Hardcover vs. Paperback 25

Girl Bomb by Janice Erlbaum

Hardcover

Paperback

Amazon.com:

At fifteen, sick of her unbearable and increasingly dangerous home life, Janice Erlbaum walked out of her family’s Brooklyn apartment and didn’t look back. From her first frightening night at a shelter, Janice knew she was in over her head. She was beaten up, shaken down, and nearly stabbed by a pregnant girl. But it was still better than living at home. As Janice slipped further into street life, she nevertheless attended high school, harbored crushes, and even played the lead in the spring musical. She also roamed the streets, clubs, bars, and parks of New York City with her two best girlfriends, on the prowl for hard drugs and boys on skateboards. Together they scored coke at Danceteria, smoked angel dust in East Village squats, commiserated over their crazy mothers, and slept with one another’s boyfriends on a regular basis.

A wry, mesmerizing portrait of being underprivileged, underage, and underdressed in 1980s New York City, Girlbomb provides an unflinching look at street life, survival sex, female friendships, and first loves.

While the paperback is more striking I think the hardcover fits the description better. And that mesh stuff is just tacky and unappeling to me.

Hardcover or Paperback?

Deep in the Heart of High School by Veronica Goldbach

Borders.com:

Vanna Reynolds was popular and happy back in Plano, Texas, but now she lives with her mother in a tiny apartment in San Antonio. How can she start her freshman year as a complete nobody? Fatima Garcia does well in school and helps out with her family’s construction business, but is worried about her weight. So she’s thrilled when a junior starts paying attention to her – but is he really interested in Fatima? Olivia Silverstein tries to make life easier for her mother. Ever since her father died two years ago, she’s been the perfect daughter. When will she get to have her own life? When Vanna, Fatima, and Olivia meet at band practice in August, they quickly become best friends. Together, they are ready to tackle the matters of the heart that await them, deep in the heart of high school.Written with verve and touches of humor, the voices in this first novel ring with authenticity.

Deep in the Heart of High School is a classic novel of the coming of age of three friends. They each face their own set of problems individually but help each other become strong enough to face these challenges. Anyone that is a fan of Ann Brashares's The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series of 3 Willows, this book is for you.

I loved how heritage played a part in this story, all of the girls having different backgrounds but also sharing some things in common. It was also interesting to read about Texas, a place I've never been before. It sure makes me want to visit!

I think my favorite character was Fatima. She had a rather large family, but her older sister is somewhat estranged from them. Also, she's a bit on the chubby side with her mother constantly trying to help her lose weight, and also her friend Alex, who's she's been friends with forever but it feels like he's starting to see her in a different way. While I favored Fatima, I thought all the characters were well rounded and interesting.

I loved the band aspect of this book, that's what drew me to it originally. In the beginning of the book the band "food chain" is described and I found it hilarious, because apparently at their school I would have been one of the cool kids (the drummers).

All in all this is a sweet coming of age book perfect for YA readers of any age!

Deep in the Heart of High School is released on April 27th.

3.5/5 Stars
Review copy received from publisher

B as in Beauty by Alberto Ferreras

From Advance Reader Copy:

Beauty Maria Zavala-you can call her B-hates her size and worse, hates that others judge her for it. But everything changes when her new tax accountant turns out to be a modern-day fair godmother. Armed with the same old curves but a whole new attitude, B is ready to show the world what Beauty is all about.

I really enjoyed B as in Beauty, from B's weight struggles to work politics to trying to shine next to her beautiful friend, B has an authentic and relatable life. And then everything changes, she meets a woman that takes her on a journey to self acceptance, confidence and pride.

While the premise sounds like your normal enjoyable chick-lit title, he takes in a direction I definitely wasn't expecting but definitely enjoyed. I won't give anything away here, it's better to let the book reveal itself to you. But I'll say this, through seeing how others react to B she realizes what she really has and learns to be proud of it.

I really liked the way the author used B's voice. The way she told her stories and how she brought up things from her past to explain the present situations, it was really clever and made for a really enjoyable book. And the cast of characters this author created, I loved them all! From B's evil boss, to her tax accountant, to the shy yet famous fashion photographer, they all had something to offer and I thought they were all rather dimensional. It was a rich story.

All in all a great book full of humor, self acceptance, and a bit of romance!

B as in Beauty is released on April 24th.

4/5 Stars
ARC received from publisher

Check out the book trailer below!

This Week In Books Part 2 Or Oh Noooos Why Did I Think It Was A Safe Idea to Go to Borders Tonight?!?!?!

You may be thinking to yourself "Didn't Alea already post her This Week In Books post today?" and you would be right. I was an idiot and thought it might be fun to go to Borders tonight, haven't been in a few weeks, I'd get one book and leave, perfectly innocent, or so I thought! They had the hugest clearance sale I've ever seen there! Books, and books, and books everywhere and cds and movies! I consider myself lucky that this is all I left with! HA!

Local Girls by Jenny O'Connell

This one sounds cute! And it was on clearance!

Moby Clique by Cara Lockwood

I have the first two in this series so I figured why not, it was on clearance too!

Such A Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess

I had dismissed this one as too sad for me, but in an effort to try and enjoy sad books I got it, it was also on clearance!

