I DID IT! I reached my goal of reading 100 books this year and I read a lot of really good ones this year. Here is a list of the ones I gave 5 stars to on Goodreads.com. I liked them for different reasons. All of them are young adult, some are fantasy, some are for older teens, some have language not appropriate in some circles, but all, in my opinion, were really really good.
In no particular order with a quick, one sentence summary of sorts:
The 13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison (a fairy book. a girl goes to stay with her grandmother and discovers she is connected to the fairy world. well written)
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson (a fantastic story. a girl's grandmother leaves her a package with 13 blue envelopes and sends her on a trip around the globe that she will never forget-one of my faves!)
The Hate List by Jennifer Brown (a story about a school shooting and the road to forgiveness)
Paper Towns by John Green (a night with Margo Roth Speigelman a boy will never forget -its not what you think-leads to a search for her later-one of my faves!)
Looking for Alaska by John Green (a boy's life is changed when he meets a girl named Alaska, then changed again when tragedy strikes- I *heart* John Green)
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher (a girl leaves audio recordings detailing the 13 reasons that led to her suicide- probably my fave of the year)
Sea Change by Aimee Friedman (a girl goes to her mom's childhood vacation home one summer and meets an intriguing and mysterious boy named Leo, who has a very cool secret-my book-boy crush of the year)
Mortal Instruments series (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass) by Cassandra Clare (a mixture of warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and shadow hunters- I think boys and girls alike will enjoy these)
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (in this society, children are selected to fight to the death with other children. a match that is televised for the whole country to see. )
North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headly (a girl was born with a facial birthmark and her mother has spent her entire live trying to get rid of it. a story of love and loving who you are)
The Astonishing Adventures of Fan boy & Goth Girl by Barry Lyga (nerdy guy meets goth girl. girl tries to give boy confidence in his comic book work while hiding secrets of her own)
Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga (set 6 months or so after astonishing adv. of fanboy & goth girl. Focuses more on goth girl as she deals with coming back to school)
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (a new girl comes to town to live with her reclusive uncle, but there is more to this family that meets the eye. boy meets girl and they realize their lives are connected in many ways)
Magic or Madness by Justine Larbalstier (a girl deals with the fact that if she uses magic, she'll die at a younger age, but if she does not use magic, she'll go mad like her mother has)
Sabriel by Garth Nix (a girl has become a necromancer as a birthright to banish demons and save her father)
Boy Toy by Barry Lyga (a story of a boy who was manipulated into a relationship by a teacher and deals with her getting out of jail)
Angus, Thongs & Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison (a fictional diary of a British teen dealing with her cat, her sister, her parents and her friends at school- hilarious!)
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink (twin sisters realize that they are destined to be at war with one another- one on the side of good and one on the side of evil. Can they find a way to break the curse?)
The Earth, my Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler (a plus size teen in a family of skinny people feels like an outcast until she decides to take charge of her own life)
Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson (kids try to save Disney World from the evil Disney characters that are trying to take over)
Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon & Dean Hale (a girl-power graphic novel featuring Rapunzel and her hair)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Scarlette Fever by Maureen Johnson
Scarlett Fever by Maureen JohnsonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Scarlett Fever picks up very soon after Suite Scarlett. Without giving too much away, we learn more about Spencer's job prospects, Scarlett's love interests, Lola's angst, & Marlene's secret agenda. (curious now? good)
It really left me hanging though! I can only assume there will be another book in this series...there has to be.
Cute story, quick read.
View all my reviews >>
Religious discourse
As a rule, I don't engage in religious or political discussion with people. One reason is that is always seems to turn personal. Why can't we have conversations about things and still walk away as friends.
Right, because people don't seem to know what those are.
I broke my rule today and got into a religious discussion on someone's Facebook page. It turned personal for me when I said I didn't think that it was the public school's responsibility to teach Christian heritage, traditions or beliefs, as one poster said they should. He then proceeded to say he was glad that his children weren't in my class. Wow. Since he has never had a conversation with me other than my post me I find it amazing he can pass that kind of judgment. (Edited to add- upon further reflection and conversation, turns out that we DID have a conversation once before.)
But I don't think public schools should. What would they teach? Each denomination thinks what they do is correct. Can you imagine the fights over what goes in the curriculum?
Personally, I don't think there should public led prayer at school. Prayer, unless you are in an intercessory group, should, in my opinion, be a private thing. What if I don't agree with what the person is praying out loud? If I am standing there aren't I essentially saying that I am in agreement?
I hear all the time that God has been kicked out of public schools. No, he hasn't. At my school and probably most schools kids still have every right to pray on their own, wear a cross or Star of David, etc. They can wear shirts with bible scriptures. They just can't distract from instruction (bc ya know, that's what they are going to school for, to learn) And as a public school teacher, I cannot teach MY beliefs. I am quite ok with that. I wouldn't want someone whose beliefs I disagree with teaching my nephew that theirs was the correct way. I think it is the parents' responsibility to guide their children. In my classroom I do my best to be fair, to show my students that I love and care for their well being and that I want them to be the best person they can be. My hope is that they know my heart and what kind of person I am through my actions.
Am I perfect? Of course not. I screw up all the time. Do I have all of the answers? Oh Heck no. I am still trying to figure stuff out. I struggle with & question things all the time. I think that's how we learn though. And conversations, without destroying the person, are key.
Right, because people don't seem to know what those are.
I broke my rule today and got into a religious discussion on someone's Facebook page. It turned personal for me when I said I didn't think that it was the public school's responsibility to teach Christian heritage, traditions or beliefs, as one poster said they should. He then proceeded to say he was glad that his children weren't in my class. Wow. Since he has never had a conversation with me other than my post me I find it amazing he can pass that kind of judgment. (Edited to add- upon further reflection and conversation, turns out that we DID have a conversation once before.)
But I don't think public schools should. What would they teach? Each denomination thinks what they do is correct. Can you imagine the fights over what goes in the curriculum?
Personally, I don't think there should public led prayer at school. Prayer, unless you are in an intercessory group, should, in my opinion, be a private thing. What if I don't agree with what the person is praying out loud? If I am standing there aren't I essentially saying that I am in agreement?
I hear all the time that God has been kicked out of public schools. No, he hasn't. At my school and probably most schools kids still have every right to pray on their own, wear a cross or Star of David, etc. They can wear shirts with bible scriptures. They just can't distract from instruction (bc ya know, that's what they are going to school for, to learn) And as a public school teacher, I cannot teach MY beliefs. I am quite ok with that. I wouldn't want someone whose beliefs I disagree with teaching my nephew that theirs was the correct way. I think it is the parents' responsibility to guide their children. In my classroom I do my best to be fair, to show my students that I love and care for their well being and that I want them to be the best person they can be. My hope is that they know my heart and what kind of person I am through my actions.
