Ash by Malinda Lo

Amazon.com:

Cinderella retold

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted. The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love. Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

I found Ash to be a wonderful fairy tale re-telling. I don't read many re-tellings so for me this was something fresh and exciting! I liked having the background of Cinderella to lead me through the story and also discovering all the changes that were made to make this book it's own unique tale. I really sympathized with Ash and having to deal with the horrible hand that life dealt her from the deaths of her parents to being treated like nothing by her stepmother and sisters.

For the most part I really liked all the characters. The only one I felt like I didn't really understand was Sidhean, the fairy. We didn't really get to know him very well, at first I thought ok maybe he's just going to be the "fairy godmother" but he was meant to be something more but I was left a little confused about what his purpose was and felt that the fairy world was kind of masked in a shadow. So that part of the story left me scratching my head a little. It sort of distracted me from the rest of the story.

I knew eventually that Ash would meet the King's Huntress and befriend her. It was exciting to see when exactly that would be. I never knew if this would be the time they made a real connection or not. It was sweet to watch their relationship develop and to see Ash be accepted by someone of a higher standing after being treated like nobody for the last several years of her life. You knew it was her destiny.

Ash reads like a real fairy tale and I found that really refreshing. Overall an exciting and original re-telling of Cinderella!

Ash will be released September 1st!
Genre: Young Adult
4/5 Stars
ARC provided by publisher

Bookish 2

Here are some more tidbits etc I've been collecting over the past month or so to share! Hope you find something you like!

Willow Audio Book
My favorite book of the year so far, Willow is now available as an audio book, check it out here at audible.com for $7.49!

Ghost Girl Audio Book
Ghost Girl is also out as an audio book and what's cool about this is it's narrated by Parker Posey, who is awesome! Check it out here!

New Razorbill Website
Recently discovered Razorbill has a new website, which is mighty fancy! Check it out here.

Private Web Series
The Private Book series by Kate Brian has been turned into a web series which I really want to check out, you can watch it here! I found out about this while browsing in Borders and noticed they issued new covers to correspond with the web series! Has anyone watched it? What do you think? I feel a Hardcover vs. Paperback coming on...

Perfect on Paper
Perfect on Paper which I reviewed last year here by Maria Murname has gotten a publishing contract with Amazon! I'm so excited for Maria, I loved Perfect on Paper and am so glad to hear that it's going to get out there to more people, it's a great book! I'm excited to see how it will be repackaged!

Catching Fire Chapter One
If you are interested and can't wait a few days until the book releases you can check out Chapter One of Catching Fire right here and Chapter Two right here!

Enjoy!

An Off Year by Claire Zulkey

Amazon.com:
Cecily has always done everything as she was supposed to: taken the right classes, gotten the right grades, applied to the right colleges. But after a lifetime of following the rules, she surprises everyone by arriving for her freshman year of college . . . and turning around. There are infinite possibilities for Cecily’s unexpected gap year. She could volunteer, or travel around the world—but, for now, Cecily is content to do absolutely nothing. What follows is a year of snarkily observed self-doubt and self discovery during which Cecily must ask herself, for the first time, what does she really want to do with her life?

I knew right away when I read the blurb for this book it was made for me. And I was so happy that once I was done reading it that it provided exactly what I was looking for. For me the story was very realistic and relatable. I sort of unknowingly took a year off after I graduated from college and literally did nothing (I watched so many repeats of Scrubs they actual started repeating back to ones I had seen that same year!). I know that some people might have problems reading a story about a girl that really doesn't do anything for a year but for me it was so honest and real. It really made me think back on that time in my life.

I feel like this book could help a lot of people that are thinking about college or what's next for them in their life. Cecily takes the time to think whereas most of us just go onto college and do it because we think that's what we are supposed to do. Whereas for some reason Cecily stops herself and decides she's not ready. I think the characters in the book from Cecily's therapist to her career counselor to her friends all help make the point that most of us don't know what we are doing and are faking it until we make it. Just knowing that I think can make it easier for people.

I really liked the range of secondary characters in the book from Cecily's older sister who is just finding a job after college and trying to avoid Cecily to her father that feels helpless but wants to help her, to her brother and his girlfriend and Cecily's friends she feels like she's growing apart from. The all helped Cecily understand something about herself and helped her grow.

Because of my personal connection to this book, for me it was something special. I hope others can recognize themselves or someone they know in this book as well and get something out of it.

An Off Year is released September 3rd!
Genre: Young Adult
4/5 Stars
ARC provided by publisher

This Week In Books or [Insert Something Funny Here]!!

Monday:

A Map of Home by Randa Jarrar
Hannah: Daughters of the Sea by Kathryn Lasky

For review, Hannah from Amazon Vine!

Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane

From Lauren via a trade!

Tuesday:

Slumgirl Dreaming by Rubina Ali
The Sum of His Syndromes by K.B. Dixon

For review!

Wednesday:

Jinx by Margaret Wild
Prom Crashers by Erin Downing
In the Stars by Stacia Deutsch & Rhody Cohon
Dancing Queen by Erin Downing

Library Book Store! Apparently I am collecting all the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies?

Thursday:

Ruined by Paula Morris
Karma for Beginners by Jessica Blank

For review, Ruined from Amazon Vine!

Friday:

The Recipe Club by Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkel
Sometimes We're Always Real Same-Same by Mattox Roesch
Catwalk: Strike A Pose by Deborah Gregory

Saturday:

The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore
The Fatal Child by John Dickinson
Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner

Surprises for review!

Lookalikes 64

The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti

Flirting with Boys by Hailey Abbott

*waves* Hello same picture! I really like them both, love the picture! I love the yellow in the first and the purple in the second. Here's the tie-breaker, I love how the shirt is slightly more purple in the second cover, so that's my winner! Yes, I'm that picky.

Which is your favorite?

Thanks to Claire/Bookworm and Bookworm4life and Sarah and Rima and BookChic who also noticed this great lookalike as well!

Have you spotted a Lookalike you would like to contribute? Send me an email!

GIVEAWAY: How To Steal a Car

Now that you've had a chance to see my thoughts on How to Steal a Car I'd like to give you a chance to win your own ARC of the book!

If you need a reminder here's the blurb:

Amazon.com:

Some girls act out by drinking or doing drugs. Some girls act out by sleeping with guys. Some girls act out by starving themselves or cutting themselves. Some girls act out by being a bitch to other girls.

Not Kelleigh. Kelleigh steals cars.

In How to Steal a Car, National Book Award winner Pete Hautman takes teen readers on a thrilling, scary ride through one suburban girl's turbulent life - one car theft at a time.

Here's how to enter:

To win an ARC of How to Steal a Car leave a comment sharing one thing you can't believe you've done, please keep it PG!

For 1 additional entry post (sidebar or twitter is fine) about this giveaway and leave a separate comment telling me you have done so.

The giveaway is open to addresses within the U.S.

Please leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner!

The giveaway will end September 10th at 11:59 pm Central Time.

How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman

Amazon.com:

Some girls act out by drinking or doing drugs. Some girls act out by sleeping with guys. Some girls act out by starving themselves or cutting themselves. Some girls act out by being a bitch to other girls.

Not Kelleigh. Kelleigh steals cars.

In How to Steal a Car, National Book Award winner Pete Hautman takes teen readers on a thrilling, scary ride through one suburban girl's turbulent life - one car theft at a time.

Right away How to Steal a Car captivated me with it's sense of humor. The stuff that comes out of Kelleigh's mouth and the thoughts she has can often times be laugh out loud funny. She doesn't really set out or have a reason to steal cars but somehow it just happens and you can't really hate her for it. I feel like we could be friends but I sure wouldn't have gone on a joy ride with her!

Personally my favorite parts of the book were in the first half. When she was just starting to steal cars because she thought she had a reason, or was spending time with her friends or bumming around at home reading Moby Dick.

Towards the end of the book it becomes pretty focused on the car stealing aspect of the story so it begins to lose some of it's humor from the beginning and all of the other parts of the story not involving car theft sort of fall away. In that way I was a little disappointed with the second half of the book. The book starts to feel more serious at that point. Also the reason Kelleigh steals cars is never really explained to us or to herself and I guess that's ok, not everything needs an explanation but I sure would have liked one. I guess maybe there wasn't really a reason.

But for me Kelleigh's overall hilarious look at life and her interactions with friends, family and the like win out for me and made this book enjoyable and memorable.

How to Steal a Car will be released September 1st.

Genre: Young Adult

4/5 Stars
ARC provided by publisher

Check out the author reading from the book, I think he's pretty funny!

"Waiting On" Wednesday! 45

Vintage Veronica by Erica S. Perl

Amazon.com:

Veronica Walsh is 15, fashion-minded, fat, and friendless. Her summer job in the Consignment Corner section (Employees Only!) of a vintage clothing store is a dream come true. There Veronica can spend her days separating the one-of-a-kind gem garments from the Dollar-a-Pound duds, without having to deal with people. But when two outrageous yet charismatic salesgirls befriend her and urge her to spy on and follow the mysterious and awkward stock boy Veronica has nicknamed the Nail, Veronica’s summer takes a turn for the weird. Suddenly, what began as a prank turns into something else entirely. Which means Veronica may have to come out of hiding and follow something even riskier for the first time: her heart.

