Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted weekly by Breaking the Spine. Here we share what we are looking forward to reading!! If only they would be pubished already!!!

This week's book is:

Vesper

By: Jeff Sampson

Release Date: January 25, 2011

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): Emily Webb is a geek—and happy that way. She’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for parties. And she definitely doesn’t start fights or flirt with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that … the same night a classmate—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.


The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing this. Every night, she gets wilder until it’s not just her personality that changes; she’s also becoming strong, fast, and utterly fearless. Has she been bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely—something not human?

Why I can't wait:

First, I love the cover. The red and that teal color work great together. I also like how you can't see her facial features. You can kinda make up what you want he to look like in your head. I also like the type font. Very mysterious. As for the story line, I like how it is mixed with mystery and paranormal. You have a murder mystey, who did it?, and a paranormal with something not being human. Overall, I think this one might be a hit!!

If you can't wait, try this one:

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.


This is how you do it:

1. Grab your current read

2. Open to a random page

3. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

4. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I am currently reading:

Rampant
By: Diana Peterfreund

Here's the Teaser!!

"My hands slipped from the horn, down the creature's face; and I dug in desperately, until I felt something squish beneath my thumb. It's eye."

What is your Teaser Tuesday?

Book #13- Story in Verse- Teen Pregnancy

Planet Pregnancy
By: Linda Oatman High

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): For sixteen-year-old Sahara, “life and death and everything in between” depends on the color of a little stick. She waits three long minutes, praying to Jesus, Mary, and all the saints that the stick will turn blue, meaning she isn’t pregnant. Instead, the stick turns pink and Sahara’s life is changed in a heart beat.

So, what do I think?

Overall: I wasn't a teen when I became pregnant with my first son, but I was still in college and unwed. I found out the night before my 21st birthday. I too was looking for one line, not two. I know exactly how this character felt. My parents wern't the happiest in the world to hear of my news just like hers. I was lucky in that I had a great boyfriend who is now my husband of five years. We even added a second addition to the family last year!! Now, back to  the story. Also having a friend who hid her pregnancy from everyone for a few months, I know how this character is feeling too. I laughed, I cried, and then I sobbed at the end of the book. Overall, I really liked this book.

Characters: I can see these characters in my little Texas town too. The loser boyfriend, the loser dad, and even the rude brothers and sisters. I can even see the mom only caring about herself too. I think the brother and sister probably could have been in the story more, but I really liked the main character Sahara. She was relatable.

Ending: I think the ending is what I liked best about the book. I kinda gave me hope. I know exactly how the release of giving birth and the rush of emotions that follow. You want nothing but the best for your child in those few minutes right after giving birth. I feel the author caught that emotion really well.

Googie's Grade: 3 out of 5 stars!!

If you like this book, you might also like:

Teaser Tuesday (3)

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.

This is how you do it:
1. Grab your current read

2. Open to a random page

3. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

4. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I am currently reading:

Planet Pregnancy
By: Linda Oatman High

Here's the teaser!!

"I've admitted my fib about Blake and the Great Date Rape. Mom's going to take awhile to get over this, I can tell. I might as well accept that I'll be kept on mom's shit list for at least a decade or two. Maybe by the time I turn thirty, she'll have stopped her dirty looks and nasty cuts."

What is your Teaser Tuesday?

Follow me Friday (3)

Follow my Book Blog Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View. This is a time where we share a little bit about ourselves to the blogger world and hopefully meet new people and a chance to see other blogs out there.

If you are new to my blog, welcome!! I am still new at this book blogging thing, but I do have another blog where I chronical my weightloss.

I am a teacher and I am really excited about the new school year! I teach English Second Language Learners, which basically means that I teach students who maybe spoke Spanish, Russian, or any other language than English when they were younger. I try and help them get to know the English language more when it comes to readin and writing. I love my job because it is so great when you see the faces of your students light up when they finally have read a good book or realize that they can be writers too!!

This year I am trying out Literature Circles. I am super excited about it. I will let you know how it goes!!

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. It is a place where all of us book geeks can share what we ar elooking forward to reading when it is published!

This week's book is:

The Lipstick Laws

By: Amy Holder

Release Date: April , 2011

Synopsis (from author's website): At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Kahn, and can ruin anyone's life as easily as snapping her perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.

