TGIF {27}: Required Reading

Which book from your school days do you remember reading & enjoying? Is there a book published now that you'd like to see in today's curriculum for kids?

Since I still am a kid, and still am in school, I guess I choose the books I wish would be required reading! Most of these are ones that I love, or have an amazing message/writing/theme.

 

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta - Anyone with half a mind knows I adore this book so, so, so much. Taylor and the things she deals with are not only a part of growing up and finding out who you are, but also, Melina Marchetta has an amazing writing style that I could studying for days. And Jonah Griggs is my true love.

The Book Theif by Markus Zusak - I love how this book presents historical fiction in a way that is so intriguing! The setting is in Germany in a small town, and a girl is saving books (something any book lover would do) and this book is perfect for Banned Books Week.

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini - This is book battles suicide in a way that no other does. Everyone raves about Thirteen Reasons Why, but I barely hear anyone talk about this one! It confronts suicide from a boy's perspective and with a different cause, and a different way of coming to a conclusion. This one should be on every kid's To-Read List! Plus, the movie is great.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - Every English class on the planet should study Tahereh Mafi's writing style, because it blew me away. It was the most amazing thing about this novel - even more than the plotline in someways! Tahereh Mafi's writing is beautiful, and I wish I could write like her. Plus, the topic is so interesting, as is any Dystopian.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - TFiOS brings a new side of cancer to light - and one that is heartbreakingly beautiful. I loved the characters dearly and the way John Green writes, with humor and sentimental scenes all mixed in, is incredible. I love this book so much.

That's my top five! Happy Friday!

TGIF {25}: Love Stories (And My Inner Romantic Explained)

like the new image?

Love Stories: What are some of your favorite fictional love stories?

I think Ginger might be trying to kill me with this one. 


My family consistently calls me a romantic, and I'm totally a hopeless romantic to the umph-degree. Like the one where when you go to see Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and you whisper to your mother that you want to see The Vow and she gives you that look like, "You better find someone to take you, because I'm not." I'm also the person that smiles when you see a couple in their seventies taking a walk and holding hands. I'm such a romantic, so in every book, I fall in love with the love interest. But, I narrowed it down. To ten. (You all should be super proud of me.


My Favorite Love Stories - Mostly the Characters (These are in no particular order!)

Augustus Waters, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
I fell in love with Augustus the moment I read his first line, and I loved how he had this talent to make you laugh, cry, and smile all in one sentence. I don't think I'll ever 
forget him.

Peeta Mellark, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
I think this one will be one everyone's list, because I couldn't help fall in love with Peeta and Katniss. Their relationship was so unique and perfect and flawed and incredible... I couldn't live without them. 


"I can't lose the boy with the bread." -Katniss

Sam and Grace, Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater.
These two characters continued to have me smiling and pulled into their story. I continue to fall back to them when I need my romance fix - they are amazing.


Most of all, I love their relationship, how they fully trust each other and are willing to give everything for the other. 


Anna and Étienne, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.
I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie, and she is the sweetest person, which makes me love her books even more. Anna and Étienne are two amazing people put together, and they fit like a puzzle. I love them so much!


Mara and Noah, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.
I love these two. I love Noah, I love Mara, and I love them together! They are hilarious, and so happy together, especially towards the end of the book. I can't wait for the next one!


Lissa and Cash, Shut Out by Kody Keplinger.
I just finished this one yesterday, but it totally makes the list, because I'm in love. First of all, I love Cash's name, and how he is so human. He is flawed, he isn't perfect, he has family issues, and Lissa loves him all the same. 


Charlotte and Harlin, A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young.
I recently finished this one as well, but the characters are amazing. They are planning their future, and they care so deeply for each other. Harlin is also awesome, and I don't think that anyone could resist him in real life.


Eve and Caleb, Eve by Anna Carey.
I loved these together from the start! They were so perfect, and Caleb constantly put Eve first for her safety and making sure she was alright. I couldn't stand the ending, and I NEED the second one in order to survive.