Released March 9th 2010

This just sounds cute! The main character sounds relatable. For some reason I'm excited by things that take place at the work place, and in this case taking place in a store, that's exciting to me! I will also admit the cover caught my attention!

What can't you wait for to be released?

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

Hardcover vs. Paperback 43

Mexican High by Liza Monroy

Hardcover

Paperback

Amazon.com:

The daughter of an American diplomat, Mila has spent her childhood moving from country to country. When her mother is reassigned to Mexico City for Mila’s senior year of high school, Mila has no idea what to expect. Mexico seems to be a country with the ultimate freedoms: the wealthy students at her private international school—the sons and daughters of Mexico’s ruling class—party hard at exclusive clubs, dress in expensive clothing, and see more of their housekeepers than they do of their globe-trotting parents. But Mila has more in common with them than they know: her father, whose identity has been kept from her, is a high-ranking politician with whom Mila’s mother had a one-night stand in her hippie days. Now Mila is determined to discover who he is, whatever the cost may be.

I really like the pose and saturation on the Hardcover but like the innocence of the girl on the Paperback. I think to make a proper choice I'd have to read the book to see what Mila was more like. I like how the covers could be sisters, same font and little dingbats all over them. So if I had to choose, Hardcover!

Hardcover or Paperback?

Melissa Walker has the cover stories for both of the covers this week on her blog, the hardcover went up yesterday and the paperback today! Theme week!

Have you spotted a Hardcover vs. Paperback you would like to contribute? Send me an email!

BLOG TOUR: Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

Welcome to another Traveling to Teens blog tour!

Amazon.com:

A devilish debut by a brother-sister team invites us into the world of the elite Marlowe School, where some gifted students are having a hell of a year.

One night, in cities all across Europe, five children vanish — only to appear, years later, at an exclusive New York party with a strange and elegant governess. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust teenagers to the city’s most prestigious high school, where they soar to suspicious heights with the help of their benefactor’s extraordinary "gifts." But as the students claw their way up — reading minds, erasing scenes, stopping time, stealing power, seducing with artificial beauty — they start to suffer the side effects of their own addictions. And as they make further deals with the devil, they uncover secrets more shocking than their most unforgivable sins. At once chilling and wickedly satirical, this contemporary reimagining of the Faustian bargain is a compelling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption.

Like I said about Fairy Tale, Another Faust for me was another book that felt like my own personalized version of fantasy and reality. I'm the sort of person that sometimes avoids fantasy because I fear if there is too much fantasy there will be nothing I recognize and will be utterly and completely lost. So again, Another Faust was a perfect balance of me of the recognizable and the fantastical.

For me, Another Faust is all about the characters. I adored them and their gifts and their everyday and ordinary struggles. The way the authors narrated the book was just so right to me. It was the perfect perspective into the minds of these teens. For the cast of characters we have Victoria who is in it to win it when it comes to academics, Christian who wants to win at athletics, Bicé who keeps to herself and seems like the odd one out, Belle who is so beautiful but doesn't smell as such and Valentin the gifted poet. All under the control of Madame Vileroy who remains a mystery throughout the entire story. I actually consider their apartment another character but you will have to read the book to see why!

For me what's so great about this book is there are no gigantic displays of power or huge stand-offs but I know that might turn some people off. For me that's just the way I wanted it. All the teens gifts changed the events of the story in interesting ways, and I just loved it. And what a sense of humor this book had, I found it pretty funny. I can't wait to see what the authors have in story for the students at Marlowe in the next installment Another Pan!

Another Faust is released August 25th.
Genre: Young Adult
4.5/5 Stars
ARC provided by publisher for blog tour

Check out the trailer for the book below!

Donut Days by Lara Zielin

Amazon.com:

Emma has a lot going on. Her best friend’s not speaking to her, a boy she’s known all her life is suddenly smokin’ hot and in love with her, and oh yes, her evangelical minister parents may lose their church, especially if her mother keeps giving sermons saying Adam was a hermaphrodite.

But this weekend Emma’s only focused on Crispy Dream, a hot new donut franchise opening in town, where Harley bikers and Frodo wannabes camp out waiting to be the first ones served. Writing the best feature story on the camp for the local paper might just win Emma a scholarship to attend a non- Christian college. But soon enough Emma finds the donut camp isn’t quite the perfect escape from all her troubles at Living Word Redeemer.

In a fresh, funny voice, newcomer Lara Zielin offers up a mesmerizing, fast-paced narrative full of wit and insight.

