It's Monday, What are you Reading?

This fantastic meme is now hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

Read this past week: (reviews should be up later this week)
Alex Van Helsing by Jason Henderson
Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brasharas
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Currently Reading:
All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall
Hearts At Stake by Alyx Harvey
Flyte by Angie Sage

Upcoming:
White Cat by Holly Black
Watersmeet by Ellen Jensen Abbott
The Castle of Galomar (New Brighton Archeological Society) by Mark Andrew Smith & Matthew Weldon

Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight

The Emperor's New Clothes: The Graphic Novel by Stephanie Peters
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz by Eric Shanower

and more.. hopefully.

Affiliate News!

Slimming down a bit. I'm going to announce the last few affiliates soon - I have all but one picked out and having a tough time deciding.

Jenn @ Book Crazy reviewed My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey, Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn, and Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson. She is also currently giving away 3 copies of Numbers - ends March 25th.

Natalie @ Mindful Musings reviewed From Dead to Worse (Sookie Stackhouse #8) by Charlaine Harris, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson #2) by Patricia Briggs, Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson #3) by Patricia Briggs, and Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson #4) by Patricia Briggs.

Kate @ The Neverending Shelf has decided to host some guest reviews by other bloggers. Kate also reviewed The Hollow by Jessica Verday, Alice in the Country of Hearts Vol. 1, In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth, Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis, and Merlin's Harp by Anne Crompton. She also announced a contest for a 16 x 20 Rolled Canvas Print - ends March 24th as well as a Readathon starting April 5th. Viva La Revolution!

Eleni @ La Femme Readers started a HUGE contest - it really is people - runs through April 15th. Not only that, she's doing an International contest for a copy of Jekyl Loves Hyde - ends April 8th. She also reviewed The Girl Made of Cool by Alan Fox and Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles, as well as interviewed Jennifer Brown.

WilowRaven @ Red House Books is currently holding a contest for Demigods and Monsters (Ends April 2nd) and mini-reviewed Eyes like Stars by Lisa Mantchev. She's been sick, so stop by her blog and leave her some get well blog love.

News:

• Wednesday night, I flew out of work to go to Holly Black's prepublication event for White Cat - hosted at Anderson's Bookshop. Holly was fantastic and even wore gloves throughout the evening (pertains to something important in her novel).
  
• I spent Thursday night in the company of the legendary Tamora Pierce. I was able to snag a seat at her table during NIU's 30th Annual Children's Conference. She was fantastic. I can't even tell you how on top of the world I felt eating dinner with her. Her talk was on how authors are pirates and how she stole from many different things in order to create her books.
• I also spent all day Friday at the conference as well and met some cool authors and learned a bit about science fiction for primary grades.
• I'm going to meet Carrie Ryan tomorrow and am VERY excited. :)

Pictures!

Holly Black signing

Holly Black and me

Tamora Pierce and me

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The Heart is not a Size

The Heart is not a Size
by Beth Kephart

Summary (from Goodreads):

Georgia knows what it means to keep secrets. She knows how to ignore things. She knows that some things are better left unsaid. . . . Or are they?

When Georgia and her best friend, Riley, travel along with nine other suburban Pennsylvania kids to Anapra, a squatters' village in the heat-flattened border city of Juarez, Mexico, secrets seem to percolate and threaten both a friendship and a life. Certainties unravel. Reality changes. And Georgia is left to figure out who she is outside the world she's always known.

Review:

Beth Kephart has once again created a novel that moves you. This book held a special place in my heart because of all the trips I took in high school to places that needed help - Vancouver, Minnesota, West Virginia, and more. Georgia takes a similar journey to Mexico to help her overcome her panic attacks. While there, she finds out she is not the only one with a secret. Her best friend has a weighty secret that Georgia can't seem to get her to talk about. Will Mexico make a difference or will it drive a stake between the two girls.

I loved the voice of this book. Georgia is a girl that wants so much to be perfect that she literally makes herself sick over it. Something a lot of kids and teens can relate to. And they way that Georgia decides she's going to solve her problem is so very much ingrained into her personality. She needs to get out, she needs to help someone else.

The situation in Mexico is really very sad and even though nothing dramatic happens in that aspect while they are there, just seeing the loss through the eyes of others is so moving. This truly is a book that will make you realize how much we take advantage of our good lives and how much more we could help.

5/5 Roses

I received this book via the Traveling ARC Tours.

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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Blogger Spotlight Form

Hi guys!