Am I perfect? Of course not. I screw up all the time. Do I have all of the answers? Oh Heck no. I am still trying to figure stuff out. I struggle with & question things all the time. I think that's how we learn though. And conversations, without destroying the person, are key.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Mortal Instruments books 1-3 by Cassandra Clare
City of Glass by Cassandra ClareMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I waited until I finished the last in the Mortal Instruments series before giving my thoughts.
This series includes City of Bones, City of Ashes & City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. These books are fabulous! I was completely hooked from the first page. So many twists and turns. And it has a little of everything- vampires, werewolves, warlocks, shadowhunters, almost-epic battles, and a little love and heartache thrown in.
I will confess that I began to suspect something in book two....so I flipped to the back of book three before I started it. I HAD TOO! I was dying to know! But how it all comes together is great. I would love to know more about the characters, though, after the last book.
Read this series!!
View all my reviews >>
The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth ScottMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The unwritten rule of friendship is that you don't steal your best friends boyfriend. But what if she always takes the boys you like?
I'm 35, but as I read this book I saw my 15 year old self and heard the things that my "best friend" at the time said to me. Have we all had those "friends" that put us down with a compliment?
Spoilerish-
I understand Sarah wanting to try to fix her relationship with Brianna even though it was toxic. You invest in something that long and you hate to see it gone.
I enjoyed this book as an adult and would have loved it as a teen. I can't wait to read more by Elizabeth Scott!
View all my reviews >>
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
November books
November
Tempted~PC & Kristen Cast This one is ok, I love this series but the books tend to drag at times
Beautiful Creatures~Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl Loved this one! and I just found out that there will be five books in this series AND there is going to be a movie!
Hunger Games~Suzanne Collins you must read this book. Reality tv taken to an all new level.
13 Reasons Why~Jay Asher This one is a great story. Must read
I am at 83. Behind on my goal!!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
October books
October
Dark Angel~LJ Smith
Time Traveler's Wife~Audrey Niffenegger
Paper Towns~John Green
Dead is a State of Mind~Marlene Perez
Dead is so Last Year~Marlene Perez
Vampalicious~Sienna Mercer
The Chosen~LJ Smith
Soulmates ~LJ Smith
you can scroll down a few posts to see what I've read so far this year.
I'll be posting more non-book related blogs soon. gotta get through this week first. :)
you can scroll down a few posts to see what I've read so far this year.
I'll be posting more non-book related blogs soon. gotta get through this week first. :)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Book Contest! Prophecy of the Sisters!
My author-friend Michelle Zink is hosting an awesome giveaway on her blog. Check it out, and check out her novel Prophecy of the Sisters! (I highly recommend the book!)
Monday, October 12, 2009
Soul searching
It's been a while since I have taken to my blog and posted more than just snippets of what I am reading. I think that once people I knew in real life began reading my blog I started to censor myself and I believe I started losing my voice some. I hope I can begin writing again and gain it back. The things I write might be offensive, whiny, stupid, boring, enlightening, funny, whatever...but they need to be said bc I need to say them. I do appreciate feedback but as this is my spot in the interwebs, respectful dialogue is appreciated.
Today (after looking at the clock I realize it was yesterday) is my 35th birthday. I don't feel 35- however that is supposed to feel. But lately I have felt 15. Let me explain....
When I was about 15 my best friend decided she didn't want to be my friend anymore. Without explanation she just became more distant and cruel. Then it all came to a head when she started using phone conversations against me- baiting me and then telling other people what I said to make fun, etc etc etc. This incident in my life had a profound affect- I stopped trusting other females. Even now I have a hard time opening up to people for fear that I am going to get hurt, bc even at 35 it sucks. I feel that I have a lot of "friends" but a lot of times I feel it's all superficial and shallow. I know part of this is my fault bc I am unwilling to put my self out there completely but I can't seem to find the people willing to engage in deeper relationships.
I heard an analogy once -I think it was Stephen Mansfield who said that we are like a full glass of water. We pour a little of ourselves into the people who come into our lives. But if people don't pour into ours we run dry (I completely mangled the analogy, but I hope you get the meaning.)
My soul is dying. I am desperate for deeper, meaningful relationships. People who will not only will open themselves up to me but want me to open myself up. People who want to know my beliefs and will be OK when they differ from theirs- bc most likely they will.
I want to take nothing away from the people in my life now that consider me their friend. I thank you for your friendship. Little snippets here and there help me navigate through this life. But I am in need of more. I need flesh-and-bone humans willing to share their lives. I sure as hell don't want pity or to be manipulated.
How do other people do it? I really want to know.
(and if you would prefer to, feel free to email me at sandilu at hotmail dot com)
Today (after looking at the clock I realize it was yesterday) is my 35th birthday. I don't feel 35- however that is supposed to feel. But lately I have felt 15. Let me explain....
When I was about 15 my best friend decided she didn't want to be my friend anymore. Without explanation she just became more distant and cruel. Then it all came to a head when she started using phone conversations against me- baiting me and then telling other people what I said to make fun, etc etc etc. This incident in my life had a profound affect- I stopped trusting other females. Even now I have a hard time opening up to people for fear that I am going to get hurt, bc even at 35 it sucks. I feel that I have a lot of "friends" but a lot of times I feel it's all superficial and shallow. I know part of this is my fault bc I am unwilling to put my self out there completely but I can't seem to find the people willing to engage in deeper relationships.
I heard an analogy once -I think it was Stephen Mansfield who said that we are like a full glass of water. We pour a little of ourselves into the people who come into our lives. But if people don't pour into ours we run dry (I completely mangled the analogy, but I hope you get the meaning.)
My soul is dying. I am desperate for deeper, meaningful relationships. People who will not only will open themselves up to me but want me to open myself up. People who want to know my beliefs and will be OK when they differ from theirs- bc most likely they will.
I want to take nothing away from the people in my life now that consider me their friend. I thank you for your friendship. Little snippets here and there help me navigate through this life. But I am in need of more. I need flesh-and-bone humans willing to share their lives. I sure as hell don't want pity or to be manipulated.
How do other people do it? I really want to know.