Tatoo by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I got this because I have a copy of the sequel to this book, Fate. And I had a 30% off coupon!

The Complete Season 1 of Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends

Ok yes, this isn't a book. But this show is beyond awesome, anyone else like it? It was on clearance for $10! My only concern is the cover is different from all the other ones online, hopefully there is nothing shady about this version!

This Week In Books Or Some Surprises in the Mail!

Monday: nothing

Tuesday:

Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart

This came for review, I think the author may be speaking locally.

Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenenfelder

ANOTHER Library Thing Early Reviewer book, this is my first one from a bonus batch!

Wednesday:

Pretty in Pink: The Golden Age of Teenage Movies by Jonathan Bernstein

Jonathan Bernstein+ 80s movies= awesome. This is the first thing I ever bought from Amazon Marketplace, I paid 1 cent for it (and $3.99 shipping)!

Thursday:

Falling Stars by V.C. Andrews
Sparkles by Louise Bagshawe
Raisin Rodriguez and the Big-Time Smooch by Judy Goldschmidt
The Importance of Being Married by Gemma Townley
The Secret of Lost Things by Sheridan Hay

Got to stay at the library a little longer so naturally I found more!

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles by Jennifer 8. Lee

Bookmooch book, first one in a long time.

Friday:

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

These came for review, and thankfully I have the books that come before these in the series!

Saturday:

30 Days to Finding and Keeping Sassy Sidekicks and BFFs by Clea Hantman

This also came for review, I've been known to enjoy reading fun how-to guides :)

BLOG TOUR: Say the Word by Jeannine Garsee

Amazon.com:

Dredging up the past can knock the present right off balance.

The world expects perfection from seventeen-year-old Shawna Gallagher, and for the most part, that’s what they get. She dates the right boys, gets good grades, and follows her father’s every rule. But when her estranged lesbian mother dies, it’s more than perfect Shawna can take. Suddenly, anger from being abandoned ten years ago is resurfacing along with Shawna’s embarrassment over her mother’s other family. As she confronts family secrets and questions from the past, Shawna realizes there’s a difference between doing the perfect thing and doing the right thing. Shawna’s honest and relatable voice will draw readers in and hold them until the last page in this coming-of-age story. Jeannine Garsee has delivered a compulsively readable second novel, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Laurie Halse Anderson.

Wow, there is sure a lot packed into this book, it was emotional, powerful, and definitely original. And I think for the most part it works really well! Shawna's journey spans everything from what it means to be family, sexuality, friendship, and love, it goes everywhere. I was compulsively turning the pages of Say the Word, I had to know where it was going and had to know that everyone was going to come out of this situation ok. It was definitely stressful at times to read, especially any scene that involved Shawna's father. A few of the plot twists I could see from miles away but there were others that I was clueless as to where they would go and also a few that were so small I could have done without them. I really admire how much the author takes on in just one book!

I really liked the use of Perfect Shawna, Pathetic Shawna, and Evil Shawna, they all took turns coming out to play. I felt like by the end of the story Shawna was just Shawna, she found a common ground for all the versions of herself. I will admit, the ending had me a little teary eyed, it made me sad but it was an ok sad I think! All in all a powerful book that explores tons of issues a teen can face (and maybe some they won't) in a way that blends them together into a beautiful story.

Say the Word was released on March 17th.

4.5/5 Stars
Can't remember where I got this book

Booking Through Thursday: Windfall

Yesterday, April 15th, was Tax Day here in the U.S., which means lots of lucky people will get refunds of over-paid taxes.

Whether you’re one of them or not, what would you spend an unexpected windfall on? Say … $50? How about $500?

(And, this is a reading meme, so by rights the answer should be book-related, but hey, feel free to go wild and splurge on anything you like.)

This is just cruel! Because I did in fact get 1,000 dollars back. And instantly people were like "Think how many books you could buy." But I decided to put it into a Roth IRA, snooze I know.

BUT if I had this money to just do anything I wanted with? I'd probably buy almost everything off of my three amazon wishlists. I would also pre-order TONS and TONS of books. I'd be getting books in the mail left and right! And that would be AWESOME!

Lookalikes 45

Annie's Baby edited by Beatrice Sparks, Ph. D.

Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

This is a great one because they really don't look the same but have so many similar elements. Blue car (do you think the first one is in a car or maybe a window?), girl looking out window, and hands up in the frame. I like Story of the Girl better because the design is just much more contemporary, I'm assuming the other cover is a reprint of an older cover?

Which is your favorite?

Thanks to Amee for suggesting this lookalike!

"Waiting On" Wednesday! 26

Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani

From the Publisher's Website:

From the author of the New York Times bestselling adult novel Very Valentine comes this first book in a fresh new teen series, about a group of boarding school friends navigating the ups and downs of living together, falling in love, and following their dreams.

Shipped off to boarding school in South Bend, Indiana, city girl and aspiring filmmaker Viola Chesterton feels out of place with her three new roommates. Missing her life back home, Viola is tempted to hide behind her video camera all year. But first impressions are often wrong, and soon Viola realizes she’s in for the most incredible year of her life—if only she can put the camera down and let the world in.