For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. With zero friends and nothing close to a boyfriend, April is so unpopular, kids don't know she exists. That is, until Britney notices her. One lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.

But Britney's friendship comes with a price tag.

How much is April willing to pay?

Why I can't wait:

I found this book from another author's blog that I follow that I actually featured for WOW a few weeks ago. Carrie Harris and Amy Holder help each other write together. Pretty cool. Her website is really pretty.I can't wait for this book because it reminds me of one of my favorite movies growing up: Clueless. Also it reminds me of Mean Girls with Lindsey Lohan. I remember what it was like in high school and looking at the popular group. I had a group of my own, but the popular group was the place to be. I can now read this book and laugh because I am out of high school and I think teens will like it too.

If you can't wait, try this one:

Book #12- Coming of Age

The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet
By: Erin Dionne

Synopsis (from Barnesandnoble.com): Hamlet Kennedy just wants to be your average, happy, vanilla eighth grader. But with Shakespearean scholar parents who dress in Elizabethan regalia and generally go about in public as if it were the sixteenth century, that's not terribly easy. It gets worse when they decide that Hamlet's genius sevenyear- old sister will attend middle school with her— and even worse when the Shakespeare project is announced and her sister is named the new math tutor. By the time an in-class recitation reveals that our heroine is an extraordinary Shakespearean actress, Hamlet can no longer hide from the fact that she—like her family—is anything but average.

So, What do I think?

Overall: I laughed, I cried, and then I laughed some more. I thought this book was too cute! I am usually so stuck in my fantasy world that I am always so suprised when I enjoy a good coming of age story. I really had fun with this book because I had several friends in school who had weird and quirky parents like Hamlet. I also remember how hard it was to fit in junior high school. I was always questioning my coolness like Hamlet, so this was a nice read.

Characters: The main character, Hamlet, was very well written and I could really see her as a teenager. Her sister, Dezzie, was also well written as the brainiac seven-year-old sister. She is way beyond her age with ehr smarts, but Dionne still kept her a little girl by the way she dressed and acted at home. KC is your typical boy who thinks that making fun of girls is a way to show them you like them. Story of my whole junior high experience! Spot on with that character.

Idea: Even though I never had Shakespearean scholars, I still could relate to the idea of the story. Embarassing parents, mean girls, and true friends are the backbones to this great story. The idea of her being named Hamlet was really cute and it set the whole entire story. I loved the too smart sister and the quirky parents.

Googie's Grade: 5 out of 5 stars!!

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme created by Breaking the Spine. This is where we discuss books that we are looking forward to coming out!!

This week's book is:

The Floating Islands

By: Rachel Neumeier

Release Date: February 8, 2011

Synopsis (from goodreads.com): When Trei loses his family in a tragic disaster, he must search out distant relatives in a new land. The Floating Islands are unlike anything Trei has ever seen: stunning, majestic, and graced with kajurai, men who soar the skies with wings.Trei is instantly sky-mad, and desperate to be a kajurai himself. The only one who fully understands his passion is Araene, his newfound cousin. Prickly, sarcastic, and gifted, Araene has a secret of her own . . . a dream a girl cannot attain.Trei and Araene quickly become conspirators as they pursue their individual paths. But neither suspects that their lives will be deeply entwined, and that the fate of the Floating Islands will lie in their hands. . . .Filled with rich language, and told in alternating voices, The Floating Islands is an all-encompassing young adult fantasy read.

Why I can't wait:

I have read another book that takes place on a group of islands and I really enjoyed it. I like the idea of special people being able to fly in between the islands. It makes me think about the others who can't fly. How is their life better or worse not knowing what is going on in the other islands? How do they get across to the other islands? Can they? I think that this book should be interesting and we all know that I love a good fantasy novel!!

If you can't wait, try this one:

What are you waiting on?

Teaser Tuesday (2)

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading.

This is how you do it:

1. Grab your current read

2. Open to a random page

3. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

4. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I thought this week that I would give you a teaser from the book that I am writing right now called "Dust" and I would love to get any feedbackor advice to a newbie. I have wanted to write YA novels for the logest time and I have finally gotten enough courage to write.

Here's the Teaser!