(and if you would prefer to, feel free to email me at sandilu at hotmail dot com)
Friday, October 09, 2009
September books
I plan to start blogging more than just what I've read. I used to write a lot more but for various reasons stopped. For now though- here is my book list.
September was overwhelmingly busy so I didn't get to read nearly as many books as I had hoped.
September
Lirael ~ Garth Nix
September was overwhelmingly busy so I didn't get to read nearly as many books as I had hoped.
September
Lirael ~ Garth Nix
Magic's Child~Justine Larbalestier
Wintergirls~Laurie Halse Anderson
Surviving the Applewhites~ Stephanie S. Tolan
70
August
Ash~Malinda Lo
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows audiobook ~JK Rowling
Peace, Love, & Baby Ducks~Lauren Myracle
Startled by his Furry Shorts~Louise Rennison
Love is a Many Torusered Thing~ Louise Rennison
Sabriel~Garth Nix
66 so far (slightly behind schedule!)
July
Sea Change~ Aimee Friedman
Magic Lessons~Justine Larbalestier
Goth Girl Rising~ Barry Lyga
Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince audiobook~ JK Rowling
Eclipse audiobook~ Stephenie Meyer
Silver is for Secrets ~ Laurie Faria Stolarz
Red is for Remembrance~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Devilish~Maureen Johnson
The Center of the Universe, Yep, That'd be Me ~Anita Liberty
Something to Blog About~Shana Norris
Love is Hell (collection of short stories)~ Melissa Marr, Scott Westerfield, Justine Larbalstier, Gabrielle Zevin, Laurie Faria Stolarz
South Beach ~Aimee Friedman
Re-Vamped!~Sienna Mercer
13 this month
60 total for the year
June
Dead is the New Black~Marlene Perez
The Misfits ~James Howe
The Book of One Hundred Truths~ Julie Schumacher
Then He Ate my Boy Entrancers ~Louise Rennison
Looking for Alaska~ John Green
The Hate List~Jennifer Brown
Magic or Madness~Justine Larbalestier
So you want to be a wizard~Diane Duane
New Moon audiobook~ Stephenie Meyer
New Moon audiobook~ Stephenie Meyer
so far this year- 47
May
Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants~Louise Rennison
Blue is for Nightmares~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Away Laughing on a Fast Camel~Louise Rennison
To Kill a Mockingbird~ Harper Lee
White is for Magic~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Burned~Ellen Hopkins
Fight Club_Chuck Palahniuk
The Fashion Disaster that Changed my life~Lauren Myracle
so far this year- 38
April
On the Bright Side, I'm now the Girlfriend of a Sex God~Louise Rennison
Cabinet of Wonders~ Marie Rutkoski
Giver~Lois Lowry (read with my class)
Why I Let My Hair Grow Out~Maryrose Wood
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Thing~Carolyn Mackler
Boy Toy~Barry Lyga
13 Little Blue Envelopes~Maureen Johnson
Westing Game~Ellen Raskin (read with class)
North of Beautiful ~Justina Chen Headley
Knocked Out by my Nunga-Nunga~Louise Rennison
so far this year- 30
Goal for the year-100
March
Geektastic ~Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci
Oh My Goth ~ Gena Showalter
Hunted~PC & Kristen Cast
The Thirteen Treasures~Michelle Harrison (this one of the best written books I've read in a while)
Wit~a play by Margaret Edson
Angus, Thongs, & Full frontal Snogging~Louise Rennison (this book is HILARIOUS!)
Twilight Director's Notebook~ Catherine Hardwick
Books read so far this year- 20
Goal for the year-100
February
Kingdom Keepers:Disney at Dawn~ Ridley Pearson
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl~Barry Lyga
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist~Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Night World vl 1: Secret Vampire
Daughters of Darkness
Spellbinder ~LJ Smith
Zombie Queen on Newbury High ~ ~Amanda Ashby
Prophecy of the Sisters ~Michelle Zink
January
The Tales of Beedle the Bard~JK Rowling (Brilliant!)
Kingdom Keepers:Disney After Dark~Ridley Pearson (A must read for any Disney fan)
Fade to Blue~Sean Beaudoin (not released until Spring 09) (This one had me guessing until the end)
My Sister the Vampire:Switched~Sienna Mercer (Vampire books for the Middle school set. Really cute books)
My Sister the Vampire:Fangtastic~Sienna Mercer
Geektastic ~Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci
Oh My Goth ~ Gena Showalter
Hunted~PC & Kristen Cast
The Thirteen Treasures~Michelle Harrison (this one of the best written books I've read in a while)
Wit~a play by Margaret Edson
Angus, Thongs, & Full frontal Snogging~Louise Rennison (this book is HILARIOUS!)
Twilight Director's Notebook~ Catherine Hardwick
Books read so far this year- 20
Goal for the year-100
February
Kingdom Keepers:Disney at Dawn~ Ridley Pearson
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl~Barry Lyga
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist~Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Night World vl 1: Secret Vampire
Daughters of Darkness
Spellbinder ~LJ Smith
Zombie Queen on Newbury High ~ ~Amanda Ashby
Prophecy of the Sisters ~Michelle Zink
January
The Tales of Beedle the Bard~JK Rowling (Brilliant!)
Kingdom Keepers:Disney After Dark~Ridley Pearson (A must read for any Disney fan)
Fade to Blue~Sean Beaudoin (not released until Spring 09) (This one had me guessing until the end)
My Sister the Vampire:Switched~Sienna Mercer (Vampire books for the Middle school set. Really cute books)
My Sister the Vampire:Fangtastic~Sienna Mercer
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Uniforms!
For some reason when I snapped this with my phone it showed up as royal blue. But the uniforms are a deep purple. The girls love them and squealed when they saw them.First contest is in two weeks. EK!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
August books
August
Ash~Malinda Lo
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows audiobook ~JK Rowling
Peace, Love, & Baby Ducks~Lauren Myracle
Startled by his Furry Shorts~Louise Rennison
Love is a Many Torusered Thing~ Louise Rennison
Sabriel~Garth Nix
66 so far (slightly behind schedule!)
