The Big Game's On Read-a-thon

So, while the big game is on, I have a few plans - like hit up the library (Chris is stalking the guy who checked out Black Ops and wants to stake out the library), go out to lunch, and even see a movie. But, I also need to get some reading done! So, I figured with a nice lax morning, I can get some done. So, why not join in on Jenn's Bookshelf's readathon?

I'm currently reading So Shelly, so I'm hoping to wrap that up. Then I want to read By These Ten Bones by Clare Dunkle and another short book. . . maybe Hunger by Jackie Kessler. And if I happen to do some housework, I will continue listening to Bloody Jack on audio.


----Wrapping it up----

So, I only read a little. I finished the last of disc 1 of Bloody Jack on audio and finished off So Shelly as well. I also had to do a bunch of blog stuff, so I worked on posts for Monday-Thursday. :) But at least I read that much! :)

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In My Mailbox - February 6th

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

April Nichole has no books to report this week.

Kristen
For Review:




By These Ten Bones by Clare B. Dunkle
Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran
Shark Wars by Ernie Altbacker


Won:



All Just Glass by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (from Random Buzzers)

Mooched (from Book Mooch):



Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliott


Bought:



Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski (HC) - $1.80
Shade's Children by Garth Nix (PB) - $0.90
Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve (HC) - $5.38
Larklight by Philip Reeve (PB) - $0.45

All from Half Price Books! :)



Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (bought this at Borders with my Borders bucks, love this book and can't wait to meet Rachel in March!)

From the Library:



The Unusual Suspects (Sisters Grimm #2) by Michael Buckley
Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy (Bloody Jack, #1) by L.A. Meyer (audio version)
Glimmerglass by Jenna Black



Mirrorscape by Mike Wilks (audiobook)
This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All by Marilyn Johnson


What did you guys get this week? Have you read any of those books above? What did you think of them? :)

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Saturday Spotlight - Books and Thoughts and Adventures...Oh My...

Name: Patty
Nickname and/or blog name: Books and Thoughts and Adventures...Oh My...
Blog URL: http://patty-adaywithme.blogspot.com/

Tell me a bit about yourself.
Hmmm...I sort of just stopped teaching second grade a few years ago...suddenly...and now I just sort of write and read and blog and review. Young Adult Fantasy is a new genre for me...my dad died a year ago and right after that I began reading Allyson Noel's Immortal series...and from that point on I was hooked...I had to read Morganville Vampires straight through...I cannot not read every book in a series. I love to cook and collect cookbooks. I love to garden and bike and walk. I love to travel with my husband. I pretty much love just being happy. I was devastated when my dad died...he died two months after my mom...so I felt tragically orphaned for a while...but now I am sort of used to it. It helps me appreciate everything in life...especially life itself.

When and why did you start your blog?
I think I started it about 4 or 5 months ago. I was reading other blogs and just thought I might like doing it. And I really do. I think I have blogging figured out...people are reading and commenting...not enough, though and I am getting books from publishers that I love reading and I am getting letters from authors. I find all of this to be perfectly exciting and fulfilling. Next year I want to go to BEA and ALA...now that I know what they are.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?
It is about treasures that I find...clothes, bags, etc with lots of reviews and travel spots and thoughts thrown in...it is a hodge podge but it is comfy and I like it.

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?
I love dysfunction especially in women's fiction...I love YA Fantasy and mysteries...I love odd quirky books.

How do you find out about the books you read?
I have always read blogs and mags and sites about books. I always keep track of what is upcoming. I keep journals of books that I want to read. Now that I follow so many blogs it is even easier to know what is coming out soon.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?
Just do it...it is fun and you learn as you grow into it. Other bloggers are so helpful and sharing and I am not afraid to ask questions. The one thing I have yet to do is have a contest...I am a little afraid of them...but I am going to get brave about them soon!!!

If you're interested in being a spotlighted blogger, please fill out this form.

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The Library Corner

Wow, that first month of 2011 really flew by!

So, February is the month of love, and what better way to celebrate it, then with Celebrate Library Lovers' Month! :)


Now, due to weather I haven't set up my Valentine's display yet, but I will have to work on that next week (as tomorrow we will have 3 days worth of kids in one day.. somehow...miraculously..).