I decided since I've been a bit busy that I should create a form for my blogger spotlights so I don't end up emailing back and forth. So, if you're interested in being spotlighted on my blog, please fill out the form below.

I generally take newer bloggers, but this really is open to anyone. They run Saturdays and Sundays. I will still notify you via email when I have scheduled your blogger spotlight. Also, I added in a new part to the spotlights... a review - if you want me to post one up on the blog that day with your interview! :)


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Spring Break Reading Challenge Activity #3

Alright, so time to jump in on the fun activities. This is a bit about what I am reading currently.

The Mark by Jen Nadol

From Jen Nadol's website:
Sixteen-year old Cassie Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.

The one time she pointed it out taught her not to do it again, so Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until the day she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person's imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, always careful to hide her secret. How does the mark work? Why her?

Most importantly, if you know today is someone's last, should you tell?

So far, I'm loving the book. I'm only about 50 pages in but I'm hoping to finish it today. Then I'll read Numbers, which is a similar concept only a little more scary I've heard.

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Spring Break Reading Challenge

So, a little late finding out about this event and technically it's not my Spring Break from school, BUT I figure why the heck not. My night technology classes are done being taught and I only have one author event to attend this week. :) If you want to find out more, click the picture above.

So, my goals are:

1. Figure out a place to put most of my stacks of books.
2. Read 4-5 books and maybe a stack of graphic novels.
3. Catch up on reviews.

Three basic goals. Let's see if I can achieve any of these. :)

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In My Mailbox - March 14th

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

For Review:
Dark Life by Kat Falls

Won:
Various (The Touchstone Trilogy Series #1) by Steve Augarde (from Page Turners)
Smudge's Mark by Claudia Osmond (From goodreads and Claudia herself - two won!)
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (From Book, Books, Everywhere!)
Undead Much? mug (from Stacey Jay's blog - picture below)

Bought:
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely, #2) by Melissa Marr
Love Is Hell
The Awakening and The Struggle (The Vampire Diaries, #1-2) by L.J. Smith
The Fury and Dark Reunion (The Vampire Diaries, #3-4) by L.J. Smith
Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby
Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness, #1) by Tamora Pierce
In the Hand of the Goddess (Song of the Lioness, #2) by Tamora Pierce
First Test (Protector of the Small, #1) by Tamora Pierce
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Jill Thompson
Magic Trixie, Vol. 1 by Jill Thompson
Fade (Dream Catcher, #2) by Lisa McMann
The Looking Glass Wars (The Looking Glass Wars, #1) by Frank Beddor
Seeing Redd (The Looking Glass Wars, #2) by Frank Beddor
Eighth Grade Bites (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, #1) by Heather Brewer
Troll Bridge: A Rock'n' Roll Fairy Tale by Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple
Pay the Piper: A Rock 'n' Roll Fairy Tale by Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple

Library Books (not in video):
Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
Dreamland Chronicles Book One by Scott Christian Sava
Crogan's Vengeance (Crogan Adventures 1) by Chris Schweizer
The Emperor's New Clothes: The Graphic Novel by Stephanie True (RTL) Peters
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz by Eric Shanower
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

So, I realize I have a problem - a book buying one. And I think I need therapy.. and a ban. But, I do go to book signings.. so I'm going to have to buy ONE book for each of those. Yes, one. I've decided. So, hopefully my "Bought" list will keep shrinking. So, yes, I will be justifying every book bought with either - Gift Card used, or Book Signing attended. :) And I need you guys to keep me accountable.

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Sunday Spotlight - Rather Be Reading

Today I have with me a new blogger who loves reading so much her blog is titled Rather Be Reading. Check Rhia out below!

Name: Rhia Raye
Nickname and/or blog name: Rather Be Reading
Blog URL: rhiareads.blogspot.com

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I am a 17, almost 18, year old girl who lives down south in GA, with aspirations of world domination through writing. Okay, not really world domination. I’ve loved reading ever my since my mom bought Harry Potter to read, because of the controversy. This also sparked my desire to become a published author. I’ve never looked back.

When and why did you start your blog?

I don’t really remember the exact when, because one day I started it, posted one review, and never really went back… so late last year I really got it into it. I really started it on a whimsy, but I keep it up for the fun of, and for being able to keep in touch with other readers, and also the authors. Having a blog gives shy people like me a great excuse to contact authors. I’m not as shy about it anymore, though.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

My blog is mainly about YA fantasy, because that’s what I’ve been into lately, but really it could change any time. My eye is starting to turn toward some more adult epic fantasies, and I really love historical fiction, especially ‘sequels’ to classics. Pretty much anything I read, I’ll probably review.

