Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Teaser Tuesday #9



Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share a couple of “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 Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

 I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore


"I want to fight. I hunger for a Mogadorian to saunter in the backyard so that I may finally seek revenge."


~ p. 240

Monday, November 29, 2010

Book Review: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
Publishing Date: October 2008
Length: 374 pages
Genre: YA, fantasy 

5/5 ***** The Hunger Games- a fast-paced, action-packed novel that doesn’t let you catch your breath for a single second. Go out get it and get ready to play, this is a must read! 


  
~ The Author ~

Since 1991, Suzanne Collins has been busy writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. For preschool viewers, she penned multiple stories for the Emmy-nominated Little Bear and Oswald. She also co-wrote the critically acclaimed Rankin/Bass Christmas special, Santa, Baby! Most recently she was the Head Writer for Scholastic Entertainment’s Clifford’s Puppy Days.

While working on a Kids WB show called Generation O! she met children’s author James Proimos, who talked her into giving children’s books a try.
Thinking one day about Alice in Wonderland, she was struck by how pastoral the setting must seem to kids who, like her own, lived in urban surroundings. In

New York City, you’re much more likely to fall down a manhole than a rabbit hole and, if you do, you’re not going to find a tea party. What you might find...? Well, that’s the story of Gregor the Overlander, the first book in her five-part series, The Underland Chronicles.

Suzanne also has a rhyming picture book illustrated by Mike Lester entitled When Charlie McButton Lost Power.
She currently lives in Connecticut with her family and a pair of feral kittens they adopted from their backyard.

The books she is most successful for in teenage eyes are the Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. These books have won several awards, including the GA Peach Award.

Author profile by Goodreads 

For further information check out http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

~ The Novel ~

The Hunger Games, released October 2008, is the first novel in The Hunger Games trilogy. Followed by Catching Fire in September 2009 and Mockingjay in September 2010, this series became a huge bestseller.

~ The Story ~

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Summary by Goodreads 

~ The Review ~

The story is told from Katniss’ point of view who has lived through many losses and deprivations, always knowing about the omnipresent danger of death. Her clear line of thoughts and rational analysis of situations are combined with flashbacks and personal memories. When it comes to the ones she loves, Katniss can’t but fight what makes her the touch heroine we always wanted to read about. She is a very likeable protagonist because she is wild, loyal and true to her heart.
Our male protagonist Peeta, a quiet and inconspicuous character in the beginning, grows to new strengths in the arena.

It is Katniss’ physical strength and her rational analysis and Peeta’s empathy and big heart that make them a perfect team. I really enjoyed reading about Katniss and Peeta growing into a team while the other districts mostly fighting on their own, never trusting anyone. We are bound to district twelve, the home of our protagonists Peeta and Katniss and although we like them so much together, we already know there will only be one winner. One would think there is not a single second to give love room in an arena of death, but what would you say if allowing love and emotions was the only way to survive?

The idea of a world that is dominated by a small group of superiors, playing with the life of humans so easily is unbelievably cruel and abhorrent. Suzanne Collins created a dystopian novel that doesn’t let you rest till the last page is turned, like you were in a race to win the Hunger Games yourself, never able to stop.

Despite its cruelty the Hunger Games appear as a fantastic idea and major element to produce a new kind of YA novel.
The thrill of the enemies getting closer, never knowing their exact position, always hiding, fighting supernatural powers and feeling the need to survive that must run through our protagonist, seems to be passed on to me and  I couldn’t wait to know what happens next.

The Hunger Games is told from a first person narrator and is written in present tense. I usually prefer stories written in past tense, but for The Hunger Games present tense works perfectly.  The applied present tense expresses the unstoppability of current events. Like Katniss herself, I never knew what to expect next. A fight of life or death is best told from the present tense, the moment it’s happening to realize its significance and danger at the same time.
So beside the overall more than thrilling storyline, this element of writing style contributes to establishing a highly successful novel.

24 tributes, 12 districts, 2 lovers and only 1 victor. In a fight of life or death, there is no way to slow down. The Hunger Games had me up all night.

