The Sky Always Hears Me - Kirstin Cronn-Mills

Monday, May 31, 2010
I borrow the car again from Grandma and drive out to my hill. I scream I AM A BIG FAT ZERO, plus I AM SWEARING OFF KISSING FOREVER, and I HATE BEING A SECRET SEX FIEND, about sixteen times each. Then I sit very still and watch a hawk swirl over the fields. I have to get a new life before I go crazy.

Sixteen-year-old Morgan lives in a hick town. Her mom was killed in a car accident when she was two, her dad drinks, and her stepmom is a non-entity. Her boyfriend Derek is boring and she can't stop staring at her coworker Rob's cute butt. Then there's the kiss she shared with her neighbor Tessa . . . But when Morgan discovers a devastating secret about the one person she completely trusted, her entire world crashes and she must redefine her life and herself.

I loved this book - the writing was amazing and Morgan is such a wonderful character! I truly fell in love with her and was upset when the novel ended. The chapters are short and it makes it much easier to be able to stop, even when I didn't want to. I thought it was so neat how there was a fortune from a real place at the beginning of each chapter. I loved reading Morgan's little fortunes she wrote to herself because she's obsessed with them.

This is a beautifully written novel and it was a complete joy to read. I loved it and highly recommend it for someone who is looking for a self discovery novel. Morgan is brutally honest with herself and even though she sounds like a hardass sometimes, she's still so innocent and open to the world.

*****

Project 17 - Laurie Faria Stolarz

Monday, May 24, 2010
High atop Hathorne Hill, near Boston, sits Danvers State Hospital. Built in 1878 and closed in 1992, this abandoned mental institution is rumored to be the birthplace of the lobotomy. On the eve of the hospital's demolition, six teens break in to spend the night and film a movie about their experiences. For Derik, it's an opportunity to win a film making contest and save himself from a future of flipping burgers at his parents' diner. For the others, it's a chance to be on TV, or a night with no parents. But what starts as a dare quickly escalates into a nightmare. Behind the crumbling walls, down every dark passageway, and in each deserted room, they will unravel the mysteries of those who once lived there and the spirits who still might.

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I began this novel, but I have to say, it didn't impress me that much. Maybe it's because I'm a huge horror/psychological thriller person to begin with, but I just didn't find this book to be scary. Every time it was starting to get interesting, it turned out that it was one of the teens just pulling a prank or being stupid.

I think the idea of the novel was really good, and I think the novel would've been better through the patient's eyes, like what they had to go through. Almost like flashbacks? Another thing I didn't like much was the change of POV in almost every chapter. I found it to be confusing and a bit annoying. I think the novel would've been better just in Derrick's POV, since he's the one that had the idea in the first place. It was hard remembering all of their back stories.

Overall, it was an okay novel but definitely not what I thought it'd be considering all the good reviews. I didn't find any of the characters very memorable...they were pretty typical and a bit bland. I almost felt like the author had the idea of the Breakfast Club and tossed them into a haunted hospital. The writing was good, but I much prefer the Touch series over this.

***

A Match Made in High School - Kristin Walker

Sunday, May 23, 2010
When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can’t get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: Jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona’s long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer. Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.  

After hearing the rave reviews of this book from Kristi, I thought I needed to read this book. I picked it up and began reading, and really fell in love with the story and characters. I thought the idea of the book was genius on Kristin Walker's part, and I love the way she writes. I think we need to keep an eye on this author if this was just her first novel.

Even though I could guess who Fiona ended up with from the beginning, I was really happy that she didnt end up with the typical person most chick lit books write about. The writing was really good, and I found the chapters transitioned easily to the next. I really liked all of the characters too, all of them had distinct personalities and added a lot to the book. Sam was my favorite character - she was just too cute!

Definitely a good read and I laughed out loud so many times!

****

In My Mailbox (5/22/10)

Saturday, May 22, 2010
I finally made it down to Half Price Books this week! Hope you guys are having a good one.


Degrassi: Season One (guilty pleasure)
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee on cassette
The Den of Shadows Quartet - Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenny Han
Going Too Far - Jennifer Echols

The Mark by Jen Nadol

Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today. 

I had heard such mixed reviews about this novel that I was hesitant to like it in the beginning. As I continued on, I discovered that it was a good novel and had a very promising plot. I enjoyed Cassie as a character and I felt for her when she had to go through some of her turmoil, but the ending left me wanting more. Not because it was an addicting series, but because I felt some of the plot holes weren't closed enough.

