The Book Slooth

Anthologies: Do or Don't

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000+08:00

What is an anthology you ask?

Well, an anthology is a selection of poems or short stories, by one or multiple authors bound together in one edition.

An anthology can be a great thing, bringing together short stories by some of your favourite author(s) (and some that you haven't discovered yet), and can be a great way to have something short to read every night without having to read a full novel. However, sometimes they can be disappointing - either because the author is not very good at writing short stories - or they are so good, you find yourself wanting more!

Here are some anthologies that have been released recently:

Girl Meets Boy: Because There Are Two Sides to Every Story
Featuring:
Kelly Milner Halls, Chris Crutcher, Rebecca Fjelland Davis, Terry Davis, Terry Trueman, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Rita Williams-Garcia, Sara Ryan, Randy Powell, Joseph Brochac, Ellen Wittlinger and James Howe.

Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd

Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside) and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to edit short stories from some of the best selling and most promising geeks in young adult literature: M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr.

With illustrated interstitials from comic book artists Hope Larson and Bryan Lee O'Malley, Geektastic covers all things geeky, from Klingons and Jedi Knights to fan fiction, theater geeks, and cosplayers. Whether you're a former, current, or future geek, or if you just want to get in touch with your inner geek, Geektastic will help you get your geek on!

21 Proms

Prom. It's a near-universal high school experience.

And here at least 21 of today's bestselling and up-and-coming YA authors riff on it.

Authors include: Libba Bray, Jacqueline Woodson, Ned Vizzini, John Green, Sarah Mylnowski, Melissa de la Cruz, Holly Black, Brent Hartinger, Lisa Sandell, Will Leitch, Leslie Margolis, Cecily von Ziegessar, E. Lockhart, Jodi Anderson, David Levithan, Dan Ehrenhaft, Liz Craft, Aimee Friedman, and Adrienne Vrettos

Zombies vs Unicorns

It's a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories.

Half of the stories portray the strengths--for good and evil--of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad-ass) side of zombies.

Contributors include many bestselling teen authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan. This anthology will have everyone asking: Team Zombie or Team Unicorn?

Kisses from Hell

Truly, Madly, Undead-ly

This irresistible collection features stories of love amid vampires by five of today's hottest authors—Kristin Cast (Tempted), Richelle Mead(Vampire Academy), Alyson Noël (Evermore), Kelley Armstrong (The Summoning), and Francesca Lia Block (Pretty Dead).

From a fugitive vampire forced to trust a boy who might work for the group bent on destroying her to the legendary romance of two immortals whose love compels them to risk everything, this heart-pounding collection brings new meaning to the words "love you forever." Whether you're into romances that are dark and moody or light and fun, these stories will quench that insatiable thirst for enchanting tales of the beautiful undead.

Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions

A journey may take hundreds of miles, or it may cover the distance between duty and desire.

Sixteen of today's hottest writers of paranormal tales weave stories on a common theme of journeying. Authors such as Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine, and Melissa Marr return to the beloved worlds of their bestselling series, while others, like Claudia Gray, Kami Garcia, and Margaret Stohl, create new landscapes and characters. But whether they're writing about vampires, faeries, angels, or other magical beings, each author explores the strength and resilience of the human heart.

Suspenseful, funny, or romantic, the stories in "Enthralled" will leave you moved.

Vacations from Hell

Life's a beach . . . and then you're undead?

in this must-have collection, five of today's hottest writers--Libba Bray ("A Great and Terrible Beauty"), Cassandra Clare ("City of Bones"), Claudia Gray ("Evernight"), Maureen Johnson ("13 Little Blue Envelopes"), and Sarah Mlynowski ("Bras & Broomsticks")--tell supernatural tales of vacations gone awry. Lost luggage is only mildly unpleasant compared to bunking with a witch who holds a grudge. And a sunburn might be embarrassing and painful, but it doesn't last as long as a curse. Of course, even in the most hellish of situations, love can thrive. . . .

From light and funny to dark and creepy, these stories have something for everyone. You definitely won't want to leave this collection at home

Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments dark and light by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from beneath the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly.
From the gentle tones of a storyteller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with...or to fear.

Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr’s stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.

