tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72574391197436106422024-02-07T14:27:28.630-05:00Such A Teenage BookwormKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-35574306891181048062012-06-07T10:29:00.002-04:002012-06-07T10:29:52.385-04:00Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi- Book ReviewI haven't been on Blogger in a very long time, and hopefully this summer I'm able to blog more. I was very busy with school throughout this year, so I'll be finding the time to blog now that school is over. I recently finished Tahereh Mafi's wonderful book, Shatter Me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9HPPqQznNYL9JDqgRG9q2KH1tvNEe3dMG8iSzWmcCzSaP-R-5ZmhZWx6v0LudBgZCu_U1byGhbY_GS6zep_083S-q6XY9lYPgw0CQVcO6Y02NaosikR1cqQacxsSpsJnEUGtTLvoJyA4/s1600/10429045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9HPPqQznNYL9JDqgRG9q2KH1tvNEe3dMG8iSzWmcCzSaP-R-5ZmhZWx6v0LudBgZCu_U1byGhbY_GS6zep_083S-q6XY9lYPgw0CQVcO6Y02NaosikR1cqQacxsSpsJnEUGtTLvoJyA4/s320/10429045.jpg" width="212" /></a><b>Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi</b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
Release Date: November 15, 2011<br />
Publisher: Harper/Harper Collins<br />
Pages: 352<br />
Source: Bought<br />
Series: Shatter Me #1<br />
<br />
-Summary-<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strong>Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><em>The Hunger Games</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">and a superhero story as thrilling as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><em>The X-Men</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><em>Shatter Me</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel. (summary from Goodreads) </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">-Review- </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Absolutely loved Shatter Me. It was wonderfully written and I enjoyed the plot line of this story. This book definitely exceeded all my expectations that I originally had for it, before starting it. Very unique and different and I would recommend it to anybody I know. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Any books I have ever read cannot compare to Shatter Me. It was so different and I totally adored it. From the minute I opened the book and started it, I couldn't stop reading. It took a lot from me to take my eyes away from the pages and actually get some sleep! I loved how the book didn't start slowly--it was interesting from the beginning. Shatter Me had an intriguing plot line. A girl whose touch is lethal? Who wouldn't to read a story about that? At first, you start to get used to her life in the cell but everything changes quickly. This novel is full of suspense and you won't be able to put it down. You have some action, romance, and a girl whose touch can kill people all rolled into one book. Who wouldn't want to read that? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The characters were really interesting in this novel. I would have to say my favorite would be Adam because I always seem to like the lead male character in books. But, anyways...this book was flawlessly written. I enjoyed how unique the writing was and I cannot wait for the next book to come out from this series. It was definitely creative and I'm interested to see how the story continues. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I recommend this to all readers who haven't read this book yet. You won't be able to put it down from the start. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>First Sentence: </b>I've been locked up for 264 days. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">-Rating Analysis-</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">1. Plot: 20 out of 20 points. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">2. Characters: 14 out of 15 points. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">3. Writing: 20 out of 20 points. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">4. Creativity: 15 out of 15 points. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">5. Originality: 10 out of 10 points. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">6. Ending: 13 out of 15 points. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">7. Cover: 5 out of 5 points. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Equals: 97. <b>97-100 is an A+. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">-Parental Book Review- </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Violence- moderate</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strike>Mild/</strike>Excessive Cursing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Mild/<strike>Excessive</strike> Sexual Content</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><strike>Drug/Alcohol Use</strike></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">-About the Author-</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
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Tahereh Mafi is a girl. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Orange County, California, where the weather is just a little too perfect for her taste. When unable to find a book, she can be found reading candy wrappers, coupons, and old receipts. SHATTER ME is her first novel. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">(from novel) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Visit her website: <a href="http://www.taherehmafi.com/">http://www.taherehmafi.com/</a></span><br />
Find this book on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429045-shatter-me">Goodreads</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pT1KL-wmNyU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-75327715927215849912011-12-20T15:38:00.001-05:002011-12-20T15:38:43.894-05:002012 Reading Challenges!I decided to do some reading challenges for 2012, because I didn't do any this year. They sound really fun, so I can't wait to get started! I'll start off with a few challenges that I'm entering, and if I enter more I will add them on later.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn9o-wNXvKovxn98SXBqEYQqMI9rfDUBHuxGB8BU0J-Rczoonh-StaK4sPcJT55d6zWZLIQkabQtoR8rGkSQhG34EkyUffj3QdVg3Q7nElzd3Vyf3nStA3tgLTm-OFfew1apJl-2eB4N2/s1600/yacontemp03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn9o-wNXvKovxn98SXBqEYQqMI9rfDUBHuxGB8BU0J-Rczoonh-StaK4sPcJT55d6zWZLIQkabQtoR8rGkSQhG34EkyUffj3QdVg3Q7nElzd3Vyf3nStA3tgLTm-OFfew1apJl-2eB4N2/s1600/yacontemp03.png" /></a>First, I'm entering the <a href="http://www.readingangel.com/2011/11/2012-ya-contemporary-challenge.html"><b>2012 YA Contemporary Challenge</b></a> that <a href="http://www.readingangel.com/">Reading Angel</a> and <a href="http://www.katiesbookblog.com/">Katie's Book Blog</a> are hosting. I wanted to enter this challenge because I love contemporary books, but I don't read enough of them! I'm determined on this one...I'm going to try to read 15 or more contemporary books, or Level 3. The books I chose are:<br />
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<i>1.</i> <i>The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith</i><br />
<i>2. Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala </i><br />
<i>3. In Too Deep by Amanda Grace</i><br />
<i>4. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen</i><br />
<i>5. Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard</i><br />
<i>6. Where It Began by Anna Redisch Stampler</i><br />
<i>7. Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf</i><br />
<i>8. The Story of Us by Deb Caletti</i><br />
<i>9. The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland</i><br />
<i>10. The Summer of No Regrets by Katherine Grace Bond</i><br />
<i>11. My Life in Black and White by Natasha Friend</i><br />
<i>12. A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger</i><br />
<i>13. The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt </i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XBs-bCp01XzEq5YnCFQXEjqiqSfFBXq6iOuxIeMnObIiB-0fWMmRJem6d-N6Es5c6TtFDVYqPIF-fU0Wlp20gaG03yGAdcKLIsTKHjG-IqVk0GVnApiZHas_D7Bux3aY82-uRo6X1tdZ/s1600/2012-TBR-Reading-Challenge-Button.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XBs-bCp01XzEq5YnCFQXEjqiqSfFBXq6iOuxIeMnObIiB-0fWMmRJem6d-N6Es5c6TtFDVYqPIF-fU0Wlp20gaG03yGAdcKLIsTKHjG-IqVk0GVnApiZHas_D7Bux3aY82-uRo6X1tdZ/s200/2012-TBR-Reading-Challenge-Button.png" width="192" /></a><i>14. Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown</i><br />
<i>15. Small Damges by Beth Kephart</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Next, I'm entering the <a href="http://evie-bookish.blogspot.com/p/2012-tbr-pile-reading-challenge.html">2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge</a> because there are definitely a lot of books I would like to read that are in my TBR Pile, so this challenge could help me finish them. I'm starting with 1-10 and move up as I go along if I want to. I'm not going to make a list yet, I will probably just do a wrap-up post.<br />
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I'm starting with these challenges and then see what other challenges I want to enter. What challenges are you entering?Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-33471476909390475172011-12-16T17:55:00.001-05:002011-12-18T13:54:58.099-05:00Review- Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE315_WfhaN-dYmQEZY7gc-qweeSx_WedgeGlF0XNShgQQ0xLw8AeGyR_WSD8K4EelaQRDyRvT7dkotbuC_33ftAxsVmm3YISXeK-d2IJ-CIap0agTe7JaF0UnU9Dr63_l8iFoL4MKCXe/s1600/angelcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWE315_WfhaN-dYmQEZY7gc-qweeSx_WedgeGlF0XNShgQQ0xLw8AeGyR_WSD8K4EelaQRDyRvT7dkotbuC_33ftAxsVmm3YISXeK-d2IJ-CIap0agTe7JaF0UnU9Dr63_l8iFoL4MKCXe/s320/angelcover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<b>Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
Release Date: September 14, 2010<br />
Publisher: Simon & Schuster<br />
Pages: 391<br />
Source: Bought<br />
Series: Hush, Hush #1<br />
<br />
Rating from A+ to F: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>A</b></span><br />
<br />
-Summary-<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">When Nora Grey and Patch are forced together as lab partners, Nora would rather fall to her death than put up with his elusive answers to this questions, his teasing, and his infuriatingly handsome face and hypnotizing eyes. It seems Patch was put on earth just to drive her crazy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">But before long, Nora's defenses start to break down as her curiosity about Patch heats up. Why does he always seem to be wherever she is and know exactly what she's thinking? How does he know what to say to both attract her and repulse her? And what is up with those V-shaped scares on his chiseled back? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">As their connection grows stronger, Nora's own life becomes increasingly fragile. Nora needs to decide: Is Patch the one who wants to do her harm or the one who will keep her safe? Has she fallen for one of the fallen? </span><br />
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-Review-<br />
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I LOVED THIS BOOK! When I first got it, I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not, thinking it might be like all the other paranormal series out there right now, but it wasn't. I had a lot of trouble putting this book down, it sucked me into the plot right away. I had heard a lot of great things about this book from other bloggers and I'm definitely glad I read it!<br />
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<b>Plot- </b>The plot in this book was amazing; there weren't any slow moments and I enjoyed every part of the book. I couldn't put it down, it was so addicting. It has the perfect amount of action, romance, and suspense and you will get hooked on it as soon as you start reading it, like I did!<br />
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<b>Characters- </b>The characters were pretty good in this novel, I wasn't blown away by them. But, I wasn't terribly disappointed in them either, they were just okay. I felt that Nora's character was a little <i>too </i>safe and cautious at times, but I get where her choices were coming from. I get she was being practical and trying to do what was best for her and her safety, so that wasn't too much of a problem for me. But, Nora's best friend, Vee, was annoying to me. If I was Nora, I would have gotten rid of this girl as my best friend right away. I didn't think she acted like that much of a friend to Nora, and was very self-centered. I loved Patch, even if he was dangerous. He was a great character, but I didn't learn much about him during the plot, so I'm hoping his character is elaborated more in the sequel. I think my least favorite character was Elliot--I didn't like him from the start of the book. I thought he was cocky, and by the middle I absolutely didn't like him. Overall, I thought the characters were pretty good.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Writing- </b>I thought Becca Fitzpatrick's writing was amazing in Hush, Hush. Her descriptions were great and I loved the world she created here. She developed the characters excellently, but I'm hoping she develops Patch's character more in Crescendo. There isn't much for me to say here, except that I loved Becca's writing and that's it.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Cover- </b>The cover is beautiful, it draws me right into the book. I like the colors and how on my copy it's sort of sparkly. This is probably one of my favorite covers on a novel.<br />
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I can't wait to get Crescendo, the sequel to Hush, Hush! I loved this book, so I'm hoping that the next one is as good as this one!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>First Sentence: </b>Chauncey was with a farmer's daughter on the grassy banks of the Loire River when the storm rolled in, and having let his gelding wander in the meadow, was left to his own two feet to carry him back to the chateau. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
-Rating Analysis-<br />
<br />
1. Plot: 20 out of 20 points.<br />
2. Characters: 13 out of 15 points.<br />
3. Writing: 20 out of 20 points.<br />
4. Creativity: 15 out of 15 points.<br />
5. Originality: 9 out of 10 points.<br />
6. Ending: 13 out of 15 points.<br />
7. Cover: 4 out of 5 points.<br />
Equals: 94. <b>94-96 is an A. </b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
-Parental Book Review-<br />
<br />
Violence- minor parts<br />
Mild/<strike>Excessive</strike> Cursing<br />
<strike>Mild/</strike>Excessive Sexual Content<br />
<strike>Drug/Alcohol Use</strike><br />
<strike><br /></strike><br />
-About the Author-<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMXubnnWRdHzwIH_PKLy-I9bfYTaqwA2YnEidMSnPnYKecWlEOx75SaKvTztV3bSVqZAiI4X3SIyLwSxIpWwl8u5WZyzIDlIc2RZoe1_hQBxC2Fe7dDl9bguZEpXNZ0-rcNg9j1L7Vvrj/s1600/0bf0c0a398a06343dae81210.L._V223487109_SX200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMXubnnWRdHzwIH_PKLy-I9bfYTaqwA2YnEidMSnPnYKecWlEOx75SaKvTztV3bSVqZAiI4X3SIyLwSxIpWwl8u5WZyzIDlIc2RZoe1_hQBxC2Fe7dDl9bguZEpXNZ0-rcNg9j1L7Vvrj/s1600/0bf0c0a398a06343dae81210.L._V223487109_SX200_.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga. HUSH, HUSH and CRESCENDO are in stores everywhere now! SILENCE will be released worldwide on October 4, 2011.</span></span><br />
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Visit her website: <a href="http://www.beccafitzpatrick.com/">http://www.beccafitzpatrick.com/</a><br />
Check out this book at <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6339664-hush-hush">Goodreads</a><br />
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**Sorry again, I haven't been posting much, but I'm hoping to be posting more now!<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-75117199712086595722011-08-05T10:36:00.000-04:002011-08-05T10:36:55.590-04:00WINNERS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7x3H7nzJmr2gmtUkWlo_OlC5ImKauzPWZZNyfu6GrGNmKdrqX8S1_8JPbI7yENadqM5Vy6_zkSVdnSwvu4Dw1YYUMq6a-2PhZ3AgisTUXccRN_BpLMyoj4VFub0ktM2DbwB3n3MdUICnv/s1600/celebration-mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7x3H7nzJmr2gmtUkWlo_OlC5ImKauzPWZZNyfu6GrGNmKdrqX8S1_8JPbI7yENadqM5Vy6_zkSVdnSwvu4Dw1YYUMq6a-2PhZ3AgisTUXccRN_BpLMyoj4VFub0ktM2DbwB3n3MdUICnv/s200/celebration-mine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Today my 100 Follower Giveaway ends! Thank you to everyone who entered it, and also followed me, I am very appreciative! The winners were chosen on random.org, and I am picking two winners. So, here they are:<br />
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The first winner is Felicia C over at <a href="http://anovelparadise.blogspot.com/">A Novel Paradise</a>! She picked Luminous by Dawn Metcalf as her book choice.<br />
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The second winner is Katharyn Vela and she chose Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma.<br />
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I emailed both winners, and they have 48 hours to reply and if they don't I will pick a new winner! Thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway, I am very thankful! I'll be having my 200 Follower Giveaway soon, so look for that!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-46490509446477329912011-08-04T20:26:00.002-04:002011-08-05T10:25:46.617-04:00Friday Blog Hops 8/5It's Friday, so it's time for the weekly blog hops! Again, I'm really sorry for the lack of blog posts, I'm very busy lately, but I'll try to get more up soon!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3PQtuXUsb1Hf7gzaAuwks_W1AMoeaU7eGG5q3oCCYoEr7NYhCUeqF5RB2_9LWuVwuz4JPGyIdX78v-sbzilR9DM3mjzXp5NUAjtpWA3Cm5Kxg6-MWlTuZ23lzd-gjeAJCwBiy3Rj-gQ4/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3PQtuXUsb1Hf7gzaAuwks_W1AMoeaU7eGG5q3oCCYoEr7NYhCUeqF5RB2_9LWuVwuz4JPGyIdX78v-sbzilR9DM3mjzXp5NUAjtpWA3Cm5Kxg6-MWlTuZ23lzd-gjeAJCwBiy3Rj-gQ4/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" /></a></div><b>Follow Friday </b>is hosted by Rachel at <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/">Parajunkee's View</a> and Alison at <a href="http://www.alisoncanread.com/">Alison Can Read</a>! This week's question:<br />