"I thrust my hand to the bottom of the box and feel a fat envelope brush my fingers. I pick it up and lean back against the hallway wall. Poodle starts to saunter towards us and pokes her head into the box and lets out a little sneeze. Patrick scoots across the floor scooping Poodle in his arms and is practically in my lap as I open the envelope. You will never guess what is inside."

Not sure about the word saunter, but the dog is pretty prissy (and is a dauchsand named Poodle) so I didn't know what other word to put there. Can you guess what's in the envelope or in the box?

What is your Teaser Tuesday?

Book #11- Coming of Age

13 Little Blue Envelopes
By: Maureen Johnson

Synopsis (from Barnesandnoble.com): When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.

So, what do I think?

Overall: I started reading this book because I am actually writing a book where the main character receives a letter telling her ot do something and I wanted to see how someone had already done it. It wasn't a book that I was dying to read, but the cover looked cute and the basis of it looked interesting. So? I actually really liked this book. I wish I could have traveled like Ginny around Europe. There were times where my motherly instincts kicked in and I couldn't believe how trusting she was of people she had never met. At 17 there is no way I would have shared hotel rooms with total strangers and gone into someones house I didn't even know. I guess I was living through dreams with Ginny.

Characters: There were a few chracters I think that could have been edited out of the book and it still would have been good. There were a few spots that I thought the characters kind of ruined some parts. I'm not going to say who, but a family, is all I will say. However, I feel some of the chracters were fantastically placed in the book like Keith and Richard. They were perfectly matched for Ginny and just what she needed to get her through this journey.

Setting: Who doesn't love a Europen adventure? I still have yet to go to London and Greece, well anywhere in Europe actually, so it was nice to see it in a book. The descriptions may not have been spot on, but I would never know because I have never seen it!! I feel that the spots she chose in each country were good choices. They all ahd meaning behind them and I liked that.

Extras: At the end of the paperback version, the author has a little Q & A session and I really liked hearing her thoughts on the book. Being an aspiring writer myself, it was nice to see that after the fourth revision she had taken out a lot of stuff that she had originally planned.

Googie's Grade: 4 out of 5 stars!!

If you like this book, you might also like:

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. I hope you like my choice and I can't wait to see all of the new books on yall's sites!!

This week's book is:

Bad Taste in Boys

By: Carrie Harris

Release Date: Jully 11, 2011

Synopsis (from Goodreads.com): Super-smartie Kate Grable gets to play doctor, helping out her high school football team. Not only will the experience look good on her college apps, she gets to be thisclose to her quarterback crush, Aaron. Then something disturbing happens. Kate finds out that the coach has given the team steroids. Except . . . the vials she finds don’t exactly contain steroids. Whatever’s in them is turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless, flesh-eating . . . zombies.

Unless she finds an antidote, no one is safe. Not Aaron, not Kate’s brother, not her best friend . . . not even Kate . . .

It’s scary. It’s twisted. It’s sick. It’s high school.

Why I can't wait:

Who doesn't love a good book where zombies are running around trying to eat people? I like the idea of the coach giving them the zombie juice because I am a teacher too. I would have loved to give some students that zombie juice last year if I could. Maybe even some fellow teachers too!! LOL. Also, the hot football guys turning into the zombies? Too cool. Plus, the cover art is pretty cool.

If you can't wait, try this one:

Teaser Tuesday (1)

This is my first Teaser Tuesday. It is hosted by Should Be Reading.

This is how you do it:

1. Grab your current read


2. Open to a random page

3. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

4. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
 
I am currently reading:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 Little Blue Envelopes
By: Maureen Johnson
 
Here's the Teaser!!
 
"She wasn't sure she wanted to be kissing _____, but for some reason, it felt important- like she should be doing it. She was making out with an Italian boy in Rome."
 
What is your Teaser Tuesday?

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. You guys should go and check it out!!

This week's book is:

The Iron Witch

By: Karen Mahoney

Release Date: February 1, 2011

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com): Freak. That’s what they called seventeen year-old Donna Underwood in high school after a horrific fey attack that killed her father when she was just a child. Her injuries and rehabilitation resulted in magically enhanced strength, thanks to the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. As a child of the alchemists, she is both blessed and cursed with a magical heritage that doesn't leave much room for boys, parties and homework.