As for features, there isn’t much, my blog is kind of simple, I guess. I do try to have a monthly feature each month spotlighting an author, book, series, what have you that I think people should be excited about. I’ve been slipping on that, but I’m definitely going to have one for February!

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

I love fantasy! Anything fantasy, really. (Though the less vomit inducing romance, the better.) I love books that incorporate classic literature, mythology etc. into the story. I’m totally in love Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev, and one of the reasons is that many of the characters in her book are characters from plays. Fairy tales and fairy tale retellings are also some of my favorite things.

How do you find out about the books you read?

Usually, the Internet these days. I follow all sorts of authors and publishers, to stay in the loop, and I’m also alert for contests I might want to enter. Occasionally, however, when I get some time to relax in the bookstore, I might pick up something random. That used to be how I always did. Go to Borders, browse around, pick a book that looked good (maybe two if I had cash and was currently on dad’s good side…J) and go home and starting in my special reading chair.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

Well, I wouldn’t call myself the perfect person to ask that, but all I can say is just do it! Do it for you, and nobody else. Only about 3 people watch my blog right now (my mom, my best friend, and his mom.) but I’m not giving in! Because one day it’ll be AT LEAST 5, and that’s more than I had yesterday. Constant vigilance!

Thank you Rhia for stopping by today! Check out her blog guys, it's looking really good! :)

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at dragonzgoil (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Shadow Hills

Shadow Hills
by Anastasia Hopcus

Summary (from Goodreads):
Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

Review:
The backdrop of this book is so well done, that you get sucked straight into what is going on. When Phe starts noticing that her crush Zach has some serious abnormalities - she starts to wonder what is going on and why Shadow Hills is the place her sister wanted to go to before she died. What she discovers is a genetic phenomenon that took place in the 1700s after a epidemic that left only certain townies alive.

The divide between the students from town and the student who are boarding at the school is so definite. They don't consort or befriend - but Phe cannot help but keep attracting the attention of Zach and they become more than just classmates as the book progresses.

I really liked the setup of this book, the reason behind which Phe leaves for Shadow Hills, the lurking mystery behind the town, and the interesting characters. After this book, I need more and I hope Hopcus has a few more books in store for us.

5/5 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.

Book provided for by Around the World Book Tours.

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Saturday Spotlight - YSPrincess's Ideas, Resources, and Reviews

Today I have a fantastic blogger whose blog will stun you. It is very very awesome. She's a librarian like me and well, what can I say - love librarians who blog!

Name: Elisabeth Marie
Nickname and/or blog name: YSPrincess's Ideas, Resources, and Reviews
Blog URL: http://www.ysprincess.blogspot.com

Tell me a bit about yourself.
Generally I tell people I'm boring, but then I realized I have yet to meet anyone else who has backpacked the Grand canyon rim to rim, who has spent over 10 years in Girl Scouts and received the Gold Award, or who can lick their elbow! Apart from those random facts, I have worked at a library since I was 16. I work with infants through teens in the Children's department. I'm currently getting my Bachelors at FSU (online), and plan on continuing to get my Masters in Library & Information Science. I used to enjoy scrapbooking, until I spent every day for two weeks straight putting together an entire (and overstuffed at that) scrapbook for an anniversary present. I'm hoping by the time I have my own kids, I'm up for it (scrapbooking) again. ;) My favorite place (that I've been thus far) in the world is Walt Disney World. People at work call me Disney Princess, and it's not just the parks - I have yet to meet someone who can beat me at Disney SceneIt.


When and why did you start your blog?

I started my blog back in January of '09, two months after I started working at my current library when I found out that the previous summer all employees had been required to start a blog for training purposes. However, I didn't start keeping my blog updated until this past November. That's why I consider myself a "new-ish" blogger.



What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

My blog is not just about books, but rather all things I think someone working in a Children's/Youth Services department of a library might find useful (or any youth advocate, for that matter). This includes but is not limited to: reviews of helpful websites, [kids'] games and other products, book/audiobook reviews, ideas for storytimes and other special programs, and even occasional resources for personal use and/or other bloggers. As soon as I get pictures of the Ribbon Rings I made (courtesy of the creativity of Make & Takes - www.makeandtakes.com), I will begin a craft section, as well.



What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

I rarely read adult books unless it has been turned into a movie that I saw and liked (although I did read Angels and Demons and The DaVinci Code before they were movies), so my "genres" are YA and below. I don't like reading "preppy" books, or whatever you would call series' like Gossip Girl, A-List, Clique, etc. Some of my favorite books are The Shack by William P Young, the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer, The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom (I read this one before it was a movie too), and A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks.


