves her castle to pursue her love of music. She works for a struggling opera company, but no one knows her true identity. Guy is an orphan that was abandoned as a baby and is now a self-made millionaire.

The two constantly cross paths when Guy purchases Tessa's castle (but has no idea at the time who's castle it was) and goes to the struggling opera house to have an opera performed at the castle. The reason he buys the castle and wants the opera is because he wants to impress the girl, his first love who has recently been widowed. But as physically beautiful as Nerine is, she is incredibly shallow and self-absorbed. Like many books, Guy has yet to notice these flaws and persists on hiding his feelings for Tess, the girl from the opera house. However, Tess knows how she feels about Guy, but also realizes that he has a girl in his life already. So she just turns away from it all...the castle and love. What will it take for the star-crossed lovers to actually find each other?

We are back into good old Ibbotson's beautiful romances. The Reluctant Heiress was so fairy tale like that it just made it more wonderful. And we also get the beautiful Vienna as the city that this plays out in. Because of Ibbotson's beautiful description of the city, I really really want to visit this place.

I've read many reviews of this book and a lot of people are comparing it to the likes of Ibbotson's other novel, A Countess Below Stairs. And I agree that these two books are probably her best ones, but I enjoyed The Reluctant Heiress a bit more. This one starred a beautiful female character and a wonderful male character. Between these two, Tess and Guy, the story really moved along well. Their chemistry was very sweet and even their friends were lovely to read about. (But don't worry, there were also the characters that weren't so nice and I even name called a few times).

There were a few slow parts, but overall, the story was great and I recommend this to those that enjoy a little romance in their YA.

My Rating

(This book was bought at a store called FullyBooked)

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

Review: Before I Fall

Title: Before I Fall
Author: Lauren Oliver
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-172680-4/Harper Teen
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Samantha Kingston and her three best friends are the popular, beautiful girls on the high school campus. But high school right now for Samantha isn't all that great. She's living February 12th, Cupid Day, over and over...seven times to be exact.

Cupid Day, usually one of her favorite days. The day where everyone knows who the poplular kids are because they're the ones that are delivered so many flowers throughout the school day. But The thing is, it's not just any Cupid Day she's living over, it's the day she dies. And each day she makes changes to it...sometimes ditching school, seducing someone at the school (not her bf), or hanging out with family. She's trying to figure out if any of this will change her fate.

Oh my goodness, it is so hard for me to write a review for a book that I love so much. Before I Fall is such a powerful and emotional story.

First off, the main character and her friends come off as the biggest bitches on campus, but the way Oliver writes them still made them real. I mean there were some scenes in the book, and I swear I was back in high school. Even when they had their queen bee moments (and they had them), you want to hate them. However, they also had their funny and likable moments.

But the story is all Sam's. And even with so many twists and turns in this story, Sam is the girl that you end up loving and wanting to protect. This character made me think about life and the changes that I should make, even the small ones like saying I love you more to family. This was such a beautiful story with an ending that left me speechless (I just sat there for a little bit after finishing the book) to think about the story.

Man, this review does not do any justice for the book. Let me just add, when I was re-reading passages before typing this up, I started to re-read more than I had to. This book is a new book out this year that I will re-read over and over again. It is thought provoking and emotional with a wonderful main character...which makes it my kind of book.

I really hope you pick this one up and enjoy it as much as I did! I cannot wait to read more of Lauren Oliver's books.

A few favorite lines...

A good friend keeps your secrets for you. A best friend helps you keep your own secrets. page 107

Here's another thing to remember: hope keeps you alive. Even when you're dead, it's the only thing that keeps you alive. page 136
That's the thing about best friends. That's what they do. They keep you from spinning off the edge. page 252

So many things become beautiful when you really look. page 344

*Side thought...in this book Advanced Placement American History is called AHAP...we called it APUSH in my district (AP U.S. History)...what did you guys call it?

My Rating

(This was bought from a store called FullyBooked)

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

Review: Inside Out

Title: Inside Out
Author: Maria V. Snyder
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-373-21006-0/Harlequin Teen
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Trella lives Inside, which is basically a building that has everything. And the Outside is a mystery, possibly a myth. Inside contains two groups of people, the Uppers and the Scrubs. The Uppers are the high class that basically run things and the Scrubs are the hard laborers.

Trella's a teenager and her job is to clean the pipes in the walls. And where she basically keeps to herself and explores the Insides without the Uppers knowing. She's a loner and perfectly content with keeping to herself and the pipes. But she does have one best friend, Cog. And Cog believes that there is a Gateway to the Outside and asks Trella to help him and the supposed prophet, Broken Man.

