tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19369886727390124222024-02-20T19:00:52.051-05:00Boys on My BookshelfJennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-55547758680710100982016-12-10T12:30:00.002-05:002016-12-10T12:30:12.714-05:00So Long, Farewell<script type="text/javascript">
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As may be apparent by my last post date, this blog is no longer being updated. I've started a new reading blog focused on adult title at <a href="http://jennythefair.com/">jennythefair.com</a>.</div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-17841951445254746152014-10-23T14:01:00.000-04:002014-10-23T14:01:00.070-04:00NaNoWriMo 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV3VxywapLbHAHVfrtvPu-kcoaCSUr9Kx2MenCht83OYxOQXo6eeAR-GX9I_3_aEKNAFqa773OAdK4nA17goxQRmVlOXJwfVZbRKDJ7htZpIq2ifDt2lBacExWDe3oGVs5OSOXA7XgSpQ/s1600/Participant-2014-Web-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV3VxywapLbHAHVfrtvPu-kcoaCSUr9Kx2MenCht83OYxOQXo6eeAR-GX9I_3_aEKNAFqa773OAdK4nA17goxQRmVlOXJwfVZbRKDJ7htZpIq2ifDt2lBacExWDe3oGVs5OSOXA7XgSpQ/s1600/Participant-2014-Web-Banner.jpg" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Because the best thing for someone who can't concentrate is to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Also, it's a habit. I've participated since November 2010, and even though that's the only year I won, I figure I'll just keep trying. Someday a complete, decent piece of writing might find its way out of me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What is NaNoWriMo? In a word: Motivation. It challenges writers to
take their noveling aspirations to the next level. Throughout November,
participants scream, cry, and bang their heads against walls all in the
pursuit of reaching their goal of 50,000 words (that's approximately
1,667 words per day). Even with the screaming and head banging, it’s a
lot of fun.<br />
<br />
Reaching the word count in the 30 days is an awesome feeling, but the
main goal of NaNoWriMo is to give participants the opportunity to just
write without considering edits and other hang-ups that tend to stall or
even kill the writing process. Check out the list of <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/published-wrimos">published NaNoWriMo novelists</a>.<br />
<br />
Be brave and take the challenge of <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/en/sign_up">NaNoWriMo 2014</a>.
You won’t be doing it alone. Throughout the month receive pep talks
from authors and NaNoWriMo staff, meet local participants at
write-ins, and, of course, get that novel written!<br />
<br />
The writing whirlwind begins November 1.</blockquote>
<br />
(The indented portion is from a blog I originally wrote for work. It still absolutely applies.) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<h3>
Borrowed:</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrGyrhnKMXyT6bIospJvs6NT8J0DMC-S7u0MfG2Ma8IA0e8305GqGwDVFv4okNqzCKQj53ZMOnsAxn719vDzPNQSE_lxzHPksWA75RwfXIhsUawGv5AAM8vgDjC5B8YbN4NT4Hw090UQZ/s1600/SS2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrGyrhnKMXyT6bIospJvs6NT8J0DMC-S7u0MfG2Ma8IA0e8305GqGwDVFv4okNqzCKQj53ZMOnsAxn719vDzPNQSE_lxzHPksWA75RwfXIhsUawGv5AAM8vgDjC5B8YbN4NT4Hw090UQZ/s1600/SS2.png" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/234260071">Because I am Furniture</a> by Thalia Charles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/889323948">Party Games</a> by R.L. Stine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/500797207">The False Friend</a> by Myla Goldberg (eBook)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/881386342">Anatomy of a Misfit</a> by Andrea Portes (eBook)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Bought:</h3>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wCxqmzfxm5gSb_xQh9T4mNXfAniuFwXTbMFGZokGUJEeXFXDbFCRP8RCw5TNKl5q5Ok9XAFtRwggYx161R43n3TTSxXS5suR1ufXvXf2JK2asUSesUEvdbWU2AnFLmgeyIptyWkjuOOf/s1600/Opposite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wCxqmzfxm5gSb_xQh9T4mNXfAniuFwXTbMFGZokGUJEeXFXDbFCRP8RCw5TNKl5q5Ok9XAFtRwggYx161R43n3TTSxXS5suR1ufXvXf2JK2asUSesUEvdbWU2AnFLmgeyIptyWkjuOOf/s1600/Opposite.JPG" height="200" width="128" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/320622147">The Opposite of Me</a> by Sarah Pakkenen </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ijpVktgDobUyd2J69-i69TLcUZiNlvwcTtNGNsLtYfZB0FQAqE47t78Go8xuOdAXygZbNqvV1f_B5vUnpQ-BHho8LCgo-eUoByzHekgvvl0TPNMKs9xqBJ9UbcvtR8QwWiyPkh7J5GrL/s1600/dorothy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ijpVktgDobUyd2J69-i69TLcUZiNlvwcTtNGNsLtYfZB0FQAqE47t78Go8xuOdAXygZbNqvV1f_B5vUnpQ-BHho8LCgo-eUoByzHekgvvl0TPNMKs9xqBJ9UbcvtR8QwWiyPkh7J5GrL/s1600/dorothy.JPG" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/871171904">Dorothy Must Die</a> by Danielle Page<br />
(Dorothy Must Die Series, #1)<br />
HarperCollins Publishers, 2014<br />
464 pages<br />
2 out of 5<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.<br />
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?<br />
Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about
the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to
look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted,
Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be
executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road,
though—but even that's crumbling.<br />
What happened?<br />
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she
seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.<br />
My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.<br />
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.<br />
I've been trained to fight.<br />
And I have a mission:<br />
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.<br />
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.<br />
Take the Lion's courage.<br />
Then and only then—Dorothy must die!</blockquote>
<br />
Somehow I managed to finish this novel, but honestly if it had expired
before I finished, I was in no mood to borrow it again. After finishing
it I realized part of the problem is that it's from Full Fathom Five. If
you aren’t aware, Full Fathom Five is the company James Frey (Million
Little Pieces) created as a cash cow post his disgrace. The company
hires “authors” but retains the copyright to the works. Had I realized it beforehand, I probably wouldn't have read it at all.<br />
<br />
It also
seems Mr. Frey is not at all interested in the editing process. That was
the worst thing about this book, in my opinion. There was information
dump, repetitive bits, and other eye-rolling moments that should have
been removed or condensed. It was all tell and hardly any show.