USA Today calls powerhouse adult author Adriana Trigiani “one of the reigning queens of women’s fiction.” Viola in Reel Life follows on the heels of Adriana's debut on the Harper list, the instant New York Times bestselling adult novel Very Valentine, and she has now brought to life—with a spot-on teen voice—a new series about four friends finding their place at boarding school and the world at large.

Released September 1st 2009

Ok so there are TONS of things that make this book sound appealing. First of all, I've read a few of the author's adult titles and liked them so I bet her YA would also be fun. Second, boarding school group of friends! Third, the main character is an aspiring filmmaker! And lastly, it's the beginning of a series! Consider me EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!

What can't you wait for to be released?

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

Tuesday Thingers: Re-style Your Library

Questions: Have you explored the different styles? Have you customized any of the styles? If so, what are your favorite customized items (isbn, Dewey Decimal, Reviews, Book-Swap, etc)?

I think when I first joined LibraryThing a few years ago I played around with the styles and decided on Style B (which seems to be pretty popular). Like everyone else I gotta see my covers! I really like the Comments Box, I've been entering in the year and where I've gotten each book. That's actually the reason I started doing my This Week In Books posts. Going back in and entering that information I realized I didn't know where a lot of my books had come from and it made me sad! Hence my descriptions of where my books come from in my This Week In Books posts! I like being able to go back and see when and where I got something! I've definitely gotten behind on updating my comments and tags in the last few months on LibraryThing though!

Hardcover vs. Paperback 24

Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner

Hardcover

Paperback

Amazon.com:

Readers fell in love with Cannie Shapiro, the smart, sharp-tongued, bighearted heroine of Good in Bed who found her happy ending after her mother came out of the closet, her father fell out of her life, and her ex-boyfriend started chronicling their ex-sex life in the pages of a national magazine.

Now Cannie's back. After her debut novel -- a fictionalized (and highly sexualized) version of her life -- became an overnight bestseller, she dropped out of the public eye and turned to writing science fiction under a pseudonym. She's happily married to the tall, charming diet doctor Peter Krushelevansky and has settled into a life that she finds wonderfully predictable -- knitting in the front row of her daughter Joy's drama rehearsals, volunteering at the library, and taking over-forty yoga classes with her best friend Samantha.

As preparations for Joy's bat mitzvah begin, everything seems right in Cannie's world. Then Joy discovers the novel Cannie wrote years before and suddenly finds herself faced with what she thinks is the truth about her own conception -- the story her mother hid from her all her life. When Peter surprises his wife by saying he wants to have a baby, the family is forced to reconsider its history, its future, and what it means to be truly happy.

Radiantly funny and disarmingly tender, with Weiner's whip-smart dialogue and sharp observations of modern life, Certain Girls is an unforgettable story about love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.

Shame! I still haven't read this one but I believe I've read the rest of Weiner's books. I'm happy to say I'm very glad I resisted the temptation to get the hardcover multiple times because I'm in love with the paperback! I'm just in love with what that kid is doing on the cover, it's hilarious! And the colors!

Hardcover or Paperback?

Thanks to Deborah for suggesting this one!

Heartbreak River by Tricia Mills

Amazon.com:

Hailey Abbott’s Summer Boys takes a weepy turn in this story of one girl’s attempt to tell her childhood friend how she really feels about him.

Alex thought she’d be spending the summer focused on her family’s rafting business, burying the memories of her father’s death last year, and leaving behind all the messes she made in its wake.

But when Sean returns to town, she is forced to reckon with her mixed-up crushy feelings for him—more powerful than ever before. It takes another tragedy to make Alex realize Sean has loved her, and forgiven her, all along.

Ooooh. This was almost exactly the kind of story I hope for when I find out a book has a romantic element. I loved it! A romantic summer with a bunch of cute boys who happen to be coworkers, and specifically two that catch the main character's attention, one because of her past with him and another for his flirty personality and British accent (although personally I would have gone for the bookish boy!). A cousin with a polar opposite personality and also a family tragedy, involving the death of a parent and a family that's trying to hold themselves together. It was a great set up and for the most part didn't disappoint.

I'm not one for sports in general and frankly the idea of rafting kind of scares me but it allowed for a beautiful backdrop for this story. Parties in the woods, swimming, a drive-in movie, a fun summer. It just worked and I loved it. I loved the yearning and the should I or shouldn't I say somethings. The flirting and the looks. I loved everything about it.

And then the events of the last 30 pages sort of put a mini-storm cloud over the book for me. It just went a little too far for my taste. I understood why the author did it but it still made me kind of sad. I guess I'm not really sure how else the book would have ended but that wasn't what I was hoping for. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the rest of the book and the ending didn't really ruin it for me, just changed it a bit.

Heartbreak River is released on April 16th.

4/5 Stars
ARC received from publisher

Because I Am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas

Amazon.com:

Anke’s father is abusive. But not to her. He attacks her brother and sister, but she’s just an invisible witness in a house of horrors, on the brink of disappearing altogether. Until she makes the volleyball team at school. At first just being exhausted after practice feels good, but as Anke becomes part of the team, her confidence builds. When she learns to yell “Mine!” to call a ball, she finds a voice she didn’t know existed. For the first time, Anke is seen and heard. Soon, she’s imagining a day that her voice will be loud enough to rescue everyone at home—including herself.

