Awards Overload Or Who Did I Forget!

Thank you to everyone who threw a nod my way this week, it's so overwhelmingly kind! I'm sure I've forgotten someone and I'm so so sorry if I did!


Thanks to robin_titan, Dame Orchid, Khy and Stephanie for the I heart your blog award!









Thanks to Steph Su, The Story Siren, Shalonda, Sharon, Yan and Sarah for the Proximidade award!








Thanks to Steph Su for the Premio Darios award!









Thanks to Alyce for the Butterfly award!









Thanks to Liviania for the Your Blog is Fabulous award!

Lookalikes 40

Love and Other Natural Disasters by Holly Shumas

Labor of Love by Cara Muhlhahn

So that's totally the same picture, plus or minus the ring. I do wonder if the ring is in the original image or not. I actually really like both of them, the colors and the title treatments. I can't pick a favorite!

Which is your favorite?

Thanks to Melissa for pointing out this lookalike!

Booking Through Thursday: Movie Potential

What book do you think should be made into a movie? And do you have any suggestions for the producers?

Or, What book do you think should NEVER be made into a movie?

How funny that this is the question this week. I was just thinking how very much I would love to see a movie version of Jennifer Echol's Going Too Far! I just finished the book this week so unfortunately I haven't written my review yet.

Here's a blurb from Amazon:

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO?

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over....

This book was beyond amazing and it would make one hot movie (look at the cover)! I would love to see these characters come alive on the big screen! I have no producer suggestions!

I can't think of a book that should never be a movie off the top of my head but I'm sure there are many!

Sophomore Switch by Abby McDonald

Amazon.com:

Take an administrative snafu, a bad breakup, and what shall heretofore be known as "The Hot-Tub Incident," and you’ve got two unprepared sophomores on a semester abroad. For American party girl Tasha, an escape to Oxford may be a chance to ditch her fame as a tabloid temptress, but wading Uggs-deep in feminist theory is not her idea of a break. Meanwhile, the British half of the exchange, studious Emily, nurses an aching heart amid the bikinis and beer pong of U.C. Santa Barbara. Soon desperation has the girls texting each other tips — on fitting in, finding love, and figuring out who they really are. With an anthropologist’s eye for detail and a true ear for teen-speak, exciting new novelist Abby McDonald has crafted a funny, fast-paced, poignant look at survival, sisterhood, and the surprising ways we discover our true selves.

I found this to be a very fun and enjoyable book but also at the same time it brings issues that girls everywhere deal with, trying to be the real you but also a better version of yourself. I really liked that the story took two girls that were polar opposites and sort of brought them into a less severe version of themselves, to a middle ground. I also liked how the book shows that even if you aren't exactly like someone you can still have many things in common. I think it's very easy to strike someone off your list just because they have different interests than you, and what we really should be doing is learning from each others differences.

Now for me it was much easier to relate to Emily, the uber-organized, straight laced, Oxford student. I liked seeing her come out of her shell A LOT and then stepping back a bit and taking the bits and pieces that worked for her, that's definitely something I need to do as well. I also really respected Tasha's stand against stereotypes and getting people to take her serious and not base their opinions of her on one incident (The Hot Tub Incident). And I love that the two characters end up getting to know each other, via email and phone calls, I guess that's something I didn't consider (no idea why) but it's a great part of the book! I think this book does a great job of exploring what it means to be a young person, trying to find yourself.

The book was also funny with some great popular culture references. And really, who doesn't want to read a book where one of the characters goes to Borders often! There is also some romance, which is very sweet and it a great addition to the book. One thing I was rather confused about for awhile was the word "totes" and I finally looked it up and found it to mean, totally. Which made a lot more sense, I had never heard that word used for anything other than a tote bag! LOL!

All in all, this was a very enjoyable and engaging book!

Sophomore Switch was released on March 10th.