Furthermore, story lines are completely forgotten during certain parts,
and characters disappear only to reappear when it’s convenient. Granted
this is a fantasy building on Baum’s Oz series, but it didn’t feel like
Oz.<br />
<br />
I’m not one who cares about profanity in novels if it fits
the situation and characters. The profanity in Dorothy Must Die feels
thrown in for the simple reason of making it seem like an edgier teen
novel. I find it hard to believe that Munchkins, even disenchanted,
tattooed ones, run around saying “f*ck.” Anger and frustration can be
shown in other ways.<br />
<br />
Overall, I think it’s an interesting premise
to show a power-hungry, magic-addicted Dorothy, but the execution was
awful. This book is almost 500 pages, but it definitely does not need to
be.<br />
<br />
There is a sequel and a prequel (cha-ching) available, but I have no desire to read anything else in this new Land of Oz.<br />
<br />
<br />
Full disclosure: I borrowed this eBook from my local library.<br />
More on <a href="http://bibliodaze.com/2014/04/say-no-to-james-frey-why-im-boycotting-full-fathom-five/">Full Fathom Five</a>. <br />
<br />
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<br />
The only good thing I can say is that it's summer so I have an excuse for the fact that I've been reading the Riley Jenson Guardian novels. I've rolled my eyes while reading them, but still I read them.<br />
<br />
Below is my list of books so far this year (all links lead to Shelfari):<br />
<br />
1: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/30293404/Farewell-Dorothy-Parker">Farewell, Dorothy Parker</a>
by Ellen Meister<br />
2: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/14139965/When-I-Found-You">When I Found You</a> by Catherine Ryan Hyde
<br />
3: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/345012/The-Cat-Who-Smelled-a-Rat">The Cat Who Smelled a Rat</a> by Lillian Jackson Braun<br />
4: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/1879255/The-Girl-Who-Stopped-Swimming">The Girl Who Stopped Swimming</a> by Joshilyn Jackson
<br />
5: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/207612/The-Cat-Who-Went-Up-the-Creek">The Cat Who Went Up the Creek</a> by Lillian Jackson Braun<br />
6: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/62678/Those-Left-Behind">Those Left Behind</a> by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad<br />
7: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/207656/The-Cat-Who-Brought-Down-the-House">The Cat Who Brought Down the House</a> by
Lillian Jackson Braun<br />
8: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/15248942/The-Red-Garden">The Red Garden</a> by Alice Hoffman<br />
9: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/36112957/Empty-Mansions">Empty Mansions</a> by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr.<br />
10: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/16939668/The-Shepherds-Tale">The Shepherd's Tale</a> by Zack Whedon<br />
11: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/4077589/Better-Days">Better Days</a> by Joss Whedon<br />
12: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/24444543/Tough-Sh-t">Tough Sh*t</a> by Kevin Smith<br />
13: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/26985888/Darth-Vader-and-Son">Darth Vader and Son</a> by Jeffrey Brown<br />
14: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/785234/Full-Moon-Rising">Full Moon Rising</a> by Keri Arthur<br />
15: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/25628/Good-Omens">Good Omens</a> by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman<br />
16: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/26503342/The-Cuckoos-Calling">The Cuckoo's Calling</a> by Robert Galbraith<br />
17: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/14391666/Room">Room</a> by Emma Donoghue<br />
18: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/785235/Kissing-Sin">Kissing Sin</a> by Keri Arthur<br />
19: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/35526801/Melissa-Explains-It-All-TK">Melissa Explains It All</a> by Melissa Joan Hart <br />
20: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/915731/Tempting-Evil">Tempting Evil</a> by Keri Arthur<br />
21: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/846425/Dangerous-Games">Dangerous Games</a> by Keri Arthur<br />
22: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/1380753/Embraced-By-Darkness">Embraced By Darkness</a> by Keri Arthur<br />
23: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/24026984/The-Fault-in-Our-Stars">The Fault in Our Stars</a> by John Green<br />
24: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/27436551/Seating-Arrangements">Seating Arrangements</a> by Maggie Shipstead<br />
25: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/5390059/A-Duty-to-the-Dead">A Duty to the Dead</a> by Charles Todd<br />
26: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/2081045/A-Pedigree-To-Die-For">A Pedigree To Die For</a> by Laurien Berenson<br />
27: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/28013642/The-Neighbors">The Neighbors</a> by Ania Ahlborn<br />
28: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/3610666/The-Darkest-Kiss">The Darkest Kiss</a> by Keri Arthur<br />
29: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/53727/Carved-in-Bone">Carved in Bone</a> by Jefferson Bass<br />
30: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/179834/Hissy-Fit">Hissy Fit</a> by Mary Kay Andrews<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2013/02/03/yalsas-2013-hub-reading-challenge-begins/"><img border="0" src="http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/reading-challenge-logo-300x241.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just when I needed an excuse to put aside serious, and slow paced adult books, along comes <a href="http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2013/02/03/yalsas-2013-hub-reading-challenge-begins/">YALSA's 2013 Hub Reading Challenge</a>.<script type="text/javascript">
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<div>
The Challenge: "Read/listen to 25 of the 83 titles on our <a href="http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/2013-hub-reading-challenge-list-by-author.pdf">list of eligible titles</a> to finish the challenge. The list includes YA novels, audiobooks, graphic novels, and books for adults..." between February 3 and June 22, 2013.</div>
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To learn more or to join the challenge, click the link or logo above. </div>
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Since I read 17 books in January alone, the only thing left to say is...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Challenge Accepted!</span></div>
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Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-84717607851890915742013-01-20T15:38:00.000-05:002013-01-20T15:38:54.294-05:00Welcome 2013!So, clearly, I'm a little behind when it comes to this project. <br />
<br />
I finished my 100 book challenge in early October, so I went crazy and decided to add 25 more titles. Finished number 125 on Dec. 31st. <br />
<br />
Debut Author Challenge: I dropped this one after the whole Story Siren thing. I just wasn't all that interested in it after everything went down.<br />
<br />
New Adult Challenge: Read three "new adult" titles during the year. I completed this by June.<br />
<br />
Off the Shelf Challenge: Eh. I didn't read the 15 titles I set out to. Library books are more distracting since they have due dates. I'm super lucky ours doesn't have late fees, but it's still a good idea to return them in a timely manner. I did read 8 of the 15. So progress was made, but not as much as I hoped. <br />
<br />
What's in store for 2013? After finishing 100 books so early last year and hitting 125 by the end, I've gone crazier and am aiming for 150 this year. So far I'm on pace with 9 books read. I'm also challenging myself to read titles from my own shelf again, I'm thinking maybe one per month. They are other challenges I'm considering, but I haven't officially signed up for anything. More posts to come if this happens. I'll do my best to continue with reviews, though I can't guarantee they'll all be YA. My new fo' real librarian job requires Reader's Advisory for adults, so I'll be expanding into grown-up reads.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyDMKbatW19_nCIwiYqFmK4suTeD9ZQ7RFPXLpQobttqQtmX7KMJAqQFfjyDkrgpjuIgzoCd1dvfIOY2553ijU-gZZORMXRUTHdDNgd83lQWVgFyJMsAIt4MKA9TYG4_pK7cwOsRliEjl/s1600/Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyDMKbatW19_nCIwiYqFmK4suTeD9ZQ7RFPXLpQobttqQtmX7KMJAqQFfjyDkrgpjuIgzoCd1dvfIOY2553ijU-gZZORMXRUTHdDNgd83lQWVgFyJMsAIt4MKA9TYG4_pK7cwOsRliEjl/s200/Girls.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Kiss-Girls-Gina-Harris/dp/1603703543/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349204040&sr=8-1&keywords=i+kiss+girls">I Kiss Girls</a> by Gina Harris<br />
Round Rock, TX: Prizm, 2007<br />
196 pages<br />
3.5 out of 5 <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Joanie’s got all of the problems of an almost seventeen year old girl. She’s trying to get her driver’s license, her mom and dad are pressuring her about going to prom, and she never can seem to make it to the bus on time.<br />
<br />
Even worse, Joanie likes girls, not boys, and all of the girls in her hometown are pretty darned straight. Her best friend, Zane, can attest to that, considering that he never has trouble getting a girl, even if he’s not interested in the freshmen who swarm around him. When new girl Kate shows up, needing tutoring in math and chemistry, Joanie figures Zane will get the date, like he always does, and that makes life even more difficult.<br />
<br />
Joanie’s in for a surprise, though, because Kate doesn’t fall for her good-looking best friend. In fact, Kate seems to like girls, too, and things get a little scary when Kate asks Joanie out on a date.<br />
<br />