Books written in verse are interesting. You would automatically think they would be easier to write because there are less words etc but I think they are actually harder to write. Having to get across just as much information and emotion with fewer words, each word holds greater meaning. I think this book does a wonderful job of telling a very emotional and important story with so few words.

I thought this would be really hard to read, and while it was it was also an empowering and hopeful book. To watch a young girl find her voice and not be afraid to use it, it was powerful. It was also interesting to see inside of this house, with all the terror and abuse that happens that no one ever say anything or ask for help. That's just the way the family was and they would rather deal with it that privately than make a change to their family. I thought the author did a great job of revealing the mentality of this family and made it easy to understand and believe.

I haven't read many books in verse and I still struggle with them a little bit. At least for me, sometimes things don't come off as clearly as they could, I get the basic idea but sometimes wonder if I'm always understanding everything correctly. Maybe that's just me! All in all a powerful and important book that really packs an emotional punch.

Because I Am Furniture is released on April 16th.

4/5 Stars
ARC received from publisher

Thank You's (Really Really Late)

I've been showered with blog awards recently and I'm struggling to remember them all so please forgive me if I've forgotten one!

Your Blog is Fabulous: From Bookworm.

Sisterhood Award: From The Story Siren and Stephanie.

Let's Be Friends Award: Cindy and Sheri S. and Mishel.

The zombie chicken's are attaching again, Serena stuck them on me this time!

I got the Splash Award from Shalonda and the Book Resort!

Thanks everyone!

Oooohhhhhh or Things I'm Excited About!

Wanted to point out a few fun things I'm participating in, and one i'm not (but it's beyond hilarious)!

Willow Contest:

The HUGE Willow contest is still going on, until April 30th! Check out the details here, and my review here. Lauren also put together this fabulous website to celebrate the release of Willow, there are a lot of great posts over there! Here is a recent review of the book, that I completely agree with and the reviewer says she heard about the book via the contest, Lauren you hear that! Awesome!


April's Fools Posts/Contests:

The always original and strangely hilarious Yan and Carol have been posting interviews with a number of authors and fellow reviewers since April 1st. From Sarah Quigley the Alien and Beth Fantaskey the P.I. to most recently Khy the Pet Eater?!?!?! I believe all the posts have contests attached to them, with more chances to win by answering an additional question that can be found on Carol's blog! And if that hasn't kept them busy enough.....

Traveling to Teens:

Carol and Yan have also recently put together a touring group that hosts blog tours called Traveling to Teens. To read the basics check out this post. The tours are filling up fast so if you are interested check out the criteria! It's sounding like the best way to inquire about joining a tour is the ask on the specific tour's post you are interested in. I'm going to be a part of this and am very excited!

Say the Word Blog Tour:

Finally we have a blog tour happening next week for Jeannine Garsee's recently released book Say the Word put together by Laura. I will be participating in this tour and my day is next Friday! Check out the full line up and more details here. And also on Friday will be a live chat with the author and a giveaway, watch Laura's blog for details! Laura will also be giving away a copy of the Say the Word Playlist everyday next week.

So those are some of the things I'm excited about in the blogosphere, what are you excited about?

This Week In Books Or I Can't Stop Listening to Lady Gaga and I Know That Has Nothing To Do With This!

Monday:

Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

These came from Laura! One from a trade and another from a contest! Thank you Laura! They were hiding in the mailbox when i went to put some Netflix out there at 6am!

Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce

Sounds interesting, came for review. Anyone enjoy this series, I'm thinking of buying the first book!

Tuesday:

Everything Asian by Sung J. Woo

This is one of my latest LibraryThing Early Reviewer books!

Wednesday: nothing

Thursday:

Haunted by Meg Cabot

Got this from the library sale and a few things to swap (check out the swap swappers!)

This Is What I Want to Tell You by Heather Duffy Stone

I mooched this one from Sharon! Thanks Sharon!

Friday:

Precious by Sandra Novack

This is for a blog tour next month!

Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates by Philip Caveney
The Beef Princess of Practical County by Michelle Houts

These came for review.

Saturday:

Swoon by Nina Malkin

Tina was kind enough to swap this book with me!

Serafina67 *urgents requires life* by Susie Day
Must Love Black by Kelly McClymer

These came from Carol from a swap! She sent a hilarious note lol! Thanks!

Lookalikes 44

How To Ruin My Teenage Life by Simone Elkeles

The Lost Recipe For Happiness by Barbara O'Neal

Oooh this is a tough one, I can't pick a favorite! I like the movement of the first cover and the title treatment and colors of the second. They are both fun!

Which is your favorite?

Thanks to Kelsey of Just Blinded Book Reviews for pointing out this lookalike!

Booking Through Thursday: Numbers Game

Some people read one book at a time. Some people have a number of them on the go at any given time, perhaps a reading in bed book, a breakfast table book, a bathroom book, and so on, which leads me to…

1. Are you currently reading more than one book?

Well, sort of. I started a book a few months ago on the weekend planning to finish it up quickly and of course that didn't happen. It's still showing in my currently reading widget though. I think I'll start it again to get the full effect. Everytime I do this the same thing always happens! The only time it works is if I'm reading a book and it seems like it's taking too long (like a week) and I take a break and read another one and then go back to the first book. I don't do that very often though.