Emma and Galen, Of Poseidon by Anna Banks.
I loved these two, because they were so obviously different from each other! Emma has a temper, Galen is calmer, yet they fit so perfectly together. I loved them from the start, and I can't wait for everyone to read it in May!


And The Best for Last...


Jonah and Taylor, Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta.
First off, this has to be my favorite book, like EVER. I loved it so much. Every time I re-read it, I cry and hug myself when it's over because there is no more Taylor and Jonah. I loved Jonah so, so, so, so much, and the scenes when they are looking for Taylor's mother are some of the most amazing parts of any book I have ever read. Those were the moment when I knew, heck, I'm never going to fall in love, because as Taylor said:


   "No," I say, looking up at Griggs. "It's acutally because my heart belongs to someone else." And I could bottle the look on his face, I'd keep it by my bedside for the rest of my life.


Jellicoe Road changed me. I don't think I will ever fall in love because Jonah Griggs took it the moment he fell for Taylor, and the moment he made her laugh, cry, and smile all at the same time. 


As I said, I'm a romantic.

TGIF {24}: Book Appeal

Book Appeal: When you're browsing Goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

This is a fantastic question, Ginger! For me, as a teen, I think one of the most important things for me is if it sounds like something worth my time. I'm quite busy with school, and when I read books, I like to make sure they sound like something I'll stick with.

I've recently noticed that I don't do many negative reviews on this blog, and that's probably because I have a precise way of picking books, and within these criteria, I always love the books I read. It makes the entire reading experience so much more entertaining! I'll summarize my criteria so you can see how I pick.

1. Scan shelves and look for books I've heard good things about, or titles that grab me. Any book with a grabbing title and a dashing cover always pulls me in. I believe that book covers have a huge impact on the books we read, and in some ways, I do judge a book by the cover. The amount of time a publisher spent on the cover usually relates to how much they care about it = the quality of the cover.
2. Publishers are huge part of my decision. Since blogging I've realized the good, bad, and ugly of the publishing business and I have favorite publishers and publishers I always trust with my reading. Some of those are Harper imprints, Simon & Schuster, Razorbill, and Putnam. Lately I've been really into a lot of Feiwel and Friends books.
3. Obviously, the synopsis! If the book has pulled me in past the cover, title, and publisher, I read the synopsis. Sometimes I'm looking for a certain genre to balance my reading. I've been heavy on the serious  contemporary right now, so I just started a fantasy/paranormal to balance it out. 
4. I take blogger opinions to heart when picking books, especially my close friends like Meredith, Jess and Katie. What they say goes. They love something, I try it. I think other bloggers and friends influencing your choices is one of the major ways I filter through long lists of books I want at bookstores, because a teen, I don't have a job = no money.

I think the way we choose books is entirely unique to each person, so find a way that fits you! 
Happy Friday!

This meme is hosted by the fabulous Ginger from G-Reads! Check her out at her blog!

TGIF: Buy or Borrow {23}

Buy or Borrow: Where do your books that you read come from? The bookstore? The library? Do you prefer to own a book, or have it on loan?

Since about November/October time, the majority of books I've read have been from either my personal library (I've read a lot of books that I've had and have been meaning to read),  or ARCs that I've gotten from friends or other sources.


My More Detailed List of Addiction Suppliers (I mean books, of course!):


1. The BookPeople Teen Reviewing Program! This is a fantastic program my local indie does where they have a bunch of teens read ARCs for them, and when the books come out they are featured in the bookshelf with a little notecard with a review and the reviewer's name. It's a great way for people who don't know YA books to figure out what's recent and well-liked by teens!

2. Publishers! Lately I've been receiving some books in the mail from publishers, especially Macmillan imprints - St. Martins Press, for example. 