How do you find out about the books you read?

I have many different ways I find books to read. I confess that I read most books because they had a title I find interesting, or a cover I find attractive. Of course, I'm always open to suggestions from others, and I even have a few titles on my "to-read" list from book bloggers!


Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

Well, I basically infringe copyright everyday with my life motto of "just do it", so I would say the same for those who are thinking about starting a blog. Why not do it? If you try it and don't like it, no one will make you continue (if someone tries, you should probably contact law enforcement). Writing is always a great exercise, and can be a stress reliever, too. To those who have already started blogging I can only say make connections. Be there for others and they will be there for you. And of course, good luck!


Thank you Elisabeth for stopping by and sharing your fantastic blog! If she gets 50 followers, she'll be holding a contest - so if you like what you see, make sure to follow!

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at dragonzgoil (at) gmail (dot) com.
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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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Author Safari (4)

Come take a journey into the undiscovered territory of the Author. Authors are an interesting species... they provide readers with hours of entertainment... yet they remain mainly aloof from the public eye. Based on years of research, Kate and I discovered that the secret to learning more about these aloof creatures is to observe them in their natural environment. Therefore, dear readers, we will be hosting an Author Safari twice a month to lead readers into this unexplored territory. So grab your equipment and let's head off for an adventure!



Rules of the Safari:

* Adventurers must leave all hands and feet inside the vehicle, and may only travel on the below mentioned paths.
* 2 clues will be given regarding the item that we are searching for: one on The Neverending Shelf and one on Bookworming in the 21st Century. Items will generally be in image form.
* In order to be entered for this week's prize, readers must venture out to the hosts and author's sites listed. Once the adventurer believe that they have found the item in question, they must fill out the form listed on either host's Safari page. Please enter only once on either of the forms.


Author of the week:

Kay Cassidy

Profile:

Kay is the author of the upcoming novel, The Cinderella Society, which is her debut YA series. She is very active within the blogging community with her wonderful and interactive site. Kay also believes in giving back and is a co-founder of Living Your Five.

Journey into this author's natural habitat by visiting:

http://www.kaycassidy.com/

http://www.livingyourfive.com/

For Clue #1, please visit The Neverending Shelf

Clue #2 - If you eat to many of these, they'll go straight to your thighs.

Prize:
Kay graciously has donated a swag pack! Full of fun goodies relating to her book.

To enter:

Please fill out the form below. Contest is open to US until Monday, March 15th @midnight CST.

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It's Monday, What are you Reading?

This fantastic meme is now hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

Read this past week:
The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart (review coming!)
Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
Luke on the Loose by Harry Bliss
The 323 Detective Agency: The Disappearance of Dave Warthog by Fiona Robinson
The Secret Science Alliance and the Copy Cat Crook by Eleanor Davis

Currently Reading:
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brasharas
All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall
Alex Van Helsing by Jason Henderson
Hearts At Stake by Alyx Harvey

Upcoming:
The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
White Cat by Holly Black


Affiliate News!

Jenn @ Book Crazy reviewed The Line by Teri Hall, I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer, The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting, Far From You by Lisa Schroeder, and Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers.

Natalie @ Mindful Musings reviewed Blood Price (Blood Books #1) by Tanya Huff, Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins, All Together Dead (Sookie Stackhouse #7) by Charlaine Harris and From Dead to Worse (Sookie Stackhouse #8) by Charlaine Harris. Also, Natalie interviewed Author Claudia Gray.

Kate @ The Neverending Shelf started off the week right by wrapping up the month of February in her Retrospect post. She is also hosting a cool challenge leading up to the end of may called Clearing Away the Clutter where we try to push through our TBR books. Kate is also having a Claudia Gray week - which includes an author interview, review of Evernight, Stargazer, and Hourglass. She also gave her first Shelf Report - a combo of IMM and What are you Reading Mondays basically. Viva La Revolution!!!!

Eleni @ La Femme Readers posed the question What type of YA Genre do you enjoy? to start off the week. Eleni reviewed Swoon at Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter, Tagged by Mara Purnhagen, and Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu. Also, she announced her contest for an ARC of Siren by Tricia Rayburn (Ends March 30th).

WilowRaven @ Red House Books started off the week sharing how much she read in February. Then, she had an awesome interview with Saundra Mitchell and a started a contest for her book Shadowed Summer (Ends March 26th). WilowRaven also reviewed The Iron King by Julie Kagawa and Meridian by Amber Kizer.