4/5 Stars
Got via Bookmooch

"Waiting On" Wednesday! 21

The Entomological Tales of Augustus T. Percival by Dene Low

From Amazon.com:

You would think Petronella’s sixteenth birthday would be cause for celebration. After all, fashionable friends are arriving at her country estate near London, teas are being served, and her coming out party promises to be a resplendent affair. Everything is falling nicely into place, until, suddenly—it isn’t. For Petronella discovers that her guardian, Uncle Augustus T. Percival, has developed a most unVictorian compulsion: He must eat bugs. Worse still, because he is her guardian, Uncle Augustus is to attend her soiree and his current state will most definitely be an embarrassment.

During the festivities, when Petronella would much rather be sharing pleasantries with handsome Lord James Sinclair (swoon), important guests are disappearing, kidnapping notes are appearing, many of the clues are insects, and Uncle Augustus is surreptitiously devouring evidence. It’s more than one sixteen-year-old girl should have to deal with. But, truth be told, there is far more yet to come . . .

Released June 1st 2009

This just sounds totally weird and I love me some weird! And I'm hoping there are more beautiful illustrations inside!

What can't you wait for to be released?

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

Tuesday Thingers!

Question: Were you aware of the Member Giveaways Program? Have you posted any books in the giveaway? If so, what are your thoughts on the program? Have you requested any books, and if so, did you win any?

I am certainly aware of the Members Giveaways Program! I think I saw it when a blog post went up about it maybe the first day or so, i gave it a quick glance, there were only a few books at that time. I think the concept is great though! I've been meaning to look it over again but haven't had the chance! I haven't requested any yet!

How about you?

Hardcover vs. Paperback 19

Hardcover

Paperback

Amazon.com Product Description:

Josh Mendel has a secret. Unfortunately, everyone knows what it is.

Five years ago, Josh's life changed. Drastically. And everyone in his school, his town—seems like the world—thinks they understand. But they don't—they can't. And now, about to graduate from high school, Josh is still trying to sort through the pieces. First there's Rachel, the girl he thought he'd lost years ago. She's back, and she's determined to be part of his life, whether he wants her there or not.Then there are college decisions to make, and the toughest baseball game of his life coming up, and a coach who won't stop pushing Josh all the way to the brink. And then there's Eve. Her return brings with it all the memories of Josh's past. It's time for Josh to face the truth about what happened.

If only he knew what the truth was . . .

Gotta go with the paperback in this case. I think for the most part simple is always better. I like the paperback's color palette much more as well as the title treatment.

Which is your favorite?

The Brightest Moon of the Century by Christopher Meeks

From Amazon.com:

In Christopher Meeks's "The Brightest Moon of the Century," Edward, a young Minnesotan, is blessed with an abundance of "experience"-first when his mother dies and next when his father, an encyclopedia salesman, shoehorns Edward into a private boys school where he's tortured and groomed. Edward needs a place in the universe, but he wants an understanding of women. He stumbles into romance in high school, careens through dorm life in college, whirls into a tornado of love problems as a mini-mart owner in a trailer park in Alabama, and aims for a film career in Los Angeles. Will his love for a Latina prove to be the one? In nine chapters, the reader experiences Edward's life from ages 14 to 45. This is the first novel from Christopher Meeks, which follows his highly acclaimed collections of short stories, "The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea" and "Months and Seasons." Author and humorist Sandra Tsing Loh has said, "Christopher Meeks's quirky stories are lyrical and wonderfully human. Enjoy." Carmela Ciuraru wrote in the Los Angeles Times Book Review of Meeks's first book, "This idea resonates throughout the collection: Meeks's characters seek happiness in the small things because they have no choice ... [The stories] are poignant and wise, sympathetic to the everyday struggles these characters face."

The Brightest Moon of the Century is one of my favorite kinds of stories, it explores a large portion of one person's life, you get to see how they grow and change and the experiences that make them who they are. It's put together basically as 9 short stories from Edward's life. His teenage years to mid-adulthood. We're there for it all!