So, today's question being:

"Have you read any anthologies? Good or bad, unforgivable, amazing or in between; it doesn't matter"

Do you have a recommendation for anyone out there?

If you have any questions, comments, recommendations or ideas, please comment below and I will try my best to reply to all of them!

Vampire Academy: The Ultimate Giveaway

2012-02-12T17:44:00.000+08:00

Are you a fan of Vampire Academy? Then this is the perfect companion for you!

To enter, simply fill in this three step form below...

The winner will be drawn on MONDAY Feb 27th, 2012.

READ THE REVIEW HERE.

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The unbecoming of me...

2012-02-10T19:30:00.002+08:00

It will be the unbecoming of... me - NOT MARA DYER if I do not read this book soon!
It sounds amaaazing!
I just watched the trailer for it and I am completely hooked.

And if you're dying to get a copy of it just like me - then enter the giveaway at Perth YA Fans Unite here .

Please excuse me while I go to a bookstore... and sob if I can't find a copy.

P.S. I found the first chapter at the website here.

REVIEW: The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

2012-01-31T12:13:00.001+08:00

I was intrigued by the cute cover, hoping for a fluffy, summer read that entertained; I wasn't disappointed.

Alona Dare has it all. The perfect hair, friends, a hot body, she's the girl that everybody secretly hates. But contrary to popular belief, Alona's life isn't what you would expect; especially when she gets run over by a school bus.
Enter Will Killian, he looks like your typical goth. As if high school wasn't hard enough for him, he can see, hear and touch ghosts. Especially when the latest ghost is the most popular girl in school, Alona Dare.
With his friend trying to figure out what's happening with him; a sleazy psychologist that thinks he's nuts; and a school full of ghosts trying to get him to 'deliver a message to their loved ones', can Will help Alona without being exposed or locked up before Graduation?

The Ghost and the Goth is light hearted, amusing and the perfect summer read.
This novel has exactly what you'd expect from a high school/ redemption after death/ slight romance/ revenge novel.
It delivers with cute one-liners, awkward teen romance moments, clichéd high school characters.

However, I found that some things progressed too fast, such as the romance between Alona and Will - it suddenly just appeared. Although, I guess there's a fine line between love and hate?!
I thought that Will and his mother's relationship between his psychologist was an interesting sub-plot that provided fodder for the whole 'ghost' thing.

The Ghost and the Goth is a cute read that is great for a bit of escapism. Light humour, romance and an interesting ghost plot, if you're 12-16 and female, you will enjoy The ghost and the Goth.
Also, if you're a fan of the Mediator series, The Ghost and the Goth will be a welcome addition to the genre.

Internet

2012-01-30T07:46:00.000+08:00

Dearest Readers,

I write this with deep forgiveness in my heart.

I apologise for not posting for the last week or so. Why, you ask?

Well, I have been having problems with that new-fangled thing some people like to call 'the internet'.

Yes, it is true *gasps*, I have been living without internet.

Now while some of you might find that hard to deal with, I have been finding it utterly refreshing. (Apart from the guilt of not being able to post.)

So, in the mean time until my internet gets fixed, I will try to post as often as possible using other internet sources; you never know, I might be at a library near you soon!

On the plus side, all this free time has allowed me to read more books.

And you smart cookies know what that means!

Free time = reading = reviews for you!

In my other spare time, I have bought some new books: (as if I don't already have an impressive stack to read!)

Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of The Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I have begun to read The Fault in our Stars and am hardly able to put it down this long!

I am also shocked to learn that I missed the release of Jessica Rules the Dark Side - I must purchase a copy IMMEDIATELY! You may know that I loved book 1 by this review here.

Anyhoo! I shall try to post as soon as possible.

**Spoiler Alert** THERE WILL BE A Vampire Academy Ultimate Guide Giveaway Coming Soon!

Happy Reading,

Isme

Born Wicked and Cinder

2012-01-20T13:06:00.000+08:00

I just got copies of Cinder by Marissa Meyer and Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood; Thanks Penguin!

I'm really looking forward to reading these, and Born Wicked is even prettier in person!
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness.
But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Look out for their reviews - coming soon!