Somehow Joanie knows if she says yes to Kate, things will change forever. Can she manage to pass her driving test, get to prom, and come out to her parents the way Kate wants her to? Or will Joanie’s seventeenth birthday be the worst day in history?</blockquote>
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It's good that books like these exist, but just because something is needed doesn't mean it should be rushed. This title is poorly edited, with glaring mistakes that I could be persuaded to overlook, except for the fact that they pulled me completely out of the story.<br />
<br />
Joanie's an well-rounded character. She's 17, working to get her license, getting ready for prom. Typical teen. There's a lot of repetition in her activities. Though I'd say this is true of many titles, others have worked it so that it doesn't sound the same each time. Joanie's love interest, on the hand other hand, falls flat. Kate is beautiful, and out to her parents. But other than her being pretty and smart, I'm not sure why Joanie is so interested. Unless it's just because all the other girls at Joanie's school are straight. That's not exactly the best reason to get into a relationship. <br />
<br />
Her best friend Zane is pretty great. Listening to her and only being slightly jealous when he realizes that Kate has an interest in Joanie instead of him. I was surprised that Zane is a total ladies man with freshman fawning all over him. I would have expected video-gaming nerd, and like the change up.<br />
<br />
The oddest addition, but probably the most necessary, is Joanie's driving instructor. She has really personal conversations with him about her situation. The best part of this is that I feel like it shows it's ok to discuss or think aloud around a trusted adult that's not necessarily a parent.<br />
<br />
Overall, this is a decent title. The poor editing is a bit of a distraction, but the angst, frustration, and fear that Joanie experience all come across very well. And although Janie's sexuality is a huge focus in this title, it's not everything she is. In the middle of dealing with her feelings related to Kate and how or if she should tell her parents, she's just a normal teenager. </div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-70077017759185949622012-10-02T12:53:00.000-04:002012-10-02T12:53:39.180-04:00September Reads<script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Welcome to my monthly listing of titles. I've seen monthly wrap-ups on a few
blogs, some I follow and others I don't. So this idea is definitely borrowed but
not copied exactly. As least as far as I know. (Note: links go to Shelfari).<br />
<br />
September Reads:<br />
<br />
91: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/9415756/Yummy">Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty</a> by G. Neri*<br />
92: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/5724016/Smile">Smile</a> by Raina Telgemeier*<br />
93: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/28336454/Pavement-Chalk-Artist-The-Three-Dimensional-Drawings-of-Julian-B">Pavement Chalk Artist: The Three-Dimensional Drawings of Julian Beever</a><br />
94: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/35843/Dirk-Gentlys-Holistic-Detective-Agency">Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency</a> by Douglas Adams*<br />
95: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/4177170/I-Kiss-Girls">I Kiss Girls</a> by Gina Harris*<br />
<br />
*Off the Shelf Challenge<br />
^ New Adult Challenge<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
It seems I've hit a wall. I'm in the process of reading four different books, but I'm not making much progress with any of them. Finishing the last 45 pages of <i>Dirk Gently </i>took four tries. Gah!<br />
<br />
The good news is that I'm making a little headway on one of my goals. The last one I have left to complete (besides 100 overall) is the <a href="http://bookishardour.com/off-the-shelf/">Off the Shelf challenge</a>. Prior to this month, I'd read 4 out of 15. At the end of this month, I've read 8 out of 15. Though I feel a little guilty that two of the four are graphic novels.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-79809083157897420162012-09-26T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-26T09:00:03.539-04:00Graphic Novel Review: Axe Cop!<script type="text/javascript">
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</script><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYByXHWyNHSCvgI9Ra0AMPz5pDE-Kl1b8Guut58EqVOB4UBAsvT0oNW4mFA2d9oICFEFuydVh8UsOcnfve3ZEdDp9zDajWdHB5iQBk4p7OrC5GKGi8FcEfAd-d_YqM1gyjRnJfSqYldVM/s1600/AxeCop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYByXHWyNHSCvgI9Ra0AMPz5pDE-Kl1b8Guut58EqVOB4UBAsvT0oNW4mFA2d9oICFEFuydVh8UsOcnfve3ZEdDp9zDajWdHB5iQBk4p7OrC5GKGi8FcEfAd-d_YqM1gyjRnJfSqYldVM/s200/AxeCop1.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Axe-Cop-Vol-Malachai-Nicolle/dp/1595826815/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348187953&sr=8-1&keywords=axe+cop+volume+1"><strong>Axe Cop Volume 1</strong></a><strong> by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle</strong><br />
<strong>Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Books, 2011</strong><br />
<strong>144 pages</strong><br />
<strong>5 out of 5</strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Created by five-year old Malachai Nicolle and illustrated by his older brother, the cartoonist Ethan Nicolle, <em>Axe Cop </em>Volume 1 collects the entire original run of the hit webcomic that has captured the world's attention with its insanely imaginative adventures. Whether our hero is fighing gun-toding dinosaurs, teaming up with Ninja Moon Warriors, or answering readers' questions via his insightful advice column, Ask Axe Cop, the adventures of Axe Cop and his incomparabled team of crime fighters will delight and perplext even the most stoic of readers.</blockquote>
Thanks to the Best of the Best challenge, I was introduced to the world of Axe Cop. It's chaotic, funny, and just plain awesome. Packed with secret attacks and being on duty always, there's something for everyone.<br />
<br />
Kid logic is unlike any other logic in the world, and Axe Cop is all about it. If you're not sure what kid logic is, a fantastic example can be found in <em>Big Daddy</em>. Remember when Julian wins every hand of cards no matter what he has? And <em>why </em>does he keep winning? Because the game is "I win."<br />
<br />
Ask Axe Cop is definitely my favorite feature. "The Ultimate Battle" is also pretty great.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0IQUNfB7oD1-PnYlXf0_B8qEn3LuqYnZRQnEp8ZHttJphgXmQ04j0dN8wSrNKuGM9ao3oGG0D7PT90Yv8bZGP5L7uHdHVZxW47McfXcyHaODx83Nw6FjXUzeCQzpQp-3kN5eFhxxaP1r/s1600/AxeCop2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0IQUNfB7oD1-PnYlXf0_B8qEn3LuqYnZRQnEp8ZHttJphgXmQ04j0dN8wSrNKuGM9ao3oGG0D7PT90Yv8bZGP5L7uHdHVZxW47McfXcyHaODx83Nw6FjXUzeCQzpQp-3kN5eFhxxaP1r/s200/AxeCop2.JPG" width="128" /></a><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Axe-Cop-Bad-Guy-Earth/dp/1595828257/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y">Axe Cop Volume 2: Bad Guy Earth</a> by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle</b><br />
<b>Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Comics, 2011</b><br />
<b>104 pages</b><br />
<b>4 out of 5</b><br />
<br />
This volume is Bad Guy Earth, the epic, three-volume Axe Cop extravaganza. Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth definitely takes it to the next level, moving away from strips to a full-length story. Shawna Gore writes in the introduction that it was an experiment to see if there was enough fun left in the Axe Cop universe for such a story to exist. Luckily there was!<br />
<br />
Although I LOVE the fact that the writer is a 6-year-old, as a result, some pieces do feel a little disjointed here and there. Even so, Bad Guy Earth packs plenty of laughs and surprises. Plus, I loved getting a sneak peek at the process with the feature "Making of Bad Guy Earth" that appears after the story.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Axe-Cop-Volume-Malachai-Nicolle/dp/1595829113/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_z" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjPzRsauvFgyaEc85yoisCccmPhxgWDcIC7jx7mDY82mgSFxW6yw0s0jv-oPeUfESymyQZ3_WwHa-GPxyc3-SqZLnQS75HVfvPXdDsP_iAGzM2-JYtBFlUuh8DTGx_31l2u0cCXhQ3EV8/s200/AxeCop3.jpg" width="130" /></a><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Axe-Cop-Volume-Malachai-Nicolle/dp/1595829113/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_z">Axe Cop Volume 3</a> by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle</b><br />
<b>Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Comics, 2011</b><br />
<b>160 pages</b><br />
<b>5 out of 5</b><br />
<br />
The format of Volume 3 is similar to that of the first Axe Cop compilation The first one is epic in that it is the first, and this one continues to build on the universe. In Volume 3, you'll find various episodes, holiday specials, more Ask Axe Cop, and other special features. <br />
<br />
The comics have been anthologized into volumes, but (most) can also be found online at <a href="http://www.axecop.com/">www.axecop.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Seriously, it's awesome. If you've never read it, you should absolutely click that link right now.<br />
<br />