2. If so, how many books are you currently reading?

Two.

3. Is this normal for you?

Since the Fall I think I've done this twice and haven't finished either of these second books yet!

4. Where do you keep your current reads?

Well I take it on the bus with me everyday so when it's not in my messenger bag it's right by me, by my bed!

The IT Crowd Season One

Amazon.com:

Have you tried turning it on and off again?

In the gleaming high-rise offices of Reynholm Industries, powerful executives oversee billion dollar business deals. But in the dark and shabby basement, the company's IT Support Team bitter slacker Roy (Chris O Dowd), socially inept Moss (Richard Ayoade), and their new boss, computer illiterate Jen (Katherine Parkinson) rule their own domain of professional irresponsibility, mega-nerd ecstasy, and random acts of personal insanity.

Producer Ash Atalla (THE OFFICE) and writer/director Graham Linehan (FATHER TED), present the most critically acclaimed comedy series of the fall television season and a 2008 International Emmy Award winner for Best Comedy, now featuring deleted footage, audio commentaries, a behind-the-scenes documentary and much more.

Being a fan of the nerdy humor I was instantly attracted to this, doesn't hurt that it has one of the same producers as The Office as well. Instantly it reminded me of another of my favorite nerdy shows, The Big Bang Theory. Two nerds and a girl, yup, same concept. And just as in the case of The Big Bang Theory, The IT Crowd is hilarious. At least several times I just burst out laughing!

So the characters, we have Roy who's sort of a slacker who gets easily annoyed and always answers the phone asking, "Did you try it on and off again?" And then, my favorite the sort of socially clueless Moss (so cute!) who wears too-short pants. And finally, the new boss, Jen, who because of talking herself up on her resume ends up down in IT knowing next to nothing about computers. There are also some other hilarious minor characters including a crazy boss and a goth that works in the same office but you barely ever see! It's just a great set up.

This 1st Season is very short, only 6, 30 minute episodes. And it also ends in a "To Be Continued..." If this sounds even remotely interesting I suggest checking it out, you can watch the one disc season in under 2 and a half hours!

4/5 Stars
Watched via Netflix

The IT Crowd has some super awesome opening credits, check it out below!

TMI by Sarah Quigley

From Amazon.com:

Friends call Becca the Overshare Queen, but her tendency for TMI never seemed like a problem to her until she blabs about her sweet band-geek boyfriend’s sloppy kisses—and gets dumped! Realizing it may be better to resist the temptation to overshare face-to-face, Becca decides to blog anonymously about everything instead. On her blog, Too Much Information, Becca unleashes her alter ego, Bella. Bella tells it like it is . . . though perhaps with a bit more drama. After all, no one’s going to read it, right???


TMI was a fun and thoughtful book. I found it easier to relate to than most other books set in high school. Most of the things that happen in this book happen everyday in the halls of high schools. Also the characters seemed like people I know, definitely.

So while I myself related more with Becca's friend Katie (I personally tend to undershare) I definitely got a kick out of Becca, let's just say I have a few overshare queens in my own family! I definitely know what it's like to hear things about yourself from other people, nothing bad but not exactly something you wanted out there! But at the same time I know how easy it is to say too much and then realize well maybe I shouldn't have said that! I really liked all the other characters as well, especially Becca's crush Matt, her friend Jai, and her family!

A good chunk of the book revolves around a high school musical of Grease! Boy did I love that, I was totally a set painter in high school! I never wanted to be on stage though! About a year and a half ago I actually got hired by my former high school to do set painting, sound, and graphic design. It was a ball, mostly because my sister was in the musical! Where we went to high school the theatre is a big deal so it's great to see that reflected in this book!

And of course, I loved the blogging part of the book, gotta love it! And I definitely appreciated the author's descriptions of the evil that is a Minnesota winter, it's true y'all! Getting back to how realistic I found most of the book, I thought the ending was perfect, it was very believable for me. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next!

TMI is released on April 16th.

4/5 Stars
ARC received from author

Slumdog Millionaire

Amazon.com:

A mumbai teen who grew up in the slums becomes a contestant on the indian version of who wants to be a millionaire?. He is arrested for cheating & while being interrogated events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers.

Someone in the movie calls Jamal's story "bizarrely plausible" and I would have to agree. The story is basically structured in a way that if one thing had happened differently in Jamal's life he wouldn't have be able to answer all the questions on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire. While nothing in life ever works like that I think it made a really nice story.

Basically the movie was exactly what I thought it would be. It was good but I wouldn't call it great. I heard from tons of people how wonderful it was but also from a few friends (who have similar tastes) who said it was good but not THE BEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME, and I would have to agree with them. While I liked the movie I think The Curious Case of Benjamin Button should have gone home with the Oscar, that movie blew me away.