Now, Trella finds herself as a front runner in a Scrub revolution which leads her to living a double life in the Inside. How will she deal with such changes in her life?

Just like a few fellow book friends, I had low expectations for this book. I haven't heard much praise for it. But maybe that's good for the book in a way because in the end I loved it. I'll admit, it was slow to start, but as soon as the middle hit...woah!

This dystopian novel really had me curious to what type of structure they were living in and where it was. But really this books main concentration was on the way their society ran on the inside. It was really interesting to read about these two classes. I'm not sure if it's because I'm taking a class right now on the philosophy of education, but it really made me think about how important education is and who runs it.

Not only is the society interesting, but so are the characters. Trella is a strong main character who I constantly wanted to protect. She's an independent girl surrounded by interesting people. And these people are also characters that I cared for and want to learn more about. Especially Riley...such a sweet guy...awwww. The characters along with their riddles and their brains were wonderful to read.

This book has family relationships and sacrifices made and about hope. It's a wonderful novel and it is part of a series that I can't wait to read in the future (hurry up second book and come out!!!)

I really hope you all pick this one up!!!

A favorite line...

It's called hope. It's called seeing the best in people despite the miserable conditions. page 30

My Rating

(This was downloaded from Net Galley for review)

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

Review: A Song for Summer

Title: A Song for Summer
Author: Eva Ibbotson
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-14-240866-7/Speak (part of Penguin)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Ellen is raised in London by her suffragist aunts and mom, but Ellen leaves Cambridge to graduate from a school that specializes in home management and cooking. So now she goes off to Austria to be the house mother to a bunch of neglected artsy students. Here, she transforms a rundown boarding school and its occupants with her love and nurturing spirit.

The school has many people, but none more interesting than Marek, the gardener. Except, he isn't just a gardener. He's a composer hiding from the Nazi's and their need to control music and their need to get rid of his friends.

Ellen and Marek's relationship goes from friendship to love, and a possible engagement. However, the Nazis are not happy with Marek for helping with the escape of his friend. After Marek disappears, Ellen returns to London to marry someone, and also to provide a refuge for her students from the Hallendorf school.

Will Ellen and Marek find each other during this World War?

Okay, this one was kind of difficult for me to get through. It is probably because I loved her main characters in A Company of Swans and A Countess Below Stairs. Ellen's character and her job seemed boring compared to the other books. However, the description of the setting was beautiful. Ibbotson who grew up in Austria and lived in England described the area so well, to the point that I really want to visit these countries (and made me regret a missed opportunity of spending a summer in Austria).

I was tempted to put the book down in the middle, but as soon as the much awaited romance between the characters happened, I wanted to know what would happen next. It's expected, with all Ibbotson's book that a happy ending is guaranteed. It's just a matter of how they get there and me wanting to know how they get their happily ever after.

I don't recommend buying this book...just borrow it from the library.

Fave lines...

My God, this is worse than Hollywood, he thought. A girl come in with a pork chop and I write a song for her. page 302

My Rating

(This was bought from a store called FullyBooked)

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

Friday Finds (03/26/10)

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 How to Ruin My Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles

What's a girl to do when EVERYONE is conspiring to ruin her life???

My name is Amy Nelson-Barak and I'm seventeen years old. Here's my life right now: new step-dad, new step-sib on the way, new living sitch with my real dad (resulting in annoying new neighbor boy). Real boyfriend inconveniently living in different country (Israel). Forced entry into job market due to small misunderstanding re: my dad's credit card plus romantic indiscretions of one very irresponsible (but adorable) dog.

From the back cover of How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

Fifteen-year-old New Yorker Daisy is sent to live in the English countryside with cousins she's never even met. When England is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy, the cousins find themselves on their own. Power fails, systems fail. As they grow more isolated, the farm becomes a kind of Eden, with no rules. Until the war arrives in their midst.

Daisy's is a war story, a survival story, a love story---all told in the voice of a subversive and witty teenager. This book crackles with anxiety and with lust. It's a stunning and unforgettable first novel that captures the essence of the age of terrorism: how we live now.

From the inside flap of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Sparks are igniting.
Flames are spreading.
And the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katneiss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol---a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

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

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn.

What did you find???

(These books were bought from a store called FullyBooked).

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

Review: Hush, Hush

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
ISBN/Publisher: 978-1-4169-8941-7/Simon & Schuster
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Sixteen year old Nora Grey is the smart girl in school and the one who will usually play it safe. But all things change when her best friend, Vee, and her are separated in bio. Now, she has a new lab partner, but everything in her tells her that this new partner, Patch Cipriano, is all trouble. But, there is something about him that draws her in.