________________________________<br />
Disclosure: Borrowed all three titles from the library.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-83805156474311264882012-09-23T18:10:00.000-04:002012-09-23T18:10:00.423-04:00Stacking the Shelves (1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After being without a general book sharing meme for a little while, I've decided to join <a href="http://www.tyngasreviews.com/2012/05/staking-shelves-official-launch.html">Stacking the Shelves</a> hosted by <a href="http://www.tyngasreviews.com/">Tynga's Reviews</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Borrowed:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXZnJ0wCX0p4RqFJnYTiXgcjPanFAWWbBFcv8sG4zVTRCI5YEJUuaSLAEx-MD-0KkdxJBxgUGe0yKyViDPl1mBFN25FP3Yvy9V6eKwHcRjNQlLTFtqW_8sVCAgkQwmxND9u4XBiD0YL-f/s1600/borrowed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXZnJ0wCX0p4RqFJnYTiXgcjPanFAWWbBFcv8sG4zVTRCI5YEJUuaSLAEx-MD-0KkdxJBxgUGe0yKyViDPl1mBFN25FP3Yvy9V6eKwHcRjNQlLTFtqW_8sVCAgkQwmxND9u4XBiD0YL-f/s400/borrowed.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Burn-Jenny-Han/dp/1442440759/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348429098&sr=8-1&keywords=burn+for+burn">Burn for Burn</a> by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/White-Deer-James-Thurber/dp/0156962640/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348429158&sr=1-1&keywords=white+deer">The White Deer</a> by James Thurber</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Under-My-Hat-Tales-Cauldron/dp/0375868305/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348429182&sr=1-1&keywords=under+my+hat#">Under My Hat:Tales from the Cauldron</a> by Jonathan Strahan (editor)(ebook)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Clues-Kate-Ellison/dp/1606842633/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348429282&sr=1-1&keywords=the+butterfly+clues">The Butterfly Clues</a> by Kate Ellison (ebook)</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nook Book:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXX6WDgGqubwAdFUaGNCW71b5B62JkQkBAHpDnnZnuozaVt9skivKMEHB6F28Ow5-BZupPtyCoN7xKd1rlc1QLHZq9Zsqx9C4cjr5gr2dUCnD32jf7Lfu4mBDpw9P3SsuHEbVoA4MvMDN2/s1600/Unstrung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXX6WDgGqubwAdFUaGNCW71b5B62JkQkBAHpDnnZnuozaVt9skivKMEHB6F28Ow5-BZupPtyCoN7xKd1rlc1QLHZq9Zsqx9C4cjr5gr2dUCnD32jf7Lfu4mBDpw9P3SsuHEbVoA4MvMDN2/s200/Unstrung.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/UnStrung-ebook/dp/B008CF3PMU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348429354&sr=1-1&keywords=unstrung">Unstrung</a> by Neal Shusterman</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">ARC:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCpG-tntPDTjHeHGREFAqlcUjbaWCdEgr2vsMlCJGseE90c5DfFgj4kgaOoMQSa1fg8_yWtAffaHO-UASzJz4qslZxORKax4YVjNOWLVEdHtadGeAYZ885b7ioQeJH4mXPUQVITcqk1Nf/s1600/speechless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCpG-tntPDTjHeHGREFAqlcUjbaWCdEgr2vsMlCJGseE90c5DfFgj4kgaOoMQSa1fg8_yWtAffaHO-UASzJz4qslZxORKax4YVjNOWLVEdHtadGeAYZ885b7ioQeJH4mXPUQVITcqk1Nf/s200/speechless.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Speechless-Harlequin-Teen-Hannah-Harrington/dp/0373210523/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348429297&sr=1-1&keywords=speechless">Speechless</a> by Hannah Harringon</div>
<br />
<br />
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-59599125448381009692012-09-06T10:33:00.001-04:002012-09-06T10:33:28.919-04:00August Reads<script type="text/javascript">
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Welcome to my monthly listing of titles. I've seen monthly wrap-ups on a few
blogs, some I follow and others I don't. So this idea is definitely
borrowed but not copied exactly. As least as far as I know. (Note: links go to Shelfari).<br />
<br />
August reads:<br />
<br />
84: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/12887406/Fallout">Fallout</a>
by Ellen Hopkins<br />
85: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/27081046/I-Am-A-Pole-%28And-So-Can-You-%29">I Am A Pole (And So Can You!)</a>
by Stephen Colbert<br />
86: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/26501979/Lies-Knives-and-Girls-in-Red-Dresses">Lies, Knives, and Girls in Red Dresses</a>
by Ron Koertge<br />
87: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/4139471/Fruits-Basket-Volume-1">Fruits Basket, Volume 1</a>
by Natsuki Takaya<br />
88: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/210973/Ultra-Maniac-Vol-1">Ultra Maniac Vol 1</a>
by Wataru Yoshizumi<br />
89: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/24057437/The-Scrapbook-of-Frankie-Pratt">The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt</a> by Caroline Preston^<br />
90: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/54842/The-City-of-Ember">The City of Ember</a> by Jeanne DuPrau<br />
<br />
^New Adult Challenge<br />
<br />
This month I read manga for the first time. It was crazy weird and I kept reading everything in the wrong order. But once I got used to it, it was pretty entertaining.<br />
<br />
Also, <strong>10</strong> more books and I reach my goal of 100 for the year! Even at my current crazy slow pace, I think I'm going to make it. The one challenge I'm failing is the off the shelf challenge. New books are still too shiny and awesome. And that whole moving thing kind of threw me off my reading game. Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-22278142880084952652012-08-01T21:01:00.000-04:002012-08-01T21:01:55.698-04:00July Reads<script type="text/javascript">
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Welcome to my monthly listing of titles. I've seen monthly wrap-ups on a few
blogs, some I follow and others I don't. So this idea is definitely
borrowed but not copied exactly. As least as far as I know. (Note: links go to Shelfari).<br />
<br />
73: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/16083616/The-Bones-of-the-Holy">Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator : The Bones of the Holy</a>
by Jennifer Allison<br />
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</div>
74: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/22873326/Same-Difference">Same Difference</a>
by Derek Kirk Kim^<br />
75: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/11688966/Lovetorn">Lovetorn</a>
by Kavita Daswani<br />
76: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/16721546/The-Notorious-Benedict-Arnold">The Notorious Benedict Arnold</a>
by Steve Sheinkin<br />
77: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/17381317/Ruby-Red">Ruby Red</a> by Kerstin Gier<br />
78: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/25726650/Scandalous-50-Shocking-Events-You-Should-Know-About-%28So-You-Can-">Scandalous!: 50 Shocking Events You Should Know About</a>
by Hallie Fryd<br />
79: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/24031502/Guy-Langman-Crime-Scene-Procrastinator">Guy Langman, Crime Scene Procrastinator</a> by Josh Berk<br />
80: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/5571244/The-Maze-Runner">The Maze Runner</a> by James Dashner<br />
81: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/426599/Black-Belt-Librarians-Every-Librarians-Real-World-Guide-to-a-Saf">Black Belt Librarian</a> by Warren Davis Graham<br />
82: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/17527397/Under-the-Mesquite">Under the Mesquite</a>
by Guadalupe Garcia McCall<br />
83: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/67303/Crank">Crank</a>
by Ellen Hopkins<br />
84: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/12887406/Fallout">Fallout</a> by Ellen Hopkins <br />
<br />
<br />
Key to all those crazy symbols:<br />
* <a href="http://boybookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-challenges.html">Off the Shelf Challenge</a><br />
^ <a href="http://boybookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-challenges.html">New Adult Challenge </a><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPAD5mTDdLYero-LcHdBKaKgzHOiAvfyqwjU1r9w3QndRc9kzS0ObKsC7l0YHzJF8KgdXeodGx8kwGLK04OTb4Nn7gvQur4Hbcm_m19H48Emt2GndtWUlbNZr2DpVukgjS4AqMkEYhPLR/s1600/CrankTrilogy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPAD5mTDdLYero-LcHdBKaKgzHOiAvfyqwjU1r9w3QndRc9kzS0ObKsC7l0YHzJF8KgdXeodGx8kwGLK04OTb4Nn7gvQur4Hbcm_m19H48Emt2GndtWUlbNZr2DpVukgjS4AqMkEYhPLR/s400/CrankTrilogy.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These books can be terribly sad, but are absolutely worth the read.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-39030640483509991402012-07-25T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-25T09:00:06.238-04:00The Girl is Murder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ResHYpK6a2icfiPgH38YyFREISzWVUgRCkW4Q1ZAR7_3HrVbn49WehZALz6Wwf_ljDQzhAAb4DimvtpvchyphenhyphenYBpbqOq800e7hwYghReGl-GzmQFal9PJGNoAaH4Y6nkWJ8eRjVaBN_2-m/s1600/GirlMurder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ResHYpK6a2icfiPgH38YyFREISzWVUgRCkW4Q1ZAR7_3HrVbn49WehZALz6Wwf_ljDQzhAAb4DimvtpvchyphenhyphenYBpbqOq800e7hwYghReGl-GzmQFal9PJGNoAaH4Y6nkWJ8eRjVaBN_2-m/s200/GirlMurder.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Murder-Kathryn-Miller-Haines/dp/1250006392/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340230356&sr=1-1&keywords=girl+is+murder">The Girl is Murder</a> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;">by Kathryn Miller Haines</span> </div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
New York, NY: Roaring Book Press, 2011</div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
8.75 hours (342 pages)</div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
5 out of 5</div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
It's the Fall of 1942 and Iris's world is rapidly changing. Her Pop is back from the war with a missing leg, limiting his ability to do the physically grueling part of his detective work. Iris is dying to help, especialy when she discovers that one of Pop's cases involves a boy as her school. Now, instead of sitting at home watching Deanna Durbin movies, Iris is sneaking out of the house, double crossing her friends, and dancing at the Savoy till all hours of the night. There's certainly never a dull moment in the private eye business.</div>
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Fabulous. That is the best word I can come up with to describe this book.<br />
<br />
Iris is making the transition from private school girl to public school girl in the midst of World War II. She's also getting used to living with her private detective Pop after the unexpected death of her mother. When a student from her school goes missing, and his parents approach her Pop, Iris decides to do some investigating of her own.<br />
<br />