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<h2 style="color: #cfa9ff; font-family: 'Special Elite', arial, serif; font-size: 12.5px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center; text-shadow: rgb(0, 0, 0) 2px 2px 4px; text-transform: none;">Talk about the book that most changed or influenced your life (was it a book that turned you from an average to avid reader, did it help you deal with a particularly difficult situation, does it bring you comfort every time you read it?).</h2><div><br />
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The Harry Potter series definitely influenced me to become an avid reader, it was the first series that I fell in love with. I probably could also say that the Twilight series influenced me even more, but when I read Harry Potter, is where it all started. After I finished reading the series, I read more often which helped me to become an avid reader today. So, I would say the Harry Potter series for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6wNedhyhKexERfN7a63f4ZYmdreVfVE-0y3UyqTyIfEWurD441afBu2Wi7p2N353HSJA6bUDIFQXQ8G8AvU_sBD_sfFu8VprsthySOUbwc-SUJ2V51J1sOmY4RpTgCjazvf8hiuqNKiU/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6wNedhyhKexERfN7a63f4ZYmdreVfVE-0y3UyqTyIfEWurD441afBu2Wi7p2N353HSJA6bUDIFQXQ8G8AvU_sBD_sfFu8VprsthySOUbwc-SUJ2V51J1sOmY4RpTgCjazvf8hiuqNKiU/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" /></a><br />
The <b>Book Blogger Hop </b>is hosted by Jen over at <a href="http://crazy-for-books.com/2011/08/book-blogger-hop-85-88.html">Crazy-for-Books</a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">What is the one ARC you would love to get your hands on right now?</span></strong></span><br />
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Hm, I really want to get <i>The Beginning of After </i>by Jennifer Castle. It looks really good, and I have been wanting to read it for some time now. If anyone's read it yet, tell me your thoughts about it in the comments!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaa1eOZ_3uszlyaJl1AuFMQib5TdjJlHyxOet4QfIwuAt5gVM1hr_wwTffBiwqPKoTxnCndIu5qn4mlWfKIQG8muY7sBjRHekg-s9g0trc6irv3nUKNv6XIUz-vcFf1L6PPCm4COsCsL0/s1600/tgif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkaa1eOZ_3uszlyaJl1AuFMQib5TdjJlHyxOet4QfIwuAt5gVM1hr_wwTffBiwqPKoTxnCndIu5qn4mlWfKIQG8muY7sBjRHekg-s9g0trc6irv3nUKNv6XIUz-vcFf1L6PPCm4COsCsL0/s1600/tgif.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Tgif </b>is hosted by Ginger over at <a href="http://www.greadsbooks.com/">GReads!</a> Here's this week's question:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Taking it Personal: Which books have effected you on a personal level and lingered in your mind long after you closed the pages?</span><br />
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I would have to say books like <i>Hold Still </i>by Nina LaCour<i> </i>and <i>Fall for Anything </i>by Courtney Summers, were on my mind long after I finished reading them. Books with these topics always stay in my mind and get a few tears out of me. I just get really emotional when I read books like that, but I'm pretty sure many people do, so I'm not alone!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Thanks to everyone for stopping by, commenting, or following! I really appreciate it! </i></span><br />
<span id="goog_340600768"></span><span id="goog_340600769"></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-33646583178294414812011-07-29T13:48:00.002-04:002011-07-29T14:22:55.808-04:00Friday Blog Hops 7/29Sorry for not posting a lot this week, again I have been super busy but I promise you I will be uploading more posts soon! It's Friday, so it's time for the weekly blog hops!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyINF5tGwvqDe4oaLV12E87dPelhiQixnEihN7_fGRGRiVrNBVwcqYjTMqeP8BOUyOhG-gtK8UAiHhy5M9W2l1RLKiRmo6qSJHMVy8_aG7AB4itxVk6Ds2-P2x3Qoq_MiEN-uX4uRd0UH/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyINF5tGwvqDe4oaLV12E87dPelhiQixnEihN7_fGRGRiVrNBVwcqYjTMqeP8BOUyOhG-gtK8UAiHhy5M9W2l1RLKiRmo6qSJHMVy8_aG7AB4itxVk6Ds2-P2x3Qoq_MiEN-uX4uRd0UH/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" /></a><b>Follow Friday </b>is hosted by Rachel at <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/">Parajunkee's View</a> and Alison at <a href="http://www.alisoncanread.com/">Alison Can Read</a>. This week's question was:<br />
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<h2 style="color: #cfa9ff; font-family: 'Special Elite', arial, serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center; text-shadow: rgb(0, 0, 0) 2px 2px 4px; text-transform: none;">Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?</h2><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2cWvjdhrJHE6PcxjSk3leaUFX08EWzg-IkPai4BmUsIlpRxyRTox9hF4_eAVL4pQ2mKnhZ38VzGCZWEOvZ61_0HQok_8A9lEorq3gaQpoRXIWQgQ6sgRyLIrC-Aao8kWq-K824d_bGd2/s1600/107135297v16_480x480_Front_Color-LightPink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2cWvjdhrJHE6PcxjSk3leaUFX08EWzg-IkPai4BmUsIlpRxyRTox9hF4_eAVL4pQ2mKnhZ38VzGCZWEOvZ61_0HQok_8A9lEorq3gaQpoRXIWQgQ6sgRyLIrC-Aao8kWq-K824d_bGd2/s200/107135297v16_480x480_Front_Color-LightPink.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxjyDf6WdUufvy5uYCGDvzroANnvfNJFxLtPvlLBOjXgqvFnay5CZvlBJo2ryosctarOL0CzPLbsTP3CK1jwGLXD5yWGLF1wKFDBk30df60VbDyZqNThUqz129I3VNm-oXJ7Go2-yDi58/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxjyDf6WdUufvy5uYCGDvzroANnvfNJFxLtPvlLBOjXgqvFnay5CZvlBJo2ryosctarOL0CzPLbsTP3CK1jwGLXD5yWGLF1wKFDBk30df60VbDyZqNThUqz129I3VNm-oXJ7Go2-yDi58/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" /></a>Okay, I know my answer isn't supposed to be about reading, but when I found this t-shirt I thought it described how I'm feeling right now. Ugh, I don't have enough time these days to read as many books as I want to!<br />
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The <b>Book Blogger Hop </b>is hosted by Jen over at <a href="http://crazy-for-books.com/2011/07/book-blogger-hop-729-81.html">Crazy-for-Books.</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the library, purchased at the store, etc.) that you can’t wait to dig into!</span></strong></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwe16S3OL_mMlaZFBHvH8CwhOYkMM1uyN7og5ICdzP0dE96_suCLovzTA0uHTzn-JjdQceHeSrxt0dcRbfB8xR8UcGkihyphenhyphenWNsi9gUpsuOtucFQ5XB8GpjL70RVv_0rMJIRdQcBd_abyRq/s1600/Miss-Peregrines-Home-for-Peculiar-Children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwe16S3OL_mMlaZFBHvH8CwhOYkMM1uyN7og5ICdzP0dE96_suCLovzTA0uHTzn-JjdQceHeSrxt0dcRbfB8xR8UcGkihyphenhyphenWNsi9gUpsuOtucFQ5XB8GpjL70RVv_0rMJIRdQcBd_abyRq/s200/Miss-Peregrines-Home-for-Peculiar-Children.jpg" width="130" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><strong><span style="color: purple;"><br />
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I'm really excited to start reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. I recently bought it, and heard great things about it, so if anyone has read it tell me what you thought about it! I can't wait to start reading this book, it looks really interesting!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt9Smd72dd3sfJ8ZQlAHDLRQTAp31mBNC2PYZ7LNIUJ7aM0IEs91wgdoBOVX2Z9O0VDPHX-kkafug1_I_Dx97n_d5hWJCJiLrwnOu1VrQt4nQ6N057iQ4V2YJQOTwUhnv7u0Tq1kHJE4g/s1600/tgif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt9Smd72dd3sfJ8ZQlAHDLRQTAp31mBNC2PYZ7LNIUJ7aM0IEs91wgdoBOVX2Z9O0VDPHX-kkafug1_I_Dx97n_d5hWJCJiLrwnOu1VrQt4nQ6N057iQ4V2YJQOTwUhnv7u0Tq1kHJE4g/s1600/tgif.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Tgif </b>is hosted by Ginger at <a href="http://www.greadsbooks.com/">Greads!</a> Here was this week's question:<br />
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Character Envy: If you could be one character from a book, </span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">who would you choose & why?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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Wow, this definitely is a tough question. I'd probably have to choose either Hermione Granger from <i>Harry Potter </i>because I've always wanted to go to school at Hogwarts, or Katniss Everdeen from <i>The Hunger Games </i>because I really want to be the girl who was on fire! There are a ton more characters that I would probably want to be, but those were my top two picks.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Thank you all for stopping by, commenting, or following my blog! I really appreciate it. If you haven't already, check out my 100 Followers Giveaway, you should! More information is on the sidebar. </i></b></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-86277582168729354032011-07-24T19:13:00.000-04:002011-07-24T19:13:07.626-04:00Author Interview- Alejandra Aponte<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUgOnW7C4OFAWeQpZ8Nly2w3jnUwkQ3RlUR8fS731XMoRh7kpEPkZYOrQARrPUoTzuX0yrm11TXR_unfwykrf1qt6LAQJ4KBp76euZW5Ud0J4XnNlO91evf4o5CkFelxHuydyS0mf21S8/s1600/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUgOnW7C4OFAWeQpZ8Nly2w3jnUwkQ3RlUR8fS731XMoRh7kpEPkZYOrQARrPUoTzuX0yrm11TXR_unfwykrf1qt6LAQJ4KBp76euZW5Ud0J4XnNlO91evf4o5CkFelxHuydyS0mf21S8/s320/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Today, I have on my blog: Alejandra Aponte, a publisher and upcoming author! She is giving us some great tips on publishing and writing in the interview, so here it is!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Tell me a little about yourself. </b></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>My name is Alejandra Aponte, I'm 18 years old, and I'm a writer and publisher. In my spare time I enjoy reading, shopping for books, spending time with my family and friends, and teaching myself new languages. </i></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">What got you started in writing books? </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">I've been writing for as long as I can remember; I have stacks of journals from when I was a kid filled with detailed observations of everything going on around me. Also, my family is definitely a "Humanities" family: a lot of us are involved in the arts, so I've always been encouraged to develop my talent.</span></i></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Did you have any favorite authors as a child that influenced you to begin writing? Do you have any favorite authors now? </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Authors that influenced me as a child include Kay Thompson, author of </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Eloise</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">; E.L Konisburg, author of </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">; and Carolyn Keene, author of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Nancy Drew</span> books. Current favorites include Sarah Dessen, John Green, Truman Capote, and Dashiell Hammett. My favorite books include </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Breakfast at Tiffany's</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">, </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">The Thin Man</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">, and </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Will Grayson Will Grayson</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">. </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">When did you know you wanted to become an author/publisher?</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">I've always loved writing, but I didn't think I could pursue it as a career until I was about fourteen years old. The publisher bit is really recent; I decided on that about four months ago. I've always wanted to be able to help other writers but I never knew how, and now I have the perfect opportunity to help others get their work out there.</span></i></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">What do you recommend to young writers on starting their career in writing? </span></span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>My recommendations for young writers:</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b>a. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">READ A TON.</span> </b>Read anything you can get your hands on. A $2.99 paperback romance novel; historical fiction; science fiction; tedious nonfiction; memoirs; novels for adults; novels for kids; foreign books; genres you love; genres you hate; mysteries; poetry; the classics; books on writing...you get the idea. Always be open to reading new genres and styles, because you never know where you might find your niche. Which leads me to my next point:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b>b. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">EXPERIMENT OFTEN.</span> </b>Try writing all kinds of stuff. Poems, plays, short stories, haikus, novels...let yourself try it out on paper, even if it feels silly. It's important to experiment because you never know what might be your niche. I never saw myself reading a mystery novel, but I tried it out on paper and ended up loving it. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b>c. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">IT'S A BUSINESS. </span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">The publishing industry has some pretty gnarly secrets (case in point: authors at most big publishing houses only get, on average, 10% of their book's profits), and some aspects that are radically unfair (like the part where big houses won't help you with publicity after your first three months there). You have to always keep in mind that writing is an art, but publishing is a business, and if you decide to query a big house like HarperCollins or Simon and Schuster, it's a lot like applying to an Ivy League school: they don't need you, you need them. Sometimes, having a great idea and a brilliant query letter and an intriguing backstory isn't enough. Which leads me to:</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i>d. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">YOU ARE YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE. </span></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Big publishers are usually only looking for one thing: dollars. Will your book sell? Will your book bring in profits? That's why the best way to get a publisher's attention is to prove that your book has marketability and selling potential--and who can do that better than you? You know your book better than anyone else. Sell it like you mean it, take charge of your publicity (get on Twitter, start a Facebook page, talk to book bloggers, etc.), and always speak up. Believe in your book, and believe you have a story worth telling. If you don't believe in your work, why should anyone else?</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i>e. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">FIND A BALANCE. </span></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">You have to remember that at the end of the day, you're a writer because you have stories to tell, and words to put on paper, and you're doing this for yourself. Not because you want to make buckets of money or be famous the world over. Yes, there's a business side to it, but writing is an art form, and it's all about telling stories and engaging your creativity. The minute it gets to be tedious or annoying or "all about the Benjamins," if you will, is the minute you have to stop and think about why you're in it in the first place.</span></i></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">What inspired you to begin writing your upcoming novel, <i>Murder and Other Madness? </i></span></span></b><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">The inspiration for </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Murder and Other Madness</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"> came from my relationships with my closest friends. I got the idea about a year ago: I wanted to write a book about four interesting, complicated female characters, but as I played around with the idea, I got bored. I wanted something exciting to happen, so I thought, "Oooh, what if they solved a murder?" And that was that.</span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">Do you have any advice for aspiring writers on becoming inspired to write their own novel?</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>I could go on for days but the most important thing is: let the world in. Let everything you experience inspire you. Once, I wrote a short story based on my experiences in the car with my older sister while she was learning to drive; that piece ended up winning a national contest. Let everything you see and hear and remember inspire you: funny things people say, stories you hear about your family, movies you see, places you go, people you meet...it's all relevant, and could end up inspiring your best work. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>Also, read </i>Bird by Bird, <i>by Anne Lamott, and </i>Writing Down the Bones, <i>by Natalie Goldberg, both beautifully written and full of great advice. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Is it better to self-publish or use a publishing company? </b></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">The self publishing vs. using a publishing company debate isn't, in my opinion, a discussion that boils down to which one is better than the other. When it comes to choosing a career path, what matters is that you choose what's best for YOU and your situation and your goals. The great thing about self-publishing is that you have complete control over your vision of your book at all times, and no one telling you "no." On the other hand, you have no way of getting into major bookstores (if you're a print book), and you have no expert advice from a professional; you're on your own, and therefore very likely to make mistakes. Also, the stigma surrounding self-publishing makes most people shy away from it. The great thing about a publishing house is that you have professionals taking care of you: your agent (because if you go with a big house you will most likely have an agent representing you), editors and copyeditors and graphic designers and the whole enchilada guiding you if they think your book has selling potential. On the other hand, all those people will tell you what your book should be and possibly compromise the integrity of your vision...plus you might only get 10% of all profits...so it's really up to you. You have to decide what's best for you. Maybe your best bet is to submit your work to a smaller house (like mine, First Fig Press), where you have more control over your work, but also receive one on one attention and guidance throughout the entire process of getting your novel from manuscript to published book. It all depends on how much control you want over your work, and how much guidance you think you need.</span></i></span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Can you give some help to hopeful writers on constructing a good query letter to send to publishers? </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>A. Keep it under a page. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>B. Start with a sentence about your book that hooks the reader instantly. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>C. Go to the publishing house/agent's (if your querying a literary agency) website and check out their submission guidelines; then follow them perfectly. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><i>D. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Show that your book is marketable by highlighting what's special about your work, whether it's the clever premise, the complex characters, the plot...</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">E. </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Google sample queries and see what's out there. Find out what works and what doesn't. (Heather Brewer's query letter is online. And it's awesome. Check it out! Also, Kristin Nelson literary agency has a blog where they dissect query lettes; be sure to check that out, too).</span></i></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;"><div style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="clear: both;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">F. Leave the reader wanting more. Always. </span></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What is the best way to deal with rejection from publishers? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">The best way to deal with rejection is to remember not to take it personally. DO NOT send an angry e-mail telling whoever rejected you that they're missing out, and that they can stick it where the sun don't shine. Just because an agent or a publisher didn't accept your manuscript doesn't mean you are a terrible writer with no future; it just means that you're not a good fit for them (much like a rejection from a college does not mean you're a terrible person with no future). Agents and publishers get HUNDREDS of submissions a day; they're ruthless because they have to be. So don't take it personally; always remember that it's a business, and there's someone out there who will love your manuscript and consider it a perfect fit for their agency/publishing house. Also: give yourself 24 hours to be sad, angry, and whiny, and to eat anything sugary you can get your hands on. Then the next day, get back to work!</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where do you see yourself in the future as a writer and publisher? </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">In the future, I see myself writing more novels; definitely mysteries. I already have two more books in the works right now. As a publisher, I see myself publishing many aspiring authors (so if you've got a manuscript, query me!). There are so many talented writers out there who just need a little attention and a big break; I'm excited to give them that chance.</span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Thank you for participating in an interview with me Alejandra! It was great to have you on my blog! </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePnzvZZ0dxzq5mGG2hK4x_qZ5Kk8QOBMwF3bpIq0GVxza0G1CISoAa3OKTwmo9zjNgj2xOFzXi00KZ31iMpdUgmXEVMpM0UhV951kGWVgdHKArWM_J-rlg0ixYb61a4dtXMwzq1ym5zSH/s1600/kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePnzvZZ0dxzq5mGG2hK4x_qZ5Kk8QOBMwF3bpIq0GVxza0G1CISoAa3OKTwmo9zjNgj2xOFzXi00KZ31iMpdUgmXEVMpM0UhV951kGWVgdHKArWM_J-rlg0ixYb61a4dtXMwzq1ym5zSH/s200/kristen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></b>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-22246079047380644652011-07-22T13:51:00.002-04:002011-07-22T16:40:34.222-04:00Friday Blog Hops 7/22!Sorry everyone for not posting a lot this week, I've been on vacation, but I am back now!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3vdNdWtPv-zeWYiIsOARAQ6d198opTiYJVvThB6zFb0BA7_HS4u98yhEpwNqdX6zFrmO3SEd8DJUusnsVXhP0LQv9Mn6qrq3hkFShql1GO9APeTrGYj_v5PStPQYIZeZQI8gwTUGlmGD/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3vdNdWtPv-zeWYiIsOARAQ6d198opTiYJVvThB6zFb0BA7_HS4u98yhEpwNqdX6zFrmO3SEd8DJUusnsVXhP0LQv9Mn6qrq3hkFShql1GO9APeTrGYj_v5PStPQYIZeZQI8gwTUGlmGD/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" /></a></div><b>Follow Friday </b>is now hosted by Parajunkee at <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/">Parajunkee's View</a> and Alison at <a href="http://www.alisoncanread.com/">Alison Can Read</a>. This week's question was:<br />
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<h2 style="color: #cfa9ff; font-family: 'Special Elite', arial, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center; text-shadow: rgb(0, 0, 0) 2px 2px 4px; text-transform: none;">Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?</h2><br />
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I'd love to meet J.K. Rowling, Cassandra Clare, and Suzanne Collins. They all have wrote amazing series that are very popular, and I would be honored to meet with them and talk about books and writing with them. They all have inspired me in reading and writing, and I think it would be great to meet them. I know these are probably boring and unoriginal answers, but I still think it would be great to talk with them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G94pNHqy9JUOF5PpbS1TcoGWJPiRHTj77WrUt4WQID2y1nqa3dTzJPZ7rwnFKcLQKX-gayWDXv9ttHEVgtZ8HoUZBwYJs0fvaGhtW2zA1WQNKjdSx0CWMlEBpQDVjkQLddX415zE5vUj/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0G94pNHqy9JUOF5PpbS1TcoGWJPiRHTj77WrUt4WQID2y1nqa3dTzJPZ7rwnFKcLQKX-gayWDXv9ttHEVgtZ8HoUZBwYJs0fvaGhtW2zA1WQNKjdSx0CWMlEBpQDVjkQLddX415zE5vUj/s200/cfbmemebutton-2.png" width="176" /></a></div>The <b>Book Blogger Hop </b>is hosted by Jen at <a href="http://crazy-for-books.com/2011/07/book-blogger-hop-722-725.html">Crazy-for-Books.</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">What’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t?</span></strong></span><br />
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I don't think there is a particular genre that I can't get into. I think for me it usually depends on the book to see if I can get into it or not. I'm usually good with all genres, I am able to read all of them and get into them well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgMQEnL2T8BowdHovOqyRsWefIywIbeBv0rJ0mHdcBdljF-WjwWH2OEEat7rbebjJpmdoEDYjXlroF3qnybbsqi7nyWqonXz0BrhvkWhbTi7N7DiJ7Eq819Tr_r3L8FjxFv2XLD6OaLIB/s1600/tgif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgMQEnL2T8BowdHovOqyRsWefIywIbeBv0rJ0mHdcBdljF-WjwWH2OEEat7rbebjJpmdoEDYjXlroF3qnybbsqi7nyWqonXz0BrhvkWhbTi7N7DiJ7Eq819Tr_r3L8FjxFv2XLD6OaLIB/s200/tgif.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Tgif </b>is hosted by Ginger over at <a href="http://www.greadsbooks.com/">GReads!</a> Here was this week's question:<br />
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<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Bookshelf Tour: Where do you keep your books at home? </span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Are they organized?</span></span></div><br />
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I keep my bookshelf in my room, so I can easily access it! My bookshelf isn't that organized. I keep all the series together of course, but I like to have it crazy with different books spread together. I don't really know how to explain how I organize it, but I probably should start organizing it into genres or something like that. I'm not good with organization!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Thank you to everyone who stops by, comments, or follows my blog! Be sure to enter my 100 Follower Giveaway, more information is on the sidebar. Have a great weekend! </i></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTnK-nFdlME0LgA5a2YmVc-qryfKiZEmliWdJRnqN45BnBAdW4JwHBkllC4uwGk67iAevMFixNowwlvmJInPJ92gjIWCxF1_Wi_RXsr-cLz79S0AjykEgcC2RuPkk23XbGPgDzw6-at7o/s1600/kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTnK-nFdlME0LgA5a2YmVc-qryfKiZEmliWdJRnqN45BnBAdW4JwHBkllC4uwGk67iAevMFixNowwlvmJInPJ92gjIWCxF1_Wi_RXsr-cLz79S0AjykEgcC2RuPkk23XbGPgDzw6-at7o/s200/kristen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
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</i></span></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-75069753014960642962011-07-18T12:00:00.001-04:002011-07-18T12:00:03.502-04:00Review-Dear John by Nicholas Sparks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uf2OyMwI54QS6_CZD_8_ajPCTHRNWWo3Cdr_REr6Fxava_YfQcMcET88bKshcD3Fr0KwU0K9iAIOvjB6-R3YIuMtf-K9kW71nylU8neN8HJkY0y_HrNHm_nw91gEsTEdbm_JvKEFN48m/s1600/dear-john.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uf2OyMwI54QS6_CZD_8_ajPCTHRNWWo3Cdr_REr6Fxava_YfQcMcET88bKshcD3Fr0KwU0K9iAIOvjB6-R3YIuMtf-K9kW71nylU8neN8HJkY0y_HrNHm_nw91gEsTEdbm_JvKEFN48m/s200/dear-john.png" width="121" /></a><b>Dear John by Nicholas Sparks</b><br />
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Release Date: December 1, 2009<br />
Publisher: Mass Market Paperback<br />
Pages: 335, Paperback<br />
Source: Library<br />
Series: Standalone book<br />
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Rating from A+ to F: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>B+</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVf7jwvkaJCbafcqvfHcoD1rdvePMo7zT98xGAue6u3zFh3uQQRF3bU0JDBfWgcUYTkHUWpsAE1O706WW5wC-QugYNYYe0SkVW336dDCw16SWkAVoB9xOn2dre3TGoS0ujTwzyKF6UPyz/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVf7jwvkaJCbafcqvfHcoD1rdvePMo7zT98xGAue6u3zFh3uQQRF3bU0JDBfWgcUYTkHUWpsAE1O706WW5wC-QugYNYYe0SkVW336dDCw16SWkAVoB9xOn2dre3TGoS0ujTwzyKF6UPyz/s200/s.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i>"Dear John," the letter read. And with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives changed forever. </i><br />
When Savannah Lynn Curtis comes into his life, John Tyree knows he is ready to turn over a new leaf. An angry rebel, he had enlisted in the army after high school, not knowing what else to do. Then, during a furlough, he meets Savannah, the girl of his dreams. The attraction is mutual and quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah vowing for John while he finishes his tour of duty. But neither can foresee that 9/11 is about to change the world. Like so many proud men and women, John must choose between love and country. Now, when he finally returns to North Carolina, John will discover how love can transform us in ways we never could imagine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH-1cUPMnwsCJx0iNY8wqNvjAzA5x-xeAwzKt16zVwSW1cMK8l5Q_bYHowMFV7k30SvhANIuwDfrciU8BUle0bkc0PMXxv-YYWemKMM88X0J7P6jGvbYgz2DR9jbNcDQiIY45mOWTfCCk/s1600/la.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH-1cUPMnwsCJx0iNY8wqNvjAzA5x-xeAwzKt16zVwSW1cMK8l5Q_bYHowMFV7k30SvhANIuwDfrciU8BUle0bkc0PMXxv-YYWemKMM88X0J7P6jGvbYgz2DR9jbNcDQiIY45mOWTfCCk/s200/la.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i>Dear John </i>is such a touching, heartbreaking story that I really enjoyed. I've only read <i>The Last Song </i>from Nicholas Sparks, and I loved that one, so I wanted to check this one out. Just a warning, if you check this one out, grab a box of tissues. You might not cry a lot, but I certainly teared up at parts of this story! Especially at the end, that just made me sad.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Plot- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The plot was good, it wasn't the best I've ever seen, but I still liked it. I found it a little slow at times and hard to get through, yet when I did get through them, there were parts I really liked. This book definitely isn't fast-paced and intense, but I liked taking my time with reading it. The plot definitely earned a few tears from me, so that is why I said to have a box of tissues near you, but I wasn't given the warning! To the people that don't like books that make you cry, this book isn't one that has you crying constantly, but only some times. I definitely disagreed with the ending of the novel. Nonetheless, I thought it was very touching. (That's all I'm saying, you have to read this book to find out what happens!) So, I guess I didn't exactly love the plot, but I didn't hate it. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Characters- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I had mixed emotions with the characters. I was annoyed by a few and I loved a couple of them. Nicholas Sparks always does a great job with the development of the characters, so I really liked that. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>Favorite Character- </i>It would have to be a tie between John and his dad. The dad was so cute, I felt really bad for him! </span></span><br />
<i>Least Favorite Character- </i>I didn't like Savannah, she annoyed me. I questioned a lot of her choices around the end of the book, and that's probably when I started to get annoyed by her.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Writing- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I really like Nicholas' writing, he always does a great job with his books. I want to read more books by him, he has a ton, and I especially want to read <i>The Notebook. </i>His books are really popular, and I understand why. Both young adults and adults are interested by his writing because he is such a good author. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Cover- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Well, the book I read had the movie tie-in cover, so I'll talk about that one. I like the cover, it's cute. I want to see the movie to see how well they did with it, but I've always loved Channing Tatum. He's so adorable! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">This was a great read, I think many people will enjoy it. I had mixed feelings about it, but that doesn't mean that other readers will also. I recommend people to go check it out! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>First Sentence: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">What does it mean to truly love another? </span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUV0VvWpOxdjdEJdZcxNMG3dRTjKh_jyMCDaBRBnmoSIEzCJkL4bE4USlF305kTIMwyFUQZLt8F4cut3EEWmhhRM608Dta-n8Jn0dBW2BA9uyt4zZBS07zd-1Ci9EwYe7iZFVEfgk8nbcT/s1600/jehe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUV0VvWpOxdjdEJdZcxNMG3dRTjKh_jyMCDaBRBnmoSIEzCJkL4bE4USlF305kTIMwyFUQZLt8F4cut3EEWmhhRM608Dta-n8Jn0dBW2BA9uyt4zZBS07zd-1Ci9EwYe7iZFVEfgk8nbcT/s200/jehe.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">1. Plot- 16 out of 20 points.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">2. Characters- 12 out of 15 points.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">3. Writing- 19 out of 20 points.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">4. Creativity- 15 out of 15 points.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">5. Originality- 10 out of 10 points.</span></span><br />
6. Ending- 12 out of 15 points.<br />
7. Cover- 4 out of 5 points.<br />
Equals: 88. <b>87-100 is an A+</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3b7_wY0t2rK7qoOw2dErewZZmtJACV4lYW-Q4VL_tk2LdhzesjF3LFcuAhxoZN_oEnSz0MnekWKeGV-QlnzMzi2EduKB6MpLaIm9t3WbWP_oruIuWH0ZajoUTcE7Wa7LSUf9pODe9_In/s1600/WhiteBackground_Adjustable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3b7_wY0t2rK7qoOw2dErewZZmtJACV4lYW-Q4VL_tk2LdhzesjF3LFcuAhxoZN_oEnSz0MnekWKeGV-QlnzMzi2EduKB6MpLaIm9t3WbWP_oruIuWH0ZajoUTcE7Wa7LSUf9pODe9_In/s200/WhiteBackground_Adjustable.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><br />
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</div><s>Violence</s><br />
Mild<s>/Excessive</s> Cursing<br />
Mild<s>/Excessive</s> Sexual Content<br />