Donut Days had a lot going for it. Emma is your everyday girl with her own set of problems but has a great sense of humor to get her through them. I really appreciated Emma's struggle over her religion, I feel like I don't see that side of religion enough. Like Emma talks about in the book sometimes things are glossed right over and not really talked about in the church. And I really liked seeing her question her relationship with God. And the book is written in such a way that you don't need to be a Christian to understand Emma's struggles. Along with that I thought Emma's fight with her best friend seemed real and brings up a good question. What do you do when you don't agree with your friend's viewpoint but want to be there for them as a friend?

I thought the setting of a donut camp for the opening of a donut store was fabulous. And yes, those really do happen, a few years ago I remember a lot of news coverage for a similar opening! I did find it a bit odd that her parents would let her stay overnight in a tent alone with a bunch of strangers around though at the donut camp. The group of evangelical bikers she meets there were wonderful characters. I loved how their experiences helped Emma think about her own faith and her own future.

Besides Emma, I loved the character of Jake. A friend that wants to be more. I actually would have liked to have seen more of him. But what a nice guy, in the book he does something that most people would probably not even consider but he knows it's right and does it. And he's just one of the great cast of characters there supporting Emma including a lovely bear of a biker, a cute little sister and loving parents.

Overall a great story of faith, friends and donuts!

Donut Days was released August 6th!
Genre: Young Adult
4/5 Stars
Manuscript provided by author

This Week In Books or I Am A Lame-o Without A Good Subtitle

Monday:

The Everafter by Amy Huntley
Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde
(Re)cycler by Lauren McLaughlin
That Summertime Sound by Matthew Specktor

For review! Some surprises and some not!

Tuesday:

Emily by Emily Smucker
Marni by Marni Bates
Chelsey by Chelsey Shannon
Thanksgiving at the Inn by Tim Whitney

For review. I'm so excited about the Louder Than Words series!

Wednesday: nothing

Thursday:

How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles
Roller Girl by Melissa "Melicious" Joulwan
Her Last Death by Susanna Sonnenberg
The Will to Whatevs by Eugene Mirman
False Colours by Georgette Heyer
Helping Me Help Myself by Beth Lisick

Library! They had a lot of new memoirs!

Change the Way You See Everything Through Asset-Based Thinking For Teens by Kathryn D. Cramer, Ph. D. and Hank Wasiak

For review, fun surprise!

Friday: none

Saturday: none

Lookalikes 63

Thicker Than Water by Rett MacPherson

3 Willows by Ann Brashares

Well this is a fun one! Some pretty trees! While I do love the cover and illustration style of 3 Willows, Thicker Than Water is also rather nice. Nice colors and a smooth illustration. I love them both!

Which do you prefer?

Thanks to Yan for suggesting this lookalike!

GIVEAWAY: Prophecy of the Sisters Swag!

So today I started the book Prophecy of the Sisters and so far I'm really excited about it. It makes me wish I lived in that time period, I mean I'm not really a girly girl but just hearing about these clothes and such makes me want to try them on for size. And that's not even getting into the plot! Anyway, for you all I have some Prophecy of the Sisters swag to give out! There will be one winner!

That includes:
-Prophecy of the Sisters folder
-Prophecy of the Sisters signed mini-poster
-Prophecy of the Sisters bookmark
-Prophecy of the Sisters magnet
-Prophecy of the Sisters temporary tattoos
-Flower bracelet
-Pom-Poms
-Noisemaker

So with that you could have your own Prophecy of the Sister party!

Here's how to enter:

To win the Prophecy of the Sisters swag leave a comment sharing why you want to read Prophecy of the Sisters or if you have already what you liked most about it (without any spoilers!)

For 1 additional entry post (sidebar or twitter is fine) about this giveaway and leave a separate comment telling me you have done so.

The giveaway is open to addresses within the U.S.

Please leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner!

The giveaway will end September 3rd at 11:59 pm Central Time.

To help you out here is the blurb!

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can't trust each other.

Winner of Undiscovered Gyrl + A Big THANK YOU!

The winner of the ARC of Undiscovered Gyrl is Mary! Congratulations! I have emailed you so please write back with your mailing address by Tuesday!

And while I am here in a live post (yes it's true I post about 95% of my posts on the weekend so I don't really blog during the week!) I'd love to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone that nominated for me Book Blogger Appreciation Week!

I was nominated in the categories of Most Extravagant Giveaways, Best General Review Blog, Best Series or Feature for Lookalikes, Best YA Blog, and Most Eclectic Taste Blog! So thank you to all that thought of me when voting! Love you!

Also a big THANK YOU to Amy and her whole BBAW team! You guys are amazing and I can't wait to check out all the BBAW action in the weeks to come!