July
Sea Change~ Aimee Friedman
Magic Lessons~Justine Larbalestier
Goth Girl Rising~ Barry Lyga
Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince audiobook~ JK Rowling
Eclipse audiobook~ Stephenie Meyer
Silver is for Secrets ~ Laurie Faria Stolarz
Red is for Remembrance~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Devilish~Maureen Johnson
The Center of the Universe, Yep, That'd be Me ~Anita Liberty
Something to Blog About~Shana Norris
Love is Hell (collection of short stories)~ Melissa Marr, Scott Westerfield, Justine Larbalstier, Gabrielle Zevin, Laurie Faria Stolarz
South Beach ~Aimee Friedman
Re-Vamped!~Sienna Mercer
13 this month
60 total for the year
June
Dead is the New Black~Marlene Perez
The Misfits ~James Howe
The Book of One Hundred Truths~ Julie Schumacher
Then He Ate my Boy Entrancers ~Louise Rennison
Looking for Alaska~ John Green
The Hate List~Jennifer Brown
Magic or Madness~Justine Larbalestier
So you want to be a wizard~Diane Duane
New Moon audiobook~ Stephenie Meyer
New Moon audiobook~ Stephenie Meyer
so far this year- 47
May
Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants~Louise Rennison
Blue is for Nightmares~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Away Laughing on a Fast Camel~Louise Rennison
To Kill a Mockingbird~ Harper Lee
White is for Magic~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Burned~Ellen Hopkins
Fight Club_Chuck Palahniuk
The Fashion Disaster that Changed my life~Lauren Myracle
so far this year- 38
April
On the Bright Side, I'm now the Girlfriend of a Sex God~Louise Rennison
Cabinet of Wonders~ Marie Rutkoski
Giver~Lois Lowry (read with my class)
Why I Let My Hair Grow Out~Maryrose Wood
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Thing~Carolyn Mackler
Boy Toy~Barry Lyga
13 Little Blue Envelopes~Maureen Johnson
Westing Game~Ellen Raskin (read with class)
North of Beautiful ~Justina Chen Headley
Knocked Out by my Nunga-Nunga~Louise Rennison
so far this year- 30
Goal for the year-100
March
Geektastic ~Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci
Oh My Goth ~ Gena Showalter
Hunted~PC & Kristen Cast
The Thirteen Treasures~Michelle Harrison (this one of the best written books I've read in a while)
Wit~a play by Margaret Edson
Angus, Thongs, & Full frontal Snogging~Louise Rennison (this book is HILARIOUS!)
Twilight Director's Notebook~ Catherine Hardwick
Books read so far this year- 20
Goal for the year-100
February
Kingdom Keepers:Disney at Dawn~ Ridley Pearson
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl~Barry Lyga
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist~Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Night World vl 1: Secret Vampire
Daughters of Darkness
Spellbinder ~LJ Smith
Zombie Queen on Newbury High ~ ~Amanda Ashby
Prophecy of the Sisters ~Michelle Zink
January
The Tales of Beedle the Bard~JK Rowling (Brilliant!)
Kingdom Keepers:Disney After Dark~Ridley Pearson (A must read for any Disney fan)
Fade to Blue~Sean Beaudoin (not released until Spring 09) (This one had me guessing until the end)
My Sister the Vampire:Switched~Sienna Mercer (Vampire books for the Middle school set. Really cute books)
My Sister the Vampire:Fangtastic~Sienna Mercer
Geektastic ~Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci
Oh My Goth ~ Gena Showalter
Hunted~PC & Kristen Cast
The Thirteen Treasures~Michelle Harrison (this one of the best written books I've read in a while)
Wit~a play by Margaret Edson
Angus, Thongs, & Full frontal Snogging~Louise Rennison (this book is HILARIOUS!)
Twilight Director's Notebook~ Catherine Hardwick
Books read so far this year- 20
Goal for the year-100
February
Kingdom Keepers:Disney at Dawn~ Ridley Pearson
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl~Barry Lyga
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist~Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Night World vl 1: Secret Vampire
Daughters of Darkness
Spellbinder ~LJ Smith
Zombie Queen on Newbury High ~ ~Amanda Ashby
Prophecy of the Sisters ~Michelle Zink
January
The Tales of Beedle the Bard~JK Rowling (Brilliant!)
Kingdom Keepers:Disney After Dark~Ridley Pearson (A must read for any Disney fan)
Fade to Blue~Sean Beaudoin (not released until Spring 09) (This one had me guessing until the end)
My Sister the Vampire:Switched~Sienna Mercer (Vampire books for the Middle school set. Really cute books)
My Sister the Vampire:Fangtastic~Sienna Mercer
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Why yes, I read (or listened to) 13 books in July
July
Sea Change~ Aimee Friedman
Magic Lessons~Justine Larbalestier
Goth Girl Rising~ Barry Lyga
Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince audiobook~ JK Rowling
Eclipse audiobook~ Stephenie Meyer
Silver is for Secrets ~ Laurie Faria Stolarz
Red is for Remembrance~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Devilish~Maureen Johnson
The Center of the Universe, Yep, That'd be Me ~Anita Liberty
Something to Blog About~Shana Norris
Love is Hell (collection of short stories)~ Melissa Marr, Scott Westerfield, Justine Larbalstier, Gabrielle Zevin, Laurie Faria Stolarz
South Beach ~Aimee Friedman
Re-Vamped!~Sienna Mercer
13 this month
60 total for the year
June
Dead is the New Black~Marlene Perez
The Misfits ~James Howe
The Book of One Hundred Truths~ Julie Schumacher
Then He Ate my Boy Entrancers ~Louise Rennison
Looking for Alaska~ John Green
The Hate List~Jennifer Brown
Magic or Madness~Justine Larbalestier
So you want to be a wizard~Diane Duane
New Moon audiobook~ Stephenie Meyer
New Moon audiobook~ Stephenie Meyer
so far this year- 47
May
Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants~Louise Rennison
Blue is for Nightmares~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Away Laughing on a Fast Camel~Louise Rennison
To Kill a Mockingbird~ Harper Lee
White is for Magic~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Burned~Ellen Hopkins
Fight Club_Chuck Palahniuk
The Fashion Disaster that Changed my life~Lauren Myracle
so far this year- 38
April
On the Bright Side, I'm now the Girlfriend of a Sex God~Louise Rennison
Cabinet of Wonders~ Marie Rutkoski
Giver~Lois Lowry (read with my class)
Why I Let My Hair Grow Out~Maryrose Wood
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Thing~Carolyn Mackler
Boy Toy~Barry Lyga
13 Little Blue Envelopes~Maureen Johnson
Westing Game~Ellen Raskin (read with class)
North of Beautiful ~Justina Chen Headley
Knocked Out by my Nunga-Nunga~Louise Rennison
so far this year- 30
Goal for the year-100
March
Geektastic ~Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci
Oh My Goth ~ Gena Showalter
Hunted~PC & Kristen Cast
The Thirteen Treasures~Michelle Harrison (this one of the best written books I've read in a while)
Wit~a play by Margaret Edson
Angus, Thongs, & Full frontal Snogging~Louise Rennison (this book is HILARIOUS!)