<s>Drug/</s>Alcohol Use<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8Cy5uRLCLVWv99MpvRHFFqWmzq6-6o97TNhnt2SJ-54ADMx38a0VZApFYQfWdSRc6nMpkbVweAtB_nbrkAiedx6IQEIwgufSQ-RsCPluIsB1X1gVIIn3qvxELnazBQG1GRP74No4-3HF/s1600/WhiteBackground_Adjustablej.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8Cy5uRLCLVWv99MpvRHFFqWmzq6-6o97TNhnt2SJ-54ADMx38a0VZApFYQfWdSRc6nMpkbVweAtB_nbrkAiedx6IQEIwgufSQ-RsCPluIsB1X1gVIIn3qvxELnazBQG1GRP74No4-3HF/s200/WhiteBackground_Adjustablej.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fwLxFMNESIuNIGGhB1ZawIxkFr2D8GpIkntndZcnUqlhcP0HqaUlr12EPhe-8SJdZ-i5-mArk1S8r39mIKUBd3an9rOY3GVSLwcJyZuf2c4hgNmp4jbbhyphenhyphen7brjL2zNM3G771aUV2DHRD/s1600/Nicholas+Sparks++%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fwLxFMNESIuNIGGhB1ZawIxkFr2D8GpIkntndZcnUqlhcP0HqaUlr12EPhe-8SJdZ-i5-mArk1S8r39mIKUBd3an9rOY3GVSLwcJyZuf2c4hgNmp4jbbhyphenhyphen7brjL2zNM3G771aUV2DHRD/s320/Nicholas+Sparks++%25283%2529.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>With well over 50 million copies of his books in print, Nicholas Sparks is one of the world's most beloved storytellers. His novels include eight #1 <i>New York Times </i>bestsellers, and all his books, including <i>Three Weeks with My Brother, </i>the memoir he wrote with his brother, Micah, have been <i>New York Times </i>and international bestsellers, and were translated into forty languages. Six of Nicholas Sparks's novels--<i>Dear John, The Last Song, Nights in Rodanthe, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, </i>and <i>The Notebook</i>--were also adapted into major motion pictures. The author lives in North Carolina with his wife and family.<br />
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Visit his website: <a href="http://nicholassparks.com/">http://nicholassparks.com/</a><br />
Check out this book at <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5526.Dear_John">Goodreads</a><br />
Buy this book at: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446528056?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0446528056&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0446567337">Borders</a> | <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Dear-John/Nicholas-Sparks/e/9780446528054?r=1,%201&if=N&cm_mmc=Goodreads-_-k117601-_-j12871747k117601-_-Primary">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780446528054">IndieBound</a>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-8437846645693118822011-07-17T09:18:00.000-04:002011-07-17T09:18:44.277-04:00Blogger Interview (2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYob4_jhlLAoNKmP3gEbO68x57loaxH8RN1GXFO-S193vD22SG_KcWaaQry8PwkqPNT8W6EJnpKQuc48m0fDbIV3ayQ9rQH7lC8Zw58Kdr4Xea15-n6NDnGzv9Ep_hwMPwinlCxOin7SZX/s1600/New+Button+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYob4_jhlLAoNKmP3gEbO68x57loaxH8RN1GXFO-S193vD22SG_KcWaaQry8PwkqPNT8W6EJnpKQuc48m0fDbIV3ayQ9rQH7lC8Zw58Kdr4Xea15-n6NDnGzv9Ep_hwMPwinlCxOin7SZX/s200/New+Button+copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Today I have Anna from <a href="http://theburstingbookshelf.blogspot.com/">The Bursting Bookshelf</a> on my blog for an interview! I had a great time interviewing Anna, so here it is!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">What is your favorite book? Explain why.</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I love it because it is a great book with a deeper meaning to it.</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br />
</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I love that series also! </i></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Who is your favorite book couple? </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Jace and Clary from The Mortal Instruments. They are so good together!</span></span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">How many books are currently in your to-be-read pile?</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Well, I am actually afraid to count. Between the eBooks I need to get done and the physical books, it is a scary amount.</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">What is your biggest pet peeve, in blogging or in general? </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2xMBLTA96Le7a3EoJv51FOrSjUsFhSpQwAPv5hYb0BYfoCEYZIlZzrLqwhaX7SjO6xDawVmZ2GiXi8qi3uABHmxr9AFqKivV-eKJPNTpoXa5d7rztW3kiLImoLbVehLauw_8rlGx66uZ/s1600/ultraviolet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2xMBLTA96Le7a3EoJv51FOrSjUsFhSpQwAPv5hYb0BYfoCEYZIlZzrLqwhaX7SjO6xDawVmZ2GiXi8qi3uABHmxr9AFqKivV-eKJPNTpoXa5d7rztW3kiLImoLbVehLauw_8rlGx66uZ/s200/ultraviolet.jpg" width="130" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Definitely when you get those spam links on Twitter. No, for the thousandth time, I do not want an iPad!</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Very true, I hate when I get those! </i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">What book are you currently reading? </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I'm reading several, but I am focusing on Ultraviolet by RJ Anderson. It is just awesome!</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I really like the cover, I should go check it out! </i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>What is your favorite part about blogging?</b></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I love being able to get my opinions on books out there and being able to talk to so many other book lovers.</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">Do you have a favorite bookstore? Which one is it? </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I adore my local bookstore. I use it as much as possible!</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">What are a few books that you like that aren't very popular? </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iFmYl2_u-UMHN9C0d3w4QzpxkJk_VX7rM5-_HTRnjwz12wrxAHGrpf22GOcifSOgGG7yRh476se0Ya7tb7i3nHmX9CLbasuaXc_a3P7JPr5ivzQMxSHES-4_0waMDD12fjr10V39YIvt/s1600/curse-of-the-shamra.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iFmYl2_u-UMHN9C0d3w4QzpxkJk_VX7rM5-_HTRnjwz12wrxAHGrpf22GOcifSOgGG7yRh476se0Ya7tb7i3nHmX9CLbasuaXc_a3P7JPr5ivzQMxSHES-4_0waMDD12fjr10V39YIvt/s200/curse-of-the-shamra.png" width="131" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I quite liked Curse of the Shamra by Barry Hoffman. It's not too well known, but it should be. Give it a try some time!</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>This book also looks good! </i></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">What genre do you prefer reading? </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I don't have a preferred genre, but I do prefer to stick in YA books over.</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit;">Who inspired you the most to start reading?</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I've always read a lot, but a friend of mine let me borrow a lot of her YA books including The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith. From then on, I was hooked on YA books, and it's all thanks to that one friend!</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Thanks Anna for participating in an interview with me! Everyone should go check out her blog, and her follow her on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/TheBBookshelf">Twitter</a>! </i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05RAD-_APe34xv0pjWiu9FGNFl4GqhseK3rmW3JObykM5fJZjQEt1qFBohYT_GEswahvyLzMwAhSx4pSe6CDP7v7ukxVCYiu7bA0sAipp8DwlMgF2JcoWOnvj1Z9TjRWCpLBTNTyUhMGA/s1600/kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05RAD-_APe34xv0pjWiu9FGNFl4GqhseK3rmW3JObykM5fJZjQEt1qFBohYT_GEswahvyLzMwAhSx4pSe6CDP7v7ukxVCYiu7bA0sAipp8DwlMgF2JcoWOnvj1Z9TjRWCpLBTNTyUhMGA/s200/kristen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-58118202081387971842011-07-16T13:25:00.003-04:002011-08-05T10:45:14.817-04:00My 100 Follower Giveaway! -CLOSED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiCUTDZqI63BOwNEAan5qcLrehAQcspVwrN6M8ore6cu1juQVYMKJM7qbLGlBmjZRYc79f2UsbFkr2ZDhN2zqtOHvSCJSlmCGSGfozR1tBdLV_mVpIMkHQ-4AsBRtxHVbvmC4ORVXNPH3/s1600/celebration-mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiCUTDZqI63BOwNEAan5qcLrehAQcspVwrN6M8ore6cu1juQVYMKJM7qbLGlBmjZRYc79f2UsbFkr2ZDhN2zqtOHvSCJSlmCGSGfozR1tBdLV_mVpIMkHQ-4AsBRtxHVbvmC4ORVXNPH3/s320/celebration-mine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, I know I haven't reached 100 followers YET, but I wanted to put up the post for it, so I can get help to spread the word about my blog and this giveaway! If I reach 100 followers, I will put up a deadline for the giveaway, and the date I will pick the winner. So, I'm giving everyone a lot of time to enter!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>I've reached 100 followers! Thank you to everyone who followed me and spread the word about it! This giveaway will end August 5th! </b></span><br />
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The winner of the giveaway will receive their choice of one book from these five books:<br />
<i>Hourglass </i>by Myra McEntire<br />
<i>Imaginary Girls </i>by Nova Ren Suma<br />
<i>Possession </i>by Elana Johnson<br />
<i>Ten Things We Did (and probably shouldn't have) </i>by Sarah Mylnowski<br />
<i>Luminous </i>by Dawn Metcalf <br />
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If you all help me to reach 100 followers, I might even give away TWO books! So, that would mean TWO winners instead of just one!<br />
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This giveway is <b>International</b>, so everyone can enter and participate in the giveaway! You are <i>required </i>to be a follower, if you enter and you are not a follower, your entry is deleted. Sorry :( I'm giving everyone a ton of extra entries, so you get more chances to win! You must be 13 or older to enter this giveaway.<br />
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<b>Fill out <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDVwNFhlRkVsbkVyTXFoSm9kQVFCZEE6MQ">THIS FORM</a> to enter! </b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">Thank you everyone for following and helping me to reach 100 followers if you spread the word! I really appreciate it! Thank you so much, and good luck in winning the giveaway! </span></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-55081451641391484052011-07-16T11:44:00.000-04:002011-07-16T11:44:51.780-04:00In My Mailbox {3}In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at <a href="http://thestorysiren.com/">The Story Siren</a>. She has a great blog, so you should go check it out! This week I borrowed a few from the library, and I received one in the mail! I'm really happy with all the books I received this week, so here's what I got in my mailbox!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ScIsAmzJkPqJVTYjVfKGCVXICngR2m6vcsSBYUc-mFGJJHsRw_kx8wmlZgLv5ydyuolQSPDsmZPEzVuPxLLX71FQR8uFnjM7bbBNIsBKNh4Kx2jtA0IZL2ETIdqmFYWW8yqGjnGpHixF/s1600/Living+Dead+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ScIsAmzJkPqJVTYjVfKGCVXICngR2m6vcsSBYUc-mFGJJHsRw_kx8wmlZgLv5ydyuolQSPDsmZPEzVuPxLLX71FQR8uFnjM7bbBNIsBKNh4Kx2jtA0IZL2ETIdqmFYWW8yqGjnGpHixF/s200/Living+Dead+Girl.jpg" width="131" /></a><i>Living Dead Girl </i>by Elizabeth Scott. I've already read this one, and it is definitely a heartbreaking book that I cried endlessly with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFr8jPdL7N3CBLuK8Rq05yA35RLWeoTwb-1Oh58U_feHXVs86mXcQrr6ZyBEwVNAJNcUITVlFD9Dyk02Ax1yZ6w0lavoKhIunes1fikMQtq6IsOQ3Z_GWQuVFr7_XjihmnfQjia9cnI78f/s1600/6964455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFr8jPdL7N3CBLuK8Rq05yA35RLWeoTwb-1Oh58U_feHXVs86mXcQrr6ZyBEwVNAJNcUITVlFD9Dyk02Ax1yZ6w0lavoKhIunes1fikMQtq6IsOQ3Z_GWQuVFr7_XjihmnfQjia9cnI78f/s200/6964455.jpg" width="129" /></a><br />
<i>A Blue So Dark </i>by Holly Schindler. I've already read this one also, check out my review <a href="http://suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-blue-so-dark-by-holly-schindler.html">here</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6d0IW2nDRsMRZI7oSaY_hoVgiA700h0cNR7xU6ceoeU-jxFCpyNl92A3wkRLZlQc8eQcyISPsUUquZ46zpEMWnI6KFljPtRVPHe9DpijUCzfxdTXqyfBa2Ip2Ru0GJWQRM8dJbU9FkH-/s1600/dear-john.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6d0IW2nDRsMRZI7oSaY_hoVgiA700h0cNR7xU6ceoeU-jxFCpyNl92A3wkRLZlQc8eQcyISPsUUquZ46zpEMWnI6KFljPtRVPHe9DpijUCzfxdTXqyfBa2Ip2Ru0GJWQRM8dJbU9FkH-/s200/dear-john.png" width="122" /></a><i>Dear John </i>by Nicholas Sparks. Review will be up soon for this one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPOpK-c2C98uoZsVxhdKbke9kzImFYfjd8qdpKo5fwo_AqCv-azMYrj0L5V8bgggjP2mlcLDMRn-HIqDcdQNgNUCDPZg3WCiNesSLvDIONm3rvQMi0BhP15FLzQyBkgJjfTfKO4qtsaTJ/s1600/9780061971822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPOpK-c2C98uoZsVxhdKbke9kzImFYfjd8qdpKo5fwo_AqCv-azMYrj0L5V8bgggjP2mlcLDMRn-HIqDcdQNgNUCDPZg3WCiNesSLvDIONm3rvQMi0BhP15FLzQyBkgJjfTfKO4qtsaTJ/s200/9780061971822.jpg" width="131" /></a><br />
<i>All-American Girl </i>by Meg Cabot. I'm currently reading this one, and it is such cute and fun read!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-sNSfniy_HuMeACYY7czIZyty8QMIAduSuCD8nlVhNpMUFiTnoelKppLBU7mkWYF2zQXPGOadqFDxeQyXrddREizXKw-HklL0tVXT1BJCOs5CCg96UyNZroyHtxAOMG1AjHxb3fhfAFA/s1600/MedFirelight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-sNSfniy_HuMeACYY7czIZyty8QMIAduSuCD8nlVhNpMUFiTnoelKppLBU7mkWYF2zQXPGOadqFDxeQyXrddREizXKw-HklL0tVXT1BJCOs5CCg96UyNZroyHtxAOMG1AjHxb3fhfAFA/s200/MedFirelight.jpg" width="129" /></a><br />
<i>Firelight </i>by Sophie Jordan. I'm so excited to read this one, it looks so good!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGZfiWsrMEMlXDP8WBwOapvGbPC-2Q7R1FJHkIll_PMFxV5JEj4ZgU1MkAaNBmdV7L6-VEwYXMkwlWRTvdtjM7puR5wzMSTVDMWX8nOZMbpuRfJLJPIoC1JeJX9G9i8YR5Lhz_Z76VGuK/s1600/Crush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGZfiWsrMEMlXDP8WBwOapvGbPC-2Q7R1FJHkIll_PMFxV5JEj4ZgU1MkAaNBmdV7L6-VEwYXMkwlWRTvdtjM7puR5wzMSTVDMWX8nOZMbpuRfJLJPIoC1JeJX9G9i8YR5Lhz_Z76VGuK/s200/Crush.jpg" width="131" /></a><br />
<i>Crush </i>(An Anthology from 26 different authors) I recently won this in a giveaway, and I'm excited to read it! It looks like a cute read!<br />
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So, that's all I got this week! What did you get in your mailbox? I love getting comments so tell me what you got in them!<br />
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You might have noticed that I got a new commenting system, but I really like it! I hope everyone has a great weekend!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUqpF9E_7A7vcl6LYc3asq2YbO7_L25znhW3cmZRWEZiw2zcONmUkq5nWV50LtcsAiHpB_ZVxdqSO5-okH0JPBV1VDmi4Z1cntVPAxAIcNSGCYUUlIq-NNfz4TQ9Eyu_42kBUElrQfYAO/s1600/kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUqpF9E_7A7vcl6LYc3asq2YbO7_L25znhW3cmZRWEZiw2zcONmUkq5nWV50LtcsAiHpB_ZVxdqSO5-okH0JPBV1VDmi4Z1cntVPAxAIcNSGCYUUlIq-NNfz4TQ9Eyu_42kBUElrQfYAO/s200/kristen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-35422457162211205162011-07-15T01:31:00.006-04:002011-07-15T02:05:34.523-04:00Friday Blog Hops 7/15!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3A1AL1a3vhlU4AX62pEyBaMsJ_JJAZQ1tO7vZIwhBmK9fnYuqA4VFOp2YEJvruk0uWXYl57FhDzxjH4plvsTZqWxAfqgNrSWNvZoT-uPGOwrX1-g6xEVq3JQiby6_3dEfaDTeJk4HieM/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3A1AL1a3vhlU4AX62pEyBaMsJ_JJAZQ1tO7vZIwhBmK9fnYuqA4VFOp2YEJvruk0uWXYl57FhDzxjH4plvsTZqWxAfqgNrSWNvZoT-uPGOwrX1-g6xEVq3JQiby6_3dEfaDTeJk4HieM/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" /></a><b></b></div><b></b><br />
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<b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Follow Friday </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">is hosted over at </span><a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Parajunkee's View</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, and this weeks question was:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><h2 style="color: #cfa9ff; font-family: 'Special Elite', arial, serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; position: relative; text-align: center; text-shadow: rgb(0, 0, 0) 2px 2px 4px; text-transform: none;">What do I do when I am not reading?</h2><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I'm not reading, of course I blog and review books! I also play a few sports, swimming and softball, and I spend time with family and friends. And, from fall to spring, I still have to go to school, but I always find time to read books! During the summer, I love to hang out outside by my pool reading or I love to go bike-riding! But, I constantly have to be told to take a break from reading, because I definitely do spend a LITTLE too much time with it!</span> </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gY1zSzvNdpBBUUfysMgTVW2-VrCAJHqGLodBNAo30UVIFzfGKnmfqmeP8JB5tzLlccKaWN0VclOoHJpdeUGdRPTaWbaFNt2x7boFSxnZ0VcD3fkeyw4M5Awx801XdQQeWYiPQuMu6gCj/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gY1zSzvNdpBBUUfysMgTVW2-VrCAJHqGLodBNAo30UVIFzfGKnmfqmeP8JB5tzLlccKaWN0VclOoHJpdeUGdRPTaWbaFNt2x7boFSxnZ0VcD3fkeyw4M5Awx801XdQQeWYiPQuMu6gCj/s1600/cfbmemebutton-2.png" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Book Blogger Hop </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">is hosted by Jen over at </span><a href="http://crazy-for-books.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Crazy-for-Books</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">! Here is this week's question:</span> </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?</span></i></span></b></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I usually either buy my books or borrow books from the library. I like to only buy books that I <i>know </i>will be good, if I've seen countless reviews that say this book is amazing, I will go out and buy it. Then, I get books from the library that I really want to read, but they have a few mixed reviews or aren't that popular, so I save some money and get them from the library. But, it always seems like I get books from the library that after I finish reading, I love, so then I want to go out and buy them! I don't use many websites to get books, but I'm planning on starting that soon. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvHJW3xcGcb5NcNqb6RtHreI85111BR4QNo58WlJLaBHjxNzyNRfi-3wmIHg5vJcAVqpySPONQDeUCU9kHrM3AEswSQZsh50H99fpEe7gFyuRzFVvC6MSJOCrlQAtjCktEL3h24lWVdBq/s1600/tgif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvHJW3xcGcb5NcNqb6RtHreI85111BR4QNo58WlJLaBHjxNzyNRfi-3wmIHg5vJcAVqpySPONQDeUCU9kHrM3AEswSQZsh50H99fpEe7gFyuRzFVvC6MSJOCrlQAtjCktEL3h24lWVdBq/s1600/tgif.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tgif <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">is hosted by Ginger at <a href="http://g-reads.blogspot.com/">GReads!</a> This week's question was: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Book Blogger Appreciation: Which book blogs have inspired you </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">or made a difference in your blogging experience?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wow, there are so many blogs that I love! I wouldn't be able to name them, but a lot of them have inspired me in some way. Well, I've always looked up to Kristi from </span><a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Story Siren</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">. She has a great blog, and some day I wish to become as well known in the blogging community as her. I also like the blog, </span><a href="http://www.readingteen.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Reading Teen</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, they always put up great reviews and posts. And, of course I love the blogs that host these hops, they put up great reviews and I always look at their blogs each day. There are a ton more that I love, but I can't put all of them up here. I love all my followers' blogs, each and every one of them are great.</span> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Thanks to everyone for stopping by my blog, following, or commenting on the post. I really appreciate it! </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