Also thank you to everyone that has nominated/tagged for other blog awards and memes. It's just become too overwhelming and I fear I will never again be able to catch up. BUT THANK YOU!

UPDATE: Wow, I got nominated for best blog name too! Thank you!

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Amazon.com:

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Shiver presents an interesting twist on a traditional love story. Go outside and get cold enough and poof you are a wolf! Not your typical romance...

The best part of the story for me was the beginning of the book when Sam is a wolf and Grace is studying him from her window or her yard. I love the longing that they both feel but it cannot be, yet. There is also another great scene that I wish there had be more of, when Sam seems Grace when he is a human but never gets to say anything to Grace. Oh man, I loved that!

So as you can see, I was surprised how quickly into the story Sam was in his human form, I wondered that now that he was human what obstacles besides the cold would stand in their way. And there was no need for me to worry. There were lots of other characters (wolves and people alike) that got in there and mucked up Sam and Grace's thing.

I wasn't expecting new wolves to be "born" and there were some which I really liked. They definitely helped me see into the future of the next book, Linger. Besides the characters of Sam and Grace I found myself adoring Isabel, I'm not going to tell you her part in the story, it would spoil it. But she was really really funny, I loved pretty much everything that came out of her mouth! I also liked Beck, a man that plays father to the wolf pack when he's human.

I love the balance that Shiver displays from the romance of Sam and Grace to some of the darker elements involving the wolves in the woods. I also loved the alternating perspectives between Sam and Grace. If the story had been only from Grace's or even Sam's it wouldn't have the depth that it does.

Overall, a wonderful twist on a tale of romance.

Shiver was released August 1st
Genre: Young Adult
4/5 Stars
ARC provided by publisher

"Waiting On" Wednesday! 44

Party by Tom Leveen

Amazon.com:

It's saturday night in Santa Barbara and school is done for the year. Everyone is headed to the same party. Or at least it seems that way. The place is packed. The beer is flowing. Simple, right? But for 11 different people the motives are way more complicated. As each character takes a turn and tells his or her story, the eleven individuals intersect, and reconnect, collide, and combine in ways that none of them ever saw coming.

Released April 27 2010

Ummmmm this sounds exactly like what I like. Alternating perspectives between 11 people all at the same party! HELLO! Yes please! The only thing is it sounds a bit (and actually looks a bit) like wtf by Peter Lerangis. But hey I'll read both!

What can't you wait for to be released?

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

Hardcover vs. Paperback 42

The Market by J.M. Steele

Hardcover

Paperback

Amazon.com:

High school senior Kate Winthrop is about to find out just how much she's worth.

After stumbling across the Millbank Social Stock Market, Kate is horrified to discover that out of the 140 girls in her class, she's ranked a bleak 71. Sure, she's not drop-dead gorgeous, and her "fashion" choices leave a bit to be desired...but 71?! Determined not to accept her fate as a "junk bond," she and her best friends quickly set out to make her the fastest rising stock on the Market.

Armed with a sexy new haircut and killer wardrobe, Kate puts her plan into effect -- and the analysts take note. In a matter of weeks, her stock value soars, and "Blue Chip" status is within reach. But what begins as a fun social experiment quickly turns into an obsession, one that threatens to ruin her reputation, friendships, and a chance at first love. Will Kate survive the highs and lows of the Market, or will her security crash and burn?

This is a hard one, it's hard because it's such a specific plot. I admire how to designer(s) used the idea of ranking and numbers in both of the covers. I feel like the hardcover is too anonymous and the paperback is too specific. So I don't know how I feel really. Just looking at them I like the paperback better but it seems almost too playful for the blurb. What do you think?

Hardcover or Paperback?

Winner of signed copy of Dull Boy!

The winner of the signed copy of Dull Boy is ilonga!

Yay! I've emailed you so please respond by this Thursday with your address!

BLOG TOUR: As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

Welcome to the next Traveling to Teens book blog tour!

Amazon.com:

Ever since viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.

Jackson Pearce spins a magical tale about star-crossed lovers, what it means to belong . . . and how important it is to be careful what you wish for.

As You Wish was a great mix of things; romance, friendship, magic, finding yourself and many other things. I found the premise very interesting, a girl finds out her best friend and boyfriend is actually gay. I mean man that must really take away your confidence and break you. And it sure breaks Viola who never realized anything was missing in her life until this happened. And now she finds herself trying to fill the hole that Lawrence left went he went back to being her friend instead of her boyfriend.