I loved all the stories, from Edward's time at a private high school to his college girlfriend to his time owning a trailer park mini-mart to his time as a film student. It was all interesting and strongly written. I couldn't pick a favorite section, it all built on itself to create a great character study! The things that he did and happened to him seemed so unique to his life, it read basically as a biography.

Another thing I really liked was that several times, characters from one part of Edward's life made a reappearance later on in the story, tying the story that much closer together. Another unique touch to an already unique story is a collection of photography that helps set the scenery for specific parts of the story. I loved that!

This book is a real gem, it's engaging and original! I loved it!

The Brightest Moon of the Century was released on March 7th.

4/5 Stars
ARC received from author

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Amazon.com: I wonder what it would be like to do high school things. To go out on the weekends. To kiss a guy. To have a normal life. A real one.

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad's girlfriends and is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar...and that's just how she likes it.

Of course, that doesn't help her get noticed by her crush. Hannah's sure that gorgeous, sensitive Josh is her soul mate. But trying to get him to notice her; wondering why she suddenly can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn; and dealing with her parents make Hannah feel like she's going crazy. Yet she's determined to make things work out the way she wants -- only what she wants may not be what she needs....

Once again, Elizabeth Scott has created a world so painfully funny and a cast of characters so heartbreakingly real that you'll love being a part of it from unexpected start to triumphant finish.

Review:

Previous to this I had only read Bloom by Elizabeth Scott. I thought that one was ok where as this was fantastic! Right off the bat the book was funny and engaging, it felt like my best friend wrote it, someone with my same sense of humor. I found myself giggling and laughing and possibly even snorting once or twice when reading this book. It was a lot of fun but also had a more serious and emotional side.

The humor was found in all sorts of places from the fact that Hannah works at a call center for BurgerTown (what?!?!?!) with two boys from her high school, one who she has a massive crush on and the other one that annoys the heck out of her. And that basically she has someone not unlike Hugh Hefner for a father. Just a great set-up for a book.

While her family situation is humorous (old playboy dad with lots of girlfriends and a mother that used to be one of them and now has her own internet show) it's also the source for the more serious emotional stuff in the book. Hannah hasn't seen her father in about 5 years and gets made fun of at school because of her family. There is a lot of stuff going on here.

My favorite part, of course, was the love triangle that forms between Hannah and her co-workers Josh and Finn. Pretty much everyone but Hannah knows which one she should go for. It almost gets to the point where she seems kind of dense but finally comes to her senses!

I thought this was a funny, engaging and sweet book and it's just proven to me more why I should read the rest of Elizabeth Scott's books!

Something, Maybe will be released on March 24th.

4/5 stars
ARC received from publisher

This Week In Books Or That's More Like It! (fist pump)

Monday: nothing I didn't have already (see you in the swap :P)

Tuesday:

Unlovable by Esther Pearl Watson

I spazzed about this several months ago in a WOW post. It was supposed to come out about 10 days later, and well that didn't happen and I finally got it this week, 3 months later! And it's even better than I thought it was going to be, it's hot pink with green glitter!

Busy Woman Seeks Wife by Annie Sanders
B as in Beauty by Alberto Ferreras

These came for review!

Wednesday: nothing

Thursday:

Pack Up the Moon by Anna McPartlin
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
Butteryfly by V.C. Andrews
Startled By His Furry Shorts by Louise Rennison

Good day at the library bookstore! I was just about the buy Startled By His Furry Shorts online when I found this! And Wings?!?!? What! Definitely the coolest thing I've found at the library bookstore!

Friday:

The Villain's Guide to Better Living by Neil Zawacki*
The Secret Circle: The Initiation and The Captive Part 1 by L.J. Smith*
A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson
Why Girls Are Weird by Pamela Ribon
Poseur by Rachel Maude
Hell Week by Rosemary Clement-Moore*
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Secrets of a Former Fat Girl by Lisa Delaney*
The Pursuit of Happiness by Tara Altebrando*

I went to Half Price Books on my day off, give me a break it's been more than 2 months! :P And I totally didn't plan to go, well I hoped (and brought my coupon), but I didn't plan! *And 5 of these books were under $2!!! I thought I might learn to protect myself better from Yan and Carol with the Villain's Guide to Better Living, learn a bit more about how they live...