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</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This Week at Such A Teenage Bookworm</span></span></span></u></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/any-bloggers-interested-in-being.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Any bloggers interested in being interviewed?</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-paranormalcy-by-kiersten-white.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Review-Paranormalcy by Kiersten White</span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-if-i-stay-by-gayle-forman.html">Review-If I Stay by Gayle Forman</a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/blogger-interview-1.html">Blogger Interview (1)</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-blue-so-dark-by-holly-schindler.html">Review-A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u><br />
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</u></i></b></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></b>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-36439247040553138102011-07-14T11:19:00.000-04:002011-07-14T11:19:10.600-04:00Review-A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sQDPl4AkDS_mw_GSveBNm_6zN-euePt7o-JgVP3p_gFlHNwHlvgOwvktoYsRgL1faS13AU3Ywrwa0pphVkAJUf2qh8ANZO7evJGokmq1sYVAznLx0DlomlEVPFg4jGQ0C1TxIzWZ-skZ/s1600/6964455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sQDPl4AkDS_mw_GSveBNm_6zN-euePt7o-JgVP3p_gFlHNwHlvgOwvktoYsRgL1faS13AU3Ywrwa0pphVkAJUf2qh8ANZO7evJGokmq1sYVAznLx0DlomlEVPFg4jGQ0C1TxIzWZ-skZ/s200/6964455.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><b>A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler</b><br />
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Release Date: May 1, 2010<br />
Publisher: Flux<br />
Pages: 277, Paperback<br />
Source: Library<br />
Series: Standalone book<br />
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Rating from A+ to F: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo6o6dGiAuzQoy4m10K3KmhtvCSGN9N-loP1aTZzlFgKWmkvP56fQeYZsTMV5pHaoYBBWvhNnt21AKx69SkNvu402bV_U9w0D86udv7V8kUzhsK0yVjlKGzt7Ho3vJIgbvKvRkbxi4R50/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEo6o6dGiAuzQoy4m10K3KmhtvCSGN9N-loP1aTZzlFgKWmkvP56fQeYZsTMV5pHaoYBBWvhNnt21AKx69SkNvu402bV_U9w0D86udv7V8kUzhsK0yVjlKGzt7Ho3vJIgbvKvRkbxi4R50/s200/s.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose is hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since her dad left them. Convinced that "creative" equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. But as her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet draws Aura toward the depths of her imagination. Just as desperation threatens to swallow her whole, Aura discovers that art, love, and family are profoundly linked--and together may offer an escape from her fears. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECfThfaSACIXOtFKWm9h-TjEcLWqZLzJwy52NqacBZdox3ExR3wcnT02eMkqhBs5evJVQWOvM7yRKf4NdVDrhc0PQnkeyiXx6BPcjf0p2nPnqJWNa4McZZdqqw9uZtruvRuMTQUsys_um/s1600/la.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECfThfaSACIXOtFKWm9h-TjEcLWqZLzJwy52NqacBZdox3ExR3wcnT02eMkqhBs5evJVQWOvM7yRKf4NdVDrhc0PQnkeyiXx6BPcjf0p2nPnqJWNa4McZZdqqw9uZtruvRuMTQUsys_um/s200/la.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I really enjoyed <i>A Blue So Dark. </i>The cover intrigued me, but after I started reading it, I was blown away by the writing. This book tells the story of a girl, Aura, who has to deal with her mother who has schizophrenia. Aura is terrified that she will get this illness because she has an artistic talent, like her mother, and thinks that means she will automatically get it. At times, I just felt bad for Aura and what she has to deal with, and it might even make you tear up. It is beautiful story, and I loved reading it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Plot- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I liked the plot, it was a little slow at times, but I still loved the book. It is just unforgettable, and you keep thinking about the plot a long time after you finished reading it. There are many heartbreaking scenes that never leave your mind, and really open your eyes to what Aura deals with. I could see the relationships that Aura had with people that she held onto, especially the mother-daughter bond that she didn't want to break. The plot was very good, and I was enthralled with it from the start. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Characters- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I really liked the characters, but you didn't see many of them during the book, except for Aura and her mother, Melanie. I wanted to see more of people like Nell or Janny, and definitely Jeremy. Nonetheless, the characters were developed pretty nicely. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>Favorite Character- </i>I don't think I can pick a favorite. As I said, I didn't see many of them, but I think I would choose Nell. Around the end of the book, I think she really helped Aura with her mother.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>Least Favorite Character- </i>Definitely Aura's dad. I hated him from the beginning of the book. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Writing- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Wonderful writing from Holly Schindler, I loved it. I can't wait to read more from her, because I really enjoyed her writing in this book. I have never read a book about schizophrenia before, but I loved the way Holly wrote this novel. I think the only way this book would of worked is if Holly wrote it, and I'm glad she did. Here's a quote that just made me sad. Aura's family was at the beach when she was ten and wanted to buy something but she couldn't decide. This is what her mom says: </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqGx6oqq0jWuFKswrdB7yhIM81YxSqrQpyS2e-cS6yIoCOgnOtli0e6NNsE-ag8WwDu0pXRrHXmhr17abbUTHWU9j4jOy6Cic6lHGgn8tsS6y8lNGhT4bWM7eiaso0YtGS0QG3Fl6glyo/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-07-13+at+9.51.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqGx6oqq0jWuFKswrdB7yhIM81YxSqrQpyS2e-cS6yIoCOgnOtli0e6NNsE-ag8WwDu0pXRrHXmhr17abbUTHWU9j4jOy6Cic6lHGgn8tsS6y8lNGhT4bWM7eiaso0YtGS0QG3Fl6glyo/s400/Screen+shot+2011-07-13+at+9.51.00+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Cover- </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I really like the cover, and I love the title of this novel. I think it has such a deep message, and it fits well with the book. The cover is really pretty, and as I said, that's mainly the reason I picked this novel up, from the cover. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I definitely recommend this book to readers who like a good tear-jerking, heart-wrenching story. But, I think anyone would enjoy this, even if your favorite genre is paranormal. It is an unforgettable book, and I loved it. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>First Sentence: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">When I was ten, I took my best friend Janny on our family vacation. </span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span><br />
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1. Plot- 17 out of 20 points.<br />
2. Characters- 13 out of 15 points.<br />
3. Writing- 20 out of 20 points.<br />
4. Creativity- 15 out of 15 points.<br />
5. Originality- 10 out of 10 points.<br />
6. Ending- 15 out of 15 points.<br />
7. Cover- 5 out of 5 points.<br />
Equals: 95! <b>94-96 is an A</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0PGCilJcxj9GHrMnnFneTK2Fk371cR_eGc4A-e42_HCjN6Z_8um2iIbu7qz-seBiE_MMIkrB-ILKZxmd5QmrqFT3E5WaOXT6GvKIQR3Ao8lQh2ObXh6mv34g-yXquEcU5ckzCxomCegc/s1600/WhiteBackground_Adjustable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0PGCilJcxj9GHrMnnFneTK2Fk371cR_eGc4A-e42_HCjN6Z_8um2iIbu7qz-seBiE_MMIkrB-ILKZxmd5QmrqFT3E5WaOXT6GvKIQR3Ao8lQh2ObXh6mv34g-yXquEcU5ckzCxomCegc/s200/WhiteBackground_Adjustable.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<s>Violence</s><br />
<s>Mild</s>/Excessive Cursing<br />
Mild/<s>Excessive</s> Sexual Content<br />
Drug/<s>Alcohol</s> Use<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4irHRF32B-k00TrM-cqktczdlduAGaBD2u7TwMTk_a_5lBxuaepsTPvkifIvSx_2k8hYUIMAEwyZXgeYGl5x3mN0JAH-dnkp3DG6LR_7ekra8aE0NQ6Jt78c2pZNDNKB1wDkPkKW6Qow/s1600/WhiteBackground_Adjustablej.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4irHRF32B-k00TrM-cqktczdlduAGaBD2u7TwMTk_a_5lBxuaepsTPvkifIvSx_2k8hYUIMAEwyZXgeYGl5x3mN0JAH-dnkp3DG6LR_7ekra8aE0NQ6Jt78c2pZNDNKB1wDkPkKW6Qow/s200/WhiteBackground_Adjustablej.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZeI3qItZWF-rGg1FQ0iSBxiSy2NLYUpJjh-ooh5x9MHOdFnUk_lZrgZqVncxIIp5GIgsm8Oo_P8fRL1IgibQYAw7AkAQ7cQZTJ83bDc7IaFEiRN8U34ckHbBSzM2bsy2TXg9PpFigJ3p/s1600/HPIM3442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZeI3qItZWF-rGg1FQ0iSBxiSy2NLYUpJjh-ooh5x9MHOdFnUk_lZrgZqVncxIIp5GIgsm8Oo_P8fRL1IgibQYAw7AkAQ7cQZTJ83bDc7IaFEiRN8U34ckHbBSzM2bsy2TXg9PpFigJ3p/s200/HPIM3442.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
Holly Schindler dove headfirst into her writing pursuits after obtaining an MA in English from Missouri State University. Teaching private piano and guitar lessons to pay the bills quickly made her realize she wanted to write for the teens who filled her home with music. Having penned a pile of drafts that literally stretches to the ceiling, she is ecstatic to be releasing her first novel with Flux. She is a member of SCBWI, lives with a ridiculously spoiled Pekingese, and is firmly convinced that Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken is the ultimate writing fuel.<br />
<br />
Visit her website: <a href="http://hollyschindler.com/">http://hollyschindler.com/</a><br />
Check out the book at: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6964455-a-blue-so-dark">Goodreads</a><br />
Buy the book at: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-So-Dark-Holly-Schindler/dp/0738719269/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310607938&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?type=0&catalogId=10001&simple=1&defaultSearchView=List&keyword=a+blue+so+dark&LogData=%5Bsearch%3A+27%2Cparse%3A+56%5D&searchData=%7BproductId%3Anull%2Csku%3Anull%2Ctype%3A0%2Csort%3Anull%2CcurrPage%3A1%2CresultsPerPage%3A25%2CsimpleSearch%3Atrue%2Cnavigation%3A0%2CmoreValue%3Anull%2CcoverView%3Afalse%2Curl%3Arpp%3D25%26view%3D2%26all_search%3Da%2Bblue%2Bso%2Bdark%26type%3D0%26nav%3D0%26simple%3Dtrue%2Cterms%3A%7Ball_search%3Da+blue+so+dark%7D%7D&storeId=13551&sku=0738719269&ddkey=http:SearchResults">Borders</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-blue-so-dark-holly-schindler/1018476002?ean=9780738719269&itm=1&usri=a%2bblue%2bso%2bdark">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780738719269">IndieBound</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fve2OL9GFCA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-32628275617249356922011-07-13T20:22:00.001-04:002011-07-13T22:43:52.082-04:00Once Upon A Readathon Final Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOKdwTZg80-KAYILkoUjHt3qVQJudQgjd3dWPAf1B5DQMLrK7OrT07DfXj0YHHGzHEfuLbsY2VBTzFnXQBwY7wNRTSKB07YO2tuN6bx-7oGyjsCrljpxvF_Fvsxooio6W14FnkatkrTll/s1600/readathonbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOKdwTZg80-KAYILkoUjHt3qVQJudQgjd3dWPAf1B5DQMLrK7OrT07DfXj0YHHGzHEfuLbsY2VBTzFnXQBwY7wNRTSKB07YO2tuN6bx-7oGyjsCrljpxvF_Fvsxooio6W14FnkatkrTll/s1600/readathonbutton.jpg" /></a></div>I had a great time participating in this Readathon! It was the first one I've ever done, and it was a lot of fun. I've never finished books this quickly, so I'm pretty happy with the number of books I read. I finished 5 books and I am currently reading <i>Dear John </i>by Nicholas Sparks. Here's my finished list:<br />
<br />
1. <i>Paranormalcy </i>by Kiersten White. 335 pages & my review is up <b><a href="http://suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-paranormalcy-by-kiersten-white.html">here</a></b><br />
2. <i>If I Stay </i>by Gayle Forman. 234 pages & my review is up <b><a href="http://suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-if-i-stay-by-gayle-forman.html">here</a></b><br />
3. <i>Living Dead Girl </i>by Elizabeth Scott. 170 pages<br />
4. <i>A Blue So Dark </i>by Holly Schindler. 266 pages & my review will be up soon!<br />
5. <i>She's So Dead to Us </i>by Kieran Scott. 275 pages & this was a re-read, so check out my review, <b><a href="http://suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com/2011/05/review-shes-so-dead-to-us-by-kieran.html">here</a></b>!<br />
<br />
The total number of pages read was approximately <b>1,280! </b>Wow, I didn't expect it to be that much! I had a great time doing this readathon, and definitely will be participating next year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hJCnDYSd8EWCbCzQUIPlS8sTyss1OYO1K7CoPXFj97G-92MM_8I98Wxs0xDc9ARkihoyAJ6JMCyt2-HBDo4YUbUkr6Jehy5I0pxGd-p7qq1x1xm1MIj5hOcdTK0YES1jclBKqDS_HwE4/s1600/kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hJCnDYSd8EWCbCzQUIPlS8sTyss1OYO1K7CoPXFj97G-92MM_8I98Wxs0xDc9ARkihoyAJ6JMCyt2-HBDo4YUbUkr6Jehy5I0pxGd-p7qq1x1xm1MIj5hOcdTK0YES1jclBKqDS_HwE4/s200/kristen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-30882705354379408322011-07-13T10:48:00.001-04:002011-07-13T16:52:46.445-04:00Blogger Interview (1)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsOWRxsRbvdl0B8f_DcpUnZzIiiCCHaXA9E6lcWKz6fAg3O7nq1fLycJBuEHMHtNxELKw0SwuooYhLY_TgzJO1F7Wal_K4Mx5izuPbww50mgsCqTxDr3m-M0l4AHhw9RTgQUJradJoER9/s1600/BeckysBarmyBookBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsOWRxsRbvdl0B8f_DcpUnZzIiiCCHaXA9E6lcWKz6fAg3O7nq1fLycJBuEHMHtNxELKw0SwuooYhLY_TgzJO1F7Wal_K4Mx5izuPbww50mgsCqTxDr3m-M0l4AHhw9RTgQUJradJoER9/s200/BeckysBarmyBookBlog.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I'd like to welcome Becky from <a href="http://beckysbarmybookblog.blogspot.com/">Becky's Barmy Book Blog</a>! She was kind enough to answer my questions, so here is the interview!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Why did you start book blogging? </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I started book blogging because I was reading so many books but finding it hard to get people to discuss them with me. I had read quite a few blogs and thought 'I can do that' so I took the plunge. It also offered me a good way of keeping track of everything I've read. </span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Where is your favorite place to read a book? </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxo6CUfclobN0YIAezrkIkG-3EE72E98Ac7k1hC1HhwfOqzK2o05yL2NqbWrRbfLr0ezFV2BOMdoiGdNJ7S5ILaez_6yM0JEY_3_cfM7wL463IqSvGm9JNeVe-3Xy27xRUqmGVDItYc-p/s1600/Me_Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxo6CUfclobN0YIAezrkIkG-3EE72E98Ac7k1hC1HhwfOqzK2o05yL2NqbWrRbfLr0ezFV2BOMdoiGdNJ7S5ILaez_6yM0JEY_3_cfM7wL463IqSvGm9JNeVe-3Xy27xRUqmGVDItYc-p/s200/Me_Library.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><i>I will literally read anywhere, I always have a book with me, if I find I'm standing around for even a minute - out comes the book. :D But I'm most comfortable curled up on the sofa. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>What book are you currently reading?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am currently reading 'Walk the Lines: The London Underground - Overground' by Mark Mason. It was sent to me for review and I'm really enjoying it. I am also re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ready for the film release on Friday.</span></span></i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">What is the next book on your to-be-read pile? </span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I have a massive TBR pile, next on it is 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett because I'm doing an event in the park opposite the library next month based on this book so I thought I had better read it. I've also got a PDF file book sent to me for review called 'Turned' by Morgan Rice.</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>What do you think we'll be a popular genre in the future? </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Well we've had Vampire's and Angel's a lot recently which is still going strong on the Paranormal front and we're moving more into Demons and the Afterlife a lot more, so Horror seems bigger. But I think the next big thing is Dystopian. This is starting to really kick off and I think it will develop massively.</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">How do you organize your bookshelf?</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I put all the series' together and all the books by the same author together. I then arrange them by height so my shelves are level. I am really fussy about this, and I hate it when publishers change the book designs halfway through a series so they don't match. For example all of the 'Spooks' books by Joseph Delaney were released in small hardbacks, i have 6 of them I think, then they were re-released in new paperbacks with different covers, then the newest one has come out in hardback but its more than double the size of the rest. I haven't bought a copy yet purely for the fact it doesn't match! I know it sounds silly but I want my books to look like a set and match.</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">What series do you wish never ended and continued with more books? </span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">So many of them, when I read I get totally engrossed in the story and I feel like I know the characters, so when it ends I feel like I'm saying goodbye to friends, it's always hard, but if I had to pick one I would have to say Harry Potter, I grew up with the books and I can't quite come to believe that it's all over.</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Very true, I also wish that there were more books in the Harry Potter series! </span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>If you could only read books from one author for your entire life, which author would you pick? </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Ooh, that's a very tough question, I like variety, but if I could only have one I think I would pick Rachel Caine, she has an awesome writing style and can make me laugh and cry, plus she has written quite a bit so I would be kept occupied for longer.</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></b></span><br />