3. My amazing blogger friends have been a huge help to me with getting books, going to go see authors, etc. A few to mention are: Katie from Katie's Book Blog, also known as my big sister (and we really aren't related. I promise.), Meredith from Mint Tea and A Good Book, her associate, Erin, also from Mint Tea and A Good Book, and Jessie from Jessie's Remarkable Reads, the twin I always wish I had. These girls give me books, convince me to read books, and most importantly, answer questions and do things beyond their job description. 

4. My parents have always supported (and funded) my bookish addiction, until it got to the point of me constantly wanting books... When it came time to write my wish-list this past holiday, I realized all the books I wanted hadn't been published. It was a bit of an issue. But my parents continue to buy me books and help me read out of my comfort zone!

Do you like loans or owning books?

   I love the feeling of owning books. I flat out love it. I love the problem of having a cram packed bookshelf and not knowing where to put everything. I love being able to lend out books and sharing their amazing content with all my friends, and whenever I need inspiration to head to my shelves and find something that will help me. I still borrow books from people (or the library) but lately I've been owning a lot of books, and I love it. I don't seem to give the librarians enough quality time with my addiction... Maybe I need to visit them sometime. 

Happy friday!

What did you think about our TGIF? It's from the amazing G-Reads done by Ginger! Check it out!

TGIF: Recommend It {22}

Recommend It: Which book from the last 10 you've read would you recommend to a friend?


The last book I read (last 10) that I would suggest is probably Switched by Amanda Hocking. I absolutely loved it! 
   I'm not really a fantasy person, but I'm willing to give it a shot. I read Switched and fell in love with the story line. I'm so surprised no one picked up Amanda's work earlier, and she had to self-publish! Switched is amazing, and I suggest it for everyone - whether or not you like fantasy!
You can check out my review from this Tuesday here.
Thanks for stopping by!

What did you think about our TGIF? It's from the amazing G-Reads done by Ginger! Check it out!

TGIF: 2012 Must Reads

2012 Must Reads: Which books are at the top of your list 

to be read this year (new or old releases)?

There are so many! I know 2012 will be great, and the books will be too. Below is a montage of a few of the ones I'm looking forward to reading - new and old!

What are your 2012 reads?

TGIF: Reading Resolutions {20}

Reading Resolutions: What are some of your reading goals for the new year?


I want to read 125 books on Goodreads this year, as last year I read over my goal of 100. 
Also, I want to try and read other types of books that are not just YA. Last year I read Jane Eyre, and this year I want to read books like that - such as Mansfield Park, Wuthering Heights, Emma, and A Tale of Two Cities. 
What are your goals for the new year?

TGIF: First and Last {19}

First & Last: What was the first book you read in 2011 and the last you finished in 2011? How do you feel about these books? Would you recommend them to other readers?


The first book I read in 2011 (according to Goodreads, which may or may not be accurate) was Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. I loved this book, and I loved the series! I still need to read Silence....


The last - or most recent (I still have ONE more day to read and finish a book!) was Mockingjay. This book is one of my favorites, and I posted a review of sorts on the whole series, which you can view here. The entire series has become a part of who I am, and I highly suggest the entire series to any reader. The live up to everything you have ever heard about the series! I promise!


Happy Friday, and Happy 2012!

What did you think about our TGIF? It's from the amazing G-Reads done by Ginger! Check it out!

TGIF: Writing Reviews

Writing Reviews 101: What's your process for writing book reviews? Any tips or suggestions you would recommend to other bloggers?

I write my reviews the spur of the moment way - I get on Blogger when I know I need to, and I sit down and write that dang review. Lately with school, writing, homework, swimming, and all the other stuff I do that keeps my happy, it's been hard to find the time! But I'm trying to stick with my Wednesday and Sunday review days. So far it's been working well - except I didn't get one up yesterday... Expect one Saturday. Or Sunday. 

   I keep a "template" for reviews that occasionally goes spazzy, but it works. I use the template - fill in the questions, insert the picture, copy and paste to Goodreads review, and then write my words. I usually try to say something about:

• Characters
• Plot line - Interesting? Not? Why?
• Love - Was it believable? 
• Lastly, I try to say something to sum it all up. You know those blurbs? I try to do something like that.