Now, after ten years of wishing for a normal life, she finally has to accept her role in the centuries-old war against the darkest outcasts of Faerie: the Dark Elves. Aided by a gorgeous half-fey dropout, Donna must race to save her best friend’s life - even if it means betraying one of the world’s greatest secrets and confronting the very thing that destroyed her family.

Why I can't wait:

I must admit that I am a fantasy loving girl. I love to pretend like I am the heroine in the fantasty novels with all of their cool magic abilities. I'm not so sure I like the chracters name Donna Underwood. It doesn't seem very fantasy like. I do like the rest of the synopsis. It sounds like a book that I am in to. Who doesn't love a Dark Elve right? I am looking forward to sailing away and getting lost in this book.

What are you looking forward to reading?

Book #10- Adult Vampire

Undead and Unwed
By: Mary Janice Davidson

Synopsis (from Barnesandnoble.com): MaryJanice Davidson's cult hit Undead and Unwed is a delightful mixture of Sex and the City and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Waking up in a tacky coffin, and wearing off-brand shoes, Betsy Taylor can't believe the horrible turn her life has taken–then she discovers she's a vampire. Soon, Betsy becomes a participant in a power struggle between the forces of darkness. With only her friend Jessica and the hunky vampire Sinclair to help her, this new "Queen of Vampires" will have a tough time getting her afterlife straight.

So, what do I think?

Overall: This book was definitely not a YA adult book. I think I needed a more grown up character for awhile and Betsy Taylor hit the spot. I must warn you, this book has some graphic sex scenes. I was even a little aroused while reading some parts (blush). THIS IS NOT FOR YOUNG ADULTS. So, there is my warning. With that being said, I totally loved this book. The writing wasn't the best, but the storyline and characters were intersting and kept me wanting to read more.

Characters: The synopsis was spot on. It is just like Sex and the City and Buffy the Vampire Slayer put together. Bewtsy may be the Queen of the undead, but that doesn't mean she can't look fantastic while doing it. Sometimes I wanted to slap Betsy in the face, but then she would do something that would make me almost pee in my pants. Eric Sinclair is described perfectly. Super dreamy, but is a pain in the you know what. He knows he is hot and acts like it. The worst kind. He does something at the end that is so unforgivable.

Googie's Grade: 4 out of 5 stars!!

If you like this book, you might also like:

Blog Design Giveaway!!

I am not giving this away...but I just wanted to post about it so others could try for it!! Good Luck!!



The giveaway is for either a complete Blogger or Wordpress design (a $160-$300 value)...


The winner will be placed on the wait list for October. Hey...it's worth it. *poke*

Custom illustrations and iStockphotos are not included, but can be purchased to add onto the design.

Giveaway ends Sunday July 11th, at 11:59pm. Winner will be announced Monday morning.

Go To: April Showers Blog Design

Book #9- Realistic Fiction

Cut
By: Patricia McCormick

Synopsis (from Barnesandnoble.com): Fifteen-year-old Callie isn't speaking to anybody, not even to her therapist at Sea Pines, the "residential treatment facility" where her parents and doctor sent her after discovering that she cuts herself. As her story unfolds, Callie reluctantly become involved with the other "guests" at Sea Pines -- finding her voice and confronting the trauma that triggered her behavior.

So, What do I think?

Overall: I loved this book. It was very realistic and I felt like I knew every character by heart while reading it. You could tell that McCormick spent a long time to make sure her book was realistic and put the emotions in with deep thought. I talked with one of my friends who is a counselor to troubled prisoners and she said that McCormick was right on when describing the feelings of what cutting does to someone. She said it releases the pain inside.

Characters: Callie isn't the only character in the story. At Sea Pines, the mental health clinic they are at that they call "Sick Minds," is full of patients who have a lot of different stories themselves. There are girls who are anorexic and bulimic, girls who eat too much, and other cutters. At first Callie doesn't think she relates to the other girls, but in the end they help her get through her problems. All of the characters were relatable and special detail was given to each one.

Googie's Grade: 4 out of 5 stars!!

If you like this book, you might algo like:

Follow me Friday (2)

Follow my Book Blog Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkies View (love her blog!!) and this will be my second time to take part in it. Since participating in this meme last week, I went from 6 to 16 followers. Hello new followers!! I hope to get some more too this week and get to know some other blogs as well!!