I'm sure there's going to be another book in the works (at least I hope so), and I'm very excited to see where the author takes Cassie. I want to know more about Jack, and are we going to see more of Lucas? That should be an interesting love triangle if the author writes it as such! It was a fast read and I enjoyed the writing. Like I said before, the ending left some to be desired, but it was still a really good book and I'm glad I got it!

****

Waiting on Wednesday! (5/19/10)


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.
It's so new, it doesn't even have a cover yet! LOL! The book I'm talkin' about is Afterlife by Claudia Gray! It is the fourth (and maybe last?) book in the Evernight Academy series and I know I'm not the only one thirsty for more! My heart is still holding onto Balthazar but I'm not sure! Hourglass left us with SUCH a cliffhanger
Afterlife is due in March of 2011!
Monday, May 17, 2010
This is a weekly Meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Book I read this week:
  • Nothing! :(
Book I'm currently reading:
  • The Mark by Jen Nadol
Book I plan on reading:
  • A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker

Waiting on Wednesday (5/12/10)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hey guys! Sorry about the lack of entries this past weekend/week. I've been battling a cold and found out today that my Mom has a UTI, blood infection, and she's in renal failure. They have her on three sets of antibiotics instead of two and giving her fluids but it's still a scary time for us. If we could have your prayers/thoughts/anything, we'd appreciate it! This week's WoW is...


Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles
Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did-and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past-and a terrible secret: he wasn't the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise-and Maggie-forever.

When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can't deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and return to Paradise?  


Of course I had to put this one on my WoW! I loved the first one as well as PC, I just love the gritty way she writes and can't wait to hear about what happens next! I thought the ending od Leaving Paradise was SUCH a cliffhanger so I'm interested to see where she takes this one!
Released: September 1st, 2010

In My Mailbox (5/9/10)

Sunday, May 9, 2010
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren!

Sorry this is so late everyone! I was tempted not to post it but I didn't think I'd be doing another IMM for a while - I've got to stop buying books! LOL. I know it's horrible to say but it's true! I have so many I still need to read and I want to go to Florida this summer so I need to start saving! :D

Book:
Just Listen - Sarah Dessen (I've read it but want to collect all of Dessen's works!)

Movies:
Urban Legend
Knocked Up
Pursuit of Happyness
Save the Last Dance

Kind of a lame IMM this week...sorry guys! Oh, I also got the newest edition of Cosmo today. ;)

The Reckoning - Kelley Armstrong

Friday, May 7, 2010
Only two weeks ago, life was all too predictable. But that was before I saw my first ghost. Now, along with my supernatural friends Tori, Derek, and Simon, I’m on the run from the Edison Group, which genetically altered us as part of their sinister experiment. We’re hiding in a safe house that might not be as safe as it seems. We’ll be gone soon anyway, back to rescue those we’d left behind and to take out the Edison Group . . . or so we hope.

*sigh* I just adore this series. It has everything someone could want and more. I was excited about this book, but as I began reading I realized it was going to be better than my expectations. Kelley Armstrong completely surpassed the bar she set for herself and I love that about her writing.

I did feel that sometimes the whole threat of the Edison Group was empty, you didn't hear much about them until the end. I wasn't too much of a fan of the ending, minus the romantic couple I wanted to happen did. I didn't feel much closure in the series, but I think the author did that to give herself a break from writing? I'm not sure.

One thing I'm miffed about is the story between the main characters is over. The fourth book is called The Gathering and it's different characters in a new trilogy. I'm not a fan of that idea, since I really crave a bond with my characters and I feel like they're being taken away from me...especially Derek and Tori. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy the next book but I'm going to miss the original gang. Here's a snippet from Kelley about the fourth book:

"I've been calling the next book "Darkest Powers 4" because it's the same overall series. It's new characters, though, in a new trilogy. I do something similar with my adult books--one series with changing narrators. My publisher may decide to give it a new title, but until then, I'm calling it all the Darkest Powers series, with the 1st 3 being the Project Genesis trilogy and the next 3 being the Project Phoenix trilogy."

Overall, I still really enjoyed it and will just reread the other two books for my Derek fix. <3

*****

Hourglass - Claudia Gray

Thursday, May 6, 2010
After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school, Bianca and Lucas seek refuge with Black Cross, the elite group of vampire hunters led by Lucas’s stepfather. When Bianca’s close friend—the vampire Balthazar—is captured by Black Cross, Bianca knows she has to do whatever it takes to save him. But at what cost?  

I thought this book was good, however it didn't match up to Stargazer in my opinion. I'm a huge Balthazaar fan, so seeing Bianca with Lucas sort of ripped my insides out. ;) Some alliances were broken in this one and the ending was yet again, a cliffhanger! Holy moly. I felt like it should've been the end of the chapter and not the end of the book. I wish I could've read more about Evenight because I missed a lot of the characters.