I've never read any books by Rachel Caine, but I really want to!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUBUipQFoh-fjv-k-Esj3vePSYnJvXD7YcG935sj954XbDqVLCJXxDJc3-oZs-NMds6EpM3gar7Rm7URAar0Y3oUpFXV4zRuv8mzQvfkhNjVh3jRN_w14V5w_KD4dEH_WMMiNhuk9ndPc/s1600/Fang-by-James-Patterson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUBUipQFoh-fjv-k-Esj3vePSYnJvXD7YcG935sj954XbDqVLCJXxDJc3-oZs-NMds6EpM3gar7Rm7URAar0Y3oUpFXV4zRuv8mzQvfkhNjVh3jRN_w14V5w_KD4dEH_WMMiNhuk9ndPc/s200/Fang-by-James-Patterson.jpg" width="131" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Is there any book that made you cry? Explain why it did. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">So many books can make me cry - it's not hard. Seriously. As I said I get so involved with the characters that if anything bad happens to them I start crying. I cried like mad in 'Fang' by James Patterson, the two main characters had just got together after 6 books and then tragedy hit and the boy walked out, breaking her heart. I was blubbing like a baby.<br />
I cried in Hunger Games when Rue died (sorry if you haven't read it yet) when Katniss sang the song to her, I choked up. It was beautiful, unjust and unfair, I think that was the moment I said 'I love this book!'</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">What is the best part about blogging so far? </span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wow, so many things, but mainly it's connecting with all the other bloggers out there, it's like being part of a global family, everyone is so friendly and helpful. When I'm not on my blog I find I miss it, being part of that world. It's crazy, hard work, fun and interesting.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Thanks for having me on your blog, it was an honour.<br />
See you in the blogosphere.</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for stopping by on my blog, Becky! I had a great time interviewing you! Here are the links to her: <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Barmy_Bex">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1978609-becky">Goodreads</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beckys-Barmy-Book-Blog/160164797354374">Facebook</a> accounts. </span></span></b><br />
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</i></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-19704394912894027922011-07-12T13:18:00.002-04:002011-07-12T21:08:56.677-04:00Review-If I Stay by Gayle Forman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYIcyoqbnIv-Mda9J_z2sqj6D0-XUOViKbMUr8VReBZbrfMFZZDTmMFqKyPTg8udkJUWhw_5VHY6g93p_kg5E1FUIzmcBKbuSEDkHcB_pb0-vL9H7jI7YAopEanVKKcZIvR1UVyzZWZt7/s1600/9780142415436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYIcyoqbnIv-Mda9J_z2sqj6D0-XUOViKbMUr8VReBZbrfMFZZDTmMFqKyPTg8udkJUWhw_5VHY6g93p_kg5E1FUIzmcBKbuSEDkHcB_pb0-vL9H7jI7YAopEanVKKcZIvR1UVyzZWZt7/s200/9780142415436.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><b>If I Stay </b>by Gayle Forman<br />
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Release Date: April 6, 2010<br />
Publisher: Speak<br />
Pages: 259, Paperback<br />
Source: Bought<br />
Series: If I Stay #1<br />
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Rating from A+ to F: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>A+</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv1VZU7Qb6njxa3-8QLKiI3C6e-z5TefgaZKsanAf8Nb7eEcVnhvQJnmolo4iWOfBf4weKCltMmkmN2GvGjClHglAK-em-a5bXdHo59NsUsjsUjMS_4qeRMinC0JFojIkV5wXVtO6dZSU/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv1VZU7Qb6njxa3-8QLKiI3C6e-z5TefgaZKsanAf8Nb7eEcVnhvQJnmolo4iWOfBf4weKCltMmkmN2GvGjClHglAK-em-a5bXdHo59NsUsjsUjMS_4qeRMinC0JFojIkV5wXVtO6dZSU/s200/s.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><i>On a day that started like any other...</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, adoring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. Then, in an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the only decision she has left--the most important decision she'll ever make. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting, and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving. </span><br />
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</div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If I Stay </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">is a beautiful novel filled sadness, love, happiness, and memories. I loved every moment in this book, and I enjoyed reading it. I finished this book in a day, for Once Upon A Readathon, but I'm glad I did, because I knew I had to finish it as soon as I started reading it. This book is definitely memorable and unforgettable. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Plot- </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The plot is very good, there weren't many slow moments in it. My favorite parts of the plot were the memories that Mia shared while in her coma. The novel starts out fast, and continues in a quick pace, and I loved it. This is a book that I definitely won't forget, it was that good. I had high expectations for it, since many bloggers had given it such great reviews, and it was even better than I thought it would be. I fell in love with the story the moment I started reading it. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Characters- </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The characters were great, very well-developed. I was able to relate with all of the characters, and I loved all of them. I never grew tired of the characters, they were all wonderful.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Character- </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite character would have to be Adam. He was so kind and loving, that I couldn't help not to love him.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Least Favorite Character- </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't have a least favorite character, I loved them all. No one got on my nerves or made me angry, so I can't pick one.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Writing- </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This book is filled with beautiful writing from Gayle Forman. I fell in love with her writing style, and I can't wait to read more from her. I loved every part of this novel, and I loved Gayle's writing the most. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cover- </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I love the cover, it just makes you feel sad. You get the feeling of this book from the cover, and it is really pretty. The one thing I disagree with is that it says it will appeal to fans of Twilight. I don't think it was anything like Twilight, it wasn't even paranormal. But still, it is a beautiful cover. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I recommend this to fans of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Before I Fall </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">by Lauren Oliver, because as soon as I started reading it, it reminded me of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Before I Fall. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It isn't exactly like it, this book definitely has different qualities than it. It was a beautiful and tragic book that I loved.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>First Sentence: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Everyone thinks it was because of the snow. </span></i></b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1. Plot- 20 out of 20 points.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2. Characters- 15 out of 15 points.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Writing- 18 out of 20 points.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4. Creativity- 15 out of 15 points. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">5. Originality- 9 out of 10 points.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">6. Ending- 15 out of 15 points.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">7. Cover- 5 out of 5 points.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Equals: 97! </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">97-100 is an A+</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Violence- Car accident, detailed </span><br />
<s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mild</span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">/Excessive Cursing</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mild/</span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Excessive</span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Sexual Content</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Gayle Forman is an award-winning author and journalist whose articles have appeared in numerous publications, including </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, The Nation, </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Elle. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Her upcoming novel, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Where She Went, </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">will be published in April 2011. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Visit her website: </span><a href="http://www.gayleforman.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.gayleforman.com/</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Go to the book's website: </span><a href="http://www.ifistay.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.ifistay.com/</span></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Check out the book at </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4374400-if-i-stay"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Goodreads</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Buy this book at: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/If-I-Stay-Gayle-Forman/dp/014241543X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310490908&sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Amazon</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> | </span><a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=014241543X"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Borders</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> | </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/if-i-stay-gayle-forman/1013568618?ean=9780142415436&itm=1&usri=if%2bi%2bstay"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Barnes & Noble</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> | </span><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780142415436"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">IndieBound</span></a><br />
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</span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-86293959121015152562011-07-11T14:39:00.002-04:002011-07-11T16:07:50.301-04:00Review-Paranormalcy by Kiersten White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_2d5qo56gGJIaReqofoMee9fnaCQxt4wMNfl_ymckTBVIIoSqp5PpRLciu7xxPV-gIrSD_WA9X7OzTPuZCF1JEpbPZQ_WYPI9s5S2B8Tb7QTegrxSNfV7-o7PbhZch1OYhylhWq3Z80q/s1600/Paranormalcy_jkt_ed2.84144752_std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_2d5qo56gGJIaReqofoMee9fnaCQxt4wMNfl_ymckTBVIIoSqp5PpRLciu7xxPV-gIrSD_WA9X7OzTPuZCF1JEpbPZQ_WYPI9s5S2B8Tb7QTegrxSNfV7-o7PbhZch1OYhylhWq3Z80q/s200/Paranormalcy_jkt_ed2.84144752_std.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><b>Paranormalcy by Kiersten White</b><br />
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Release Date: August 31, 2010<br />
Publisher: HarperTeen<br />
Interest: Paranormal<br />
Pages: 335, US Hardcover<br />
Source: Library<br />
Series: Paranormalcy #1<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nPjxMyRkbKDc1MJnWLyiR9rryuqtKmZRLXqSzqwgag3hJUYaFUim47BbGdYi1IX4K9E9GH64D7Z0EC9ztmGan1BNP72rKfFynpNM9qOSniak4ZIkq1i5QeT6GeO-_0epp5t4Ie2yCgQ8/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nPjxMyRkbKDc1MJnWLyiR9rryuqtKmZRLXqSzqwgag3hJUYaFUim47BbGdYi1IX4K9E9GH64D7Z0EC9ztmGan1BNP72rKfFynpNM9qOSniak4ZIkq1i5QeT6GeO-_0epp5t4Ie2yCgQ8/s200/s.jpg" width="200" /></a>Rating from A+ to F: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>A+</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">So much for norma</span>l.<br />
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I <i>loved, loved, LOVED </i>this book! I enjoyed it so much because I love paranormal books, but I was getting tired of the same thing going on in most of them. <i>Paranormalcy </i>was so different than all the other paranormal books out there, it was very original. The story is about a girl, Evie, who can see through paranormals' glamours and works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But, paranormals are now dying and the IPCA doesn't know why. Evie wonders if she is the cause of these deaths, even though she always thought she was normal. Wow, that was a terrible summary on my part, but I think from the real summary, you get what this book is about! This book is amazing, and I doubt anyone can not love this book.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Plot- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I loved the plot in this book! Every chapter was filled with exciting events, and there was never a slow moment in the plot. As soon I as I started reading this book, I was sucked into the world of Evie, and interested by the International Paranormal Containment Agency. I expected this book to be dark and mysterious, but it was such a light, funny read and I truly loved it. I loved everything about it: Tasey, Lend, and all the thrilling events. I really wanted to finish it as soon as I started reading it, and readers will not be disappointed by the plot. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Characters- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The characters were great. They were all very interesting, and Kiersten did a good job on developing them, and I loved every moment with a character. They were all funny, and I loved reading about them during the story. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>Favorite Character- </i>Of course, I have to pick Lend. I loved him from the start, and this just continues my trend of picking the boy for my favorite character of each story.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><i>Least Favorite Character- </i>Hm, this is a tough pick. I really didn't have a least favorite since they all contributed to the story well. Wow, this is a first. I've always had a least favorite character! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Writing- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Great writing by Kiersten White! I can't believe this is her first novel, it was amazing. I love how she writes, it was very funny and interesting. I can't wait to read more from Kiersten, and especially the sequel to this book, Supernaturally. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Cover- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The cover is really pretty! I wish it coincided with the story a little bit better, but when I think about it, it would be pretty hard to make a cover for this book. The cover made me think this book was dark, but after reading it, I found out it wasn't. Beautiful cover! </span></span><br />