These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer

I wanted to try Georgette Heyer and this one came highly recommended by a friend! It sounds like it's going to be great, I got it at Borders!

Saturday:

Boy Toy by Barry Lyga

This came from the very kind J. Kaye! Thank you J. Kaye, I bet I'll adore it too!

Lookalikes 39

Nothing by Robin Friedman

Not Anything by Carmen Rodrigues

This is another easy one, the second cover wins for me by a landslide. It has color, more personality and a great composition! I'm not so sure about the title treatment though, it takes away slightly from the rest of the cover. The first cover is just too monochromatic for my own taste. But do you recognize that guy, from this set of lookalikes! Check it out!

Thanks goes to Mrs Magoo Reads for pointing out this lookalike!

Top Teen Books Meme

I stole this from Jocelyn!

The following list of books teens love, books teens should read, and books adults who serve teens should know about was compiled IN ABSOLUTELY NO SCIENTIFIC MANNER and should be taken with a very large grain of salt.

Instructions:
Put an “X” next to the books you’ve read
Put a “+” next to the books you LOVE
Put a “#” next to the books you plan on reading
Tally your “X”s at the bottom
Share with your friends!

I'm going to use # as books I plan to read that I already own.

1. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy / Douglas Adams #
2. Kit’s Wilderness / David Almond
3. Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian / Sherman Alexie
4. Speak / Laurie Halse Anderson #
5. Feed / M.T. Anderson
6. Flowers in the Attic / V.C. Andrews #
7. 13 Reasons Why / Jay Asher #
8. Am I Blue? / Marion Dane Bauer (editor)
9. Audrey Wait! / Robin Benway X+
10. Weetzie Bat / Francesca Lia Block
11. Tangerine / Edward Bloor
12. Forever / Judy Blume #
13. What I Saw and How I Lied / Judy Blundell #
14. Tyrell / Coe Booth
15. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants / Ann Brashares X+
16. A Great and Terrible Beauty / Libba Bray #
17. The Princess Diaries / Meg Cabot
18. The Stranger / Albert Camus
19. Ender’s Game / Orson Scott Card
20. Postcards from No Man’s Land / Aidan Chambers
21. Perks of Being a Wallflower / Stephen Chbosky X
22. And Then There Were None / Agatha Christie
23. Gingerbread / Rachel Cohn #
24. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist / Rachel Cohn and David Levithan X+
25. Artemis Fowl (series) / Eoin Colfer
26. The Hunger Games / Suzanne Collins #
27. The Midwife’s Apprentice / Karen Cushman X
28. The Truth About Forever / Sarah Dessen #
29. Little Brother / Cory Doctorow
30. A Northern Light / Jennifer Donnelly
31. Tears of a Tiger / Sharon Draper
32. The House of the Scorpion / Nancy Farmer
33. Breathing Underwater / Alex Flinn
34. Stardust / Neil Gaiman
35. Annie on My Mind / Nancy Garden
36. What Happened to Cass McBride / Gail Giles
37. Fat Kid Rules the World / K.L. Going
38. Lord of the Flies / William Golding X
39. Looking for Alaska / John Green #
40. Bronx Masquerade / Nikki Grimes
41. Out of the Dust / Karen Hesse
42. Hoot / Carl Hiaasen
43. The Outsiders / S.E. Hinton
44. Crank / Ellen Hopkins
45 The First Part Last / Angela Johnson
46. Blood and Chocolate / Annette Curtis Klause
47. Arrow’s Flight / Mercedes Lackey
48. Hattie Big Sky / Kirby Larson
49. To Kill a Mockingbird / Harper Lee X
50. Boy Meets Boy / David Levithan #
51. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks / E. Lockhart #