While I liked the structure of the story I did have problems with it. I liked the relationship between Jamal and Latika but felt when they met up towards the end of the movie we should have seen some more proof of their chemistry, I wasn't totally convinced. And the ending, the actual ending (with illustrated credits etc) that totally changed the mood of the movie and I thought was a bit uncalled for.

Slumdog Millionaire was a good movie but not really as emotionally empactful as other movies I'v seen. A lot of people are commenting on how hard some of the scenes were to watch, I was waiting for it to rise above movies like The Kite Runner, City of God, and Tsotsi, compared to those movies Slumddog Millionaire was a cake walk to watch. Also, I was disappointed that it was mostly in English. I know I'm coming off as a total film snob, sorry. I really felt the need to nitpick this one. But don't get me wrong I did enjoy and like the movie!

All in all, a good but not great movie with an interesting premise.

4/5 Stars
My dad bought, and I watched

Slumdog Millionaire was released on dvd March 31st.

"Waiting On" Wednesday! 25

Me, Just Different (The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt) by Stephanie Morril

From Amazon.com

Welcome to the world of Skylar Hoyt, a high school senior whose exotic Hawaiian looks have propelled her to the height of the "in" crowd, but who's no longer sure that's where she really fits. New friends, old friends, a reluctant romance, and a family crisis swirl around Skylar as she tries to keep it together and figure out who she really wants to be. Debut novelist Stephanie Morrill opens her first young adult series with a compelling story about characters every teen will recognize and relate to. Morrill addresses real teen issues, like popularity, friendship, sexuality, and more, with grace and style.

Released July 1st 2009

Sounds like a great coming of age story and it's also the start of a series!

What can't you wait for to be released?

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

Tuesday Thingers: Widgets

Questions: Do you have a LT widget on your blog? If so, what is your favorite thing about it? Have you had a chance to go see the all new widget building page, and if so, have you built a new widget? If so, what do you like about it?

Yes! I have two LibraryThing widgets on my blog! A Random Books from my Library widget (bottom right of blog) and a few months ago I started using a widget for my Currently Reading (top right) much easier than having to go find a cover everytime i start a new book! My Currently Reading widget is definitely my favorite, I love seeing what others are reading so I figured I'd display mine as well. I do have the nasty habit of sometimes starting books and then not touching them for months and those usually stay in the widget until I either finish it or give up and decide to start over at another time!

I haven't visited the new widget building page *goes to page* You know, I think I prefer the old ones, they are smaller. These new ones kind of look like GoodReads widgets which are too big and bulky for my taste. But I'm sure you can switch all sorts of things with the preferences. Does anyone know if the old styles still exist???? Like if I accidentally delete one of my existing widgets can I get it back, just how it is?

Hardcover vs. Paperback 23

The Gossip of the Starlings by Nina de Gramont

Hardcover

Paperback

From Amazon.com:

In this poignant novel, de Gramont explores a loyal and destructive friendship between two girls at a New England prep school. Catherine Morrow, the book's relatable protagonist, can't believe her luck when Skye, the popular daughter of acclaimed senator Douglas Butterfield, befriends her. A symbol of idealistic American wholesomeness, Skye is quick to push the boundaries at the Esther Percy School, and soon she joins Catherine in a blur of drunken nights and cocaine binges. But as Catherine cleans up and focuses on school work and extracurricular activities, Skye spirals deeper into her addiction and has an affair with a teacher. Despite Catherine's efforts, she can't untangle herself from Skye's daring escapades, and soon the girls are again involved in dangerous situations. Though Catherine warns the reader of the story's tragic finale from the opening chapters, the ending still reverberates with heartbreak. De Gramont's coming-of-age story distinguishes itself with sincere prose and complex characters.

So this one I've read (and didn't really like) but I thought the hardcover was kind of cute... and then I saw the paperback! And the paperback, makes me almost want to read the book again, almost! The paperback relates a bit better to the actual content of the book, I understand why they maintain the birds there at the bottom to make the connection to the title and hardcover cover but it seems sort of out of place with the rest of the cover. But besides that, love it!

Hardcover or Paperback?

A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell

Amazon.com:

Cora Bradley dreams of escape. Ever since her reckless older brother, Nate, died in a car crash, Cora has felt suffocated by her small town and high school. She seeks solace in drawing beautiful maps, envisioning herself in exotic locales. When Cora begins to fall for Damian, the handsome, brooding boy who was in the car with Nate the night he died, she uncovers her brother's secret artistic life and realizes she had more in common with him than she ever imagined. With stunning lyricism, Sandell weaves a tale of one girl's journey through the redemptive powers of art, friendship, and love.

A Map of the Known World was a beautiful balance of serious sadness, romance, and art. I often fear "sad" books but I loved the way this one balanced itself out. For every heartbreaking passage there was another about finding a romantic connection, a new friend, or creating a beautiful piece of artwork. It worked really well for me.

Cora's situation seemed so hopeless at first, a family living in silence, forever changed by the loss of their brother and son, struggling to understand him and understand what happened. Cora's parents choose to place blame on Damian, their son Nate's friend that was in the car with him. Surprisingly, to both Cora and Damian they find a connection through this shared tragedy and begin spending time together. Their connection also happens to include a love for the arts, I LOVED how much art played into this story. The summer before the current school year, Cora had escaped through her drawn maps of foreign countries, daydreaming about what it would be like to be there. It was beautiful and I wish I got the opportunity to read about artistic people like the ones in this story more often!