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Overall, if you couldn't tell, I loved this book! I'm sad that I didn't read it sooner, but glad now that I did! I can't wait for Supernaturally, I want to find out more about what happens! I recommend this to everyone, because you will definitely enjoy it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>First Sentence: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Wait--did you--You just yawned!" </span></i></b></span><br />
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1. Plot- 20 out of 20 points.<br />
2. Characters- 15 out of 15 points.<br />
3. Writing- 19 out of 20 points.<br />
4. Creativity- 15 out of 15 points.<br />
5. Originality- 10 out of 10 points.<br />
6. Ending- 14 out of 15 points.<br />
7. Cover- 4 out of 5 points.<br />
Equals: 97! <b>97-100 is an A+ </b><br />
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Violence<br />
Mild/<s>Excessive</s> Cursing<br />
Mild/<s>Excessive</s> Sexual Content<br />
<s>Drug/Alcohol Use</s><br />
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Kiersten White has one tall husband and two small children. She lives near the ocean in San Diego, where her days are perfectly normal. This abundance of normal led her to a fascination with all things paranormal, including by not limited to faeries, vampires, and pop culture. <i>Paranormalcy </i>is her first novel.<br />
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Visit her blog: <a href="http://www.kierstenwhite.com/">http://www.kierstenwhite.com/</a><br />
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Check out the book at: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7719245-paranormalcy">Goodreads</a><br />
Buy the book at: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paranormalcy-Kiersten-White/dp/0061985856/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310409424&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0061985848">Borders</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paranormalcy-kiersten-white/1100151855?ean=9780061985843&itm=1&usri=paranormalcy">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061985843/kiersten-white/paranormalcy">IndieBound</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CEfkhm97vus?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-74147417244310256932011-07-11T00:22:00.009-04:002011-07-13T16:06:51.649-04:00Once Upon A Readathon Updates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKEaJH5zvtL-yFKD4VnjzzluR1Gmtg7WktOGVyrqvvgZXQ592JlNVErWTLf3vkgMEUHyKaxWGewMgC8Qk6sQfP75gGH92F3oYxFrjCn1zSJpiAl17R3NCMp1uTv-1unkaxokEcwiuCle2/s1600/readathonbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKEaJH5zvtL-yFKD4VnjzzluR1Gmtg7WktOGVyrqvvgZXQ592JlNVErWTLf3vkgMEUHyKaxWGewMgC8Qk6sQfP75gGH92F3oYxFrjCn1zSJpiAl17R3NCMp1uTv-1unkaxokEcwiuCle2/s1600/readathonbutton.jpg" /></a>Hey everyone, I entered this Readathon awhile back, so I'm excited to start it today! This post will give everyone updates on the books I've read and plan to read! Check out my reading list at the bottom of this post, and hopefully I finish maybe 4-5 books. This is my first time doing a readathon so I'm very excited!<br />
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<b>Currently Reading</b>: <i>Dear John </i>by Nicholas Sparks<br />
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<b>Finished Books</b>:<br />
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1. <i>Paranormalcy </i>by Kiersten White. Review is up, check it out!<br />
2. <i>If I Stay </i>by Gayle Forman. Review is up!<br />
3. <i>Living Dead Girl </i>by Elizabeth Scott.<br />
4. <i>A Blue So Dark </i>by Holly Schindler. Review will be up soon!\<br />
5. <i>She's So Dead to Us </i>by Kieran Scott. I had to re-read it, it was so good!<br />
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<b>Reading List:</b><br />
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<s>1. </s><i><s>If I Stay </s></i><s>by Gayle Forman</s><br />
<s>2. </s><i><s>A Blue So Dark </s></i><s>by Holly Schindler</s><br />
<s>3. </s><i><s>Living Dead Girl </s></i><s>by Elizabeth Scott</s><br />
4. <i>Dear John </i>by Nicholas Sparks<br />
5. <i>All-American Girl </i> by Meg Cabot<br />
6. <i>Firelight </i>by Sophie Jordan<br />
<s>7. </s><i><s>She's So Dead To Us </s></i><s>by Kieran Scott (re-read)</s><br />
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I definitely won't be finishing all of those, but hopefully I finish a few of them!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-74355471801287057882011-07-10T10:00:00.002-04:002011-07-10T12:10:48.482-04:00Any bloggers interested in being interviewed?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I would love to start interviewing bloggers on my blog, so if anyone is interested, please email me! My email is suchateenagebookworm@aol.com. I would be really appreciative to anyone who would like an interview, so hopefully I get a lot of interviews soon! When you email me, I'll give you all the details about the interview. Thank you so much all my fellow bloggers! Go email me right now! :)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</span></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-44390363037938855042011-07-09T00:02:00.000-04:002011-07-09T00:02:06.930-04:00Review-Hold Still by Nina LaCour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh3wqvDHjx97QTFjBy7g2_3m7NfCXDGi9WFzd_4VuZxqBmlPgZeHWrdjyli3u4edB-Y7kz5AL5FxnN7FVOmyvlxZ8YhczFWul02PR2kyckw0k4cCt5XyHwRU4a1ITA4VHbdawuKeF5Sxh/s1600/n315635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh3wqvDHjx97QTFjBy7g2_3m7NfCXDGi9WFzd_4VuZxqBmlPgZeHWrdjyli3u4edB-Y7kz5AL5FxnN7FVOmyvlxZ8YhczFWul02PR2kyckw0k4cCt5XyHwRU4a1ITA4VHbdawuKeF5Sxh/s200/n315635.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><b>Hold Still by Nina LaCour</b><br />
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Release Date: October 25, 2009<br />
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile<br />
Pages: 230, Hardcover<br />
Source: Library<br />
Series: Standalone book<br />
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Rating from A+ to F: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b></span></span><br />
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<i>DEAR CAITLIN,</i><br />
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<i>there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i can't. </i><br />
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That night Ingrid told Caitlin, <i>I'll go wherever you go. </i>But by dawn Ingrid, and her promise, were gone, and Caitlin was alone. Ingrid's suicide immobilizes Caitlin, leaving her unsure of her place in a new life she hardly recognizes. A life without the art, the laughter, the music, the joy that she shared with her best friend.<br />
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But Ingrid left something behind. Devastating and hopeful, playful and hopeless. In words and drawings, Ingrid documented a painful farewell in her journal--just for Caitlin. Journeying through Ingrid's final days, Caitlin fights back through unspeakable loss to find renewed hope.<br />
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A breakthrough new voice in fiction, Nina LaCour brings the changing seasons of Caitin's first year without Ingrid to the page with indelible emotion and honesty.<br />
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I will admit that I picked up this book because I really liked the cover, but after I read it, I think it is an amazing story. This book was very similar to another book I read recently, <i>Fall for Anything </i>by Courtney Summers. Both main characters have to cope with a suicide of a loved one. Also, both books had photography in it, but I think I liked how photography was used in this one a lot better than I did in <i>Fall for Anything. </i>This book was excellent, it was real, deep, and emotional. I couldn't stop reading it, I had to keep going until I finished it.<br />
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Caitlin is dealing with the suicide of her best friend, Ingrid, and is having trouble moving on. All she wants is to know <i>why. </i>When Caitlin finds Ingrid's journal, she becomes hopeful. She reads things she never knew about her best friend, and feels like she is the one to blame. Caitlin meets new people and makes more friends who help her with dealing with the loss of Ingrid. Photography and building also help her, and she knows she truly misses Ingrid, but she has to move on.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Plot- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The plot of this book and all other books that are similar to it always make me emotional when it deals with suicides. Basically everyone knows how painful it feels to deal with a loss of a loved one, but when the loved one kills themselves? You just don't know how to feel. Caitlin feels like she is to blame, that she never did anything to stop her friend, even when she saw signs of cutting and Ingrid hurting herself. I've never had to deal with the suicide of a friend or friends cutting themselves, but I can imagine how sad and helpless a friend can feel. I had trouble putting this book down, I just had to finish it as soon as I started it. I wanted more at the end, I <i>needed </i>more. I loved the plot of this novel, I don't think there was one slow moment in it. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Characters- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I liked the characters a lot. At the beginning, I didn't think Caitlin was my favorite character ever because of her depression and mopey attitude, but she changed during the book. Besides, I would be depressed also if my friend committed suicide, so it wasn't that big of a deal. I kind of felt that the characters were a little under-developed, I just wanted to learn a little bit more about them. </span></span><br />
<i>Favorite Character- </i>Taylor. He was so cute! I feel like I always pick the boy in the story, but I can't help it. I always like the cute boys!<br />
<i>Least Favorite Character- </i>Henry. There was nothing that interesting about him, I didn't really know much about him.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Writing- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">This book has really beautiful writing from Nina LaCour. I can't wait to see more from her. I really loved the journal entries that were a part of this book. I always couldn't wait to read the next one. I enjoyed a lot of quotes from this novel, so I'll include a couple. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Of course you knew I was scared. There was just nothing you could do." --p. 96</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">"I never laughed as hard as I laughed with you but now not even the laughing feels good."--p. 185</span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Cover- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">As I said before, I was really interested in this book because of the cover. It is really pretty, with all the illustrations, and the faint writing on the wall behind the girl. I loved the font of the title, and also the color, because I love purple. You can just tell that this is going to be a sad book from the cover, because look at the girl! Doesn't she just look sad to you? I love this cover. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Overall, absolutely loved this book. It was heartbreaking and real, a story about loss and sadness, but also the beginning of love and new friendship. I recommend this to fans of <i>Fall for Anything </i>by Courtney Summers, or <i>If I Stay </i>by Gayle Forman. Also, any fans of YA Contemporary Fiction will probably enjoy this book. It has such a deep message, and I loved it. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>First Sentence: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I watch drops of water fall from the ends of my hair. </span></i></b></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpNzX_obKfb5D2eYrpa6jD4urhUAtiTorBHEEWTQgTrcq0CrkFozz9A_kTyiHVXxU1MuIaKT0iwxpD-kZwYcfmGwGeRXYCXhZj-5uCBPEh_cyjwcLtpfbjBbduoBXnQmhR38Xlm8q9Tqg/s1600/jehe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpNzX_obKfb5D2eYrpa6jD4urhUAtiTorBHEEWTQgTrcq0CrkFozz9A_kTyiHVXxU1MuIaKT0iwxpD-kZwYcfmGwGeRXYCXhZj-5uCBPEh_cyjwcLtpfbjBbduoBXnQmhR38Xlm8q9Tqg/s200/jehe.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">1. Plot- 20 out of 20 points.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">2. Characters- 13 out of 15 points.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">3. Writing- 19 out of 20 points. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">4. Creativity- 15 out of 15 points.</span></span><br />
5. Originality- 9 out of 10 points.<br />
6. Ending- 15 out of 15 points.<br />
7. Cover- 5 out of 5 points.<br />
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Violence- Deals with suicide of a friend.<br />
<s>Mild</s>/Excessive Cursing<br />
Mild/<s>Excessive</s> Sexual Content<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw_iNPNAnQ9XNTiv84vyi5b29XrsPSuZYKiTSQIO6uY4dvFHfentnJtiY4qu1u3gxIJrGWymAp8IsE7TGo3OmMb0s_8h_v32a77Rulbfa7qMJYyZotQACswZd_Wjor5M9mzECN7XECV5R/s1600/WhiteBackground_Adjustablej.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw_iNPNAnQ9XNTiv84vyi5b29XrsPSuZYKiTSQIO6uY4dvFHfentnJtiY4qu1u3gxIJrGWymAp8IsE7TGo3OmMb0s_8h_v32a77Rulbfa7qMJYyZotQACswZd_Wjor5M9mzECN7XECV5R/s200/WhiteBackground_Adjustablej.jpg" width="200" /></a><s><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrrIALkDL8zxQCAmQ2zJYDLEZKik3UOKCro52ZxZpv5I7K4MkXlQy-aFW9u95ghZgZOx5n2utn1HP_icnyTve5HrLyBm9S5QYOlW-dxJ9rKPMHcXMxE1qRDDDX-z8aOjd0rxsrWeMG6wP/s1600/234065-NinaLaCourCreditKristynStroble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrrIALkDL8zxQCAmQ2zJYDLEZKik3UOKCro52ZxZpv5I7K4MkXlQy-aFW9u95ghZgZOx5n2utn1HP_icnyTve5HrLyBm9S5QYOlW-dxJ9rKPMHcXMxE1qRDDDX-z8aOjd0rxsrWeMG6wP/s1600/234065-NinaLaCourCreditKristynStroble.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Nina LaCour grew up in San Francisco Bay Area. Her first job, at fourteen, was at an independent bookstore. She has tutored and taught in various places, from a juvenile hall to a private college. She now teaches English at an independent high school.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Nina says, "<i>Hold Still </i>is about loss, but it's also about art. Throughout the book, even as Caitlin is struggling, she is finding joy in the creative process."</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Nina lives in Oakland, California. <i>Hold Still </i>is her first book. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Visit her website: <a href="http://ninalacour.com/">http://ninalacour.com/</a></span></span><br />
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Check out this book at: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6373717-hold-still">Goodreads</a><br />
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Buy this book at: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hold-Still-Nina-LaCour/dp/B003B3NW30/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310182181&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0142416940">Borders</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hold-still-nina-lacour/1016452859?ean=9780142416945&itm=1&usri=hold%2bstill">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780525421559/Nina-LaCour/Hold-Still">IndieBound</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QvvwPMr8V1s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-60514464221476007892011-07-08T02:54:00.000-04:002011-07-08T02:54:41.565-04:00Friday Blog Hops 7/8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNVvB29v1x6EauTIReWTedlm2bphmjcBxvdjGYtpL36Go_iXKkTGUWz196Qt47j5LRYKWUOYfPZotNlR3ZGw8kPBcj1inwWoKvU2R8wJ8lyH9nU-4vQs9BqLyxSMw3ZQlRZshOgIg-Cpc/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNVvB29v1x6EauTIReWTedlm2bphmjcBxvdjGYtpL36Go_iXKkTGUWz196Qt47j5LRYKWUOYfPZotNlR3ZGw8kPBcj1inwWoKvU2R8wJ8lyH9nU-4vQs9BqLyxSMw3ZQlRZshOgIg-Cpc/s1600/4710921228_bf32d46f6d_o.png" /></span></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Follow Friday </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">is hosted over at Parajunkee's View. This week's question is: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Q: Let's step away from besties...What is the worst book that you have ever read and actually finished?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95Q01kuV56afJV-HorAOHqWyx7Pc-0InqOZGA0H-SrApnR9dKruwF9jQgPo6YPLix69XYp6rI7o7Y7yBfR5KmZRowTpb6iDaGRu9P5q7_Js93TWwvnkVss2AOHoJ7fT-kXEAbtpHnxj1U/s1600/slave-dancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95Q01kuV56afJV-HorAOHqWyx7Pc-0InqOZGA0H-SrApnR9dKruwF9jQgPo6YPLix69XYp6rI7o7Y7yBfR5KmZRowTpb6iDaGRu9P5q7_Js93TWwvnkVss2AOHoJ7fT-kXEAbtpHnxj1U/s200/slave-dancer.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wow, well this is a hard question. I usually enjoy most of the books I've read, and recently I've enjoyed all of the ones I read. So, I guess I'll do ones that I've read awhile back. I'd have to say it was a book I read for school called The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox. Now, I guess I didn't really hate it, but I just wasn't that into it. I can't think of any other books that I've actually really hated, but this book is one I strongly disliked. There was nothing that interesting about it, and I probably would have stopped reading it, but I had to for school. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Book Blogger Hop </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">is hosted at Crazy-for-Books, and here's this week's question:</span><br />