REVIEW: Vampire Academy - The Ultimate Guide

2012-01-19T10:48:00.001+08:00

Vampire Academy: The Ultimate Guide
by Michelle Rowen, and with Richelle Mead

A must-have for any true Vampire Academy fan, 'The Ultimate Guide' covers everything you ever needed or wanted to know about the Vampire Academy Universe.

The official guide to the #1 international bestselling Vampire Academy series

Discover the history of St. Vladimir’s Academy, explore the dark psychology behind Rose and Lissa’s spirit bond, and find out even more illicit secrets about Moroi society.

This ultimate guide will go even deeper into the world of Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound, and Last Sacrifice . . . every heartache, every betrayal, every sacrifice, and so much more!

The guide includes:

In-depth recaps of each novel with a pop quiz to test your knowledge, quotes from the book and a bit of background on the novel from Richelle Mead.
Details about the complete world of Vampire Academy, including:
Character summaries of all characters; major and minor.
A guide to the relationships: Rose and Dimitri, Rose and Adrian, Rose and Lissa and Lissa and Christian.
All about Moroi elemental magic, St. Vladimir's Academy and The Moroi Royal Court.
An in-depth guide to Dhampirs and Guardians, their marks and a Q&A with Richelle Mead - asking her whether she would rather be a moroi or dhampir.
The guide also includes a sneak peek from the VA Graphic novel.
Illustrations of Guardian marks, Moroi Elemental Signs and Alchemist Tattoos.
A behind-the-scenes exclusive of the making of the book trailers.
Richelle's favourite links and fan-sites.
VA covers through the years.
A teaser from the new Vampire Academy companion novel universe, Bloodlines.
Q and As with Richelle Mead about various subjects throughout the book.

Look out for the GIVEAWAY of the VA Ultimate Guide Coming Soon!

Also, the review for Bloodlines soon after!

Colourful Bookshelves

2012-01-14T17:57:00.001+08:00

This video, 'The Joy of Books' is amazing; I cannot begin to imagine how long it would have taken them to make it.

And, keeping with the theme, some other colourful bookshelves, the first one being my favourite.

found here.

found here. (same as above)

Art Geeks and Prom Queens

2012-01-11T22:39:00.000+08:00

I found the cover for Art Geeks and Prom Queens (is it just me or does the title remind you of the '99 movie, She's all that ?) by Alyson Noël, and I thought that it sounded/ looked like a good contemporary novel.

Dorks, Dweebs, Debutantes, and Jocks—Where would you fit in?

Being the new girl is tough—just ask sixteen-year-old Rio Jones. A New York transplant, Rio has no clue how she's going to fit in at her fancy new private school in Southern California. Plus, being late, overdressed, and named after a Duran Duran song doesn't make the first day any easier for her.

Then Rio meets Kristi. Beautiful, rich, and a cheerleader, Kristi is the queen bee of Newport Beach. And Kristi isn't friends with just anyone, so Rio is thrilled when she's invited to be part of the most exclusive, popular clique. Of course, like any club, Kristi and her friends have rules: Always smile (even if you don't mean it), always dress cute (and never repeat outfits), and always flirt (but only with jocks, preps, and rich college guys).

At first Rio is having a great time, but as she becomes more immersed in this jet-set crowd, she figures out there is one last rule that her new friends forgot to mention: Don't cross Kristi . . .

What do you think? Have any recommendations similar to this?
Let me know: either by comment below or email here!

Tumult of the Young Adults

2012-01-09T11:30:00.000+08:00

Two of the big Dystopian novels have sequels coming out this year: Divergent with it's sequel Insurgent; Delirium, and its sequel, Pandemonium.
They must be more popular than any of us thought, as Time Magazine has picked them up as part of their essential guide to 2012 - Fight Club (the people, activities and objects, with the occasional animal that will battle it out for the top spot in 2012).

Looking forward to the sequels, what do you think?
Who will be the top of the Dystopian Charts?

Isme

Blog of the Week - the Young Contemporaries

2012-01-08T18:42:00.002+08:00

My friend Katie, an avid reader and all-round lover of books has just started a book blog!

She only started it on the 7th of January, and she already has multiple great reviews up - I'm looking forward to reading more.