And it's through her silent wishes that a jinn comes into her life determined to grant her 3 wishes so he can get back to Caliban and take as few hours and days off his life as possible. Viola takes these wishes very seriously and comes to see Jinn as she calls him (instead of a jinn) as a friend. He doesn't really understand her because he's never been treated like this before. While Viola figures out what she would most want to use her wishes for, what would make her happy their friendship evolves into something more, something closer.

As You Wish was a great story of a girl finding herself, her confidence and maybe even a bit of love. I loved that she was an artist and also found herself a new path via her painting style. My ears perk up anytime art enters the picture!

While Viola made a great lead character I also loved her friend and ex-boyfriend Lawrence. He really had her back and tried to help her pick up the pieces of her life, boy does he feel guilty for coming out to her and changing their relationship. And Jinn, oh Jinn. What a sweetheart. He has this internal struggle that is really interesting. He loves his life back home but realizes maybe there is something more and maybe he's brave enough to go for it, maybe not.

Overall a clever and funny magical story of love, friendship and finding yourself!

As You Wish will be released August 25th!
Genre: Young Adult
4/5 Stars
ARC provided by author for blog tour

The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander

Amazon.com:
Almost-15-year-old Austin Gray is tired of standing at the curb and watching the parade pass her by. Literally. She decides this is the year she’ll ride on the hood of a shiny pickup truck in the annual parade, waving to the crowd and finally showing the town bully that she’s got what it takes to be the Sweetheart of Prosper County.

But far from simply being a beauty contest, becoming Sweetheart involves participation in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), raising an animal, and hunting or fishing. Austin will do almost anything to become Sweetheart, and has the support of her oldest friend, Maribel, her new FFA friends (including the reigning Sweetheart, and a quiet, cute cowboy), an evangelical Elvis impersonator, a mysterious Cajun outcast, and a rooster named Charles Dickens. If only her momma would stop overprotecting her, and start letting Austin live her own life. But Austin can’t move on until Momma moves on, too—and lets the grief of losing Austin’s daddy several years before out into the open.

Here is a bighearted story that will leave readers agreeing with Austin that sometimes, it’s not what you ride, it’s how you roll.

This has got to be one of the darn cutest, wholesome books I've read in awhile. I'm not sure if I've read anything like it! It just worked for me! I really don't have any complaints! It really has all that you could ask for, family, friends, a stupid bully, a touch of romance, eccentric town folks, and a rooster named Charles Dickens! I wish I could have visited this town!

I loved Austin Gray, she loves her momma, misses her daddy and just wants to get through high school without being picked on by bully Dean. She sees all the sweethearts in the parade pay him no mind and she decides that's the way she can finally stick it to Dean. To do so she'll need to join FFA (the Future Farmers of America) and also care for an animal for the purpose of showing him. The animal she picks is a rooster and oh boy does he come to life on the page! I loved Charles Dickens the rooster!

Before Austin decides to go out of FFA she had a friend named Maribel who is very confident in herself and never lets anyone's taunts get her done. While Austin makes some new friends in FFA she never abandons her friendship with Maribel and I just love that. It shows that while maybe your interests change and evolve a bit doesn't mean you have to leave your old friends behind for new ones. The friends she make in FFA are very kind to Austin and show her the ropes a bit and also help her out a bit with Dean! Sundi the past sweetheart is especially memorable.

Another memorable character is a boy that's an Elvis Performance Artist, as he puts it. He adds a great bit of humor and also classic manners to the story. Another character I really liked was Mr. Boudreaux who watches out for Austin and her momma. This story had a great cast of characters.

Overall a great book with a lot of heartwarming moments and also some good fun!

The Sweetheart of Prosper County will be released September 1st.
Genre: Young Adult
4.5/5 Stars
ARC provided by Amazon Vine

This Week In Books or I Only Bought One + Some Surprises!

Monday: nothing

Tuesday:

Pop Princess by Rachel Cohn

I escaped the library buying only one book and that is probably because I cleaned out all their good stuff in the previous weeks. :P

Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan

Surprise for review, and yay! I'm excited it's alternative perspectives!

Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen
Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have
The Hollow by Jessica Verday

These came from a book fairy... and good thing too because I can use Food for a blog tour!

Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson
Love Stars With Elle by Rachel Hauck

I mooched these from Yan.

Wednesday: nothing

Thursday:

Short Girls by Bich Minh Nguyen

This is from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program (which I really need to get caught up on)

Ferris Beach by Jill McCorkle

Surprise for review! Looks like it's a reprint and a blurb from Sarah Dessen!

Friday:

The Resurrectionist by Jack O'Connell

Another surprise for review!

Saturday:

Lament by Maggie Stiefvater

I won this by being one of the first 3 people to respond to an email. LOL, the perks of working on a computer!