For novice bloggers (I do consider myself one, by the way) try these steps to get in the habit of reviewing. It's fun - but remember you have made a commitment, so don't let your readers down.

1. Write that review! At the beginning, review everything. The more you review = the more you get used to the grind. 
2. Get a template going with the classic information people like to know. I'm always curious where bloggers got their books, for example. Don't forget a book cover! KEY!
3. Pick days when you always review. No matter what - there's a review up. Get in the habit of getting them up in time and it will feel like second nature. Also, you'll remember, and say, "Hey, it's (day of the week), and it's time to write a review!"
4. Write the reviews the night before they are posted. I found out about a lovely "schedule" button on Blogger, and I'm writing this post on Thursday night and 10:10. And hey! You're reading it on Friday! (It's magic. And it rocks.)
5. Make a Review Archive. For readers and people finding your blog for the first time, they know how to find books and reviews of them.
6. WRITE THAT DARN REVIEW. AND READ THOSE DARN BOOKS. I'm going to repeat this because it's important. No reviews = not a book blog.

Have fun! And go write that review. You know you want to.

What did you think about our TGIF? It's from the amazing G-Reads done by Ginger! Check it out!

TGIF: WHAT?! SHE ISN'T READING ALL THE TIME?

When You're Not Reading: What occupies your time 

when your nose isn't stuck in a book?

I know what you're thinking. "WHAT?! SHE DOESN'T READ ALL THE TIME? SHE ACTUALLY HAS A LIFE?" And, I do. I have one. A small one.

   My friends. I spend tons of time with them, laughing, talking, reading (I know, we read together. Nerdy.), at school, on different spots teams - we do it all together. We're one big happy family! I seem to be becoming the "I don't understand algebra! HELP ME!" person at 10 o'clock at night when I'm about to go to sleep. It makes me feel needed though. :)

   School. Ah, yes. That lovely thing where children go to a large building and are taught and then go home and remember what they learned. That big building is where I spend most of my time, and then I spend some more time at home doing homework. Thankfully, I'm not a procrastinator, so I get it done quickly. Usually.

   SWIMMING! I swim after school for both fitness and enjoyment! I've done it since I was little, and I love it. Swimming is an amazing sport, and it de-stresses me. A LOT.

   I play two insturments, so I have to find time to practice! Music is a   huge part of my life, and I love it. So I find the time.

And then, there's that thing... Blogging? Heard of that?
Blogging takes up a lot of my time, but it's something I love, so I make the time. That's what you do when you love something. You make the time, whether or not you actually have the time in the day.

What did you think about our TGIF? It's from the amazing G-Reads done by Ginger! Check it out!

TGIF: Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks: Which books are you most thankful for receiving from other bloggers, friends, family members, or publishers?

   Recently I got Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write, a handbooks published by Prufrock Press, which I am super excited to put up a review for! First I have to finish it... I've been reading it section by section. So far, it's massively helpful!

   If you saw my latest In My Mailbox, you saw that I got a huge load from Katie from Katie's Book Blog. This weekend a new IMM will be going up with another book she sent me. She spoiled me rotten!

   Meredith of Mint Tea and a Good Book gives/lends me all sorts of books. Many books that one of us have we'll lend to the other one and vice versa. It's an ongoing trade. Many of my friends at school are like this, although it is usually me lending out the books. I have the largest collection.

   Lastly, BookPeople. I love you. So much. They have given me TONS of books to review, and since they are a bookseller, I pledge my buying to you! If you're in town, go check them out and buy something! You'd be surprised how many books they have.

   I didn't include any images, because practically all my books people have given me, bought me, etc. I don't buy that many books for myself. I'm a bit broke. Happy Friday!

What did you think about our TGIF? It's from the amazing G-Reads done by Ginger! Check it out!

TGIF: Love-Hate Relationship

Love-Hate Relationship: Which characters from a book do you love to hate?