52. The Giver / Lois Lowry X
53. Number the Stars / Lois Lowry X
54. Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie / David Lubar
55. Inexcusable / Chris Lynch
56. The Earth, My Butt and Other Big, Round Things / Carolyn Mackler #
57. Dragonsong / Anne McCaffrey
58. White Darkness / Geraldine McCaughrean
59. Sold / Patricia McCormick
60. Jellicoe Road / Melina Marchetta
61. Wicked Lovely / Melissa Marr #
62. Twilight / Stephenie Meyer X+
63. Dairy Queen / Catherine Murdock
64. Fallen Angels / Walter Dean Myers
65. Monster / Walter Dean Myers
66. Step From Heaven / An Na
67. Mama Day / Gloria Naylor
68. The Keys to the Kingdom (series) / Garth Nix
69. Sabriel / Garth Nix
70. Airborn / Kenneth Oppel
71. Eragon / Christopher Paolini
72. Hatchet / Gary Paulsen
73. Life As We Knew It / Susan Beth Pfeffer
74. The Golden Compass / Phillip Pullman
75. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging / Louise Rennison X+
76. The Lightning Thief / Rick Riordan
77. Always Running: La Vida Loca / Luis Rodriguez
78. how i live now / Meg Rosoff
79. Harry Potter (series) / J.K. Rowling X+
80. Holes / Louis Sachar
81. Catcher in the Rye / J. D. Salinger X+
82. Push / Sapphire
83. Persepolis / Marjane Satrapi X+
84. Unwind / Neil Shusterman
85. Coldest Winter Ever / Sister Souljah
86. Stargirl / Jerry Spinelli #
87. Chanda’s Secrets / Allan Stratton
88. Tale of One Bad Rat / Brian Talbot
89. Rats Saw God / Rob Thomas
90. Lord of the Rings / J.R.R. Tolkien
91. Stuck in Neutral / Terry Trueman
92. Gossip Girl / Cecily Von Ziegesar X
93. Uglies / Scott Westerfeld #
94. Every Time a Rainbow Dies / Rita Williams-Garcia
95. Pedro and Me / Judd Winick
96. Hard Love / Ellen Wittlinger
97. American Born Chinese / Gene Luen Yang X
98. Elsewhere / Gabrielle Zevin
99. I am the Messenger / Markus Zusak
100. The Book Thief / Markus Zusak #

Read: 16

Have to Read: 17

And.... I suck! LOL! Hopefully I'll get to read more of these soon!

How about you?

Booking Through Thursday: The Best Book You've Never Read

We’ve all seen the lists, we’ve all thought, “I should really read that someday,” but for all of us, there are still books on “The List” that we haven’t actually gotten around to reading. Even though we know they’re fabulous. Even though we know that we’ll like them. Or that we’ll learn from them. Or just that they’re supposed to be worthy. We just … haven’t gotten around to them yet.

What’s the best book that YOU haven’t read yet?

Well there are tons and tons and tons of those but I'll have to go with Looking for Alaska by John Green. I get scolded on a regular basis for not having read it. I'm hoping to read it this year as part of a challenge though! I bought it, I just need to read the darn thing!

How about you?

Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison

Amazon.com:

Leesie Hunt has many rules: No kissing. No sex. No dating outside the Mormon faith.

When Michael Walden—a deep-sea diver who lost his parents in a violent hurricane—arrives in town, Leesie sees someone who needs her. They fall for one another, even though his dreams are tied to the depths of the ocean and hers to salvation above.

Will their intense chemistry be too strong to resist?

Leesie and Michael must make the hardest choice of their lives: whether to follow their beliefs or their hearts.

Readers will be swept away by this tale of forbidden romance told in online chats, Leesie’s chapbook poems, and Michael’s dive log. It’s as steamy as Twilight and just as clean.