Like I said last week, I am currently receiving my Masters in Library Science and I start my next set of classes online (I have 2 kids) next Friday and I am really excited and nervous. Excited because I love going to school, and nervous because I want to get a good grade.

I will keep you posted!!

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

This is my second time to write about what books I am waiting on to release this year. I actually haven't been that into looking at the books that are coming out, but after looking at some of the other blogs, I think it's kinda fun!!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. I love reading her blog and think you guys should go check it out!!

This week's book is:

Hunger

By: Jackie Morse Kessler

Release Date: October 18, 2010

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home—her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power—and the courage to fight her own inner demons?

A wildly original approach to the issue of eating disorders, Hunger is about the struggle to find balance in a world of extremes, and uses fantastic tropes to explore a difficult topic that touches the lives of many teens.
 
Why I can't wait:
 
I love a good fantasy novel and also one that has a great message, and this one does both. This book talks about anorexia, something a lot of girls are dealing with in todays society. I think that this book pushes the limits and really shows the message that anorexia sucks. After reading the book Wintergirls last year, I have been interested in reading more books about social issues like this. (One reason why I am reading Cut right now)
 
What are you looking forward to reading?

Book #8- House of Night Series

Betrayed (House of Night Series Book #2)
By: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Synopsis (from Barnesandnoble.com): Betrayed, the second installment in the bestselling House of Night series, is dark and sexy, and as thrilling as it is utterly shocking.

Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite group. Best of all, Zoey’s made some new friends and she finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. And despite the best efforts of her mother and step-loser John to humiliate her publically during parent visitation, she’s earned the respect of her professors and High Priestess, Neferet.
Then the unthinkable happens: human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night, straining human-vamp tensions in Tulsa to a breaking point. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she finds herself drawn into an intoxicating forbidden flirtation that threatens to distract her from the growing crisis. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night. Too late, Zoey begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves, and she must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

So, What do I think?

Overall: The Cast women have done it again! I LOVED this book. I actually couldn't put the book down the last 10 or so chapters. I think my hubby thought I was sneaking off to another lover at night, but he would just walk in and find my nose in this book. Zoey is such a relatable character and I know exactly how she feels being torn between her feelings for more than one guy and also the feeling of being part woman and part little girl. Overall, I think this second book was better than the first. I wasn't going to read the second one, but I heard it was pretty good, so I got it from paperbackswap.com. I'm glad I did.

Characters: Of course, Zoey and her group of friends remind me of my friends when I was in high school. I was kinda the leader of our little band nerd group and I even had a gay guy friend! LOL. Sometimes, I forgot that this was a made up story, the characters were just so relatable! Loren (hot poet vamprye) made me feel warm and gooey inside. That was what he was supposed to do, and the Cast women made sure he did just that!! Some of the chracters surprise you at the end, but it is aimed to keep you on your toes.

Drama: The Cast women did not let me down when it came to drama. Aphrodite brings her own drama into the story where you almost feel bad for her, something weird is going on with missing high school students, Zoey has three guys to choose from, she also has a Full Moon ritual to do, and more behind the scenes things happen that eventually come to the surface. I was never bored in this book. I was always entertained.

Googie's Grade: 4.5 out of 5 stars!!

If you like this book, you might also like:

A Bit of Me

A Bit of Me(Me) is hosted by Danielle at There's a Book. It's a chance to get to know a bit more about the people behind the blogs. Anyone can join in!

This weeks question is: What is your favorite word and why?

This question was actually submitted by another one of the bloggers I read, Today's Adventure!! Way to go girl!! I love words too!!

My favorite word is.....Pandemonium!!!

Pandemonium: 1. A very noisy place 2. Wild uproar or noise.

Why is this my favorite word you ask?? Well, I am a sixth grade ESL (English second language) teacher and sometimes I have to act out words so they understand what they mean. This is my favorite word to act out. I have a book I like to read outloud just because it has this word in it. I go all crazy and run around the room and scream and throw things. I also pretend like I just shot the winning basket at a basketball game and have them go crazy!! It is such a fun word!!

What is your favorite word??

Follow Friday

Follw my book blog Friday is a meme hosted by Parajunkies View. You should go check out her blog and link up yours so others can find you!