Tonight's Louder Than Words Episode: How to Break Into Publishing for Teen Writers

To see tonight's episode go back to the original post here! Marni will also be back tonight!

Read my introductory post about the series here! To visit the series website go here!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Friday, August 14, 8-9 p.m. ET
Guest: Deborah Reber, Series Editor
Topic: How to Break Into Publishing for Teen Writers

Description: On Friday, series editor Deborah Reber will answer questions about how teen writers can break into publishing. All the "Louder Than Words" authors were teen writers when they were first published. Some made money as writers. All of them wrote on the Internet, and made friends with writers online. One of the author's moms is a writer. If you have something better to do Friday night, you can watch replay on demand at louderthanwordsbooks.com.

Lookalikes 62

Discovering Pig Magic by Julie Crabtree

Here's To You, Rachel Robinson by Judy Blume

These are both rather nice but I'm not really a fan of the HUGE AUTHOR NAMES and the cropping on Pig Magic is more interesting and also features one of my favorite fonts so it wins in my book!

Which is your favorite!

Thanks goes to Sarah and Korianne who also noticed this lookalike!

The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti

Not the same but similar enough for me. I love this angle!

Tonight's Louder Than Words Episode: Assembling a New Life with Pieces from the Past

To see tonight's episode go back to the original post here!

Read my introductory post about the series here! To visit the series website go here!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Thursday, August 13, 8-9 p.m. ET
Guest: Chelsey Shannon, author of "Chelsey"
Topic: Assembling a New Life with Pieces from the Past

Description: Join us Thursday night as Chelsey Shannon, author of "Chelsey," talks about fashioning a new life for herself after her father was murdered a week before her 14th birthday and she had to move away from home and school. She'll talk about overcoming grief, and how she discovered a group of women writers who helped her get over.

BLOG TOUR: Two Years, No Rain by Shawn Klomparens

TLC Book Tours:

An earnest journey from heartache to heartthrob and all the emotions along the way; at once an old-fashioned love story and a cautionary tale of self-reinvention.

In San Diego County, it hasn’t rained in 580 days. But for weatherman Andy Dunne, everything else is changing fast…Only a few weeks ago, he was a newly divorced, slightly overweight meteorologist for an obscure satellite radio station, hiding his secret love for a colleague, the beautiful—and very much married—Hillary Hsing. But nearly overnight, Andy has landed a new gig, flying a magic carpet in a bizarre live-action children’s TV show. So what is affable, basically decent Andy Dunne going to do now that he can do practically anything he wants? With a parade of hot moms begging for his autograph and a family that needs his help more than ever, Andy has a lot of choices. First, though, there’s this thing with Hillary, their heated text messages, a long-awaited forecast for rain – and a few other surprises he never saw coming…

Two Years, No Rain was a really engaging story. I really liked the character of Andy, he was a good guy, with a lot of problems recently thrown at him and I think he handles himself really well. In the beginning I felt bad for him and then when things start to look up for him I was cheering for him all the way. A lot of people in his position (being the star of a kids show kind of like Blues Clues) might let it get to their head and turn into a not so nice, cocky guy but Andy wasn't like it. He still helped his sister with her daughter and still lusted from mostly afar for his married friend Hillary (Hill). Nothing much changed in Andy's personality except that he became happier and finally had the strength to get in shape physically.

I really liked the passages that took place in the studio where Andy filmed his children's show. It sounded like a lot of fun. I also really liked his strange relationship with the peculiar Hillary. I didn't exactly understand her but I somehow still really liked her. You could tell how much she meant to Andy and vice versa even though she was still married. Usually that would be instantly off-putting that they were having an emotional affair but I found it really sweet.

I liked the weather theme used throughout the book, Andy was originally a weatherman, first on tv and then on the radio and the whole idea of the drought used in the book. I thought it matched Andy's life perfectly and I found it to be a really nice touch.

Overall I really engaging story about a man picking up the pieces of his life.

Two Years, No Rain was released June 23rd.
Genre: Fiction
4/5 Stars
ARC provided by author for blog tour
Shawn Klomparens's website

Tonight's Louder Than Words Episode: Sickness and Faith, Pickles and Cake

To see tonight's episode go back to the original post here!

Read my introductory post about the series here! To visit the series website go here!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts! Even though we have some technical difficulties last night, Marni was a lot of fun to chat with!

Wednesday, August 12, 8-9 p.m. ET
Guest: Emily Smucker, author of "Emily"
Topic: Sickness and Faith, Pickles and Cake

Description: Join us Wednesday when Emily Smucker will answer questions about what it's like getting through senior year with a chronic illness. Emily is a Mennonite but, don't worry, it's not contagious. She'll also talk about blogging and writing books.