Voldemort from Harry Potter

The perfect villain with the perfect name! Voldemort mean "flight of death" in French, if you didn't know that already. Voldemort is an amazing character who you hate because how evil he is to Harry, and his all around creepiness. 

President Snow of The Hunger Games

Always out to hurt more children... President Snow is the perfect villain, and Donald Sutherland has been cast as President Snow for the upcoming movie. Doesn't he look creepy? Shout out in the comments below!

Bellatrix from Harry Potter

J.K. Rowling mastered the villains. Bellatrix is not only creepy in the books, but she looks positively frightening in that picture. I mean, look at her face! 

Jane from Twilight

Creepy for what? Torturing people? And plus, Dakota Fanning looks absolutely terrifying in that picture. And very vampire-esque.

What did you think about our TGIF? It's from the amazing G-Reads done by Ginger! Check it out!

TGIF: Spooktacular Reads

Spooktacular Reads: Which books do you consider festive Halloween reads? Which stories have chilled you to the bone?

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
   When I read this book, it scared me to death! Especially the scene with Voldemort in the graveyard. Spooky!

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
This one is sitting on my bookshelf being saved for last from my ATBF haul. Meredith from Mint Tea and a Good Book has told me that it is frightening, so I'm a bit scared to start it...











   I admit, none of these were Halloween reads, but I haven't read any... I am kind of a "I-only-read-romantic-and-paranormal-fun-happy-books" kind of person. Sad, I know, but it's my weakness.
   Suggestions so I stop being such a hopeless romantic? Shout off in the comments!
Happy Friday! (And Halloween!)

TGIF: Show & Tell

Show & Tell: Where do you grab a book and get lost in it? Show us your favorite spot you like to read at.


   Well. Where do I like to read? Anywhere. Yesterday I was signing up for Figment (any aspiring authors, check it out!) and one of the questions was: Where do you read? 
   I tried a few different answers. The first was, Anywhere with a floor, but then I realized, WAIT! I read on the grass. (No floor here!) So I rephrased. Second time was: Anywhere, but then I realized, WAIT! I don't read in water. (Well, occasionally, but not usually.) So I tried a third time. I ended with: Anywhere with someplace for me to sit. 
   But I'm not crazy about this answer! I read many places, including the following: (Yes world, I did make a list.)

• Trees. Not usually, but it's a possibility.
• My bed. The most common location.
• The floor. Happens more often that assumed. I'm one of those weird people who lay on floors wherever I go. 
• My couch. Oh, that comfortable couch...
• This swinging chair hanging from a tree in my backyard. A bit awkward, but it's fun to kick the tree and fly backwards while flipping the pages.
• Counters. Yes, I sit on counters and read. Frequently.
• School, and occasionally during class. ("Yes, of course I'm paying attention!")
• The list goes on. And on. And on.

   I read a lot. Most people always see me with a book in my hand, or desperately trying to finish a chapter before the teacher calls roll. I seem to always be finishing books, starting books, or crying in the middle of books. Thankfully, my friends keep me sane, and don't allow me to tear my hair out because of a character. The point of this paragraph was that I read many places. I read wherever I possibly can, whenever I can, and whatever I can. 

I call myself a reading-writing-machine.

TGIF: To-Be-Read's

To-Be-Read's: How big is your pile? Which book keeps getting pushed down the stack, but you keep meaning to read it?


This could be long. 

First, I have the books I got at Austin Teen Book Festival and from Book People that I need to review (The Girl of Fire and Thorns). The top two are The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore (borrowed from a friend) and Dash and Lily's Book of Dares (from library and long awaited!)


* I apologize for the lack of photographer-ness. I was lazy.*


Next on the list is everything in my Goodreads account. Many of these I don't have yet due to the fact that A) I can't buy them or B) They aren't out yet or C) The library doesn't have them or D) I don't know anyone to borrow from. Check out my Goodreads account to see the EPIC list.


Have a great weekend!