Twilight Director's Notebook~ Catherine Hardwick
Books read so far this year- 20
Goal for the year-100
February
Kingdom Keepers:Disney at Dawn~ Ridley Pearson
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl~Barry Lyga
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist~Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Night World vl 1: Secret Vampire
Daughters of Darkness
Spellbinder ~LJ Smith
Zombie Queen on Newbury High ~ ~Amanda Ashby
Prophecy of the Sisters ~Michelle Zink
January
The Tales of Beedle the Bard~JK Rowling (Brilliant!)
Kingdom Keepers:Disney After Dark~Ridley Pearson (A must read for any Disney fan)
Fade to Blue~Sean Beaudoin (not released until Spring 09) (This one had me guessing until the end)
My Sister the Vampire:Switched~Sienna Mercer (Vampire books for the Middle school set. Really cute books)
My Sister the Vampire:Fangtastic~Sienna Mercer
Geektastic ~Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci
Oh My Goth ~ Gena Showalter
Hunted~PC & Kristen Cast
The Thirteen Treasures~Michelle Harrison (this one of the best written books I've read in a while)
Wit~a play by Margaret Edson
Angus, Thongs, & Full frontal Snogging~Louise Rennison (this book is HILARIOUS!)
Twilight Director's Notebook~ Catherine Hardwick
Books read so far this year- 20
Goal for the year-100
February
Kingdom Keepers:Disney at Dawn~ Ridley Pearson
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl~Barry Lyga
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist~Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Night World vl 1: Secret Vampire
Daughters of Darkness
Spellbinder ~LJ Smith
Zombie Queen on Newbury High ~ ~Amanda Ashby
Prophecy of the Sisters ~Michelle Zink
January
The Tales of Beedle the Bard~JK Rowling (Brilliant!)
Kingdom Keepers:Disney After Dark~Ridley Pearson (A must read for any Disney fan)
Fade to Blue~Sean Beaudoin (not released until Spring 09) (This one had me guessing until the end)
My Sister the Vampire:Switched~Sienna Mercer (Vampire books for the Middle school set. Really cute books)
My Sister the Vampire:Fangtastic~Sienna Mercer
Friday, July 24, 2009
Scrapbooking stuffs
I recently purchased a Silhouette SD Digital Craft cutter and it's the coolest thing ever! There several places where I can get free files for it. One of the best is Jennie Bean Crafts. They have some of the most incredible sliceforms.
If you have a Digital cutter or are considering getting one-go check that blog out!
If you have a Digital cutter or are considering getting one-go check that blog out!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Further thoughts on Half Blood Prince
Spoilerages abound!
I keep seeing status updates on Facebook & Twitter where people say they hated the new Harry Potter movie bc they left so much out. (Did we watch the same movie?)
Yes, there are things from the book that were left out. That is the nature of film making. They cannot take every.single.detail. from a book and put it in a movie. We'd all still be at the cinema.
Here's what I keep hearing and my opinion on them:
One thing people are complaining about is that the funeral was left out. I think this was done for a number of reason (including what the director said about it)
At the point in the movie were DD dies, it's already well over two hours in. Adding the funeral would have added more time. But most importantly, I think the raising of the lit wands was much more poignant than a funeral would have been (and less costly).
Another thing people are complaining about is the missing battle at the end. I think (and this is only my opinion remember) they left it out bc
1. they ended Order of the Phoenix with a battle at the Ministry. Ending with a major death instead of a battle seems to flow better, movie wise.
2. there is going to be an EPIC battle at Hogwarts at the end of movie 7 part two (at least there better be). Ending with Dumbledore's death sets the stage for what's coming.
As an avid, rabid, dorky Harry Potter fan, I was quite ok with how they ended it.
I was not, however, ok with the burning of the Burrow. I have heard two theories on that and neither justify it enough. One was that the movie needed more action at that point (puh leez) and the other is that Helena Bonham Carter's contract may have called for more face time (not good enough).
I was also rather miffed that Dumbledore did not freeze Harry in place when Draco confronted him. How heartbreaking it was when I read that part in the book when Harry realized that DD was really dead bc the jinx broke.
Mark thought -and upon further reflection I agree- that they could have used a little more explanation about the Horcruxes and about why the Dementors and Death Eaters were attacking Muggles at the start. For someone (the hubs) who had not read the book, those were a little confusing.
However, none of what I disliked was enough for me to say that I "hated" the movie or that it "sucked", as many have so eloquently put it. And from what I understand, JK Rowling signed off on the changes (including the pointless Burrow scene).
I keep seeing status updates on Facebook & Twitter where people say they hated the new Harry Potter movie bc they left so much out. (Did we watch the same movie?)
Yes, there are things from the book that were left out. That is the nature of film making. They cannot take every.single.detail. from a book and put it in a movie. We'd all still be at the cinema.
Here's what I keep hearing and my opinion on them:
One thing people are complaining about is that the funeral was left out. I think this was done for a number of reason (including what the director said about it)
At the point in the movie were DD dies, it's already well over two hours in. Adding the funeral would have added more time. But most importantly, I think the raising of the lit wands was much more poignant than a funeral would have been (and less costly).
Another thing people are complaining about is the missing battle at the end. I think (and this is only my opinion remember) they left it out bc
1. they ended Order of the Phoenix with a battle at the Ministry. Ending with a major death instead of a battle seems to flow better, movie wise.
2. there is going to be an EPIC battle at Hogwarts at the end of movie 7 part two (at least there better be). Ending with Dumbledore's death sets the stage for what's coming.
As an avid, rabid, dorky Harry Potter fan, I was quite ok with how they ended it.
I was not, however, ok with the burning of the Burrow. I have heard two theories on that and neither justify it enough. One was that the movie needed more action at that point (puh leez) and the other is that Helena Bonham Carter's contract may have called for more face time (not good enough).
I was also rather miffed that Dumbledore did not freeze Harry in place when Draco confronted him. How heartbreaking it was when I read that part in the book when Harry realized that DD was really dead bc the jinx broke.
Mark thought -and upon further reflection I agree- that they could have used a little more explanation about the Horcruxes and about why the Dementors and Death Eaters were attacking Muggles at the start. For someone (the hubs) who had not read the book, those were a little confusing.