~ We love this book because… ~

1) of a friend and a gift in form of a small golden pin
2) it is like a big game itself, a game as exciting and adventurous as no other before it
3) of the valiant behaviour of a young girl
4) a single song can shut out the loudest sounds of war
5) we are fans of berries 

~ The Verdict ~

Everybody enjoys a game with a good bet, so how could you resist a game as grand as The Hunger Games, a game with the most precious bet there could be- your life? Don’t hesitate and join Katniss and Peeta in their battle against death and human nature itself! Start reading The Hunger Games and feel the adrenaline rushing through your body in unit with this electrifying novel! 

New Releases Nov 29th – Dec 5th

Let's have a look at the wonderful books being released this week!

 
Nov 30th

Matched by Ally Condie (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Dec 1st
 
Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler (Goodreads ~ Amazon)
Salting Roses by Lorelle Marinello Paperback (Goodreads ~ Amazon)
Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings by Helene Boudreau Paperback (Goodreads ~ Amazon)
 Dec 2nd
 
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (Goodreads ~ Amazon)
You Against Me by Jenny Downham (Goodreads ~ Amazon Kindle Edition)



I can't wait to read Matched by Ally Condie! Have you already read any of these new books?

Sunday, November 28, 2010

In My Mailbox #9



The idea of In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.


 ~ In MY Mailbox ~ 

E-ARCs I got via netGalley:  

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

Courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers

Beware of a kiss under the full moon. It will change your life forever.
Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves—Legend's Run is famous for them. She's used to everything in the small town until Brandon Maddox moves to Legend's Run and Celeste finds herself immediately drawn to the handsome new student. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight. Her best friends may never forgive her if she gives up her perfect boyfriend, Nash, for Brandon, who's from the wrong side of town. But she can't deny her attraction or the strong pull he has on her. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run.

Summary by Goodreads

Purchased by me:

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I finally got my copy, couldn't resist anymore after watching the very good movie trailers for I Am Number Four!
 
Nine teenagers and their guardians are hiding on Earth … protected by a charm that means they can only be killed in numeric order, three are already dead. John Smith is Number Four. And his mortal enemies, the Mogadorian, are hunting him down. The only way to keep off radar is to keep moving, never staying in one place for long. Finally in the firing line, all he can do is adopt the guise of a student and pray his unusual gifts – his legacies home; Planet Lorien – stay hidden long enough for him to settle into this new community. But others seem to sense his otherness and when small-town life sucks him into its intrigues, it’s only a matter of time before his true nature is revealed. And that means there’s no space for love, friendship or a future if it means protecting not only himself, but the other five … 
Summary by Goodreads 

Won:

I won this one last week but forgot to feature it in my post. Thanks to Mary @ http://www.sparklingreviews.com/ for sending me this e-book!

Origins ( The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #1) by L.J. Smith

I love The Vampire Diaries tv show and can't wait to start the story of Stefan!

Set during the Civil War, against a backdrop of grand estates, unimaginable riches, and deadly secrets, three teenagers in Mystic Falls, Virginia enter a torrid love triangle that will span eternity.
Brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore are inseparable until they meet Katherine, a stunning, mysterious woman who turns their world upside down. Siblings turned rivals, the Salvatores compete for Katherine's affection, only to discover that her sumptuous silk dresses and glittering gems hide a terrible secret: Katherine is a vampire. And she is intent on turning them into vampires so they can live together-forever.

Summary by Goodreads


Saturday, November 27, 2010

On My Wishlist #8


On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own On My Wishlist post. If you want to know more click HERE.

~ On MY wishlist ~

There are numerous books I would love to read, so that my wishlist should be called wishbook instead! But I want to present only two of those numerous books on my Wishlist so I've got many many more weeks of wishlists and great books to present :) 

Here is #1 


Nightshade by Andrea Cremer


Nightshade sounds like the start of a fantastic new fantasy series!