I will have my last affiliates announces this week - I swear it. :)

News:

• On Thursday, I met up with Erica from The Book Cellar and we went to a pizza party with Alyx Harvey and Carrie Jones - which was awesome. Not only the authors, but the free food was pretty darn cool. I have pictures below.
  
• I announced my latest contest for 3 copies of Numbers by Rachel Ward - ends Friday, March 19th at 11:59 CST.
• I also posted up my February in Review post.
  
• Otherwise, same old story... busy busy busy. Want proof? Look at my Book Event Calendar to see why..
  

Alyx Harvey and Me. :-D

Carrie Jones and me :)

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Book Views (2)

Again, I am copying Kate over at The Neverending Shelf (Viva La Revolution!) in these Book Views. Basically, I give you a picture, the summary and a review (in less than 75 words).

All graphic novels again!

Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident
by Eoin Colfer

Summary (from Goodreads):
Since the release of Artemis Fowl in 2001, Eoin Colfer's blockbuster series has sold more than eight million copies in the United States alone. Now, in this second graphic novel installment of the series, fans can follow along as the world's youngest criminal mastermind rushes to save a man who has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafiya: his own father.

Eoin Colfer has once again teamed up with acclaimed comic writer Andrew Donkin to adapt the text for this action-packed, brilliantly illustrated adventure in the Artemis Fowl series.


Review: If I thought the books were awesome when I read them - then the graphic novels are even better. Full of action and long enough to really cover the whole story, the graphic novel version was fantastic. I hope they make the whole series into graphic novels. :)

Final Verdict: A must-read for lovers of fairies, CSI, and espionage but definitely geared towards 4th grade and up.

Binky the Space Cat
by Ashley Spires

Summary (from Goodreads):
Binky is a space cat - at least in his own mind. He's really a house cat who has never left the family "space station." Unlike other house cats, Binky has a mission: to blast off into outer space (outside), explore unknown places (the backyard) and battle aliens (bugs). Binky must undergo rigorous training so he can repel the alien attacks that threaten his humans. As he builds his spaceship, he must be extremely careful with his blueprints - the enemy is always watching. Soon Binky is ready to voyage into outer space. His humans go out there every day and he's sure they need a certified space cat to protect them. But just as he's about to blast off with his co-pilot, Ted (stuffed mousie), Binky realizes that he's left something very important behind ... and it's not the zero-gravity kitty litter. In the first book in the Binky Adventure series, graphic-novel readers will delight in watching where this lovable and quirky cat's imagination takes him.


Review: A seriously cute and fun graphic novel, the reader follows Binky through his serious venture into space travel. He defies gravity to save his humans from the evil aliens (aka flies) and is seriously cute while doing it. In the end, he decides creating a spaceship only for him is foolish and makes plans to create one that will fit his humans as well - so they can travel with him.


Final Verdict: Cute and fun at the same time. A good read for younger students (2nd - 3rd grade).

Luke on the Loose
by Harry Bliss

Summary (from Goodreads):
What begins as a simple tale of a child's fascination with pigeons soon erupts into a full-blown chase! Join Luke in his breathless quest around Central Park, across the Brooklyn Bridge, through fine dining, and into the sky. On this hysterically unconventional tour of New York, who knows where a few birds will lead?


Review: The illustrations in this book are phenomenal and they need to be to show the audience all of the reactions to Luke running loose through the city. The dialogue is simple and the pictures tell more than enough, making it a great graphic novel for younger readers.


Final Verdict: Fantastic graphic novel, suggested for 1st and 2nd graders.

The 3-2-3 Detective Agency: The Disappearance of Dave Warthog
by Fiona Robinson

Summary (from Goodreads):
On the 3:23 Express to Whiska City, five unlikely friends meet and decide to form a detective agency. There is Jenny the wise donkey, Roger the gourmet dung beetle, Priscilla the theatrical penguin, Slingshot the hyperactive sloth, and Bluebell, the shy but brave rat. With little training but a lot of pluck, they set up shop in Whiska City and soon tackle their first mystery: a rash of disappearances linked to a pink poodle’s beauty salon.


Review: A fun adventure involving a variety of different animals that are different from other animals like themselves. They all have a talent that can be used to help solve these disappearance cases. Definitely has some great values for kids in there and is safe enough for all ages to read this one.

Final Verdict: A little silly, but it totally works. Would recommend for 2nd graders and up.