Review:

Taken by Storm was an intense and emotional love story. The perspectives in this book made it rather unique in my opinion, from Michael there were logs in his Dive Log and from Lessie, chats between her and Michael and her and her friend, and also poetry. Their fleshed out background also added a lot to the story, instead of the story being all about their romance it was a romance enhanced greatly by their pasts, Michael's diving and lose of his family and Lessie's religion and plans for the future. I was curious to see how Lessie's religion played into the story, it didn't come off as preachy, just as one part of her life and personality. These things really add dimension to their relationship and made them who they were.

The book rotating between intense passion and intense depression. I really liked how Lessie took it upon herself to help Michael recover from the tragic accident that took his parents, all the while trying to stand up for what she believed it. And how Michael tried to break free from Isadore, the hurricane that took his parents and still haunts him. It made for a lot of push/pull in their relationship.

I found this book to be a great example of the complexities that are real life. The voices of the characters were believable as well as engaging. I just had to know where this was going, and I think I was satisfied with where it went.

Taken By Storm is released today!

4/5 Stars
ARC received from publisher

Erm Wow or What the Heck Happened To My Magazine!!!

So today I got PASTE magazine in the mail, love it that's great. I pick it up and look at it and um what the heck happened to it! Forget the bottom and the side, which are both cut all strange, LOOK AT THE TOP, part of the headline is missing! (Click the picture to enlarge) What happened to it! Everything but the spine is cut up all weird. And in some cases the cover is cut differently than the inside of the magazine. It's some strange organic shape, that's for sure, at least the cd didn't get hacked up! I get a lot of magazines and have never seen anything this strange! Does anyone else get PASTE? Did your copy get all hacked up too???!

"Waiting On" Wednesday! 20

Deep in the Heart of High School by Veronica Goldbach

From Amazon.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.

Released April 27th 2009

A friend story! I was hooked when I saw that it was about friends in high school and then mix in Band and I'm sold! (points to self --> was in band :P)

What can't you wait for to be released?

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

Oooh la la or HUNTED TRAILER! (The House of Night Series)

So I keep hearing about The House of Night Series, a few months ago I bought the first book in the series, to give it a whirl. Unfortunately I haven't read it yet but since I know there are some fans out there I thought I would share this brand new trailer with you guys that got brought to my attention today.



Description: What if the hottest guy in the world was hiding a nameless evil, and all he wanted was you? At the start of this heart-pounding new installment of the bestselling House of Night series, Zoey’s friends have her back again and Stevie Rae and the red fledglings aren’t Neferet’s secrets any longer. But an unexpected danger has emerged. Neferet guards her powerful new consort, Kalona, and no one at the House of Night seems to understand the threat he poses. Kalona looks gorgeous, and he has the House of Night under his spell. A past life holds the key to breaking his rapidly spreading influence, but what if this past life shows Zoey secrets she doesn’t want to hear and truths she can’t face?

It comes out March 10th!

Also, for those of you caught up on the series you can read the first chapter of Hunted here and listen to the second chapter right here.




I've always admired how this series was written by a mother and daughter, what fun! And it sounds like they are doing great with Hunted coming out in hardcover! I've always loved these spot color/varnish covers, very attractive.

Have you read this series? I'm so behind on my paranormal reading, I think all I've read is Twilight *shame*.

Tuesday Thingers!

Were you aware of the Early Reviewer Program? Have you received any books from the program? If you have, how have you liked the book(s)? Any other thoughts on the LTER program?

I'm very aware of the Early Reviewers Program. The books I received from it were the first I ever reviewed! I believe I joined in its second month of existence. So far I've gotten selected for 11 books. I think this a great program and give mad-props to Abby for the wonderful job she has done, this program brings tons of joy to a lot of people!

I like how Lenore did a full list so I'm going to follow suite!

Gifted July 2007 (review)- Did not like this one, gave it 1.5 stars.

Gossips of the Starlings Jan 2008 (review)- Disappointing, gave it 2.5 stars.