I'm so happy the author didn't make 'something' happen between two of the characters because it would've ruined the spirit of the book in my opinion. It was still so good, and exciting, and of course I can't wait for Afterlife (the fourth) to come out.

Hourglass - Claudia Gray

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas take refuge with Black Cross, a fanatical group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at its hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend—the vampire Balthazar—hiding is no longer an option. Soon Bianca and Lucas are on the run again, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they travel, Bianca can't escape her destiny. Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything...but can it survive what's to come?

Hourglass ia the third installment in the Evernight Academy series by Claudia Gray. After finishing this book, I know that this series is one of my favorites of 2010. I wasn't a huge fan of the setting since I am team Balthazaar, but I still didn't mind Lucas. I know he was a good guy that did love Bianca, I just love what she can't have. ;) There was enough romance, suspence, and action to make it a great read. I found myself not being able to guess what would happen and I wanted to keep reading to find out. The ending annoyed me a bit, only because it was such a cliffhanger. I felt it was more of a chapter ending and not the ending of a novel.

The other thing that prevented it from getting a 5 star rating is I wish I would have gotten more of the side characters, especially Vic and Ranulf. They are such the odd couple but I adore them. I would like to make a slashfic of them someday ;). The other thing is I think towards the end, Bianca got the best of both worlds. *highlight to see spoiler* She turned into a wraith, but could be seen by Lucas too when touching the bracelet. She could still be with Lucas and not have the vampires hurt her. There was no loss in my opinion.

I finished the book in about two days, which is always a good sign for me! When I closed it, I wanted to hug it and throw it against the wall at the same time. I love authors that bring out such emotions in me! If you haven't read this one yet, I really suggest it, because it was a good read and I enjoyed every minute of it.

****

Waiting on Wednesday (5/5/10)

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Scheduled Release: September 28, 2010
I'll admit, I squeed when I found out this was coming out! It is a retelling of the story Sleeping Beauty, one of my favorite Disney movies (and Grimms Fairytale) and isn't the cover stunning? I stole borrowed this quote from the author...
present day New York, Rose wakes from a coma with no memory, and only her two aunts to care for her. But how long has she REALLY been asleep, and what secret...
 EE!

Teaser Tuesday! (5/4/10)

Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Should be Reading.

* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us 2 teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
His green eyes blazed, and he looked utterly wild. When he got like this, gave full rein to his hot temper, sometimes he scared even me. Hourglass page 122.

It's Monday! What are you reading? (05/03/10)

Monday, May 3, 2010
This is a weekly Meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

Book I read this week:
  • Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Book I'm currently reading:
  • Hourglass by Claudia Gra
Book I plan on reading:
  • The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
  • In My Mailbox (5/1/10)

    Saturday, May 1, 2010
    Wow, happy new month everyone! I can't believe it's already May...time has been flying hasn't it? I hope all of you have had a wonderful week and have been enjoying the warmer weather out there! Right now, reading on the porch is one of my favorite things to do! Anyway, on to the fun stuff! ;D

    In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren!

    The Awakening - Kelley Armstrong (already read it, but I have the 1st and 3rd, so I needed the 2nd)
    Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins (another I already read but wanted for my shelf)
    If I Stay - Gayle Forman (I love this cover much more than the hardback!)
    Beautiful Dead - Eden Maguire
    Dark Secrets 2 - Elizabeth Chandler *yay to BN putting it out early!*
    Graceling - Kirstin Cashore

    What did you get this week? :)

    Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

    Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

    Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

    In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

    I enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it. I think I was amping it up and I'm a bit disappointed that it fell short of my expectations. The story plot was good and the characters were relate-able, though I did find Lena a bit obnoxious at times. I thought the writing was excellent, but I don't think the ending fit the rest of the story. I saw a lot of open holes in the story that the authors didn't fully close in my opinion. As I said I liked the writing and the idea of a small Southern town and its secrets is always grounds for a great novel.

    I really liked Ethan's character, I think he's the type of guy every girl reader would want to fall in love with. He's kind and sensitive, but will fiercely protect Lena whenever he thought he could. Ethan is flawed, but not so much that its detrimental to the story. I liked the other characters in the story as well and even though they aren't in the story all the time, they make their impression on the reader.

    Overall, I thought the book was really good and I don't regret reading it, I just think I was hyping it up to be something it wasn't. If you get over the fact that 'OMG I'm holding Beautiful Creatures and reading it!!!' it is a good book and has great potential :) I am looking forward to the next book, Beautiful Darkness, which is due to release on October 26th, 2010!

    ****