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Summary by Goodreads 



And #2 

 Uglies by Scott Westerfeld


Playing on every teen’s passionate desire to look as good as everybody else, Scott Westerfeld (Midnighters) projects a future world in which a compulsory operation at sixteen wipes out physical differences and makes everyone pretty by conforming to an ideal standard of beauty. The "New Pretties" are then free to play and party, while the younger "Uglies" look on enviously and spend the time before their own transformations in plotting mischievous tricks against their elders. Tally Youngblood is one of the most daring of the Uglies, and her imaginative tricks have gotten her in trouble with the menacing department of Special Circumstances. She has yearned to be pretty, but since her best friend Shay ran away to the rumored rebel settlement of recalcitrant Uglies called The Smoke, Tally has been troubled. The authorities give her an impossible choice: either she follows Shay’s cryptic directions to The Smoke with the purpose of betraying the rebels, or she will never be allowed to become pretty. Hoping to rescue Shay, Tally sets off on the dangerous journey as a spy. But after finally reaching The Smoke she has a change of heart when her new lover David reveals to her the sinister secret behind becoming pretty. 

Summary by Goodreads

Book Review: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Title: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publishing Date: October 2010
Length: 260 pages
Genre: YA, Romance

4/5 **** Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares- A light comedy about books, holiday spirit, books, finding love and more books. A fantastic holiday read to warm your heart!  


 
~ The Authors ~

Rachel Cohn grew up in the D.C. area and graduated from Barnard College with a B.A. in Political Science. She has written many YA novels, including two that she cowrote with her friend and colleague David Levithan. She lives and writes (when she's not reading other people's books, organizing her music library or looking for the best cappuccino) in New York City.

Author profile by Goodreads 

David Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.

Author profile by Goodreads 


~ The Novel ~

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written three books together, the first books being Nick Norah’s Infinite Playlist and Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List. Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares was published October 2010. David wrote Dash’s chapters and Rachel wrote Lily’s chapters. Although they did not pass the chapters back and forth in a red Moleskine notebook, they did email them to each other without planning anything out beforehand. That’s the way they work.

~ The Story ~

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Summary by Goodreads 

~ The Review ~

The story switches between Dash's and Lily’s point of view. Each chapter gives entertaining and insightful excursions into both of their lives and emotions. Rachel Cohn wrote Lily’s and David Levithan Dash’s chapters and although they hadn’t worked out a storyline beforehand and just passed each new written chapter on to the other so he could continue writing, the writing style doesn’t appear incoherent or cut up.

Rachel’s and David’s individual writing style, their own ideas of a good joke or a meaningful quote fits the development of our protagonists, Dash and Lily, perfectly. Dash is a down-to-earth book lover whose best method to survive Christmas festivities is ignorance. Lily, on the other hand appears as a little angel, that can’t wait to spread Christmas spirit everywhere. The very contrary opinions about Christmas and also very different character traits contribute to a lively dialogue and cause anticipation.
Secondary characters like family members, friends or curious strangers complete the picture of a rich character ensemble.

We’ve got wonderful quotations of famous authors, hilarious dares and two profound protagonists that want to spend their Christmas holidays together with us. Some would say Dash & Lily’s story is set or begins in the Strand Bookstore, I would say in heaven. As a booklover one has to love this book even more just because of its setting and various relations to books.

Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares always circles around the little red notebook and its exchange between Dash and Lily. I consider this little red notebook as a fantastic idea to create a dynamic writing style and storyline but above all it stands for so much more than having new adventures, accepting hilarious dares or getting the chance to fall in love. This little red notebook and so Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares is about writing your own story, creating your life as exciting and unique as you like it, never hesitating to write down a new so far unknown phrase.

Have you bought your little red notebook and started daring yet? If the answer is no, then Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares is the right choice to get introduced to the trendiest way of finding new companions and fellow book lovers over the holidays or any other time of the year. 

~ We love this book because… ~

1) of the miracles a certain red notebook performed
2) of a paradise illuminated by eighteen miles of heavenly words
3) Santa has never been so cosy before
4) we can vividly image being the next crimson alert victim of the WashingtonSquareMommies
5) of its delightful oxfordian excurses

~ The Verdict ~

Dash and Lily is an adorable holiday read and I fear I don’t have to dare you to put this novel up but put it down again!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Follow Friday #8


Follow Friday is a meme hosted by Parajunkee, where people spread the book love by following around the blogosphere!