However, none of what I disliked was enough for me to say that I "hated" the movie or that it "sucked", as many have so eloquently put it. And from what I understand, JK Rowling signed off on the changes (including the pointless Burrow scene).
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Half Blood Prince- my thoughts
I saw Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince tonight. It was fantastic! I have read or listened to the book multiple times and, with two exceptions, the movie captured the book marvelously.
I will talk about some scenes from the movie, so if you want no spoilers you might want to stop reading here...
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Still reading? good
First, I cannot get over how grown those kids are! They are so adorable and have become much better actors over time. Tom Felton was perfect as a tormented Draco Malfoy.
I thought that, given the limited time, they covered the majority of the major points from the book (except that Bill was not in it so he wasn't mauled by Greyback)
And speaking of the Weasleys.....my wtf moment came when the Burrow was attacked and burned. Not only was it not in the book at all, I didn't see where it served any purpose in the story. To show that Harry can be tracked down? The Burrow is supposed to have almost as many protections while Harry is there as Hogwarts. I'm not buying it. That was the most troubling bit.
The second bothersome part was that Harry was not stupefied under his invisibility cloak during the Astronomy Tower scene. Harry would not just stand there. Maybe, just maybe, he thought Snape was really going to help but still, DD could have stupefied him after he went down a level.
Other than those two bits, I was extremely happy with how this movie was done. I thought the death scene was well done (and the "Severus, Please" part-wow) I (along with about everyone else in the theater) cried when everyone held their lit wands up.
This is the best movie of the series so far and I cannot wait to see how they do Deathly Hallows.
I will talk about some scenes from the movie, so if you want no spoilers you might want to stop reading here...
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Still reading? good
First, I cannot get over how grown those kids are! They are so adorable and have become much better actors over time. Tom Felton was perfect as a tormented Draco Malfoy.
I thought that, given the limited time, they covered the majority of the major points from the book (except that Bill was not in it so he wasn't mauled by Greyback)
And speaking of the Weasleys.....my wtf moment came when the Burrow was attacked and burned. Not only was it not in the book at all, I didn't see where it served any purpose in the story. To show that Harry can be tracked down? The Burrow is supposed to have almost as many protections while Harry is there as Hogwarts. I'm not buying it. That was the most troubling bit.
The second bothersome part was that Harry was not stupefied under his invisibility cloak during the Astronomy Tower scene. Harry would not just stand there. Maybe, just maybe, he thought Snape was really going to help but still, DD could have stupefied him after he went down a level.
Other than those two bits, I was extremely happy with how this movie was done. I thought the death scene was well done (and the "Severus, Please" part-wow) I (along with about everyone else in the theater) cried when everyone held their lit wands up.
This is the best movie of the series so far and I cannot wait to see how they do Deathly Hallows.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Review- Goth Girl Rising
I have been eagerly awaiting this book for a while and was finally able to get my hands, er, eyes on a (completely legal) digital copy. (I still want the book!)
Goth Girl Rising follows Kyra after she is released from the mental hospital after attempting to commit suicide. When she returns, she expects things to be exactly like they were before- particularly that Fanboy is still an outcast. When she discovers that he is anything but, she gets pissed and wants revenge.
Goth Girl is a sequel of sorts to The Astonishing Adventure of Fanboy and Goth Girl, but this one is told from Kyra's point of view. There were times when I felt sorry for her and times I wanted to throttle her for being so self centered by thinking everyone is against her and nothing is her fault.
I did like how the book ended, but I wanted MORE!
Goth Girl Rising follows Kyra after she is released from the mental hospital after attempting to commit suicide. When she returns, she expects things to be exactly like they were before- particularly that Fanboy is still an outcast. When she discovers that he is anything but, she gets pissed and wants revenge.
Goth Girl is a sequel of sorts to The Astonishing Adventure of Fanboy and Goth Girl, but this one is told from Kyra's point of view. There were times when I felt sorry for her and times I wanted to throttle her for being so self centered by thinking everyone is against her and nothing is her fault.
I did like how the book ended, but I wanted MORE!
Monday, July 06, 2009
Win Along for the Ride
Just Blinded Book Reviews is holding a contest for a galley copy of Along for the Ride. Go over there and enter! good luck
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Sea Change by Aimee Friedman
Miranda's mother and grandmother have been estrange since before Miranda was born. When Isadora, her grandmother, dies, Miranda goes to Selkie Island in Georgia to help go through the things at Isadora's summer house. There, Miranda's mom reconnects with old friends and Miranda feels thrust into the world of the upper crust- that is, until she meets local boy Leo, who might be harboring a fantastical secret. Should Miranda believe the local lore?I loved this book so much. I so wanted to know more about the summer house, Isadora's secrets, Selkie Island, and Leo. LEO! I think he might be replacing Edward as my book-boy crush.
I've heard (from the author herself!) that there could be a sequel and that makes me very very giddy.
Friday, July 03, 2009
June books
June
Dead is the New Black~Marlene Perez
The Misfits ~James Howe
The Book of One Hundred Truths~ Julie Schumacher
Then He Ate my Boy Entrancers ~Louise Rennison
Looking for Alaska~ John Green
The Hate List~Jennifer Brown
Magic or Madness~Justine Larbalestier
So you want to be a wizard~Diane Duane
so far this year- 46
| May Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants~Louise Rennison Blue is for Nightmares~Laurie Faria Stolarz Away Laughing on a Fast Camel~Louise Rennison To Kill a Mockingbird~ Harper Lee White is for Magic~Laurie Faria Stolarz Burned~Ellen Hopkins Fight Club_Chuck Palahniuk The Fashion Disaster that Changed my life~Lauren Myracle so far this year- 38 April On the Bright Side, I'm now the Girlfriend of a Sex God~Louise Rennison Cabinet of Wonders~ Marie Rutkoski Giver~Lois Lowry (read with my class) Why I Let My Hair Grow Out~Maryrose Wood The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Thing~Carolyn Mackler Boy Toy~Barry Lyga 13 Little Blue Envelopes~Maureen Johnson Westing Game~Ellen Raskin (read with class) North of Beautiful ~Justina Chen Headley Knocked Out by my Nunga-Nunga~Louise Rennison so far this year- 30 Goal for the year-100 March Geektastic ~Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci Oh My Goth ~ Gena Showalter Hunted~PC & Kristen Cast The Thirteen Treasures~Michelle Harrison (this one of the best written books I've read in a while) Wit~a play by Margaret Edson Angus, Thongs, & Full frontal Snogging~Louise Rennison (this book is HILARIOUS!) Twilight Director's Notebook~ Catherine Hardwick Books read so far this year- 20 Goal for the year-100 February Kingdom Keepers:Disney at Dawn~ Ridley Pearson The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl~Barry Lyga Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist~Rachel Cohn & David Levithan Night World vl 1: Secret Vampire Daughters of Darkness Spellbinder ~LJ Smith Zombie Queen on Newbury High ~ ~Amanda Ashby Prophecy of the Sisters ~Michelle Zink January The Tales of Beedle the Bard~JK Rowling (Brilliant!) Kingdom Keepers:Disney After Dark~Ridley Pearson (A must read for any Disney fan) Fade to Blue~Sean Beaudoin (not released until Spring 09) (This one had me guessing until the end) My Sister the Vampire:Switched~Sienna Mercer (Vampire books for the Middle school set. Really cute books) My Sister the Vampire:Fangtastic~Sienna Mercer |
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Fanboy contest winner!