But I figured I'd share with you some of our cute valentine's day themed books. :)

Heart to Heart with Mallory by Laurie Friedman
Summary from Goodreads:
Valentine's Day is approaching and everyone seems to be crazed with love--except for Mallory. She's been invited to a Valentine's party next door and rumor has it that her next-door neighbor's dad is going to propose to her best friend's mom. What will it mean if her two best friends become brother and sister? Where will she fit in? And to make matters even more confusing, Mallory is receiving presents from a secret admirer. Who could it be? Mallory feels like everything is changing and she has lots of questions about life, love, and friendship. Since her two best friends are preoccupied, Mallory turns to her diary to find the answers.


The Story of Valentine's Day by Clyde Bulla
Summary from Goodreads:
Valentine's Day wasn't always a time for pink cupcakes and mushy greeting cards. Most scholars say this love-focused day leapt gleefully from the Roman holiday Lupercalia, a festival celebrated more than 2,000 years ago to mark the beginning of spring. After Christianity came to Rome, the Church decided to use this day to honor a priest instead. They renamed the holiday St. Valentine's Day, and scooted the date back to February 14. The Story of Valentine's Day, artfully illustrated by Susan Estelle Kwas, paints the history of this age-old occasion in a style and presentation that's as straight as a Cupid's arrow. Kids will learn about the mysterious character Valentine, how the tradition of the day spread to other countries, and when the very first valentine was written. If inspired, they can make their own old-fashioned valentines and sugar cookies with the instructions in the back!


Valentine's Day Disaster (Geronimo Stilton)
Summary from Goodreads:
It was Valentine's Day in New Mouse City, and I couldn't wait to celebrate! I had sent valentine cards to all my friends and family members. But when I opened my mailbox on the morning of February 14th, it was empty! Had everyone forgotten about me? Was I destined to spend Valentine's Day alone in my mousehole, sobbing, with only my pet fish to console me? It was starting to look like a true Valentine's Day disaster!



Babymouse: Heartbreaker by Jennifer L. and Matthew Holmes
Summary from Goodreads:
AHHH, VALENTINE'S DAY! Babymouse loves Valentines Day! A day for pink hearts! Flowers! Candy! School dances and romance . . . sweet romance! WAIT! Romance? Ew! And what's this about a school dance? Does that mean Babymouse needs a date? Uh-oh! Looks like this Valentine's Day may turn into a Valentine's dud! Will Babymouse go to the school dance? Will she get any Valentines? Will she find true love? Find out in . . . Babymouse: Heartbreaker!


Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine by Barbara Park
Summary from Goodreads:
It's a mushy gushy mystery!

Hurray! February 14—Valentime's Day, as June B. calls it—is just around the corner. Junie B. can't wait to see all the valentimes she'll get. But she never expected a big, mushy card from a secret admirer! Who is this secret mystery guy, anyway? Junie B. is determined to find out!


Love, Ruby Valentine by Laurie Friedman
Summary from Goodreads:
Deep in the heart of Heartland lives Ruby Valentine and her trusty parrot Lovebird. Ruby's favourite day of the year is Valentine's Day - she loves to say "I love you" and make cards and treats to deliver to everyone in her town. But Ruby is so exhausted that she sleeps right through the holiday. Although Ruby's worried that she'll have to wait a whole year to tell everyone that she loves them, Lovebird convinces her to deliver her treats and messages of love even though it's a day late. To Ruby's surprise, no one minds. In fact, they're thankful for her sweet wishes and kind heart, leaving Ruby with the realization that every day is the best day to say "I love you"!


Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane De Groat
Summary from Goodreads:
Gilbert has 15 blank Valentine cards just waiting for him to fill with nice Valentine poems for his classmates. But how can he write a nice poem for the boy who tweaked his nose or the girl who made fun of his glasses? Laugh as Gilbert's poison pen causes a classroom controversy, and listen as he learns a thing or two about forgiveness.




What are some of your favorite Valentine's Day books? Or your kids/students?

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Review: The Lonely Hearts Club

Title: The Lonely Hearts Club
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Pages: 285
Publisher:Point Books
Source: Night Owl Reviews
Rate:
Description: (from Goodreads) Love is all you need...or is it? Penny's about to find out in this wonderful debut.
Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows - no more. It's a personal choice...and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born; The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways...which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like....