This book has everything just right. The pacing, the setting, the characters, the mystery all just come together to create a wonderful book by Haines. The historical setting feels very authentic, yet has elements that modern readers can relate to.<br />
<br />
Reader Rachel Botchan brings this story to life. This is one of the best audio books I have listened to and Botchan does a fantastic job of bringing the right voice to the right character.<br />
<br />
The next book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Trouble-Kathryn-Miller-Haines/dp/1596436107/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340230400&sr=1-1&keywords=the+girl+is+trouble">The Girl is Trouble</a> comes out July 3! <br />
<br />
_________________<br />
Disclosure: Borrowed from the library<br />
<br />
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</script>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-53974849472587709012012-07-18T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-18T09:00:08.592-04:00Charmfall<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QNUA9toqN7tWfD-2Xh_sek1lgFSSfalWFY2KVUKM2xehQcYqBH4KWWt4n4BIY7y7aO5OnPip4GgXOalUGa6CrHKWs-4WZ0l-SOMor5LedryKqqPVsVRgtMIUsp5_ffh6DZ-f_KHOJAij/s1600/Charmfall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QNUA9toqN7tWfD-2Xh_sek1lgFSSfalWFY2KVUKM2xehQcYqBH4KWWt4n4BIY7y7aO5OnPip4GgXOalUGa6CrHKWs-4WZ0l-SOMor5LedryKqqPVsVRgtMIUsp5_ffh6DZ-f_KHOJAij/s200/Charmfall.JPG" width="135" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charmfall-Dark-Elite-Book-3/dp/0451230809/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340231300&sr=1-1&keywords=charmfall">Charmfall</a> <span style="background-color: black; color: white;">by Chloe Neill</span> </div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
New York: New American Library, 2012</div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
272 pages</div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
3.5 out of 5 </div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
Protecting Chicago from the dark side can be an exhausting job, especially when you're a sophomore. So when the girls of St. Sophia's start gearing up for Sneak, their fall formal, Lily decides to join in on some good old-fashioned party prep--even if it means not giving demons, vampires, and the twisted magic users known as Reapers her undivided attention.</div>
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But when a Reaper infiltrates the school Lily doesn't forget what she's sworn to protect. She reaches deep inside herself to draw out her magic--and finds that it's gone. And it turns out that she's not alone. A magic blackout has slammed through paranormal Chicago, and no one knows what--or who--caused it. But for Lily, getting back her magic is worth the risk of going behind enemy lines....</div>
<br />
The Dark Elite series fall into my "guilty pleasure" category. Even though I really do enjoy these books, there's not a whole lot of substance. That's not a knock against the series or the author at all. My brain needs a break sometimes, and I'd much rather get that break reading something fun and interesting instead of numbing myself out with TV.<br />
<br />
Lily is still trying to figure out the connection between her parents the boarding school she's now attending. And in the meantime, she's fighting Reapers and destroying their evil plans. This installment explores the magical worlds a little more by introducing new characters and further developing existing characters like the Reapers. The real world is already known to me, so seeing more of Neil's created world is nice.<br />
<br />
The three novels are absolutely connected and it is highly recommended that you read them in order: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Firespell-Dark-Elite-Book-1/dp/0451228863/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1340231732&sr=8-2&keywords=firespell">Firespell</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hexbound-Dark-Elite-Book-2/dp/0451230795/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340231915&sr=1-1&keywords=hexbound">Hexbound</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charmfall-Dark-Elite-Book-3/dp/0451230809/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340231943&sr=1-1&keywords=charmfall">Charmfall</a>. The way this one ends requires that there be a fourth and perhaps more. I'm looking forward to it.<br />
<br />
____________________<br />
Disclosure: Borrowed from the library.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tJsOT0cgwnQCBiUOi55DO1kUS2PwVURRXYlewalUzw7l0-2EPD2eLhxmWBfb97Y6Tsbzdtx7QR3WY7tZF3n6ox17WuOa45qWHMq7o-JXAxgARjNC6o8398qPteMmj7kGzc0I7ATU974X/s1600/EverybodyAnts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tJsOT0cgwnQCBiUOi55DO1kUS2PwVURRXYlewalUzw7l0-2EPD2eLhxmWBfb97Y6Tsbzdtx7QR3WY7tZF3n6ox17WuOa45qWHMq7o-JXAxgARjNC6o8398qPteMmj7kGzc0I7ATU974X/s200/EverybodyAnts.JPG" width="137" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Sees-Ants-A-S-King/dp/0316129283/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340230052&sr=8-1&keywords=everybody+sees+the+ants">Everybody Sees the Ants</a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> by A.S. King</span> </div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
New York, NY: Little Brown, 2011</div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
282 pages</div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
3.5 out of 5</div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
Lucky Linderman didn't ask for his life. He didn't ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn't ask for a father who never got over it. He didn't ask for a mother who keeps pretending their dysfunctional family is fine. And he didn't ask to be the target of Nader McMillan's relentless bullying which has finally gone too far.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But Lucky has a secret--one that helps him wade through the daily mundane torture of his life. In his dreams, Lucky escapes to the war-ridden jungles of Laos--the prison his grandfather couldn't escape--where Lucky can be a real man, an adventurer, and a hero. It's dangerous and wild, and it's a place where his life just might be worth living. But how can Lucky keep hiding in his dreams before reality forces its way inside?</div>
<br />
I'm still not sure how I feel about this book. It wasn't bad by any means, in fact, I liked many element of it. The problem arises from just not knowing what to make of it. It can absolutely be classified as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_realism">magical realism</a>, and it is the inclusion of these fantastic moments that lose me. <br />
<br />
On the realistic side of things, this novel tackles quite a few issues, including parental separation, bullying, and abuse. Most of these issues come to a resolution in the real world but with help from fantasy elements, such as Lucky spending evenings with his POW Grandfather in the jungles of Vietnam, and his talking with dancing ants.<br />
<br />
The dream nights with Grandpa are what I had the most difficulty with. The more I consider this novel, the more I feel that maybe I should reread it. Maybe a second time around the jungle will provide me with some answers like it did for Lucky.<br />
<br />
As my review shows, I'm a bit ambiguous about this one. I really liked some parts, but didn't like others. The characters are very well fleshed out, and I love Lucky's comparisons of his parents to animals. But the purpose of some elements is unclear to me. In fact, the novel itself is a little fuzzy as I try to look back on it. I'll have to give it another go at some point.<br />
<br />
_____________________<br />
Disclosure: Borrowed from the library.<br />
<br />
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</script>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-21549627241490294302012-07-01T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-01T09:00:05.124-04:00June Reads<script type="text/javascript">
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I've decided to do a monthly listing of all that I've read and maybe
highlight titles I really enjoyed. I've seen monthly wrap-ups on a few
blogs, some I follow and others I don't. So this idea is definitely
borrowed but not copied exactly. As least as far as I know. (Note: links go to Shelfari).<br />
<br />
This month was a little slower than the last two, but I finally finished up a few I've been working on for a while. <br />
<br />
64: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/22355314/Daughter-of-Smoke-and-Bone">Daughter of Smoke and Bone</a>
by Laini Taylor^<br />
65: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/17694633/Level-Up">Level Up</a>
by Gene Yang^"<br />
66: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/16819221/Big-Girl-Small">Big Girl Small</a>
by Rachel DeWoskin^<br />
67: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/18102255/Miss-Peregrines-Home-for-Peculiar-Children">Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children</a>
by Ransom Riggs*<br />
68: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/16824833/How-They-Croaked">How They Croaked</a>
by Georgia Bragg<br />
69: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/19675/Roald-Dahls-Revolting-Rhymes">Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes</a>
by Roald Dahl<br />
70: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/22787067/Wonderstruck">Wonderstruck</a>
by Brian Selznick<br />
71: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/24995245/Ugly-to-start-with">Ugly to start with</a>
by John Michael Cummings<br />
72: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/11160/The-Angel-Experiment">The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride #1)</a> by James Patterson<br />
<br />
^ <a href="http://boybookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/04/best-of-best-challenge.html">Best of the Best Challenge</a> (3)<br />
* <a href="http://boybookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-challenges.html">Off the Shelf Challenge</a> (1)<br />