I know that a lot of hard work goes into blogging and I wanted to say to Katie - good luck and I look forward to welcoming you to the blogging community!

Why don't you check it out here, and tell me what you think in the comments section below!

Isme

P.S. Awesome Banner!

The 2012 Contemporaries

2012-01-03T17:40:00.000+08:00

After deciding to join the 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge, I was putting together my list on Goodreads and I came across these books, which look really good. They come out at different times this year.

52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody

If she wants to receive her beloved trust fund, every week for the next year, seventeen-year-old Lexi Larrabee must take on a different low-income job. All 52 jobs have been carefully pre-selected by her father himself.

What Lexi doesn’t know is that each job was at one point held by one of world’s most influential people. The goal is to teach his daughter a few lessons about life, compassion, work ethic, and the value of a hard-earned dollar. If each of these jobs eventually led to wealth and success, at least one of them has to work for Lexi.

Left with no other choice, Lexi grudgingly sets off on her quest, each week being comically presented with a highly undesirable job. All of them are designed to turn Lexi into an entirely different person.

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

When seventeen-year-old Rosie’s mother, Trudie, dies from Huntington’s Disease, her pain is intensified by the knowledge that she has a fifty-per-cent chance of inheriting the crippling disease herself.

Only when she tells her mum’s best friend, ‘Aunt Sarah’ that she is going to test for the disease does Sarah, a midwife, reveal that Trudie was not her biological mother after all... Devastated, Rosie decides to trace her real mother, hitching along on her ex-boyfriend’s GAP year to follow her to Los Angeles.

But all does not go to plan, and as Rosie discovers yet more of her family's deeply-buried secrets and lies, she is left with an agonising decision of her own - one which will be the most heart-breaking and far-reaching of all...

The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

Fourteen-year-old Kentucky girl Ricki Jo Winstead, who would preferred to be called Ericka, thank you very much, is eager to shed her farmer's daughter roots and become part of the popular crowd at her small town high school. She trades her Bible for Seventeen magazine, buys new "sophisticated" clothes and somehow manages to secure a tenuous spot at the cool kids table. She's on top of the world, even though her best friend and the boy next door Luke says he misses "plain old Ricki Jo."

Caught between being a country girl and wannabe country club girl, Ricki Jo begins to forget who she truly is: someone who doesn't care what people think and who wouldn't let a good-looking guy walk all over her. It takes a serious incident out on Luke's farm for Ricki Jo to realize that being a true friend is more important than being popular.

Thou Shalt Not Road Trip by Antony John

When sixteen-year-old Luke's book, Hallelujah, becomes a national best seller, his publisher sends him on a cross-country tour with his unpredictable older brother, Matt, as chauffeur.

But when Matt offers to drive Luke's ex-crush, Fran, across the country too, things get a little crazy. Luke thinks he's enlightened, but he really needs to loosen up if he's going to discover what it truly means to have faith, and do what it takes to get the girl he loves.

This one Time with Julia by David Lampson

The story of Joe, a boy who can fall in love but can’t grow up

After Joe’s parents died, he stopped growing up. He doesn’t know where his money comes from.

His diet consists primarily of cheeseburgers from McDonald’s.

He plays basketball on the level of a pro, but he has only ever played on the streets.

Then his brother disappears, and Julia shows up. Joe falls in love with Julia as quickly as his twin brother, Alvin, did. And like Alvin did before him, he runs away with Julia to her parents’ hotel. There, he’s so blinded by her seductive, dysfunctional family that he can’t see the truth of his brother’s disappearance
… until he accidentally stumbles upon Alvin’s killer.

The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams

Piper, Cassidy, Mei, and Izzy have been best friends their whole lives. And they've always agreed on one goal: to get out of tiny Paris, Texas, and see the world.

The school's foreign exchange program seems like the perfect escape: Piper will go to the original Paris; Mei will go to China; Cassidy will go to Australia; and Izzy, unable to afford the program, will stay at home.

To add spice to their semester away, and to stay connected to their best friends, the girls start The International Kissing Club, a Facebook page where they can anonymously update one another and brag about all the amazing guys they're meeting.