The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook
by Eleanor Davis

Summary (from Goodreads):
Super-smart Julian Calendar thinks starting junior high at a new school will mean he can shed his nerdy image–but then he meets Ben and Greta, two secret scientists like himself! The three form a secret club, complete with a high-tech lair. There, they can work to their hearts content on projects like the Stink-O-Meter, the Kablovsky Copter, and the Nightsneak Goggles.

All that tinkering comes in handy when the trio discovers an evil scientist's dastardly plan to rob a museum. Can three inventors, armed with their wacky creations, hope to defeat this criminal mastermind?


Review: I just love how a geek, a tough girl, and a jock all are scientists. I absolutely loved the characters in this book and the way they formed a secret alliance. Definitely a fun read, full of adventure and hilarious/corny jokes. Their inventions are quite unique and not something you would think a grown adult would truly want to steal. But to each their own.

Final Verdict: Loved it. Definitely geared towards 3rd grade and up. The illustrations were awesome and I loved the characters.

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In My Mailbox - March 7th

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

For Review:
Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson (Around the World Tours)
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce (Dark Faerie Tales ARC Tours)

Won:
Lenore: Noogies by Roman Dirge (from Bloody Bookaholic)
Rosemary and Rue AND A Local Habitation by Seanen McGuire (from Confessions of a Wandering Heart)

Bought:
Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness, #1) by Tamora Pierce
In the Hand of the Goddess (Song of the Lioness, #2) by Tamora Pierce
The Woman Who Rides Like a Man (Song of the Lioness, #3) by Tamora Pierce
Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness, #4) by Tamora Pierce
Master of Fire by Angela Knight



Small in comparison to the last few weeks, but some goodies :-D

What did you guys get?

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Sunday Spotlight - The Book Whisperer

Today I have a fun British book lover who is new to book blogging, but already loves it!

Name: Boof

Nickname and/or blog name: The Book Whisperer

Blog URL: http://boofsbookshelf.com

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I'm British and a bookaholic. I do have a day job too (unfortunately - I'd much rather be curled up with a good book). Some of the things I love: books, cats, thunder, lakes, wolves, mountains, candles, chocolate, my bed, weekends, blueberries, the cinema, tigers, coffee, holidays, bubble baths......

When and why did you start your blog?

I'm a newbie to the blogging world. I only started it in December but I'm on there all the time and I've had lots of visitors and comments already which is just great. I've had so much fun setting it up and visiting other blogs for inspiration and to check out the latest books that I just have to have right now! I had no idea that there is such a fantastic book blogging community. I'm starting to get to know some lovely people who all share my passion for books.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

Books, books and more books! I am a massive bookaholic and devour most genres. I set up my blog to start transferring some of my book reviews over (I have been reviewing on Amazon for about 6 years and Goodreads for two) and already I am hosting giveaways and author interviews. I just love the whole thing. I plan to star vlogging soon too (when I feel brave enough to share my mug with the world!) and I have a few other ideas up my sleeve that I plan to start soon too. Watch this space!

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

I love most books. I read anything from YA to the classics, from fantasy to historical fiction, from travelogues to paranormal. I go through phases of reading loads of books in that genre and then moving on. Recently I seem to have read a lot of YA books (I think that is because I have come across so many great YA blogs and I keep finding so many books I want to read! - You guys are costing me a fortune, LOL). Some of my all-time favourite authors are Charlotte Bronte, John Fowles, Mary Higgins Clark, Sophie Kinsella, Enid Blyton but I come across new authors all the time that I keep adding to my list.

How do you find out about the books you read?

I am really active on both Goodreads and Amazon and I belong to groups where there are always great suggestions about what to read next. I have discovered some amazing books that I would not normally have picked up through recommendation. I also now spend a lot of time looking at other blogs which are such a mine of information on what's coming up. There are so many good books, I don't know how I'm going to get time to read them all.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

Do it, but only if you have a real passion for your subject. It takes a lot of time to keep a blog up to date but if you love what you're writing about then it's such good fun. There's nothing better than reading a blog written by someone who is clearly in love with what they're writing about.

Thank you Boof for stopping by today and sharing more about you and your blog!


Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at dragonzgoil (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Saturday Spotlight - Lisa the Nerd

Today I have a fun and nerdy girl with me who isn't afraid to spread her nerdy love of books!