The thing is, Patch shows up everywhere now. He's at the theme park (when she goes out with Vee and a couple of guys), outside the library (where she just got in a fight with another girl), and a few other places. This would be fine and normal, but Nora is also questioning her sanity because of some attacks that occur (someone smashing into her car and breaking into her house, but cleaning up afterwards). Poor Nora doesn't know who to turn to, but Patch seems to protect her. But is he the one doing this to her since she hears him in her mind???

Hush, Hush is such a fun and quick read. I couldn't put it down!!! I even risked car sickness so I can finish the last couple of chapters. Although, I may be a bit more biased about this book because as soon as I read that Patch's last name was Cipriano, I was shocked and happy because that's my dad's middle name (and I've never seen any family names in any books I've read).

This was the first angel type book I read in the paranormal teen genre. These fallen angels surely got me hooked and the fact that it included a little bit of teen romance, made it even more fun to read. However, I need to add that I did scream at Nora because she did make some stupid choices, but she's a teen in a paranormal book so I guess that was bound to happen. And Hush, Hush had a creepy type feel to it as I read it because of the mysterious stalker or stalkers in it and I kept wanting to know what would happen next.

I'll definitely recommend this book, especially if you are fans of the paranormal genre. I can't wait to read more of Becca Fitzpatrick's books!!!

Just a few fave parts...

Stepping on a corner of first base, I rounded it, sprinting toward second. Left field had the ball now, in postition to throw me out. I put my head down, pumped my arms, and tried to remember how the pros on ESPN slid into base. Feetfirst? Headfirst? Stop, drop, and roll? p. 87

My Rating

(This was bought from a store called FullyBooked)

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

Review: Shiver

Title: Shiver
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-545-12326-6/Scholastic Press
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Grace is a seventeen year old that loves staring out into the woods behind her house, especially during the winter days because this is the time when she'll see her yellow-eyed wolf. There is a connection she feels to this yellow-eyed wolf because he may have saved her from a deadly wolf attack when she was a little girl.

Recently, a local teen was killed by wolves and Grace worries because now there are people out to kill the wolves...and possibly her wolf. Grace tries to go out in the woods to warn her wolf somehow, but when she returns home, she finds a yellow-eyed boy named Sam injured by the hunters.

Grace and Sam are finally interacting and not by a distance and most importantly, both are humans. However, the weather's temperature is dropping and it is just a matter of time until Sam turns into his wolf form again. How will they remain together if Sam becomes a wolf...permanently???

This book was told in Sam and Grace's viewpoints, each one getting their own chapters. I also really liked that Stiefvater started each chapter with the temperature because it makes the reader more aware and worried about Sam and if he'll be okay. Another thing, Sam and Grace's love story seemed weird at first because Sam is a wolf, but it worked in this paranormal type romance. It was even beautiful and really made me wanting more. I cannot wait for Linger to come out this summer because of the way the story ended. I literally went, "Wait...don't end yet!" when I got to the last few pages. Only a few more months!!!

Also, I love the cover. Even people who saw me reading the book, commented on it. And I'll have to say, the actual story was also great, but I am having a hard time giving it a solid five because the beginning was a bit slow. So I'll give it a high 4. Still, I'll definitely recommend this book. I made sure to let my niece know about Shiver, mainly because she is a Jacob fan and loves the whole werewolf mythology.

My Rating

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

Update...1st in a Series Challenge

Here's my update on this challenge. I changed the list a little...I'm guessing that the list will be changing throughout the year. And Remember I'm so far trying for the fascinated level. 5 down 1 to go : )

1. How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles
2. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry
6. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Book Signing...Neil Gaiman

Hi Book Friends...

So on Thursday, March 18th I went to an author book signing. And yes it was Mr. Neil Gaiman's event. This was my first ever author signing and it was soooooo cool. It was way more fun than meeting all the athletes I have met (and I'm a huge sports fan). But meeting Neil was like meeting the coolest person ever. I was on such a high afterwards. We had a brief conversation while he signed my books...we talked about Laurie Halse Anderson and how she wanted me to gush for her...hehehehe. In the end, he gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek (too bad the person taking the pictures didn't capture that on camera).

Here are the pics...


I was able to get 2 books signed. One for me and the second one for my niece Maegan, an early 14th birthday present. (Does that make me a cool Auntie...or what??? hehehehe).

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

Review: The Giver

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-440-23768-6/Dell Laurel-Leaf (part of Random House)
Awards: Newbery Medal
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Twelve year old Jonas lives in a society where children are promoted to a different stage of life every year. And at twelve years old, the children are promoted to their training for their adult life...what they're careers will be. However, The Elders who are in charge of the community will choose the careers for them.