" <a href="http://boybookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-challenges.html">New Adult Challenge</a> (1)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhair8GHgUOOh-dt_n6BE2ZFsMP-l4Yu_ayKiGO5LBvHTfeXWQYdEjaq1PqLWBQ2QO1mH2yCgFOme8tQms-9OBs_oi_O3bdLPeyGd4pCp6a6w0oU9mcAzYWSUZ-VTJppyXfXVWNEWxRjhb9/s1600/WonderStruck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhair8GHgUOOh-dt_n6BE2ZFsMP-l4Yu_ayKiGO5LBvHTfeXWQYdEjaq1PqLWBQ2QO1mH2yCgFOme8tQms-9OBs_oi_O3bdLPeyGd4pCp6a6w0oU9mcAzYWSUZ-VTJppyXfXVWNEWxRjhb9/s320/WonderStruck.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best of the Month</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Also since we're now halfway through the year, it's time for an update on all of my challenges.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2012/04/01/yalsas-2012-best-of-the-best-reading-challenge-begins/">Best of the Best Challenge</a> - Completed 26 of 25 books. Ended: 6/30/12<br />
<a href="http://bookishardour.com/off-the-shelf/">Off the Shelf Challenge</a> - Completed 4 out of 15 books. <br />
<a href="http://atapestryofwords.blogspot.com/2011/11/2012-new-adult-challenge.html">New Adult Challenge</a> - Completed 3 out of 3. <br />
100 Book Challenge - Completed 72 out of 100. <br />
<br />
Mostly what I've noticed is that I need to stop getting distracted by side challenges, such as the Bout-of-Books and the Best of the Best Challenge, and shiny new books. But they're so new...and SHINY!<br />
<br />
How are you doing with your challenges?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-81684079319940882412012-06-06T19:13:00.000-04:002012-06-06T19:13:00.342-04:00May ReadsI've decided to do a monthly listing of all that I've read and maybe
highlight titles I really enjoyed. I've seen monthly wrap-ups on a few
blogs, some I follow and others I don't. So this idea is definitely
borrowed but not copied exactly. As least as far as I know.<br />
<br />
New this month: Links lead to Shelfari. Why? I'm working smart instead of hard. I discovered I can cut and paste my reading list and it keeps the links. It gives me more time to actually, hopefully, maybe someday post more reviews. And, after all, this is supposed to be fun. <br />
<br />
<br />
45: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/18126941/The-Talk-Funny-Girl">The Talk-Funny Girl</a>
by Roland Merullo^<br />
46: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/12884887/Super-Human">Super Human</a>
by Michael Carroll^<br />
47: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/18325387/Anyas-Ghost">Anya's Ghost</a>
by Vera Brosgol^<br />
48: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/14964407/Wheels-of-Change-How-Women-Rode-the-Bicycle-to-Freedom-%28With-a-F">Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom</a>
by Sue Macy^<br />
49: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/23542/Shattering-Glass">Shattering Glass</a>
by Gail Giles^<br />
50: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/22385852/Why-We-Broke-Up">Why We Broke Up</a>
by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman^<br />
51: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/22385818/How-to-Save-a-Life">How to Save a Life</a>
by Sara Zarr^<br />
52: <br />
53: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/68489/The-Girl-in-the-Flammable-Skirt">The Girl in the Flammable Skirt</a>
by Aimee Bender*<br />
54: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/12892902/Animal-Crackers-A-Gene-Luen-Yang-Collection">Animal Crackers: A Gene Luen Yang Collection</a> by Gene Luen Yang*<br />
55: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/3565429/Hero">Hero</a>
by Perry Moore^*<br />
56: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/23812678/Axe-Cop-Volume-1-Bad-Guy-Earth">Axe Cop Volume 2: Bad Guy Earth</a>
by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle*<br />
57: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/23629116/The-Watch-That-Ends-the-Night">The Watch That Ends the Night</a>
by Allan Wolf*<br />
58: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/26149951/Axe-Cop-Volume-3">Axe Cop Volume 3</a>
by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle*<br />
59: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/17259704/Shine">Shine</a>
by Lauren Myracle*^<br />
60: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/26545166/The-Hunger-Games-Tribute-Guide">The Hunger Games Tribute Guide</a>
by Emily Seife*<br />
61: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/1168543/Glass">Glass</a> by Ellen Hopkins"<br />
62: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/18081944/Geektastic-Stories-from-the-Nerd-Herd">Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd</a> Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci^<br />
63: <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/16523955/The-Lovers-Dictionary">The Lover's Dictionary</a> by David Levithan^<br />
<br />
Key to all those crazy symbols:<br />
^ <a href="http://boybookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/04/best-of-best-challenge.html">Best of the Best Challenge</a><br />
* <a href="http://boybookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/05/bout-of-books-read-thon.html">Bout of Books Read-a-Thon</a><br />
" <a href="http://boybookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-challenges.html">New Adult Challenge </a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TTj9MOo0PChuQL-XOPtMgXJ9x8Wuey5kh8hIcASwhEiuu-fzpQ0g_PSmMkoeh7VS5d1XuoxJ_71QxcpokyDCKkaWeVk3gajsr6kb7qnU5z2L8A2ZDZERmENQ11FLIxCd2wCe9UOQ5v3y/s1600/May.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TTj9MOo0PChuQL-XOPtMgXJ9x8Wuey5kh8hIcASwhEiuu-fzpQ0g_PSmMkoeh7VS5d1XuoxJ_71QxcpokyDCKkaWeVk3gajsr6kb7qnU5z2L8A2ZDZERmENQ11FLIxCd2wCe9UOQ5v3y/s400/May.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These kept me up way past my bedtime.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-73624006734241930012012-05-15T11:34:00.001-04:002012-05-15T11:34:43.175-04:00A Little This & That<script type="text/javascript">
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<a href="http://nyxbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/05/bout-of-books-40-readathon-book.html">Nyx Book Reviews</a> is hosting today's <a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/">Bout of Books </a>Challenge. I like the questions, so I've decided to share them along with my answers here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKScIVIvfdk6IDMFZ1qRH6fUEI4zzFxIx25hcwTNmnnXWkj2RMjcK4jae3oWdtKCkk_fSt7P8YdI_EYuwQ-taGhihk_x64XiT-UwxxZzuwtHyQ-fsE7daG0ttpF8E6X9v5ENVxIk_sDCfq/s1600/BoutOfBooks-Button-500x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKScIVIvfdk6IDMFZ1qRH6fUEI4zzFxIx25hcwTNmnnXWkj2RMjcK4jae3oWdtKCkk_fSt7P8YdI_EYuwQ-taGhihk_x64XiT-UwxxZzuwtHyQ-fsE7daG0ttpF8E6X9v5ENVxIk_sDCfq/s400/BoutOfBooks-Button-500x200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Physical Book or eBook?</b> Physical book, but ebooks are great for long, heavy books. I'm looking at you <i>Count of Monte Cristo</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>Paperback or Hardcover?</b> Paperback<br />
<br />
<b>Reality or Make-believe?</b> Both!<br />
<b><br />
<b>Adult or Young Adult? </b></b>Young Adult <b><br />
<br />
<b>Dog Ears or Bookmarks?</b> </b>Bookmarks<br /><b>
<br />
<b>Breaking the Spine or Barely Open the book?</b> </b>Break it! Books are meant to be used.<b><br />
<br />
<b>Tea or Coffee?</b> </b>Tea...well Pepsi, but for the purposes of this exercise, Tea.<b><br />
<br />
<b>Reading in Bed or On the Couch?</b> </b>Both (Outside is pretty good, too).<br />
<b><br />
<b>Series or Standalone?</b> </b>Standalone. It gets nerve-wracking waiting for sequels. (174 days until <i>Days of Blood and Starlight</i>).<b><br />
<b><br />
<b>Original or TV Adaptation?</b> </b></b>Original<b><b><br />
<b><br />
<b>Author Crushes or Who-was-that-guy-again?</b> </b></b></b>Who-was-that-guy-again...<b><b><b><br />
<b><br />
<b>Interview or Guest Post?</b> </b></b></b></b>Intervie<b><b><b><b>w</b></b></b></b><br /><br /><br />
Feel free to share your own answers below!<br /><b><b><b><b>
</b></b></b></b><br /><br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-56758229481901027482012-05-12T10:55:00.002-04:002012-05-22T15:54:11.999-04:00Bout of Books Goals & ProgressBout of Books Read-a-thon starts @ 12:01am on Monday! Unfortunately I will not be able to start right away. I need my beauty sleep for an interview. Once lunchtime hits though, it's on!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/" title="Bout of Books Read-a-Thon"><img alt="Bout of Books Read-a-Thon" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKTvp_Du-9u7gmRhswShNqDUjwUSdHLqK8p4tzP1ASUAebzEdRk2aWaJp3QaGbtuaO6QD7AmXqTzVD5tsqIqqTCUQf2E4wg3elDAcedab4QIi6SmeAu_gllEc3I_d_LIl-VEu9di4fQfg/s1600/BoutOfBooks-Button-300x200.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My Goals:</span><br />
My primary goal is to sit back and enjoy reading!<br />
I also plan to read at least six books during the week. Crazy, I know! <br />
This blog post will be updated daily.<br />
Finally, I will participate in at least one twitter chat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Books to Read:</span><br />
<strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Axe-Cop-Bad-Guy-Earth/dp/1595828257/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336833460&sr=8-2">Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth</a> (Vol 2) by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle</strike><br />
<strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Axe-Cop-Volume-Malachai-Nicolle/dp/1595829113/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336833460&sr=8-3">Axe Cop Volume 3</a> by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle</strike><br />
<strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Watch-That-Ends-Night/dp/0763637033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336833519&sr=8-1">The Watch that Ends the Night</a> by Allan Wolf</strike><br />
<strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hero-Perry-Moore/dp/1423101960/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336833557&sr=1-3">Hero</a> by Perry Moore</strike><br />
<strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-Flammable-Skirt-Stories/dp/0385492162/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336833585&sr=1-1">The Girl in the Flammable Skirt</a> by Aimee Bender (Short stories)</strike><br />
<strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shine-Lauren-Myracle/dp/0810984172/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336833635&sr=1-1">Shine</a> by Lauren Myracle</strike><br />
<br />
Bonus:<br />
<strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Crackers-Gene-Luen-Collection/dp/1593621833/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337054743&sr=1-1">Animal Crackers</a> by Gene Luen Yang </strike><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Ellen-Hopkins/dp/141694091X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336833654&sr=1-1">Glass</a> by Ellen Hopkins<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Updates:</span><br />
<br />
<b><u>5/14</u></b><br />
Number of books I’ve read today: <b>2</b><br />
Total number of books I’ve read: <b>2</b><br />
Books:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Crackers-Gene-Luen-Collection/dp/1593621833/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337054743&sr=1-1">Animal Crackers</a> by Gene Luen Yang<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-Flammable-Skirt-Stories/dp/0385492162/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336833585&sr=1-1">The Girl in the Flammable Skirt</a> by Aimee Bender (Short stories)<br />
<br />
<b><u>5/15</u></b><br />
Number of books I’ve read today: <b>2</b><br />
Total number of books I’ve read: <b>4</b><br />
Books:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hero-Perry-Moore/dp/1423101960/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336833557&sr=1-3">Hero</a> by Perry Moore <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Axe-Cop-Bad-Guy-Earth/dp/1595828257/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336833460&sr=8-2">Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth</a> (Vol 2) by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_64174716">
</a><br />
<b><u>5/16</u></b><br />
Number of books I’ve read today: <b>0</b><br />
Total number of books I’ve read: <b>4</b><br />
Books:<br />
Started <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Watch-That-Ends-Night/dp/0763637033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336833519&sr=8-1">The Watch that Ends the Night</a> by Allan Wolf<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_64174716">
</a><br />
<b><u>5/17</u></b><br />
Number of books I’ve read today: <b>2</b><br />
Total number of books I’ve read: <b>6</b><br />
Books:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Axe-Cop-Volume-Malachai-Nicolle/dp/1595829113/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1336833460&sr=8-3">Axe Cop Volume 3</a> by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Watch-That-Ends-Night/dp/0763637033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336833519&sr=8-1">The Watch that Ends the Night</a> by Allan Wolf <br />
<br />
I can't believe I've read six books already! One that was not originally on the list snuck in there (that happens when you forget your book, doh!). Since I have three days left, I'm going to go ahead and read the other two titles on the list above.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_64174716">
</a><br />
<b><u>5/18</u></b><br />
Number of books I’ve read today: <b>1</b><br />
Total number of books I’ve read: <b>7</b><br />
Books:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shine-Lauren-Myracle/dp/0810984172/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336833635&sr=1-1">Shine</a> by Lauren Myracle <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_64174716">
</a><br />
<b> </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhkx7Fkg7hk1IMjP6YGYPiAk2rms87aK7LGCvFNKLpT0vtofQjdAahs1h9XMf9Q2Nw_0RNXAfqUyLdNwKVNdjtExeKLyF04TUUCwEIoE_M-8kre1trznMxdKglccPW-FEtQeJLUV_q5Yz/s1600/ShineShoes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhkx7Fkg7hk1IMjP6YGYPiAk2rms87aK7LGCvFNKLpT0vtofQjdAahs1h9XMf9Q2Nw_0RNXAfqUyLdNwKVNdjtExeKLyF04TUUCwEIoE_M-8kre1trznMxdKglccPW-FEtQeJLUV_q5Yz/s320/ShineShoes.png" width="225" /></a>Mini-Challenge: <a href="http://www.thereadinghousewives.com/2012/05/bout-of-books-40-mini-challenge-books.html">The Reading Housewives</a>
hosted the mini-challenge of combining two faves: Books and shoes! You
can depict shoes that match a character or a book cover. I wasn't sure
if I was going to participate, but my current read <i>Shine</i> made the decision for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Cat:
"My feet hurt, however, because I made the mistake of wearing my silver
plastic flip-flops with little jewels in the straps" (p. 84). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>5/19</u></b><br />
Number of books I’ve read today: <b>1</b><br />
Total number of books I’ve read: <b>8</b><br />
Books:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Hunger-Games-Tribute-Guide/dp/0545457823/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337716392&sr=8-1">Hunger Games Tribute Guide</a> by Emily Seife <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_64174716">
</a><br />
<b><u>5/20</u></b><br />
Number of books I've read today: <b>0</b><br />
Total number of books I've read: <b>8</b><br />
Books:<br />
Started Glass, but didn't finish it until 5/21. <br />
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</script>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-54112117023538875592012-05-03T11:54:00.001-04:002012-05-03T11:54:06.266-04:00Bout of Books Read-a-Thon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning, I signed up to join in the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon! Things like this are now possible for me since I graduated last Saturday. *happy dance* Getting a Master's degree is very exciting, and having time to read again is the biggest perk so far. </div>
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I learned about the event from the <a href="http://onabookbender.com/2012/04/29/clock-rewinders-on-a-book-binge-48/">Clock Rewinders</a> feature from On a Book Bender. I really like that this event includes participation from the blogging community. As a sporadic blogger, my connection with other bloggers has been limited, so I'm looking forward to the opportunity to take part in something that allows me to introduce myself and my blog to others. </div>
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For information about the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon, visit the <a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/2012/04/bout-of-books-40-sign-up.html">sign-up page</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrACzfT5U1Dog6HtN4K85k85CvpwWQ463Uf-0vj2_-I1o0U-QyY6sLdS3XBy5-eB-XRDtiQHM543c7TBP-ldoDGAbxuW5xqbLCrpjldFf_sJDM14kAcf3N_ykcZWsVeU3ZqvcTuhl4CJ7/s1600/Daughter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrACzfT5U1Dog6HtN4K85k85CvpwWQ463Uf-0vj2_-I1o0U-QyY6sLdS3XBy5-eB-XRDtiQHM543c7TBP-ldoDGAbxuW5xqbLCrpjldFf_sJDM14kAcf3N_ykcZWsVeU3ZqvcTuhl4CJ7/s200/Daughter.JPG" width="131" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Smoke-Bone-Laini-Taylor/dp/0316134023/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334446162&sr=1-1">Daughter of Smoke & Bone</a> by Laini Taylor</div>
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New York, NY: Little Brown, 2011</div>
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418 pages</div>
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5 out of 5</div>
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Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.</div>
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In the dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.</div>
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And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.</div>
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Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.</div>
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When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret the truth about herself.</div>
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Under normal circumstances, I probably would not have picked up this book. Party, the cover didn't really appeal to me, but also because it's just not my genre. Thanks to the glowing recommendations from my coworkers, I gave it a try. It took about 100 pages for me to get really invested but now it's one of my favorites of 2012.<br />
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From the very beginning, Karou is an interesting character; she's covered in tattoos, collects languages, and naturally has blue hair. How awesome is that? Then she meets Akiva, the dark, brooding, but totally hot man toy. And life as she know it is changed forever. Paranormal titles require that the protagonist discover she has a secret power, identity past, etc. and this is no different, but there's something about the writing, and the way the characters interact, and the fact that it's not one-hundred percent focused on the secret Karou discovers that makes it hard to put down.<br />
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In the midst of everything she already knows about the demon world and what she discovers, she remains herself and true to the people around her. I've noticed in the limited number of novels I've read in similar genres that the girls just kind of face into their lives, almost forgetting about what they had before. Karou wants to be involved and wants to be a good friend, until she finds she other, more serious matters to attend to.<br />
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I <i>loved</i> this book and if you haven't picked it up, I cannot recommend it enough.<br />
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The sequel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Days-Blood-Starlight-Laini-Taylor/dp/0316133973/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334446009&sr=8-1"><i>Days of Blood and Starlight</i></a> comes out Nov. 6.<br />