Name: Lisa
Nickname and/or blog name: Lisa the Nerd
Blog URL: lisaisbusynerding.blogspot.com

Tell me a bit about yourself.
If it's nerdy, odds are I'll love it. I love board games, reading, video games and Batman. I like to think I'm not too socially awkward for life, but that may be generous...thankfully, I have a fabulous husband who is just as in love with (if not more, dare I say) nerdy things as I am. Together, we're two twenty-somethings living a very content life in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area where he grudgingly attends grad school and I excitedly work with teens.

When and why did you start your blog?
I actually started my blog as a part of a class for college about two years ago. I took a Young Adult Literature course that involved reading and evaluating YA Lit, and then having a Mock-Printz award at the end of the semester. We had to read and review books from different genres, and then decide (based on the same requirements of the Printz award) if they were worthy of nomination or not. It helped me to hone in on and express what makes a YA read "good" and worth sharing with others from an academic perspective. After the class was over, however, I found that I loved writing about YA lit as much as I loved reading it, so I kept on blogging! The blog name has changed and become a bit less sterile, and the format has been tweaked a bit...but otherwise I've stuck to my review system and am pretty darn happy with it.


What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?
My blog is chiefly reviews. I don't do a whole lot of personal sharing or contests or anything like that - which is totally fun, just not for me. At least, not yet. Some cool features I have that are unique to my blog are that I sum up the book in a sentence or so (saving you, dear reader, from reading on if you're not interested) and then share my favorite quote from the book. I also make sure to note things I didn't like about the book. In the actual reviews, however, I try my best to keep unbiased and spoiler free.


What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?
I am a huge fantasy geek. It's true. I can't even be ashamed of it since my blog is all about me being nerdy. But I'm also excited about any book that features a main character that is quirky, snarky, faces challenges and is supported by characters I can relate to. A little romance doesn't hurt either. A book that I can't stop talking about and sharing with others is "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of YA lit out there that was dark, gritty, emotional, and masculine...but is still something I could totally relate to.


How do you find out about the books you read?
Other bloggers are a huge help. I like to see what others are interested in and see if it speaks to me. I do like to take risks every once in awhile though, and have found some really great books that way. Sometimes choosing a book on display at the library or taking a chance on something that sounded cool based on the back is totally worth it. That's actually how I found out about "A Curse Dark as Gold" - it was just sitting on display at the library. I had heard absolutely nothing about it up until then, and took a chance. Needless to say, I'm glad I did.


Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?
It's surprisingly fun. I would blog even if no one reads my posts. I feel a little sense of accomplishment in formulating my thoughts on a book and publishing them. I feel like it sharpens my critical eye and enhances my enjoyment of reading YA lit. So I'd advise to not think too much about what you're doing, but why you're doing the blog thing.

Thank you Lisa for stopping by today and telling us more about your blog! Check her blog out guys and share the nerdiness! :)


Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at dragonzgoil (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Numbers Giveaway!

Today, I am honored to hold a contest for the book Numbers. Below is a synopsis of what the book is about. I will have a review up later this weekend as well.

Numbers
by Rachel Ward

Ever since she was child, Jem has kept a secret: Whenever she meets someone new, no matter who, as soon as she looks into their eyes, a number pops into her head. That number is a date: the date they will die. Burdened with such awful awareness, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. The two plan a trip to the city. But while waiting to ride the Eye ferris wheel, Jem is terrified to see that all the other tourists in line flash the same number. Today's number. Today's date. Terrorists are going to attack London. Jem’s world is about to explode!

Here's the book trailer, if that synopsis didn't convince you.

Rules
1. Contest will end Friday, March 19th at 11:59 pm CST time.
2. Open to US only.
3. Fill out the form below to enter.

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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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February In Review

Books Read and Reviewed (Click links):
1. Ginger High by Melissa Burmester
2. Shakespeare Bats Cleanup by Ron Koertge
3. Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey
4 .Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
5. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy
6. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
7. Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
8. Sunshine by Robin McKinley
9. Sucks to be Me by Kimberly Pauley
10. The Line by Teri Hall
11. Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs by Ron Koertge
12. The Puzzle Ring by Kate Forsyth
13. A Spy in the House (The Agency) by Y.S. Lee
14. The Incredible Rockhead by Scott Nickel
15. T-Minus: The Race to the Moon by Jim Ottaviani
16. The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan
17. Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee

Read, but not reviewed: (updated with review links)
18. Magyk by Angie Sage*
19. Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
20. Candide by Voltaire (probably won't be...)*

(*not yet reviewed)