If you have found me and don't know what my blog is about I will give you a quick overview!!

I am a mother, wife, teacher, and a student receiving my Masters in Library Science. I enjoy reading YA literature, mostly fantasy, but I am up for anything! My next set of classes will begin in July, so I will be posting mostly about what I am learning and my assignments.

Welcome!!

TBR books are growing!!

While picking up around my house today I came across 15 to be read books and I am afraid that I will uncover more as I go from room to room.

What this tells me is that I need to get off the computer and start reading!! LOL

In My Mailbox (2)

This is my second "In My Mailbox" and I am excited about the books that I got this past week. In My Mailbox is hosted my The Story Siren.

This week I received five books. Three I got from paperbackswap.com and two of them I got from a local used bookstore. I have like $30 in credit at the store and it is run by two of the sweetest retired Librarians, so I like to give them some business to keep them open.

Paperbackswap:

Cry Wolf by: Patricia Briggs

Cut by: Patricia McCormick

Tithe by: Holly Black

Used Bookstore:

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by: Kimberly Willis Holt

Diary of a Teenage Girl Becoming Me by: Melody Carlson

I am really looking forward to Tithe and Cry Wolf. I think I am going to read Cry Wolf next!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. This is the day of the week that I will be posting about up and coming books that I can't wait to come out.

This week's book is:

Wired (Book 3 in Skinned Trilogy)

By: Robin Wasserman

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): One year ago, Lia Kahn died.

A few days later, she woke up.

She had a new body: Mechanical, unfeeling, inhuman. She had a new family: Mechs like her, who didn't judge her for what she could no longer be. She had a new life, one that would last forever.

At least, it was supposed to.

But now everything Lia thought she knew has turned out to be a lie; everyone she thought she loved has been stolen away. And someone is trying to get rid of the mechs, once and for all. Lia will risk everything to save herself and the people she can't live without. But not before facing one final truth: She can't save everyone.

Why I can't Wait:

The first two books had me wanting more and more. I love a futuristic fantasy novel (look at my other reviews) and this trilogy aims to please. You get so involved in the chracter's lives that you feel like you are there with them every step of their crazy adventure. It really makes you think about what the future is going to be l ike and if we are really prepared for it. LOVE IT and can't wait for it to come out!!

What are you looking forward to reading?

Book #6- Fantasy (again)

Watersmeet
By: Ellen Jensen Abbott

Synopsis (from Amazin.com): Long ago, Vran led his people to a new land, driving off the hated “monsters” (dwarves, centaurs, fauns) who had lived there for generations. Abisina has been outcast in Vranille for her “dwarf dirty” coloring since birth. Her mother’s status as the healer keeps her safe until Charach, an evil, charismatic leader, comes to cleanse Vranille of the unworthy. Abisina’s only hope is to find her father in distant Watersmeet, but to get there, she will have to travel with one of the “vile half-men,” Haret, a dwarf. During their dangerous journey, Abisina and Haret learn to trust each other, and they find a home in Watersmeet, where all creatures live together under the leadership of Abisina’s father. This new sense of place is threatened when the Vranians move to destroy all nonhumans. Abbott’s debut fantasy centers on Abisina, who learns in small, realistic ways to let go of her deeply rooted prejudices to see the worth in all creatures, including herself. While the sudden, peaceful resolution strains credibility, this is otherwise a hopeful, nuanced story.

So, What do I think?

Overall: What a fantastic fantasy!! I couldn't put the story down. The characters, the setting, and the storyline kept me wanting more. Absinia is a girl who is seen as an "outcast" in her village. When her life is threatened by evil, she leaves in search of her father in a place called Watersmeet. Abbott did a fantastic job pulling all of her characters together. Even in the end when there were several characters, I still felt that each one of them could have their own stories. I can't say enough about how much I loved this story.

Characters: Absinia is a fantastic fantasy character. She is different than the others in her village. Dark hair, dark skin, and bright green eyes. She is smart on her own, yet needs the help of others because she is still a youth growing up. Her dwarf friend Haret is a perfect match to Absinia. He has a soft side that he doesn't like to show, but his strong will is what pulls them through the hard times. I could talk about all of the characters at the end of the story, but it would take me hours to write about. Each character was unique and interesting.