After all, these girls are traveling abroad: amazing guys abound at every turn! But sometimes fun, flirty vacation flings turn into more serious romances, and sometimes you don't return from abroad the same person you were. Will the girls' relationships-and their friendships-be able to survive?

What do you think?

Do you want to read any of these?

Tell me what you think in the comment section below!

Isme

REVIEW: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

2012-01-03T12:42:00.003+08:00

Jessica Packwood leads a normal as apple pie life on a farm with her vegan parents that raise various farm animals as pets. She has a best friend, a secret crush and an enemy. You know, normal stuff. That is until her whole world is turned upside down by a Romanian exchange student that claims to be a vampire prince destined to marry her. Jessica thinks he is completely nuts. That is, until her parents tell her that it's all true - oh, and that she is a vampire too.

The spirit of the novel was gratifying, making you feel part of the story, an invisible character that was privy to multiple character's points of view.

This makes you feel attached to the characters, finding yourself aligned with their emotions and actions. Fantaskey has cleverly crafted both protagonists and antagonists that are genuine and believable.

She incorporates the classic stock characters of the genre: Main Female character with a destiny; brooding vampire with a(secret) heart of gold - that is buried under all the repressed anger and bloodlust; a decoy flirtation; a queen bee; and a best friend. But by giving change and growth to them, Fantaskey has given them a life of their own. This is what makes Jessica's Guide to dating on the Dark Side such a great read.

The chapter rotation helped keep a nice pace in the novel, from Jessica's chapters to Lucius' letters to his Uncle in others. The plot moved at a steady pace, I never found myself wanting things to happen prematurely, I was happy with the motions in between desired actions. In fact, the mild pace was very effective in building up tension and excitement, making the yearned for moments that bit more gratifying.

If you're 13-17, a fan of vampires or NOT, you will still find yourself enjoying Jessica's Guide to Dating on The Dark Side.

I favourably recommend that you be absorbed by it as soon as possible.

P.S. Look out for the next book, Jessica Rules the Dark Side coming out early this year!

P.P.S. Check out this review at the awesome blog The Lovely Getaway

2011 and 2012

2011-12-29T12:38:00.001+08:00

First of all, Happy New Year everyone!

Second, I just met author Sarah Alderson - she is really nice! And I love her writing - look forward to a review soon!

Also, I am really excited about next year, with lots of cool new books coming out and of course, I can finally get around to reviewing these books that I have read, but not reviewed:

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey.
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys.
Hush, Hush By Becca Fitzpatrick
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Look out for all of their reviews and more in January!

Some books that I am really excited about for next year:

- Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
- The Shiny Guys by Doug Macleod
- Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

- The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
- Dark Eyes by William Ritcher
- Insurgent by Veronica Roth

- The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E Smith
- Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby
- The Flappers: Vixen by Jillian Larkin

- Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
- The List by Siobhan Vivian
- The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

- The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
- The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
- Above by Leah Bobet

Look out for more posts coming to The Book Slooth next year. Lots of reviews, teasers, sneak peeks of upcoming books, quotes to entice you into reading and of course - competitions!

Happy New Year,
Isme

Anna and the French Kiss playlist

2011-12-23T11:40:00.000+08:00

Here is the playlist that accompanies Anna and The French Kiss, compiled by author Stephanie Perkins here.

P.S. It's the spoiler-free verison, so if you're thinking of reading Anna, then get in the mood with this playlist without ruining anything.

Read my review of Anna and the French Kiss Here.

Author's Book page here & here

Goodreads Page here.

REVIEW: The Duff by Kody Keplinger

2011-12-22T12:30:00.002+08:00

Downing Cherry Cokes and watching her two best friends hoof it out on the dance floor of the local teen club doesn’t make 17-year-old Bianca Piper feel good about herself. Especially when high-school man-slut Wesley Rush tells her she's the Duff, her friends’ "designated ugly fat friend," and tries to cozy up to her in order to get into her friends’ pants. Later on, somehow, someway, Bianca finds herself drawn to Wesley, and before she knows it, they’ve created a complex, enemies-with-benefits relationship that the YA market has never seen before. Their encounters are heatedly frank and full of humor, anger and rage, and soon the two learn they have more in common than they could ever have expected. Kirkus Reviews

Being a fan of Keplinger's Sophomore novel, Shut Out, I picked up The DUFF expecting a fun, fluffy, adolescent "chick lit" read. It was great.