Happy Thanksgiving :)


To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
  1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
  2. Follow our Featured Bloggers
  3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
  4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
  5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
  6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
  7. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!  
  8. If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

ReCOVERy Friday #8


ReCOVERy Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Miss Page-Turner's City of Books and as the title suggests, I want you to recover from a busy week of working, studying, relaxing, as you like it. This meme should be fun for everyone and just a nice light start into our weekend : )

This is how it works:

1)      Think of a book cover you like (e.g. because of its cover art, model, author, title etc.) Doesn’t matter if it’s an old or new one, you just have to enjoy it!
2)      Create a ReCOVERy Friday post for your blog and post it with the whole wonderful weekend ahead ( I don’t mind if you post it one or two days later, because you lack of time)
3)      Maybe add some sentences and explain why you like the cover…
4)      Then add your ReCOVERy Friday post to Mr. Linky below so everyone can enjoy it
5)      Check out other  ReCOVERy Friday posts if you like to compare them, chat about them, get inspiration and just have fun!


My ReCOVERy Friday choice:

Paper covers rock by Jenny Hubbard

This cover is no photoshop artwork, which is the reason why I like it so much. It's simplicity that attrackts me this week. The facial expression of our male cover model is so strong I could stare at him for minutes without getting bored. I think of the soft trees in the background as the paper which cover the strong rock, the boy, in the foreground.
How do you like my ReCOVERy Friday choice, fascinating simplicity or unimaginative boredom? And which  is your favourite cover this week?

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Coveresque feat. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (US vs. UK vs. German)

Today I only do another coveresque post, because my day was just so packed with other non-blogger stuff... good and fun non-blogger stuff, my "step" uncle got married:) I am going to post my review of Dash &Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan tomorrow!

Tell me, which Shiver cover do you like best?

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday #7


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


What I am waiting for on this Wednesday: Timeless by Alexandra Monir ( January 11th 2011) 

Timeless is number one on my 2011 Debut Author Challenge list, because it sounds like the perfect mix of romance, tragedy and magic. I wonder if there is a possibility for the young man to travel to Michele or if it's just a one-way-diary...

When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance. Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.

Summary by Goodreads 

What's your wait? 

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Teaser Tuesday #8



Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share a couple of “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 Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan


"And right away you know- this is the girl in your head, sleeping or dancing or singing in front of you. Yes, girls want their princes, but boys want their princesses just as much."


~ p. 131

Monday, November 22, 2010

Book Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand (ARC)

Title: Unearthly
Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publishing Date: January 4th 2011
Length: 448 pages
E-ARC: Courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers
Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal romance

4/5 **** An unearthly good debut novel! Unearthly is a natural and funny novel to enlighten your day! 


~ The Author ~

Cynthia Hand grew up in southeast Idaho (very near the Wyoming border). Currently she lives in southern California with her husband and son. She teaches courses in creative writing at Pepperdine University.
Author profile by Goodreads 

For further information check out http://www.cynthiahand.blogspot.com/

~ The Novel ~

Unearthly, Cynthia Hand’s debut YA novel, will be published by HarperTeen in January 2011. Cynthia Hand announced a sequel to Unearthly a few weeks ago.

~ The Story ~

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees. . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Summary by Goodreads

~ The Review ~

The first chapter of Unearthly introduces us to Clara Gardner, her family and their supernatural heritage of being angel-bloods. At the moment there are many angel-themed YA novels, but Unearthly shows up with many new ideas and individually interesting characters.

Every angel-blood has a purpose on earth that needs to be fulfilled so that the cosmic order remains intact. I like the idea of having a special purpose in life, because it adds a very spiritual and beautiful meaning to this novel.

Clara has a purpose, a new residence and no time for other affairs… actually. There are two boys, one purpose and three possible hearts to be broken. On the one hand is godlike beautiful Christian Prescott and Tucker Avery, raw and charming cowboy on the other. The two boys can’t be more different so that I really enjoyed their also very different relationships with Clara. A captivating love triangle develops around Clara, Christian and Tucker and Clara finds herself drawn between her feelings and destiny. The emotions and feelings expressed in this novel do not seem shallow or insignificant on one single page, they are full of truth. But who does Clara truly love and how could she ever fight heaven?

The romance plot and the further exploration of Clara’s purpose are fastened up by a mysterious enemy, the Black Wings. An inevitable battle between heaven and hell becomes apparent. There are many secrets, especially kept by Clara’s mother which support the overall mystery character and rise the tension. We’ve got some clues but no complete picture of the whole character of an angel blood. Cynthia Hand has left a great potential for possible plot developments in the sequel to Unearthly.