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<strong><em><blockquote style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://crazy-for-books.com/wp-content/themes/beecrafty/images/bg-blockquote.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 215, 229); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 215, 229); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 28px; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 30px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 15px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 30px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Q: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This week’s question isn’t a question at all! I thought I would do things a little differently this week and give all of you a chance to promote a giveaway (or two!) from the blogosphere.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 30px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The catch?</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 30px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">IT CAN’T BE YOUR OWN GIVEAWAY!</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 30px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Gotcha!</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 30px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You have to find another blogger who is having a giveaway and promote their giveaway for them! If possible, promote a giveaway from a blogger doing the Hop (hey, you are visiting other blogs anyway, right?). Have fun with this one! It’s not an easy task this week! <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://crazy-for-books.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(230, 230, 230) 1px 1px 2px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(230, 230, 230); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; float: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: -5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;" /></span></span></span></span></span></div></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, I guess I'll link up a giveaway that I just entered recently. The giveaway is at </span></span></span><a href="http://www.awesomesaucebookclub.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">AwesomeSauce Book Club</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> where they are having their 6 Month Blogoversary! Each week they are having a giveaway, so you should go check out their blog and enter! Congrats to them! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Any other giveaways anyone knows about? Go ahead and tell me in the comments! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Wow, similar questions this week between the Follow Friday hop and this hop! Well, I guess I have a few different ones. The last book I had a hard time finishing was Shadowland by Alyson Noel. You can check out the review on my blog. The beginning was sooo slow, and their was a minor exciting part around the end. Nothing was resolved that was started in Blue Moon, and I didn't really enjoy it. But, I didn't say this for the Follow Friday question because I wouldn't say it was the worst book I've ever read. It's just one that I didn't enjoy as much. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Thanks everyone for visiting my blog and reading my answers! I love to get comments, and check out other people's hops! So, you will probably be seeing my comment! Give me a link in the comments, and I definitely will! </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYy7C5HaeIDSKQaUrOOatVFf-WhqDy0i7Yut1G8EKteV-v8IaUQLgRDJOHy5ZmLgtFGmeIRAZF-oj54MIoTcnbRbn3qDLCA6514Vli0_xDzIXWCW1N8jZKehfl3O81Fv_ARP75A_5Lf_F/s1600/kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYy7C5HaeIDSKQaUrOOatVFf-WhqDy0i7Yut1G8EKteV-v8IaUQLgRDJOHy5ZmLgtFGmeIRAZF-oj54MIoTcnbRbn3qDLCA6514Vli0_xDzIXWCW1N8jZKehfl3O81Fv_ARP75A_5Lf_F/s320/kristen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br />
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</em></strong>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-86334077284427226382011-07-07T22:21:00.002-04:002011-07-07T23:09:11.812-04:00Review-Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2WmWUXQxCAKdhnfK7Vv2grIpK1RrU-pNfIqpIwSB8LSIAJB9GvvopwsRYNyPFNiywGeGErVhCacVfdPxMW2oYGkuv2cnbQtlNgIf3duoF0xO8DDh1sDxId1biAqo5oBgoUQQSJ28wQtF/s1600/rev+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2WmWUXQxCAKdhnfK7Vv2grIpK1RrU-pNfIqpIwSB8LSIAJB9GvvopwsRYNyPFNiywGeGErVhCacVfdPxMW2oYGkuv2cnbQtlNgIf3duoF0xO8DDh1sDxId1biAqo5oBgoUQQSJ28wQtF/s200/rev+cover.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><b>Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly </b><br />
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Release Date: October 12, 2010<br />
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers<br />
Pages: 472, Hardcover<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJNUlwVAXYrjrgBYmLcKqE2Fy-03zRCnbYe7pXjTqQS3U0pMoMVkIMfcn51oOGntRn8d7GGWDHE6se1gQiE6LilFN6cqmCevxDNdj8E4kPegBWDFMQvHABo8amy0oXupzSuIDJGi7M3Zl/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJNUlwVAXYrjrgBYmLcKqE2Fy-03zRCnbYe7pXjTqQS3U0pMoMVkIMfcn51oOGntRn8d7GGWDHE6se1gQiE6LilFN6cqmCevxDNdj8E4kPegBWDFMQvHABo8amy0oXupzSuIDJGi7M3Zl/s200/s.jpg" width="200" /></a>Source: Library<br />
Series: Standalone book<br />
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Rating from A+ to F: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>A+</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She's angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she's about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights' most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn't want--and couldn't escape.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine's diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There's comfort and distraction for Andi in the journals' antiqued pages--until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine's words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">A Northern Light, </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">artfully weaves two girls' stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKKcas7FlMPzlxC6Zvy-7_oX4PJ7_IH_uAoN8EDUGuOy_s4V1TgC3VqMWk82V49aknJHUGasxh_J2RNZkLI-NmXe5vu3TH2b6JrCHFYauqRUf5VDgW5TH8egouoOGCmY-m8lj4iQOL49z/s1600/la.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKKcas7FlMPzlxC6Zvy-7_oX4PJ7_IH_uAoN8EDUGuOy_s4V1TgC3VqMWk82V49aknJHUGasxh_J2RNZkLI-NmXe5vu3TH2b6JrCHFYauqRUf5VDgW5TH8egouoOGCmY-m8lj4iQOL49z/s200/la.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Wow, I loved this book. Usually I'm not a fan of historical fiction, but I totally fell in love with this novel, and couldn't stop reading it after I started it. I enjoyed Jennifer Donnelly's writing style and it is very original and creative. I couldn't get enough of this book! This is a book that not many bloggers or young adult readers have read, but they definitely should, because I think they would love it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Plot- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I just loved the idea of this book, I learned a lot about the French Revolution while reading this, things that I never knew. I'm interested in reading more books by Jennifer Donnelly since I loved this one so much. I could feel every emotion in the story, everything Andi was feeling, and everything Alex was feeling. There's nothing slow about this book, I devoured it! I didn't want it to end, I just wanted to keep reading and have the story continue. But it ended, and I loved it all the same. Such a great plot, it is an amazing book! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Characters-</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> The characters were wonderful, each one that lived in the past and present. I could imagine the people from the eighteenth century: how they looked, how they acted, and how they felt. They were all so believable, and well-developed. Jessica Donnelly did a great job with these characters. </span></span><br />
<i>Favorite Character-</i> Virgil. I loved him, he was so cute!<br />
<i>Least Favorite Character- </i>Arden. She was a rude person, and I don't like rude people!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Writing- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I loved Jessica's writing in this, and I'm interested in reading more by her. I loved the diary posts and how she created Andi and all the other characters. There were so many quotes that I loved and were blown away from. This quote was one I just didn't know what to feel, it's so <i>real. </i></span></span><br />
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Makes you emotional, right? There were so many more that I loved and felt something for, but they would take up too much room. Fabulous writing from Jennifer Donnelly, I loved it.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Cover- </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">The cover is so pretty and goes along with the story well. And, the red ribbon? You'll get it after you read the book. The title fits very well with the plot, I really like it. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">So, I would recommend this to all readers, even if you don't like historical fiction, because you definitely would like this one. I wasn't a big fan of historical fiction, until I read this book, and now I'm willing to read more. This book should get more hype than it does, because it is an amazing book. Everyone should check this story out! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First Sentence: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Those who can, do. Those who can't deejay. </span></span></i></b></span></span><br />
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1. Plot- 20 out of 20 points.<br />
2. Characters- 14 out of 15 points.<br />
3. Writing- 20 out of 20 points.<br />
4. Creativity- 15 out of 15 points.<br />
5. Originality- 10 out of 10 points.<br />
6. Ending- 15 out of 15 points.<br />
7. Cover- 5 out of 5 points.<br />
Equals: 99! <b>97-100 is an A+</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfIpc6w0z58wdor1ajVoccI2vBKJCxf0LETitzMNXSIlaNEZxZq5sjKXRkQfTRDAb-EGsT-PF3KdQd5-7inQS2Fi90VAm4Le3hTzEPI8YQ5vP0UCPqt1eZwGBjVxdAXVAlZ-QN9F6uWHp/s1600/WhiteBackground_Adjustable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfIpc6w0z58wdor1ajVoccI2vBKJCxf0LETitzMNXSIlaNEZxZq5sjKXRkQfTRDAb-EGsT-PF3KdQd5-7inQS2Fi90VAm4Le3hTzEPI8YQ5vP0UCPqt1eZwGBjVxdAXVAlZ-QN9F6uWHp/s200/WhiteBackground_Adjustable.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><br />
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Violence<br />
<s>Mild</s>/Excessive Cursing<br />
Mild/<s>Excessive</s> Sexual Content<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLeTQl6vollO80G-YDRSCjalZSiS18D-_Z15OCAuiGUvFcHCnGW_Ii2NrSEwmmycfKctnqExjrTV8HjAqLir4S0KkyL2_m0SH_RT-NQvbPjsVKYHyHG-w2PK_crvkmb1GETgiCvQhywtK/s1600/WhiteBackground_Adjustablej.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLeTQl6vollO80G-YDRSCjalZSiS18D-_Z15OCAuiGUvFcHCnGW_Ii2NrSEwmmycfKctnqExjrTV8HjAqLir4S0KkyL2_m0SH_RT-NQvbPjsVKYHyHG-w2PK_crvkmb1GETgiCvQhywtK/s200/WhiteBackground_Adjustablej.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHS_THsr_pWUycNNEsItboT-e-Nw__X8o-NOhZKOKGK4tcTe_2FMAmTgKAQPZBFNE1UGsismVpdYTBd_PsytKhEtGDq7xBIPauP7gUTVZQOfdrM5WVJSWI7egDlglvvewFue_IOek8sTz/s1600/19082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHS_THsr_pWUycNNEsItboT-e-Nw__X8o-NOhZKOKGK4tcTe_2FMAmTgKAQPZBFNE1UGsismVpdYTBd_PsytKhEtGDq7xBIPauP7gUTVZQOfdrM5WVJSWI7egDlglvvewFue_IOek8sTz/s200/19082.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>Jennifer Donnelly is the author of two adult novels, <i>The Tea Rose </i>and <i>The Winter Rose, </i>as well as the young adult novel <i>A Northern Light,</i> winner of Britain's Carnegie Medal, the <i>L.A. Times </i>Book Prize for Young Adult Literature, and a Michael L. Printz Honor Award. She lives in New York's Hudson Valley.<br />
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Visit her website: <a href="http://jenniferdonnelly.com/">http://jenniferdonnelly.com/</a><br />
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Check out the book at <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7558747-revolution">Goodreads</a><br />
Buy this book at: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Revolution-Jennifer-Donnelly/dp/0385737645/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310091262&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0385737637">Borders </a>| <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revolution-jennifer-donnelly/1019532905?ean=9780385737630&itm=4&usri=revolution">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385737630/jennifer-donnelly/revolution">IndieBound</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri2kIqCm0mSaCRtmdhjJMWb_dsbdJYfm7ypowNRT-cKDF8wBojdJIkV_aIOFDjPVrE-uJSxYAZefNVqf0CnOivAIU0hVNhMskBklT-BSmr4DLh3vQ0VAPuGoOirz_F0azk34wS9Yis6o7/s1600/kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri2kIqCm0mSaCRtmdhjJMWb_dsbdJYfm7ypowNRT-cKDF8wBojdJIkV_aIOFDjPVrE-uJSxYAZefNVqf0CnOivAIU0hVNhMskBklT-BSmr4DLh3vQ0VAPuGoOirz_F0azk34wS9Yis6o7/s200/kristen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i><br />
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</i></span></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-59004528605568526132011-07-06T17:53:00.000-04:002011-07-06T17:53:07.211-04:00Waiting on Wednesday {3}Waiting on Wednesday is a meme started by Jill over at <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>. This week I really can't wait for:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLi5Zy0eOc5L3F8YGz0QEvPehyW8wQ9uatPnWIzxmj5qoDIe7qN5g6oSmLxSD3AQWFyr2ipFo2vQwt3R2KHnWdgUB74LVaImusmUhO_B3Xhd82dpR16-aUH8yhn2kZYqsyuZ6EmX4Ja9W/s1600/10429005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLi5Zy0eOc5L3F8YGz0QEvPehyW8wQ9uatPnWIzxmj5qoDIe7qN5g6oSmLxSD3AQWFyr2ipFo2vQwt3R2KHnWdgUB74LVaImusmUhO_B3Xhd82dpR16-aUH8yhn2kZYqsyuZ6EmX4Ja9W/s200/10429005.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><i>The Beginning of After </i>by Jennifer Castle<br />
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This book looks great, and I can't wait until it is released! Has anyone read this book yet? If yes, what did you think of it?<br />
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Leave your Waiting on Wednesday link in a comment and I will check it out! Have a great day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTF6QWL4we9S6F3amw2fHjfSabgjc3Qo8sibncPN5n5D7VkAE0lQp1ZOYQFHgMjlmmppqVzE_r8XGubi3nRGexeFJL3kPwBMdFkvw3QzbzJUR9QJx5vFCjzgttK3vPCPI5KRih6lJ8obwV/s1600/kristen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTF6QWL4we9S6F3amw2fHjfSabgjc3Qo8sibncPN5n5D7VkAE0lQp1ZOYQFHgMjlmmppqVzE_r8XGubi3nRGexeFJL3kPwBMdFkvw3QzbzJUR9QJx5vFCjzgttK3vPCPI5KRih6lJ8obwV/s200/kristen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257439119743610642.post-83809411420629952082011-07-05T04:29:00.001-04:002011-07-05T04:40:33.479-04:00Teaser Tuesday (1)This is my first time doing the meme hosted over at <a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/">Should Be Reading</a>. I'm currently reading Revolution by Jessica Donnelly, and it is really good so far. I'm hoping I finish it soon, and have a review up!<br />
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All you have to do for Teaser Tuesdays are this:<br />
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<ul style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #3366ff; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Grab your current read</span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-color: rgba(128, 128, 128, 0.496094); border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #3366ff; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Open to a random page</span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-color: rgba(128, 128, 128, 0.496094); border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #3366ff; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page</span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-color: rgba(128, 128, 128, 0.496094); border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: red; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> (</span><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!</span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">)</span></span></li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-color: rgba(128, 128, 128, 0.496094); border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #3366ff; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Share the </span><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">title & author</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!</span></span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQZluSaL8qNOAPkC3b1p7NCjgd5NK6rP0OQ_YeR0UsWVNddkeXNoNYAYGNcXhwFOc9EB22HwNDMh3TdZtP55D5lRCM8GnBBikaUy-qFbPyFRBh3Y3bLjycIVb24IiCoVzPKSjXl8r6gcg/s1600/rev+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQZluSaL8qNOAPkC3b1p7NCjgd5NK6rP0OQ_YeR0UsWVNddkeXNoNYAYGNcXhwFOc9EB22HwNDMh3TdZtP55D5lRCM8GnBBikaUy-qFbPyFRBh3Y3bLjycIVb24IiCoVzPKSjXl8r6gcg/s200/rev+cover.jpg" width="135" /></a>"I'm wishing that he could see that music lives. Forever. That it's stronger than death. Stronger than time. And that its strength holds you together when nothing else can."--p. 87 of Revolution<br />
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I love that quote from this novel! I'm really enjoying Revolution right now, and I can't wait to finish it! I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July and a good long weekend!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"> </div>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16817728676305953208noreply@blogger.com2