One of my favourite aspects of Keplinger's writing is the frankness of it. She doesn't beat around the bush with mysterious and eluding adjectives and odd metaphors. Now that doesn't mean that she goes into plain, clinical detail about every little aspect of the book in a meticulous manner; she doesn't.

In fact, Keplinger's writing is enjoyable to read and easy to absorb, not having you needing to re-read sentences in confusion. She gives you details; enough to keep you at exactly the right perspective; it's not an under detailed or "oh my gosh, I can't believe that you just went into that much detail" type of novel; Keplinger has skillfully covered the topic of sex well in both her books. To put it simply, it's not weird or awkward.

I loved the concept, great fun, something that is a topic among teenagers and was well addressed by Keplinger. The book has a fluffy top layer, but if you choose to read into it, it does have some themes that appear in the end such as friendship and relationships, honesty, the social "norm" and, of course, sex.

An escapist, summer read, The DUFF should be on your to-read list. If you're female, 12 or older, then trust me, you won't put it down!

"...Keplinger scores a first for a genre in which vampires and dystopian futures rule. Her snarky teen speak, true-to-life characterizations and rollicking sense of humor never cease in her debut. Teen readers will see both themselves and their friends in Bianca's layered, hostile world."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Kudos to the 18-year-old Keplinger for writing a heroine whose complicated relationship with sex is honest and heartbreaking. This for-more-mature teens novel deftly illustrates how even consensual sex can be emotionally destructive, and captures thoughts about self-image and the many different types of relationships. Expect to be recommending The Duff to friends for years to come."
—Romantic Times Top Pick, 4 Stars

"I really appreciate what The Duff stands for as a book. For me, that is really what makes it such a recommended read. There isn’t enough YA that combines a fun tone of voice with serious discussions on sex positivity."
— dearauthor.com

The Authors Website here and her blog here

Other Reviews:
@ Belle's Bookshelf
@ Persnickety Snark
@ YA Reads
@ Dear Author

Miss Peregrine's - The Making of a Trailer

2011-12-21T18:25:00.002+08:00

This short film is fascinating look at the abandoned houses and castles that author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs and his Dutch urban explorer guide found while scouting locations for the book trailer.

I have just started reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and I love it already, can't wait to delve into it.

Enjoy!

REVIEW: Sleepless by Cyn Balog

2011-12-19T06:01:00.001+08:00

Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.

But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .

Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?

The First two things on my mind:

1. I love the flower on the cover - it's soo pretty!

2. Sandmen! Seriously! Are you kidding me? That is so cool!

Anyway, now to the serious stuff...

I loved the premise of Sleepless, how often do you come across a novel about Sandmen? A highly untapped market, Balog executed the concept well and finished with a novel that weaved the everyday into the supernatural. Cue The Chordettes.

In my opinion, the plot was a bit predictable, but still enjoyable. It might just be me who's psychic, but I found that at sometimes, I let out a sigh of relief when the character did something that I wanted them to do already!

I enjoyed Sleepless and if you're female, 13-16, looking for a good read that is peppy, will keep you interested and occasionally laughing, then Sleepless is your man. (So to speak).

Embrace Cover Shoot

2011-12-15T12:57:00.000+08:00

I came across the Embrace Cover shoot, at The Story Siren, and loved the video. It's really nice to be able to see behind the scenes and see what goes into the making of a cover.

Here's the video:

Here's the final cover:

Go Away, I'm Reading...

2011-12-11T11:18:00.001+08:00

REVIEW: Fly on the Wall by E Lockhart

2011-12-06T18:25:00.002+08:00

I have loved E Lockhart ever since I read The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks, so I was excited when I saw one of her recent books that had a great concept - someone turning into a fly on the wall - I had to read it!