Setting: Abbott does a wonderful job describing the setting in this story. Each scene was described in a way that I felt like I was there with the characters. From the tallest trees to the dwarves burried houses, the story took you to several locations and each one was described perfectly. When Absinia finally gets to Watersmeet, the way the location is described makes you feel like you have lived there your whole life.

Googie's Grade: 5 out of 5 stars!

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In My Mailbox

I have noticed in the book blogs I read that they do something called "In my Mailbox" hosted by The Story Siren, so I thought I would join too!!

I actually got three books this week In My Mailbox. All of them came from paperbackswap.com. I great site if you want to join!

Two fo the books are YA and one is on weightloss. I have a weightloss blog on blogspot. You should come check it out!

Anyways, the books I got are:

The Wizard, the Witch & Two Girls from Jersey by: Lisa Papademetriou
Sign of the Crescent by: Debbie Federici
The ten hidden barriers in weight loss and exercise by: Lynette Menefee and Daniel Somberg

Sorr I don't have pictures because my camera is sorta lost right now. I will make sure I have it for next time!

Also, check out The Book Scout to enter her drawing!!

Book #5- Futuristic Fantasy

The Barcode Tattoo
By: Suzanne Weyn

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): The bar code tattoo. Everybody's getting it. It will make your life easier, they say. It will hook you in. It will become your identity. But what if you say no? What if you don't want to become a code? For Kayla, this one choice changes everything. She becomes an outcast in her high school. Dangerous things happen to her family. There's no option but to run . . . for her life.Indivuality vs. conformity.. Identity vs. access. Freedom vs. control.The bar code tattoo.

So, what do I think?

Overall: How can you not love a book about Big Brother and the government controlling our lives? I LOVED it!! I actually couldn't put it down. I love the idea of having everyone having a barcode tattoo and some of the younger generation refusing to get one. The rebellion seemed real and the book was very well written. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes futeristic things, but things that you can actually see happening in the future too.

Characters: Kayla was a very realistic character and I could see a lot of my own characteristics in her. Her friend at the beginning is kida annoying and I;m glad she isn't around fro very long. Her story does need to be told to keep the story going though. Her love interest is the perfect character because she is brought into this whole new world and that is when the story gets really good.

Googie's Grade: 5 out of 5 stars!

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Playing Dressup

Today I had a great time playing dress up! I was able to pretend like I was a Librarian today!! LOL
The Librarian at my school is so awesome. She is the one who motivated me into going back to school to get my Masters in Library Science.

Well, I am surprised that she hasn't kicked me out of the library yet. I ask her like 50 million questions bout everything. Today she let me process some new books today into the online catalog! I was in HEAVEN.

First, I had to look up the book in the system to see if it was either in our library or in our district. If it was, I just had to hit add copy and scan the barcode I taped to the back of the book. If not, I had to look up the book in the Library of Congress. I had to import that info into our catalog system and then change up a few things. It was awesome!! I even used the typewriter to make labels to put on the binding!! It was sooo cool!!

Anyways, I told her I wanted to open up the new fiction boxes she got in yesterday and get to work! She was more than happy to hand it over!!

Question: What do you do when you are a few chapters into a book and realize that you don't like it? Do you abandon ship or keep going? I am in that situation right now!

Giveaway!!!

Jessica at shutupimreading is having a giveaway!!! Click here to enter and become one of her followers!! Her reviews are great!!

Favorite Movie

One of my favorite movies is on television right now. "You've Got Mail" starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks has to be one of my favorite movies ever. What could be better than a movie about a bookstore?

While watching the movie, a big idea has popped into my head! Are you ready?

I want to open a bookstore! Not a major Barnes and Noble....a cute little bookstore where there is storytime and big comfy couches to lay on and read.

Where? Well, my hubby and I own a farmhouse in a small town in East Texas. They do not have a bookstore except for the local grocery store. I want to do this! LOL. We will see!!

Just like Christmas!!!

So, if you are new to my blog, I am in training to become a Librarian. I am attending school to get my Masters in Library Science.

Well, to show you what a big nerd I am...today the Librarian at the school that I teach at got a new shipment of books and I went crazy!! LOL. I could smell the "new book" smell all the way down the hall. I was really excited about a series of non-fiction books on fish because my ESL classes are going to do a research project next year with a Powerpoint and everything and she got them just for me!!