Congrats to ALEXA for winning the signed copy of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl. Her name was picked using Random.org
Alexa, I sent an email to the address you left.
Thanks to everyone who entered. I will post other contests soon. Keep checking back!
Alexa, I sent an email to the address you left.
Thanks to everyone who entered. I will post other contests soon. Keep checking back!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Check out this contest
OHHHH! Another book contest! New author Jennifer Brown is celebrating a countdown to her book, Hate List, coming out by having a contest every week
Week 1's contest is HERE
My contest for The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth girl is now closed. Thanks for all that entered! I'll be announcing a winner in the next couple of days.
Be on the look out for future contests!
Week 1's contest is HERE
My contest for The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth girl is now closed. Thanks for all that entered! I'll be announcing a winner in the next couple of days.
Be on the look out for future contests!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Go check out this new blogger
JG Sexton is a new author and blogger and is holding a contest to get more readers.
Go here to check it out (and tell him Sandi sent you!)
Go here to check it out (and tell him Sandi sent you!)
Monday, June 22, 2009
here are some more book contests- Enter mine too!
Cupcake Witch's spring cleaning contest(ends June 30)
Win The Awakening & The Summoning (ends July 2)
Win Suite Scarlett (ends July 17)
Must & Lust for books is giving away Suite Scarlett also (ends July 6)
A whole bunch of cool prizes here @Cindy's Book & Movie review (ends June 29)
More will be added, so keep checking back.
And make sure you enter mine for a *SIGNED* copy of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl
Win The Awakening & The Summoning (ends July 2)
Win Suite Scarlett (ends July 17)
Must & Lust for books is giving away Suite Scarlett also (ends July 6)
A whole bunch of cool prizes here @Cindy's Book & Movie review (ends June 29)
More will be added, so keep checking back.
And make sure you enter mine for a *SIGNED* copy of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl
Book Contest! The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl
I have a *signed* copy of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl by Barry Lyga to give away!
Fanboy is a little on the geeky side. He is a favorite target of bullies at school. His mom is married to a younger guy and is pregnant leaving him to feel left out at home. But he loves graphic novels and is secretly working on one of his own.
And his life begins to change when he meets Kyra- also known as Goth Girl- a girl who hates bullies & jocks and loves graphic novels as much as he does. He starts to have more confidence in himself because of Goth Girl, but is she hiding her own secrets?
Fanboy was the first book by Barry Lyga that I read. I first picked it up because of the cool title and loved it. I got to meet him in NYC this past March and bought a copy of Boy Toy (not connected to Fanboy but also fabulous!) I am eagerly awaiting Goth Girl Rising.
In the meantime, I am giving away not only the signed Fanboy, but also three postcards and a bookmark showcasing the other books.
Here's how to enter-
*You'll get 1 entry just for commenting here telling me that you want to enter(the first comment you make on this post).
*You'll get 2 entries for being a follower of this blog (Just click follow up there -----> to become a follower)
*You'll get 2 entries for reposting about this contest on your site (please post the link here, if you don't mind, so I can see it!)
*You'll also get 1 entry for anyone that you refer to this contest- just tell them to mention your name
What are you waiting for? Enter! The contest will close June 30!!
*Comments are now closed. Thanks to all that entered. Winner will be announced in the next couple of days!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Prophecy of the Sisters Winner!
Congrats to LISA A for winning the ARC of Prophecy of the Sisters (name was drawn using a name randomizer site). Lisa, I'll be contacting you for your shipping info.
EVERYONE- Be on the look out in the next couple of days for another *BOOK CONTEST*
I'll be giving away a signed copy of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Gothgirl by Barry Lyga, along with a few goodies.
Thanks for entering!
EVERYONE- Be on the look out in the next couple of days for another *BOOK CONTEST*
I'll be giving away a signed copy of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Gothgirl by Barry Lyga, along with a few goodies.
Thanks for entering!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Valerie's boyfriend, Nick, goes on a shooting rampage at school and kills several people. His targets were people on Valerie's Hate List- a list of people and things they hated. After spending the summer by herself, Valerie decides to go back to school for her senior year. This proves even tougher than she thought as people question just how much Valerie knew about the shooting before hand. She learns a lot about friendships and enemies during this journey.
Jennifer Brown really touches on what it's like to feel like an outcast and gets into Valerie's mind as she deals with the pieces of her shattered life- at home and at school-after the shooting. Valerie realizes that people don't always stand by you when you need them and allies can come from surprising places.
I really enjoyed this book. I could feel Valerie's anxiety. Bullying doesn't just come from shoving someone in a locker. Name calling, especially at the middle school and high school level, seem to affect people for many many years. While I never condone violence, I can see how a person can get to the point where they feel there is no other option. As a teacher, I have to figure out how see the signs before it even gets to that point. We have to give kids other options. We have to teach kids that yes, words can hurt even more and they stay with us much longer than the bruises from sticks and stones.
Hate List is scheduled to be released in September 2009 from Little, Brown
*By the way- there are still a couple days left to enter the Prophecy of the Sisters contests. See the previous post for details.
Jennifer Brown really touches on what it's like to feel like an outcast and gets into Valerie's mind as she deals with the pieces of her shattered life- at home and at school-after the shooting. Valerie realizes that people don't always stand by you when you need them and allies can come from surprising places.
I really enjoyed this book. I could feel Valerie's anxiety. Bullying doesn't just come from shoving someone in a locker. Name calling, especially at the middle school and high school level, seem to affect people for many many years. While I never condone violence, I can see how a person can get to the point where they feel there is no other option. As a teacher, I have to figure out how see the signs before it even gets to that point. We have to give kids other options. We have to teach kids that yes, words can hurt even more and they stay with us much longer than the bruises from sticks and stones.