Secrets of the Hollywood Girls Club March 2008 (review)- This was a fun book, wish I had realized it was a sequel before I started reading it, gave it 3.5 stars!

Love Marriage April 2008 (review)- I found this one interesting but it feel a little short, gave it 3.5 stars.

Loose Girl May 2008 (review)- This one too forever to show up, I ended up getting it in September, 4 months later! I found it very engaging, gave it 4 stars.

Summer Blowout June 2008 (review)- This was a fun book, perfect for the summer, I gave it 3.5 stars.

American Wife July 2008 (review)- I loved this one, gave it 5 stars.

Cracked Up to Be Oct 2008 (review)- I think this is the one I have been most excited for and it didn't disappoint, I gave it 5 stars.

Going to See the Elephant Nov 2008 (review)- I liked this one, gave it 4 stars.

Super In the City Dec 2008- haven't read yet *shame*

Five Minutes More Feb 2009- I just found out I got picked for this one today, what timing!

How about you, what have your experiences with LTER Program been like?

Hardcover vs. Paperback 18

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

Hardcover

Paperback Version 1

Paperback Version 2

Amazon.com Product Description:

In California’s central valley, five women and one man join to discuss Jane Austen’s novels. Over the six months they get together, marriages are tested, affairs begin, unsuitable arrangements become suitable, and love happens. With her eye for the frailties of human behavior and her ear for the absurdities of social intercourse, Karen Joy Fowler has never been wittier nor her characters more appealing. The result is a delicious dissection of modern relationships.

Dedicated Austenites will delight in unearthing the echoes of Austen that run through the novel, but most readers will simply enjoy the vision and voice that, despite two centuries of separation, unite two great writers of brilliant social comedy.

I'm going to have to pick the paperbacks this round. I like the little illustration. The hardcover is interesting though, almost a still-life of some sort.

What do you think of books being released in the same format with multiple covers at the same time like this. Two other examples are John Green's Paper Towns (two cover images) and Miranda July's No One Belongs Here More Than You. (different color covers)

Hardcover or Paperback?

Everything Is Fine. By Ann Dee Ellis

Amazon.com:

Stuck at home caring for her severely depressed mother and abandoned by her father, Mazzy has only the day-to-day dramas of her neighborhood to keep her busy. But between flirting with the boy next door and worrying about the fact that she's flat-chested, Mazzy has to face the fact that her mom is emotionally paralyzed by a family tragedy. As readers delve into the story, they'll eventually discover what it was that tore Mazzy's family apart, and they'll see what it takes to put it back together.

Despite its serious subject matter, Mazzy brings humor to the trying age of adolescence and gives readers just the kind of awkward, troubled, and endearing character they will gladly embrace.

Review:

This book was strange it was hard for me to comprehend. Though, everything made more sense after finding out about the horrible tragedy this family went through. Still something was off. I think it was the character of Mazzy. At first I thought maybe she had regressed backwards in maturity after the tragedy but after reading a bit about before it happened it seemed she was still kind of the same. I found it strange that she karate chopped people when she was upset or didn't know what to do, but found out this is something she also did before as well. I sort of pinpointed her around 6th-7th grade. I don't know. And wearing oranges in your bra multiple times, I sort of felt like she was trying to get attention with some of the strange things she did.

The situation the family was in was just hard to read as well. A catatonic mother and an absent family basically leaving this child to take care of herself. Thankfully she had neighbors to check on her when she allowed it. It was just really hard to read. Thankfully there were bits of humor sprinkled through the book, Mazzy's opinion on Oprah or her chats with her neighbor Colby.
One thing I really liked about the book were Mazzy's artwork. Basically abstract art (smudges etc) that was pretty interesting to see.

I felt like the ending was going in a hopeful direction but it wasn't really enough for me personally. None the less, this was an interesting and emotional book.

Everything Is Fine was released March 1st.

2.5/5 Stars
Review copy received from publisher