Jonas gets one of the biggest honors of the community by being named the next Receiver of Memory. He will be trained by the Giver who will give him the past memories of the community. It is shocking for Jonas to learn different feelings like love, and that there are colors in the world.

How will Jonas deal with learning such strong memories in a world that is supposedly Utopian?

First off, I have heard such wonderful things about this book and I am so incredibly glad that I finally read it. Jonas lives in a world that at first seems like Utopia, but we learn that it is more dystopian. Yes, it is a society that is in order and seems perfect, but how much can a society know if the people don't have their feelings?

It is such an interesting society...In order to be a part of a family, the people need to apply for marriage and then are paired together. And if you want children...you have to apply to get a child...who won't even be your biological child.

But it really does come down to how Jonas accepts his role as the new Receiver. His new thoughts of feelings make him re-think how his society runs...for the better or for the worse??? The plot of this story leaves you wanting to read it quickly because the characters are memorable and so is the society. At the end of the novel, I wanted the next book to find out what will happen next.

The Giver is definitely a book that gets you thinking about the world and I definitely recommend this book to everyone!!!!

(This book was bought at a store called FullyBooked)

My Rating***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (03/19/10)

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 inside flap of Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

WHAT IF you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most-crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High---from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.
Instead, it turns out to be her last.
Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death---and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

***I already read Before I Fall and loved it...review to come soon***

From the back cover of 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Would you follow the directions?
Would you travel around the world?
Would you open the envelopes one by one?

Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.
In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat.
The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist.
Because of envelope 4, Ginny and a playwright/thief/bloke-about-town called Keith go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous---though utterly romantic---results. But will she ever see him again?

Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 little blue envelopes.

From the back cover of Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Wake up, Caitlin.

Ever since she started going out with Rogerson Biscoe, Caitlin seems to have fallen into a semiconscious dreamland where nothing is quite real. Rogerson is different from anyone Caitlin has ever known. He's magnetic. He's compelling. He's dangerous. Being with him makes Caitlin forget about everything else---her missing sister, her withdrawn mother, her lackluster life. But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?

From the inside flap of Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilqis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a warrior in her order's ancient battle against the Unholy.
Billi's cloistered life is blasted apart when er childhood friend, Kay, returns from Jerusalem, gorgeous and with a dangerous chip on his shoulder. He's ready to slide back into Billi's life, but she's met someone new: amber-eyed Mike, who seems to understand her like no one else and effortlessly stakes a claim on her heart.
But the Templars are called to battle before Billi can enjoy the thrilling new twist to her life. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have guarded for almost a thousand years---King Solomon's cursed mirror, a source of unimaginable power. TO save the lives of millions, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than she could have imagined.

From the inside flap of The Hollow by Jessica Verday

A LOVE LIKE NO OTHER...

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead...and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.
Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have let to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her---one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian as well as her own sanity.

What did you find???

(Before I Fall, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, and Dreamland were bought from a store called FullyBooked. Devi'ls Kiss and The Hollow were won from I Should Be Writing)

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

Update...1st in a Series Challenge

Here's my update on this challenge. I changed the list a little...I'm guessing that the list will be changing throughout the year. And Remember I'm so far trying for the fascinated level. 4 down 2 to go : )

1. How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles
2. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry
6. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Friday Finds (03/12/2010)

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!!!

(I bought a few Neil Gaiman books because he's coming and I will be getting his autograph...I can't wait!!!)

From the back cover of Coraline by Neil Gaiman

In Coraline's family's new flat there's a locked door. On the other side is a brick wall---until Coraline unlocks the door...and finds a passage to another flat in another house just like her own.
Only different.
The food is better there. Books have pictures that writhe and crawl and shimmer. And there's another mother and father there who want Coraline to be their little girl. They want to change her and keep her with them...forever.

From the back cover of Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Young Tristran Thorn will do anything to win the cold heart of beautiful Victoria---even fetch her the star they watch fall from the night sky. But to do so, he must enter the unexplored lands on the other side of the ancient wall that gives their tiny village its name. Beyond that old stone wall, Tristran learns, lies Faerie---where nothing, not even a fallen star, is what he imagined.

From the inside flap of M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman

Bestselling author and master storyteller Neil Gaiman here presents a breathtaking collection of tales that may chill or amuse readers---but always embrace the unexpected:

*A teenage boy who has trouble talking to girls finds himself at a rather unusual party.
*A sinister jack-in-the-box haunts the lives of the children who owned it.
*A boy raised in a graveyard makes a discovery and confronts the much more troubling world of the living.
*A stray cat fights a nightly battle to protect his adopted family from a terrible evil.