Hand’s writing style is youthful and flowing. Some references to popular culture give the novel a fresh and funny touch, although the angel motive is probably as old as time.

The plot has its up’s and down’s and I wouldn’t be pleased with the end of Unearthly if I didn’t know that a sequel is going to be published. It’s such a long wait till the sequel now, but it will definitely be worth it!

~ We love this book because… ~

1) we love creative birthday presents
2) we love the rural charm of its setting
3) we want to have our own Jumping Tree
4) a simple history lesson can be so much fun
5) everyone has a purpose in life

~ The Verdict ~

Glorious novel about a young angel blood searching for her place in world or even outer world. Unearthly will find a comfortable place on my shelf, on yours, too? 

Thanks to netgalley for their fantastic service and HarperCollins Publishers for allowing me access to the net galley of Unearthly.

New Releases Nov 22nd - Nov 28th

Let's have a look at the wonderful books being released this week!




Nov 23rd

Invisible Things by Jenny Davidson (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

When the stars go blue: A Novel by Caridad Ferrer (Goodreads ~ Amazon)
     
Nov 25th

Wicked Woods by Kailin Gow (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Nov 28th

Inconvenient by Margie Gelbwasser (Goodreads ~ Amazon)
  

Sunday, November 21, 2010

New Layout #2

It's getting cold outside and I am already in my super happy holiday mood so I couldn't resist to create a holiday themed layout. I still need to change some buttons and sidebar pictures, but that has to wait till morning. Let me know how you like my new layout, always happy about feedback :) Did you like the other pink layout with flowers better or do you think the blue winter layout is just the right for now?

xoxo
Sarah aka Miss Page-Turner

PS: I am currently planning a Holiday Giveaway, which is going to start right after my 100 Follower Giveaway ends. One lucky winner will get to choose1 book out of 5 to pre-order (yes, the prize will be a 2011 release novel). Looking forward to lots of holiday fun with you!

2011 Debut Author Challenge

It's still November 2010, exams and New Years Eve trip to London ahead. But I can't wait for the year 2011 to finally start. There are so many great new debut novel releases and the 2011 Debut Author Challenge hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren


~ The Challenge ~
  • The objective of the DAC is to read at least twelve novels from Young Adult or Middle Grade Authors. While twelve is the minimum there is no maximum limit! I encourage readers who can read more than twelve to do so!
  • Anyone can join. You don't have to be a blogger, and you don't have to live in the United States. 
  • You do not have to have an blog written in English to participate. 
  •  You can join at anytime. The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

~ The Books ~
  • Books must be a Young Adult or Middle Grade novel.
  • This must be the authors debut with a release date in 2011
  • If an author has a previous novel published under adult fiction/nonfiction or children's fiction/nonfiction, they can still qualify for the challenge if they are releasing their YA or MG debut.

~ More challenge guidelines ~

  • Novels must be read between January 1, 2011- December 31, 2011. That means, those of you that have read arc forms of the titles early will not be able to count those toward your challenge totals. 
  • You can use debuts from other countries, but the novel cannot be previously released in your county. (I explain this a little bit more in the FAQ section, if you want to check that out!)

~ 2011 debut novels I plan to read ~

* Timeless by Alexandra Monir
*  Across the Universe by Beth Revis
* The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
* Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
* The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
* Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley
* Wither by Lauren DeStefano
* Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
* Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
* Die for Me by Amy Plum
* Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
* Entwinded by Heather Dixon

more to come.... 










~ 2011 debut novels I've already read ~

* Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

In My Mailbox #8



The idea of In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.


 ~ In MY Mailbox ~ 

E-ARCs I got via netGalley:  

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa  

Courtesy of Harlequin

Haven't even read the first two novels in this series but should do that very very soon!

My name is Meaghan Chase.I thought it was over.That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stay by my side. Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.This time, there will be no turning back.


Summary by Goodreads

Purchased by me:

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Was on top of my wishlist now on top of my nightstand.

“I’ve left some clues for you.If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?
Summary by Goodreads

Won:

Yeah, really! I won something, yay! A limited edition bookmark of The Hunger Games and I am the only person in Germany who has this. A huge thanks to http://thehoborg.blogspot.com/