Challenge updates:
Graphic Novels Challenge: Read 4 books (21 total)
CYBILS Award Challenge: Read 4 books, all from the MG Graphic Novel section. (18 total for MG GNs, 23 total for YA Fantasy)
Debut Author Challenge: Read 5 books this month (10 total)
Reading From My Shelf Project: 3 books read and given away (14 total)
Books Won Reading Challenge: 0 book read (1 total)

So, that's it for me! I did fairly good this month. I need to step up the challenge books though if I'm to meet my goals.
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Sucks to Be Me

Sucks to Be Me
by Kimberly Pauley

Summary:

Mina has known her parents were vampires for a while and thought she would have until after high school to choose whether to become a vampire or not. Well, she thought wrong. Not only does she have to decide early, but her awful Uncle is helping her decide and she has to take night classes that will discuss all the aspects of vampirism. The only thing to distract her from her decision - cute boys.

Review:

I really loved this book and feel horribly guilty that I've had it since this summer (from ALA). Kimberly is actually from my home-town in Illinois - crazy world we live in eh? which also makes me feel uber guilty. And NOW that I have read it - I must say it's a fantastic and fun read. I love the little sketches and the lists of why Mina's life sucks at the end of some chapters. The characters are real, but written so well that they come to life in almost a humorous light. Definitely something that girls who like a bit of fluffy romance in their reading will seriously enjoy. There's enough fun plot to keep you interested and I love how Kimberly can make vampires seem so normal.

I'm looking forward to the sequel of this book and hopefully there will be some more romance involved in this next one.

5/5 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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Early WoW/Happy Release Day!

Hex Hall
by Rachel Hawkins
Release Date: March 2nd, 2010

Summary (from goodreads):
When Sophie Mercer turned thirteen, she discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-Gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hecate Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward prodigium, a.k.a. witches, fae, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard. Three powerful enemies who look like supermodels; a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock; a creepy, tag-along ghost; and a new roommate, who happens to be the most-hated person and only vampire on campus. Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her friend Jenna is the number one suspect. Meanwhile, Sophie has a more personal shock to grapple with. Not only is her father the head of the prodigium council, he's the most powerful warlock in the world, and Sophie is his heir. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all prodigium, especially her.

Happy release day!!!

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It's Monday, What are you Reading?

This fantastic meme is now hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

Read this past week:
Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs by Ron Koertge
The Puzzle Ring by Kate Forsyth
A Spy in the House (The Agency) by Y.S. Lee
The Incredible Rockhead by Scott Nickel
T-Minus: The Race to the Moon by Jim Ottaviani
The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan
Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
Candide by Voltaire

Currently Reading:
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brasharas
All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall
The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart

Upcoming:
The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
Hearts at Stake by Alyx Harvey
Captivate by Carrie Jones
The Mailbox by Audrey Shafer


Affiliate news!

Jenn @ Book Crazy reviewed Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Arson by Estevan Vega, and also interviewed Julia Hoban author of Willow this past week.

Natalie @ Mindful Musings tried out a new review format with her review of Original Sin by Allison Brennan and then posted a great survey about the review format to gain feedback. She also had a fantastic post about why she decided to have Affiliates.

Kate @ The Neverending Shelf is running a contest for a copy of Shadow Blade (ends March 11th), interviewed Kristin Walker, Recommended The Iron King, reviewed Shadow Blade by Seressia Glass, Beautiful Dead by Eden Maguire, Sing me to Sleep by Angela Morrison, Numbers by Rachel Ward, and Angelic Runes by Makoto Tateno. She also is trying to help out BEA go-ers with a survey of who still needs a roomie.

Eleni @ La Femme Readers is giving away 3 copies of Wherever Nina Lies (ends March 8th). Also, she interviewed Tracy Fabre, reviewed Hearts at Stake by Alyx Harvey and Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten, and posed the following question - Who is your favorite book couple?.

WilowRaven @ Red House Books created a new header and button over at her blog! (see the button below) She reviewed the whole Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent this week as well.




News:

• I saw Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl at a local Borders last Tuesday night and it was a fantastic time! I told them my blog name and they instantly knew who I was. I was sad not to be able to see them again Wednesday night, but I had to teach my parent night tech class. Pictures are below.
• I had three book tours posted up this weekend - Ron Koertge's Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs, Kate Forsyth's The Puzzle Ring, and Y.S. Lee's The Agency. All of them have interviews and/or guest posts, so check them out if you haven't.
• Also, a few weeks back I was interviewed on Page Turners by Becky. Can't remember if I shared the link yet or not. :)
  

Probably the coolest display I've ever seen.


Yes, I made my hubby take a photo with us. :)

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