Gretchen Yee attends the Manhattan School for Art and Music, where everybody seems to have some sort of amazing talent or cool defining feature; like smoking out of a pipe or a blue beard. But Gretchen is just a normal girl who loves to draw in cartoon form; which is constantly getting her in trouble with her art teacher.
Gretchen admires Titus from afar, studying him like a statue. But she know that she will never be able to talk to him as he is one of the most popular guys in the school. When a wish goes a-rye and Gretchen finds herself a fly trapped in the boys locker room, she learns a lot more about the guys at her school than she ever wanted to.

Three words can describe this book - short and sweet.

It was great, I haven't read or heard of a book with the same concept before, (unless you count Kafka!? - which was, coincidentally what Gretchen was reading!) so it was great to experience something like it for the first time. The lack of supernatural and just funny wish/ coincidence aspect of Gretchen being turned into a fly was refreshing and gave it that touch of reality that made it so much funnier.

The story was great, it wasn't afraid to poke fun at it's semi-indie settings and people. It also had a great development; each part was divided equally enough that you were satisfied with the introduction, the action and the conclusion.

The action during Gretchen's fly times at the Manhattan School of Art and Music were the funniest parts of the novel. Lockhart handled the whole boys locker-room thing really well, the whole thing not just focusing on the guys and their bodies, sure, there was that stuff at the beginning, but it also delved into the social dynamics between them, the social norm, relationships and how men and women view each other so differently.

A really entertaining, original and quick read (182 pages) , Fly on the Wall is great if you're 12-19.

Also reviewed at:

Anna Reads

Cover of the week - Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson

2011-12-05T21:03:00.001+08:00

I don't know what it is about this cover; maybe it's because it's bright and fresh, maybe it's the props that I like. Either way, this cover is definitely this week's favourite.
P.S. Sorry about the small image, it's the biggest I could find!

Read the review for the first book in the Scarlett series, Suite Scarlett here.

And here are some of my other favourite covers of this week...

Penguin Deluxe Classics

2011-12-01T20:04:00.001+08:00

I am smitten with Penguin's line of re-covered classics. I know it might seem that I'm a bit behind as they have been out for a while, truly, I have NO EXCUSE!

Without further a du, The Penguin Deluxe Classics!

Becca Fitzpatrick in Perth

2011-11-30T18:27:00.001+08:00

Just a note, this is for PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA RESIDENTS ONLY.

REVIEW: Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

2011-11-29T18:00:00.002+08:00

Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part,Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention

Then Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. But what Lissa never sees coming is her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling...

I liked the stance that Keplinger took on the whole teen sex thing. Considering that the novel was about a sex strike, I think that she executed the whole thing really well, not coming across as preachy or as if she was promoting it. She presented a variety of aspects, from both sides of the field (get it?!).

The novel also tackled a lot of views about sexuality and expressions of, something that makes you think, but not in an "ugh! philosophy and decisions are hard!" sort of way. I also think that it is also really brave of Keplinger to write a book about sex, as most authors wouldn't have the heart to attempt it.

I did like the characters, especially Lissa. It was refreshing to see a heroine who wasn't strong all the time. I think that her idiosyncrasies were what helped bring her alive, and it really worked. Also - I LOVED Cash and Chloe, they were hilarious at times and just seemed perfect for their roles at other times. The dialogue was enjoyable and really made the novel that bit more realistic.

I thought that some aspects of the novel were a bit predictable, but I guess that not everything can be a surprise.

Shut Out is based on the Greek play Lysistrata by Aristophanes, and I think that Keplinger does a great job portraying it; it was converted well for a modern audience.

Shut Out is a novel that you should definitely read, don't be off by the sex talk, it doesn't go into detail.
It's a great, light read and you'll really enjoy it if you're a girl ( just awk-ward if you're a guy) 13-17 or so. Maybe (you know, just maybe) because of the feminine perspective and about girls not having sex with guys.

P.S. Here are some good reviews that explain it more - I really suggest that you read a few of them at least - it's worth it!

A great way to put it, found at jessicalawlor.com 's review:

"The concept of SHUT OUT comes from the Greek myth LYSISTRATA; so clearly while I wasn’t paying attention to classics and Greek myths in high school English class, Kody Keplinger was buzzing with fantastic book ideas. But seriously, the idea of this book fascinated me. I love how Keplinger was able to take a concept from such an old story and completely breathe new life into it. The rivalry had me intrigued from the beginning, and when the girls rallied together against the boys, I was completely hooked."