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Also check out <a href="http://www.therealfauxtographer.com/2012/03/daughter-of-smoke-and-bone.html%20">The Real Fauxtographer's photo</a> inspired by the novel.<br />
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I changed the numbering to keep track of the overall number of titles I've read so far. <br />
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April Books:<br />
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24. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Theres-Rat-My-Soup-Medieval/dp/1598453750/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333637997&sr=8-1">There's a Rat in My Soup: Could you Survive Medieval Food?</a> by Chana Stiefel<br />
25.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Are-You-There-God-Margaret/dp/0385739869/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333638014&sr=1-1"> Are You There God, It's Me Margaret?</a> by Judy Blume<br />
26. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Anne-Dead-Gone-Rosenfield/dp/0525423893/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333762917&sr=8-1">Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone</a> by Kat Rosenfield*!<br />
27. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boys-Steel-The-Creators-Superman/dp/0375838023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333916820&sr=8-1">Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman</a> by Marc Tyler Nobelman & Ross MacDonald (illustrator)<br />
28. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Something-About-America-Maria-Testa/dp/0763634158/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334069163&sr=8-1">Something About America</a> by Maria Testa" <br />
29. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Au-Revoir-Crazy-European-Chick/dp/0547577389/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334375392&sr=8-1">Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick</a> by Joe Schreiber (audio)<br />
30. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Influencing-Machine-Brooke-Gladstone/dp/0393077799/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334375450&sr=1-1">The Influencing Machine</a> by Brooke Gladstone and Josh Neufeld (illustrator)^<br />
31. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whoogles-Pregnant-Hundreds-Searches-Google/dp/B005GNKIPS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334375519&sr=1-1">Whoogles </a>by Kendall Almerico and Tess Hottenroth^<br />
32. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chime-Franny-Billingsley/dp/0142420921/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334416136&sr=8-1">Chime</a> by Franny Billingsly (audio)^<br />
33. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fever-Crumb-Philip-Reeve/dp/054522215X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334450233&sr=8-1">Fever Crumb</a> by Phillip Reeve (audio)^ <br />
34. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robopocalypse-A-Novel-Vintage-Contemporaries/dp/0307740803/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334531217&sr=8-1">Robopocalypse</a> by Daniel H. Wilson^<br />
35. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Queens-Libba-Bray/dp/0439895979/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335036167&sr=8-1">Beauty Queens</a> by Libba Bray (audio)^<br />
36. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Changed-World-Slavery-Freedom/dp/0618574921/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335036211&sr=1-1">Sugar Changed the World</a> by Marc Aronson & Marina Budhos^<br />
37. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Boyfriend-Is-Monster-Pieces/dp/076137079X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335036230&sr=1-1">My Boyfriend is a Monster 1: I Love Him to Pieces</a> by Evonne Tsang^<br />
38. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Axe-Cop-Vol-Malachai-Nicolle/dp/1595826815/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335065211&sr=8-1">Axe Cop Volume 1</a> by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle^<br />
39. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bootleg-Murder-Moonshine-Lawless-Prohibition/dp/159643449X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335127931&sr=8-1">Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition</a> by Karen Blumenthal^ <br />
40. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wandering-Son-Book-One/dp/1606994166/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335127965&sr=1-1">Wandering Son Vol. 1</a> by Shimura Takako^<br />
41. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Town-Line-Leslie-Connor/dp/014240697X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335283742&sr=8-1">Dead on Town Line</a> by Leslie Connor"<br />
42. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Okay-Now-Gary-D-Schmidt/dp/0547152604/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335283759&sr=1-1">Okay for Now</a> by Gary D. Schmidt (audio)^ <br />
43. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wizard-Earthsea-The-Cycle-Book/dp/0553383043/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335283794&sr=1-1">A Wizard of Earthsea</a> by Ursula K. Le Guin<br />
44. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Covers-Rock-Jenny-Hubbard/dp/0385740557/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336077239&sr=8-1">Paper Covers Rock</a> by Jenny Hubbard^**<br />
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I'm a little ashamed to admit that I've read my first Judy Blume book this month. Even my non-reading friend was amazed that I hadn't read any of her books. A wrong has been righted and I've added titles to all but one of my challenges:<br />
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*Debut Challenge (1)<br />
^Best of the Best Challenge (13)<br />
" Off the Shelf Challenge (2)<br />
! New Adult Challenge (1) (Updated 6/30) <br />
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Great video about the pervasiveness & dare I saw awesomeness of Judy Blume.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vBknjpKbLh8" 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**Update 5/3/12: I originally listed Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey by mistake. Though the covers are different, they have a similar feel and my mistake on Shelfari migrated here. All's fixed!<br />
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I've decided to do a monthly listing of all that I've read and maybe
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blogs, some I follow and others I don't. So this idea is definitely
borrowed but not copied exactly. As least as far as I know.
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</script>Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14954181375639520266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1936988672739012422.post-17609386443108709292012-04-26T10:45:00.000-04:002012-04-26T10:45:00.423-04:00Songs for a Teenage Nomad<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBgmQH1Ul34IooNOz0_k3sYPrzJ8BfRjn_t2YcZQcNVeery4hi4ycIu64y26e-kQJu-1H5gID-vqbcRCSyc6PyI1UYzkQKhh4Xd52OzBZBA6dsq1Eqh50_Qj94qVRcPVRP18gfROyvRho/s1600/TeenageNomad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBgmQH1Ul34IooNOz0_k3sYPrzJ8BfRjn_t2YcZQcNVeery4hi4ycIu64y26e-kQJu-1H5gID-vqbcRCSyc6PyI1UYzkQKhh4Xd52OzBZBA6dsq1Eqh50_Qj94qVRcPVRP18gfROyvRho/s200/TeenageNomad.JPG" width="132" /></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Teenage-Nomad-Kim-Culbertson/dp/1402243014/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1334445071&sr=8-2">Songs for a Teenage Nomad</a> by Kim Culbertson</span> </div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Fire</div>
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<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
256 pages</div>
<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
4 out of 5</div>
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<div style="background-color: black; color: white;">
After living in twelve places in eight years, Calle Smith finds herself in Andreas Bay, California, at the start of ninth grade. Another new home, another new school...Calle knows better than to put down roots. Her song journal keeps her moving to her own soundtrack, bouncing through a world best kept at a distance.</div>
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Yet before she knows it, friends creep in--as does an unlikely boy with a secret. Calle is torn over what may be her first chance at love. With all that she's hiding and all that she wants, can she find something lasting beyond music? And will she ever discover why she and her mother have been running in the first place?</div>
<br />
The hook with this novel is the "soundtrack" of Calle's life. It's a completely relatable hook, too. How many tines have you heard a song that thought, <i>that's just what I needed to hear?</i> Exactly.<br />
<br />
Calle's been yanked all over the state of California for most of her life. She usually does her best to be aloof and ignored by her fellow students at the newest new school. Unfortunately for Calle, drama kids are pushy, and before she knows it, she's made friends and maybe even has a boyfriend. Almost.<br />
<br />
It's a mystery to Calle why she and her mother are constantly on the move. Calle's pretty sure it has to do with her mother's personality, but the secret is finally revealed to her. I'm not much of a spoil sport, so if you want to know what's up you'll have to read the book. (I feel like LeVar Burton all of a sudden).<br />
<br />
Anyway, Calle and the other characters feel authentic and I enjoyed discovering new friends, love, and the secret with her. There's only one moment that's a little deus ex machina, but overall the story works.<br />
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__________________________________<br />
Disclosure: I bought this title for my own personal enjoyment.<br />
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