April's Thoughts: I actually really enjoyed this. It is a really cute story. Although I did feel that the main premise of the story was something that I had seen before. Penny had been wronged by a guy and decided it was time to be done for them, at least for a while. Then she notices that she is getting a lot of attention from other guys. But, the overall story and the way that it is done, works. It is an empowering story.

I'm sure many girls no matter the age have felt like when a friend is in a relationship they tend to lose time with them. The Lonely Hearts Club shows girls coming together to be there for each other and grow as friends and not lose their own identity.

This is a story that I see myself reading again. I also look forward to seeing what else Eulberg has coming in the future.

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A $20 B&N Giftcard for only $10?

I'm all about a great deal and today, I learned about a fantastic one. Swagbucks is not only helping you get a $20 giftcard to Barnes and Noble for only $10, but they'll reward you with 315 swagbucks. That gets you closer to any prize you could want on their site.

Click here to take advantage of this awesome deal. Just click on their awesome slideshow of daily deals for more info.

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Link a Contest Thursday

Rules (or at least STRONG suggestions):
1. Name the item being given away (instead of the blog name)
2. Give the end date in () after the name
3. Make sure to link DIRECTLY to that contest post - if you don't know how to do this - just click on the title of the contest blog and it will give a direct URL you can use.
4. If you want to post a contest you've found, make sure it isn't already posted.

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Review: Shades of Atlantis

Author: Carol Oates
Publication Date: 2010
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Copy provided by: Teen Book Scene
Summary (via Goodreads):

Since the death of their parents, Triona Pryor and her brother, Ben, have lived with their aunt and uncle in Camden, Maine. Now in her senior year of high school, Triona loves her family and friends, but she has always felt that she didn't quite fit in...in Camden, or anywhere else.

Enter Caleb Wallace, the devilishly handsome man who has recently moved to Triona's small town. While their attraction to each other is instantaneous, it also proves to be dangerous...and deadly.

When tragedy strikes, Triona flees to London for solace and to start her life anew. It's there she discovers from an unlikely source that her family has been keeping secrets from her - secrets about not only her birthright, but her ultimate destiny as well. Armed with this knowledge, Triona finds herself thrown into a whole new world and into a battle to save the lives of everyone she loves.

Why I read this: When I read about this book, it piqued my interest. I was curious to see what type of paranormals this book would hold.

Plot: I have to be honest, I did not like the first half of this book. The reason is the same as my review yesterday - I'm getting sick of the formulaic love interest in paranormal YA novels. I struggled through the first half and happily found the second more full of action and background information including some interesting mythology. I devoured the second half of the book and it saved me from giving up completely on it.

Characters: They were okay. Regular lovey teens turn paranormal. I'm surprised their weren't more hints at the supernatural aspects until closer to the middle of the novel.

Relatability: Fans who adore the Evermore series will love this novel.

Cover Commentary: So-so, don't love it, don't hate it.

Rating: 3/5

Buy it on Amazon*
Find it on Goodreads

*If you buy this book on Amazon through the link above, I will receive a small portion of the sales.

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Review: Fallen Angel

Author: Heather Terrell
Publication Date: December 28, 2010
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Copy provided by: Teen Book Scene
Summary (via Goodreads):

Heaven-sent?

Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.

Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They’ve both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.

Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

Why I read this: I've been digging the new trend in angel paranormal romance novels and liked the look of this one.

Plot: Maybe it's just me lately, but romance-driven plots are starting to grind on my nerves. Fallen Angel has the same formula that has been bothering me of late. The one where the girl is instantly attracted to a new guy, then the new guy gives her attention, makes her think they're in love, does something stupid to make her mad or think he doesn't love her.. and so on. Then add in some paranormal fun. That's the part where I stop being annoyed and start loving when the bad guy shows up and starts the action. The second half of the book drew me back in as the plot turned more action-based with some more to look forward to. I don't want to reveal too much, but I do love a basic good vs. evil plot. :)

Characters: I'm not quite sure about the characters. Ellie is a bit naive but somehow doesn't think its weird her parents tell her to always keep a few hundred dollars on her (which is really helpful later) and not something I'd feel any teen does now a days. Then suddenly she really becomes resourceful. Michael is a little mixed up at first, but I have hopes for him. The one thing that really annoyed me is that they really were convinced they were vampires for most of the book. Given the title, it was a tad bit annoying.