I attacked that box of books like it was Christmas morning. It was great!!

Does anyone else get that high when they get a new book?

Book#4- Zombies

Never Slow Dance With a Zombie
By: E. Van Lowe

Synopsis (from Barnesandnoble.com): Romy and Michelle's Hight School Reunion meets Night of the Living Dead in this laugh-out-loud debut YA novel by Emmy Award-nominated TV writer E. Van Lowe

Principal Taft's 3 Simple Rules for Surviving a Zombie Uprising:
Rule #1: While in the halls, walk slowly and wear a vacant expression on your face. Zombies won't attack other zombies.
Rule #2: Never travel alone. Move in packs. Follow the crowd. Zombies detest blatant displays of individuality.
Rule #3: If a zombie should attack, do not run. Instead, throw raw steak at to him. Zombies love raw meat. This display of kindness will go a long way.
On the night of her middle school graduation, Margot Jean Johnson wrote a high school manifesto detailing her goals for what she was sure would be a most excellent high school career. She and her best friend, Sybil, would be popular and, most important, have boyfriends. Three years later, they haven't accomplished a thing!
Then Margot and Sybil arrive at school one day to find that most of the student body has been turned into flesh-eating zombies. When kooky Principal Taft asks the girls to coexist with the zombies until the end of the semester, they realize that this is the perfect opportunity to live out their high school dreams. All they have to do is stay alive....

So, What do I think?

Overall: At first, I almost put it down....but I'm glad I didn't. I must admit that I was not too excited about the book throughout the first part of it, but the last 4 or 5 chapters made up for it. I couldn't put it down in the end. I think what I didn't like about the book was that it stretched a little longer than needed. I felt like the same scene was being played over and over.

Characters: I can see a lot of Margot in me when I was in Jr. High. She, however, is in high school and is acting this way. Margot wants to be popular, and when she gets her wish, she turns into an ultra snob. Typical storyline. Also, her best friend Sybil is a little too nice. But it works for the book. The book makes teachers look dumb, and any story that does that, makes me not like those characters (I am a teacher!). The Zombies were my favorite charcters. I would have had Zombies just like them in my books!

Idea: I must give him credit for the originality of the book idea. Zombies are really popular right now and some of the things he did with the Zombies were quite funny and original. I think the plot line could have come straight from an 80's chick flick though. Girl is obsessed with Jock who doesn't know she exists, Mean Girl is dating Jock, Nerd in love with Main Character, Loyal friend, and the Main Character is just trying to belong.

Googie's Grade: 3.5 stars out of 5!

Book #3- Tearjerker

Out of my Mind

BY: Sharon M. Draper

Synopsis (from Barnesandnoble.com):

Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there's no delete button. She's the smartest kid in her whole school—but no one knows it. Most people—her teachers and doctors included—don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows . . . but she can't, because Melody can't talk. She can't walk. She can't write.

Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind—that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice . . . but not everyone around her is ready to hear it.
From multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner Sharon M. Draper comes a story full of heartache and hope. Get ready to meet a girl whose voice you'll never, ever forget.

So, What do I think?

Overall: I cried like a little baby throughout this entire book. I sat behind my desk at school and tears were streaming down my cheeks. My students kept handing me tissues and laughing at me when I blew my nose. I LOVED this book. This book changed my life. I work at a school with Life Skills students and I never thought twice about sitting and having a conversation with them. I had just assumed that they couldn't interact back. After reading this book I will never feel that way again. This book changed my life.

Characters: I wish that all children who had special needs had a family like Melody. A mother and father who would do anything for their child and strive for the best education for them. Sadly, that is not always the case. Melody is such a strong character and I think that if Draper had made her a sad, non-opinionated character, the book would not have been what it was. The children in the story that go to her school are just like the kids at mine. They stare and make comments because they don't know anything different.

Flow: I think the flow of the story really made a difference in the way I read it. It took awhile for you to get to the meat of the story, but it was the journey to get to that point that made the book special. I would not have liked it as much if everything had happened really fast in the beginning. It really let you get to know Melody as a person before certain things happened in the story.

Googie's Grade: 5 out of 5 stars!

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