While I really enjoyed this book, for some reason the ending wasn't really surprising. Not that I really wanted to be surprised or that I didn't want it to end the way it did. I'm not sure, something was missing. I could have used a little more. But overall I really liked this book! A great perspective on a hard topic.

A Map of the Known World is released on April 15th.

4/5 Stars
ARC received from publisher

The Diamonds by Ted Michael

Amazon.com:

At Long Islands’s private Bennington School, the Diamonds rule supreme. They’re the girls all the boys want to date and all the girls want to be. And fortunately for Marni, she’s right in the middle of them. Best friends with the ringleader, Clarissa, Marni enjoys all the spoils of the ultrapopular: boys, power, and respect. But then Marni gets a little too close to Clarissa’s ex-boyfriend, Anderson.

Wrong move. The Diamonds don’t touch each other’s exes.

And just like that, Marni is jettisoned from Diamond to lower than Cubic Zirconia.

But Marni isn’t about to take her ouster lying down. She has dirt on the Diamonds, and she’s not about to go down without a fight. Everyone knows, the only thing strong enough to cut a Diamond is another Diamond.

The Diamonds has a very clever premise. Beyond the always amusing friends turned enemies premise is the whole world of the court system and mock trial. I've definitely never read a book that involved the United States Constitution in such a way (or probably any way really)! I loved it! There are pieces of evidence (drawings, articles, rule lists) scattered throughout the book. It's really crazy to see the mock trial team turn into a huge after school event and basically take on a life of it's own away from the teachers' and Principal's eyes. The Diamonds basically controlled the whole student body from their perch in the "court room".

I loved this book! I could relate to coming to the realization that maybe your friend(s) wasn't as nice as you once thought they were once you were on the receiving end of their wrath. I like how Marni re-made herself a circle of friends and allies and learns to look beyond people's outward appearance or stereotype and get to know them for who they really are. I also thought her relationship with Head-Diamond Clarissa's ex-boyfriend, Anderson was really sweet. It seemed they had a real connection and I could understand why she would be willing to risk her friendship with The Diamonds for him.

There is also a lot of scheming and plotting in this book, it was great. I loved seeing how far everyone would go, and they went pretty far! I did wonder from time to time how teachers and the Principal could just allow this to go on, a little convenient if you ask me. There was one twist towards the end that I saw coming from miles away but I was sad to find out that I was right.

All in all, a great book full of scheming, laying down the law and high school politics!

The Diamonds is released on April 14th.

4/5 Stars
Review copy received from publisher

This Week In Books Or I'm Rushing And Have No Creative Subtitle So Sue Me!

Monday:

Say the Word by Jeannine Garsee

This came for review as part of a blog tour that Laura put together.

Tuesday:

Pure by Rebbecca Ray
Back in Black by Zoey Dean
Band Geeked Out by Josie Bloss
My Life From Air-Bras to Zits by Barbara Haworth-Attard
Boys That Bite by Mari Mancusi
Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine
Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine
Rain by V.C. Andrews Dawn by V.C. Andrews
Brooke by V.C. Andrews
Raven by V.C. Andrews

Went to the Doctor which means a trip to Half Price Books, and I had 2 coupons! A great majoring of these books were $1-$2. And it looked like someone brought in the whole Flux catalog, seriously, besides the two titles I bought they had at least 2 others! Taren, check out the V.C. Andrews! Now I just need to read them!

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway

When I found out I was quoted on the back of the paperback of Audrey, Wait from Charley I had to run right out and get a copy! I still can't believe it!

Wednesday:

Every Last Cuckoo by Kate Maloy

This came randomly for review, sounds interesting!

Thursday:

The Vicar of Nibbleswicke by Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Boy by Roald Dahl
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
The BFG by Roald Dahl

Was looking for a book for someone else at the library and was unsuccessful but I did find a cart of Children's Classics and got some to add to my Roald Dahl collection! Will need to check it out again next week!

Friday:

Project Sweet Life by Brent Hartinger

This came for review!

Saturday:

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

*Note: That's totally not the cover anymore (in my picture) click the link to see the final cover!

This came to review, thank you to you, you know who you are!

Lookalikes 43

Giorgio Armani Perfume Ad

Guilty Pleasures by Tasmina Perry

Like Eli told me, who suggested this one, it's hard to tell if this is the same photo shoot/model. The pose is so similar and the straps on the dress are too, the model's face and the pattern/bottom of the dress and the background are different though. It could be a photoshop job? Or maybe it's just a coincidence! I definitely see the book cover as softer and sleeker and after all that back and forth I think it might just be a coincidence. I guess I have to pick the book cover as my favorite, much better contrast and I like the sleekness.

Which is your favorite?

Thanks to Eli of nineseveneight Book Reviews for pointing out this lookalike!

Booking Through Thursday: Library Week

I saw that National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions. How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?

I used to use the public library very very often, but in the last 2 or so years I use it not as often. And that is because of the amount of TBR books I now have of my own! I'd always read the library books and not my own! But then that leads to me buying more books I could just get from the library. It's basically a big mess! BUT, I do go to the library once a week to browse the Friends of the Library Bookstore, lots of great deals to be had there.