What did you find???

(these books were bought from a store called FullyBooked)

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

YAY...

Oh goodness...I just had to put it on my blog. I know what happens, but OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY...I CAN'T WAIT to watch it!!!

Update...on my blog

Dear Book Friends...

I want to improve my blog and so I'm currently working on it. I'm adding tabs on top to make things a little bit more organized. I also want to get more involved with my fellow bloggers...so if you have any suggestions give me a shout out by leaving me a comment or sending me an e-maill at jennay1221[AT]gmail[DOT]com.

Thanks a bunch!!!

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

Friday Finds (03/05/10)

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 Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend, Ellen Rosen, often think about life before war. But it's now 1943, and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching in their town.

The Nazis won't stop. The Jews of Denmark are being "relocated," so Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be part of the family.

Then Annemarie is asked to on a dangerous mission. Somehow she must find the strength and courage to save her best friend's life. There's no turning back now.

From the back cover of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

One Summer's day, ten -year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries-and comes home with a dog.

Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. Big, skinny and smelly he may be, but he also has the most winning smile. It's because of Winn-Dixie that Opal gets to know some very surprising people and starts to make new friends. It's because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three.

In fact, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie.

What did you find???

(these books were bought from a store called FullyBooked)

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

Update...1st in a Series Challenge

Here's my update on this challenge. I changed the list a little...I'm guessing that the list will be changing throughout the year. And Remember I'm so far trying for the fascinated level. 3 down 3 to go : )

1. How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles
2. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry
6. The Awakening by L.J. Smith

Author Spotlight: Eva Ibbotson

It's March and I'm featuring Eva Ibbotson this month!!! Last year, I read a couple of her books and I reaalllly enjoyed them. So, now here is the month to read a few more of them and hopefully you guys will want to pick them up, too : )

Here's a little about Eva Ibbotson...

Mrs. Ibbotson was actually born with the name Maria Charlotte Michelle Wiesner in 1925 in Vienna, Austria. Her family moved to England when Hitler came into power. She attended Bedford College and Cambridge University to become a physiologist. But she was turned off by all the testing done on animals. So she got married and raised a family. She decided to go back to school to receive her diploma in education from the University of Durham in 1965. While raising her family, she started to write books for adults and children.

She currently lives in England.

Here are the young adult books...
A Countess Below Stairs (1981) (a.k.a.The Secret Countess) (2007)
The Reluctant Heiress (2009) (a.k.a. Magic Flutes) (1982)
A Company of Swans (1985)
Madensky Square (1988)
A Glove Shop in Vienna and other Stories (1992)
The Morning Gift (1993)
A Song for Summer (1997)

Here are the children books...
The Great Ghost Rescue (1975)
Which Witch (1979)
The Worm & the Toffee Nosed Princess (1983)
The Haunting of Hiram C. Hopgood (1987) (a.k.a The Haunting of Granite Falls 2004)
Not Just a Witch (1989)
The Secret of Platform 13 (1994)
Dial-a-Ghost (1996)
Monster Mission (1999) (a.k.a. Monster Mission 2000)
Journey to the River Sea (2001)
The Star of Kazan (2004)
The Beasts of Clawstone Castle (2005)
The Haunting of Hiram (2008)
The Dragonfly Pool (2008)

Books adapted into movies...
The Great Ghost Rescue is expected to be released in 2011.
Island of the Aunts is currently being adapted for a feature film.
The Haunting of Hiram C. Hopgood is being adapted as well.

The information on here was found on Goodreads and the back of her books.

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

Thoughts and Prayers

Dear Book Friends,

I usually don't write a lot outside of books, but earlier this week something happened in a community where I'm from. A 17 year-old honor student from Poway High School disappeared from the Rancho Bernardo Community Center. Someone is in custody right now on charges for rape and murder. But Chelsea King is still no where to be found.

I grew up in this area of San Diego. And I guess that's why this topic is hitting so close to home (If you remember the big fire in San Diego a couple years ago...this is the area that was hit pretty hard). I basically spent my childhood at this community center (brother's pop warner games, my basketball games/practices, brother and sister's baseball/softball games, nieces soccer games, and now my nephews play their sports there). The community center is right next to Lake Hodges and has some hiking trails around it. I pray and hope that Chelsea can be found. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her loved ones.

There is a lot going on in the world right now, but if you can add Chelsea King and her family to your thoughts and prayers...thank you.

Let's bring Chelsea back home!!!

http://findchelsea.com/