"Waiting On" Wednesday! 43

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

From Publisher:

A vibrant and deeply romantic debut.

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center sate of her own life-and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, and the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie's struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

Released March 9th 2010

Oooh sounds like a mixture of a lot of things here. Love, loss, coming out of one's shell. I definitely think I will like this!

What can't you wait for to be released?

"Waiting On" Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

Tonight's Louder Than Words Episode: Compulsive Behavior and How the Internet Can Help

To see tonight's episode go back to the original post here!

Read my introductory post about the series here! To visit the series website go here!

I can't wait to hear your thoughts! Last night's chat was wonderful, and you know me, I had to ask a question about the covers!

Tuesday, August 11, 8-9 p.m. ET
Guest: Marni Bates, author of "Marni"
Topic: Compulsive Behavior and How the Internet Can Help

Description: Join us Tuesday night as teen author Marni Bates answers questions about her book, "Marni." Marni has trichotillomania -- a irresistible desire to pull out her own hair. What do you have? Marni discusses how the Internet helped her understand the problem, and also how she feels about having her secrets revealed in a book.

Hardcover vs. Paperback 41

Driftwood Summer by Patti Callahan Henry

Hardcover-Large Print

Paperback

Amazon.com:

An engaging novel of sisters, from the acclaimed author who “writes movingly about love and family and the voyage we all take to discover what we really value.”(The Island Packet)

Three sisters— responsible Riley, vivacious Maisy, and fun-loving Adalee—reunite to save the family’s beach-community bookstore. But summer also marks the return of Mack Logan, whose choice of Maisy over Riley years ago destroyed the special closeness between the sisters…

Now Riley, a single mom, is hiding a shattering secret about their mother. Maisy, a California designer, still blames Riley for ruining her one true love. And Adalee resents the family’s intrusion into her summer plans. All three will be forced to confront the conflicts that tore them apart and the bounds of love and loyalty that still draw them together…

I think this may have been the first time I've encountered a Large Print edition with a different cover that the original version. If that was also the cover of the paperback I definitely wouldn't have been nearly as drawn to it as I was. I love the colors and image used on the paperback so that wins by a landslide in my book!

Hardcover or Paperback?

Louder Than Words Live Streaming Videos

Check out my introductory post about the series here.



Schedule from the HCI website:

Monday, August 10, 8-9 p.m. ET
Guest: Deborah Reber, Series Editor
Topic: Introducing the Louder Than Words Series

Description: Join us Monday night as Deborah Reber, editor of the new series of teen-authored memoirs, "Louder Than Words," gives us the story behind the series. How were the teen authors chosen? How were the books put together? Who is the series written for? What kind of feedback are you getting? Are there more books coming? How can I be a "Louder Than Words" author?


Tuesday, August 11, 8-9 p.m. ET
Guest: Marni Bates, author of "Marni"
Topic: Compulsive Behavior and How the Internet Can Help

Description: Join us Tuesday night as teen author Marni Bates answers questions about her book, "Marni." Marni has trichotillomania -- a irresistible desire to pull out her own hair. What do you have? Marni discusses how the Internet helped her understand the problem, and also how she feels about having her secrets revealed in a book.


Wednesday, August 12, 8-9 p.m. ET
Guest: Emily Smucker, author of "Emily"
Topic: Sickness and Faith, Pickles and Cake

Description: Join us Wednesday when Emily Smucker will answer questions about what it's like getting through senior year with a chronic illness. Emily is a Mennonite but, don't worry, it's not contagious. She'll also talk about blogging and writing books.


Thursday, August 13, 8-9 p.m. ET
Guest: Chelsey Shannon, author of "Chelsey"
Topic: Assembling a New Life with Pieces from the Past

Description: Join us Thursday night as Chelsey Shannon, author of "Chelsey," talks about fashioning a new life for herself after her father was murdered a week before her 14th birthday and she had to move away from home and school. She'll talk about overcoming grief, and how she discovered a group of women writers who helped her get over.


Friday, August 14, 8-9 p.m. ET
Guest: Deborah Reber, Series Editor
Topic: How to Break Into Publishing for Teen Writers

Description: On Friday, series editor Deborah Reber will answer questions about how teen writers can break into publishing. All the "Louder Than Words" authors were teen writers when they were first published. Some made money as writers. All of them wrote on the Internet, and made friends with writers online. One of the author's moms is a writer. If you have something better to do Friday night, you can watch replay on demand at louderthanwordsbooks.com.

Be sure to stop back at this same post tomorrow night for the next installment of the live web series!