I guess when I go to a coffeehouse/bookstore I don't really stay there, I get what I need and go. So no way has it replaced the library!

I went to the library constantly as I child, in the summer I'd bring home a stack of chapter books and just read them like THAT. I also discovered the gloriousness that is reserving books online, really before we had the internet lol! It was some weird program, and you had to use keyboard shortcuts, no mouse! I'd reserve and reserve like crazy and pick up huge stacks! I don't really have particular memories, apparently one time a librarian yelled at me, not sure why, maybe I was talking, how rude!

There is no specific type of library I like, I've been to all sorts and they all have something great to offer!

Let's hear some of your library memories!

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti

Amazon.com:

Eighteen-year-old Indigo Skye feels like she has it all - a waitress job she loves, an adorable refrigerator-delivery-guy boyfriend, and a home life that's slightly crazed but rich in love. Until a mysterious man at the restaurant leaves her a 2.5 million-dollar tip, and her life as she knew it is transformed.

At first its amazing: a hot new car, enormous flat-screen TV, and presents for everyone she cares about. She laughs off the warnings that money changes people, that they come to rely on what they have instead of who they are. Because it won't happen...not to her. Or will it? What do you do when you can buy anything your heart desires -- but what your heart desires can't be bought?

This is the story of a girl who gets rich, gets lost, and ultimately finds her way back - if not to where she started, then to where she can start again.

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye was my first book by Deb Caletti, I really liked the idea of it but in the end it was a bit too predictable for me. Usually predictable is fine but for some reason this time it sort of made the story suffer for me, like everything happened so conveniently and easily.

Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the book. I thought Indigo was a rather likable character, how selfless she was and how carefree. She seemed to really love her life and only with the money she is given is she truly tested and ends up discovering more about herself and what she wants in her life. I also really liked the regulars (or Irregulars as Indigo calls them) that frequent the diner she works at. They were a great group of characters. I also really liked Indigo's relationship with her father, who left their family and moved to Hawaii, and how after all these years they are finally taking the chance to really get to know one another.

One character I didn't really care for was Indigo's boyfriend, Trevor, I didn't really see why Indigo would be attracted to him besides that they had been together for so long they were just comfortable with one another and frankly, Indigo seems rather easy to please. He started to get on my nerves after Indigo received the money and he assumed that it was "their" money, didn't even ask or tiptoe around the subject.

In the end, Indigo's journey to finding out who she is with the addition of 2.5 million dollars is an enjoyable one but a bit too predictable.

The Fortunes of Indigo Skye is currently out in Hardcover and will be released in Paperback on April 7th.

3.5/5 Stars
Review copy received from publisher

"Waiting On" Wednesday! 24

Ruby Unscripted by Cindy Martinusen- Coloma

From Amazon.com

Sometimes the best moments in a girl's life are the unscripted ones.

Ruby Madden moves to an affluent town in Marin County, California, believing her dreams are coming true, but her hometown life is drawing her back. Her not-so-secret crush finally likes her. Her older brother decides to stay behind with their newly remarried father. And her best friend gets a boyfriend who's all wrong for her.

And Ruby's new life isn't as easy as she envisioned. Marin High School is a place for the rich and famous with their BMWs, chic clothes, and liberal beliefs-a place where she clearly doesn't belong. Even with her new job at the Underground Coffeehouse & Cinema, she is unsure of how to act and feels insecure about who she is.

When she tries out for an amateur film group, the puzzle pieces finally begin to fit. And who is this mysterious guy who's messing with her heart?

Released May 5th 2009

This just sounds like a nice and cute coming of age story. I'm in!

What can't you wait for to be released?

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

This Year In Movies: March

This month I watched 9 movies and 1 tv show, lower than average but much better than last month!

The Tudors Season 2- Enjoyable but I think I preferred the first season. The third season looks like it's going to be even darker! I do wonder how far the series will span, I'd love to see Henry's children ruling!

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People- Pretty funny but at the same time annoying, like Meet the Parents annoying, I hate movies where bad things happen over and over and over again to the main character, it's painful to watch!

Role Models- Funny, I'll watch anything with Paul Rudd in it. For some reason I feel like rating this one, I'll give it a 3 out of 5.

Happy-Go-Lucky- Quirky! Check out my review here!

The Rocker- Better than I thought it would be! I thought it would be over the top goofy, and while it was goofy, it wasn't over the top goofy. I prefer Rainn Wilson as Dwight on the Office though.

Rachel Getting Married- Atmospheric and touching. Check out my review here!

Let the Right One In- This was amazing, I'm still angry it's already being remade here in the US! Check out my full review here.

Choke- Definitely bizarre in a for the most part good way. I've always wanted to try one of Chunk Palahniuk's novels but feared they may be too gross for me. This might be a good one to try reading, the movie wasn't too bad gross-wise.

Sex Drive- Definitely a modernized version of A Sure Thing from the 80s, cute and fun and a bit raunchy.

Cadillac Records- Interesting, sad, and based on real life!

So, what did you watch that was interesting this month?