Other Reviews
Girls In the Stacks Vlog
@ The Story Siren
@ Shana Talks
@ The Reading Fever

Blog of the Week

2011-11-26T20:40:00.001+08:00

The blog of the week is something I decided to do to acknowledge all the hard work that goes into blogging. All the hours shackled to a desk, typing furiously to get that review just right, just working yourself to the bone in general. (you know what I mean.) Oh! and don't forget the long hours that the slave master forces you to read for...

This week I would like to acknowledge Rebecca of Reading Wishes , she's a newbie to the blogging world and she has plunged in with her head above water, producing reviews better than I did when I started and just having a good looking blog in general!

Congratulations, and all those who haven't visited Reading Wishes before - check it out. And all those that have - Make sure to visit again (insert evil laugh here)!

I present you, Rebecca with a badge of honour (in my books at least!)

What a great banner too!

Book Trailer Love

2011-11-22T18:13:00.001+08:00

Congratulations Sharli!

2011-11-22T18:03:00.000+08:00

Thank you to those who entered and Luisa Plaja for sponsoring this competition!

Isme

REVIEW: The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

2011-11-19T17:43:00.003+08:00

How are we supposed to be partners? He can’t see the cards and I don’t know the rules!

The summer after junior year of high school looks bleak for Alton Richards. His girlfriend has dumped him to hook up with his best friend. He has no money and no job. His parents insist that he drive his great-uncle Lester to his bridge club four times a week and be his cardturner—whatever that means. Alton’s uncle is old, blind, very sick, and very rich.
But Alton’s parents aren’t the only ones trying to worm their way into Lester Trapp’s good graces. They’re in competition with his longtime housekeeper, his alluring young nurse, and the crazy Castaneda family, who seem to have a mysterious influence over him.

Alton soon finds himself intrigued by his uncle, by the game of bridge, and especially by the pretty and shy Toni Castaneda. As the summer goes on, he struggles to figure out what it all means, and ultimately to figure out the meaning of his own life.

Louis Sachar returns with an amazing novel that everyone of all ages will love; witty, insightful and refreshing addition to the YA world, The Cardturner is a definite MUST READ.

I loved the main character of Alton, probably one of the best characters from all the books that I have read. He's sarcastic, genuine and well written, he had the depth of a real person, you felt yourself aligned with his emotions, actions as well as laughing at his attitude to towards his ex-girlfriend and best friend.
The other characters were all unique and each contributed to making the novel the fantastic story that it unquestionably is.

The novel is straightforward, while in non-bridge gibberish (I'll explain in a minute), The Cardturner is extremely easy to read and has a light-hearted mood that makes you feel content, happy. However, the whale that is presented to most people while reading this book is what happens when the little picture of a whale appears (don't get scared now!) Optional to read, the text that comes after the whale is an explanation of what is happening in the game in bridge terms - lessons for bridge if you will. Now, don't stress, at the end of this part, there is a few sentences in a box that explains what has happened in very simple, non-bridge terms.

Another aspect that was great about the book and also widens the audience is that it is narrated by a guy, and about a guy (mostly!). It's really invigorating to read a book centered around a male main character as it is quite rare.

As you may have noticed from my ranting from how much I love every aspect of this book, I suggest that you get a copy of this book ASAP or sooner!

You will find that Sachar has done it again and that's why I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 12, (12+), male or female. Enjoy!

Other Reviews:

@ Guardian.co.uk Teen Books
@ Daisy Chain Reviews
@ The New York Times
@ Helena Pielichaty's Diary of a Children's book writer
@ Wake County Library

Fun Fact: Louis Sachar also wrote Sideways stories from Wayside School, the children's series.

Truth & Dare Giveaway

2011-11-11T21:58:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the late notice, but the Luisa Plaja Truth and Dare Giveaway closed yesterday.

Good luck to all who entered, the winner will be contacted and announced soon.

Isme

Layout Problems

2011-11-10T17:12:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone,

As you may have noticed, I have been having problems with my blog lately, with only one post on the main page.

I am working to fix this, and in the mean time, I hope that my temporary template is okay!

Thank you,

Isme