Relatability: For those who loved Halo and the Beautiful Dead series, this is the book for those types of readers.

Cover Commentary: Very pretty. Definitely one I'd pick up at the bookstore and take a look at.

Rating: 3/5 Roses

Buy it on Amazon*
Find it on Goodreads



*If you buy this book on Amazon through the link above, I will receive a small portion of the sales.

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Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. It is to spotlight books that are soon to be released that we wished would be released sooner. Here are our picks.

Kristen's Pick:
Title: The Year We Were Famous
Author: Carole Estby Dagg
Expected Publication: April 4, 2011
Description: (from Goodreads) With their farm in Mica Creek, Washington facing foreclosure, seventeen-year-old Clara Estby and her mother, Helga, need to find a way to raise a lot of money in a short time--no easy feat for two women in 1896. Helga wants to tackle the problem with her usual loud and flashy style, while Clara, the oldest of the eight Estby children, favors a less showy approach. Though very different in personality, mother and daughter share a determination to save their family's home, so they come up with a plan to walk the 4,600 miles from Mica Creek to New York City--and if they can do it in only eight months, a New York City publisher has agreed to give them $10,000.

They set out with little more than ten dollars, two ponchos, and a gun. Along the way they go through sixteen pairs of shoes each, fend off snakes and highwaymen, and narrowly escape a flash flood. But they also meet the governor of every state they pass through and the wife of presidential-candidate, William Jennings Bryan, as well as shake hands with the new president himself, William McKinley. And with each new challenge they face, Clara and Helga come to rely on and respect one another for the very traits that make them so different.

Based on the true story of the author's great aunt and great-great grandmother, this is a fast-paced historical fiction adventure for 10-14 year-olds that sets the drama of Around the World In 80 Days against an American backdrop during the time of the suffragist movement, the 1896 presidential campaign, and the changing perception of "a woman's place" in society.


April's Pick:
Title: Lemniscate
Author: Jennifer Murgia
Expected Publication: March 21, 2011
Description: (from Goodreads) For Teagan, these last few months have been heaven on earth- especially now that Garreth, her boyfriend and guardian angel, is earthbound. But perhaps Garreth is becoming a little more human than either of them expected.

Now, Teagan must realize that her world is once again about to shift, as she questions the faith she held in others against those once considered enemies.

In this continuation of Angel Star, Lemniscate will draw you even deeper into the world of dark and light as Teagan realizes the angel who could possibly save them all is the one angel she feared the most.

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January in Review

So, the first month of 2011 has ended. It's been a busy month on the blog and February looks to be even busier. Check out what was going on this past month on the blog.

Reviews posted this month:
1. Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber
2. Pegasus by Robin McKinley
3. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
4. Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
5. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
6. The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitley
7. Hexbound by Chloe Neill
8-12. Middle Grade Shorts - The Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley, The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan, This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer, The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler, and Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
13. Nothing But Drama by Reshonda Tate Billingsly
14. Blessings in Disguise by Reshonda Tate Billingsly
15. Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney
16. Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
17. Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
18. Blood Prophecy by Stefan Petrucha
19. The Pace by Shelena Shorts
20. The Vyne: Mystery of the Hidden Ember by Daniel Walls
21. Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith
22. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
23. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner


Author Interviews/Guest posts this month:
Chloe Neill
Heather Terrell
Stephanie Dray
Daniel Walls

Other features posted:
Character interview with Quincie from Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith
The Library Corner - Graphic Novels
The Library Corner - Ordering
The Library Corner - The Mermaid's Mirror


Challenge Updates:
Kristen
Debut Author Challenge: 3 read
E-Book Reading Challenge: 0 read
YA Historical Fiction Challenge: 1 read
Off the Shelf Reading Challenge: 4 read
Audio Book Challenge: 0 read
Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge: 10 read
Bloody Jack Reading Challenge: 0 read (waiting on audio to come in)

April
Debut Author Challenge: read

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