Hate List is scheduled to be released in September 2009 from Little, Brown
*By the way- there are still a couple days left to enter the Prophecy of the Sisters contests. See the previous post for details.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Win an Advanced copy of Prophecy of the Sisters!!
I have an extra copy of Prophecy of the Sisters, a fabulous book by Michelle Zink that I am giving away.
How can you enter? It's very simple, and I'll even give you extra ways to get your name in there.
*You'll get 1 entry just for commenting here (the first comment you make on the the post).
*You'll get 2 entries for being a follower of this blog (Just click follow up there -----> to become a follower)
*You'll get 2 entries for reposting about this contest on your site (please post the link here, if you don't mind)
*You'll also get 1 entry for anyone that you refer to this contest- just tell them to mention your name
You can still enter a contest over at Michelle's blog to win her book plus a lot of other cool things.
Other contests are in the works, so help me spread the word!
This contest will end June 20.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Book Trailer contest
Calling all creative types- Author Barry Lyga is having a contest on his site where you can win a copy of his upcoming book Goth Girl Rising (which I am extremely anxious to get my hands on)
You can find details here.
If you don't know Barry Lyga's work you are missing out. I have two of his books- The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl and Boy Toy, both of which are fabulous but Boy Toy is one of my favorites. I also got to meet him when I was in NY in March and he was super nice.
SO, check out the contest and read his books.
You can find details here.
If you don't know Barry Lyga's work you are missing out. I have two of his books- The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl and Boy Toy, both of which are fabulous but Boy Toy is one of my favorites. I also got to meet him when I was in NY in March and he was super nice.
SO, check out the contest and read his books.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Dead is the New Black
Dead is the New Black follows Daisy, a teen who come from a family of psychics. Except she doesn't seem to have any powers. She wants to help out when a series of attacks on cheerleaders at her high school begin, so she joins the squad to find clues and she finds out more about her town than she bargained for.
The book has an interesting story but lacks interesting character development. Mom comes home and sits in a chair, oldest sister Rose studies all the time, & middle sister Poppy is hard to peg because her character seems to jump all over the place.
I liked the book, but didn't love it. I think it might have suffered from over-editing because it seemed rushed. There are two more books in the series out and I do plan to read them. There is a lot of potential here.
lessons in spray tanning
I went to Florida last week and it was fabulous. A well deserved and much needed vacation. The weather was beautiful, the water was not too cold (and there was no icky slime in the ocean, just spots where some of that grass stuff was floating)
I've *almost* gotten to a place where I am comfortable in public in a bathing suit. I have a cute turquoise and brown tankini (which is much better than the wholesome wear suits . Guess I'm not too wholesome) We spent several days on the beach and in the ocean which meant I had to walk to and from my ocean side chair without my coverup. I say *almost* bc I am still not ready to be seen by someone I know.
Anyway, vanity got the better of me before we went and I decided that instead of subjecting the other beach goers to my vampire-white legs I'd get a spray tan. I had never done this before so it was quite.......interesting. She told me that the ocean and pool would make the tan either fade or strip it completely so I was prepared. The first couple of days were fine. Then it started happening........the streaks. I wasn't like it was tan-looking one day then..... POOF.....all white.
no.
My legs looked like I was losing pigment. I am in no way making fun of people who have to deal with vitiligo but that's exactly what my legs looked like (the spray tan was darker there). We were in walking distance of Pier Park, a shopping and dining area, so I went looking for an exfoliant. The lady from Merle Norman was really helpful bc instead of selling me the $40 per drop stuff they had in there she told me about another place that had some cheaper stuff. I found a Bath & Body works instead. I got some of this and let me tell ya- while it didnt strip the tan off, it smelled wonderful and made my skin silky smooth.
It's been a week and a half since the spray tan and there are places around my feet and ankles that look rusty. Lesson learned.
So, what goofy thing have you done in the name of vanity?
I've *almost* gotten to a place where I am comfortable in public in a bathing suit. I have a cute turquoise and brown tankini (which is much better than the wholesome wear suits . Guess I'm not too wholesome) We spent several days on the beach and in the ocean which meant I had to walk to and from my ocean side chair without my coverup. I say *almost* bc I am still not ready to be seen by someone I know.
Anyway, vanity got the better of me before we went and I decided that instead of subjecting the other beach goers to my vampire-white legs I'd get a spray tan. I had never done this before so it was quite.......interesting. She told me that the ocean and pool would make the tan either fade or strip it completely so I was prepared. The first couple of days were fine. Then it started happening........the streaks. I wasn't like it was tan-looking one day then..... POOF.....all white.
no.
My legs looked like I was losing pigment. I am in no way making fun of people who have to deal with vitiligo but that's exactly what my legs looked like (the spray tan was darker there). We were in walking distance of Pier Park, a shopping and dining area, so I went looking for an exfoliant. The lady from Merle Norman was really helpful bc instead of selling me the $40 per drop stuff they had in there she told me about another place that had some cheaper stuff. I found a Bath & Body works instead. I got some of this and let me tell ya- while it didnt strip the tan off, it smelled wonderful and made my skin silky smooth.
It's been a week and a half since the spray tan and there are places around my feet and ankles that look rusty. Lesson learned.
So, what goofy thing have you done in the name of vanity?
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Prophecy of the Sisters contest!
One of my new online author friends, Michelle Zink, has a book coming out and is having a contest.
Go here to see how you can enter to win a copy of the book plus a whole lot more stuff. (If you go from my blog, please say Sandi referred you!)
The book is Prophecy of the Sisters. It is the story of newly orphaned twin sisters who discover they are part of an ancient prophecy that turns sisters against each other. I hope this will be the first in a successful series.
I recommend it!
Go here to see how you can enter to win a copy of the book plus a whole lot more stuff. (If you go from my blog, please say Sandi referred you!)
The book is Prophecy of the Sisters. It is the story of newly orphaned twin sisters who discover they are part of an ancient prophecy that turns sisters against each other. I hope this will be the first in a successful series.
I recommend it!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Quik reviews of my May reads
I am going to try to at least give a quick review of the books I read from now on. Bear with me! you can find my ratings of the books here
*Dancing in my Nuddy Pants & Away on a Laughing Camel are two more installments in the Georgia Nicolson series. They are still just as funny as the first ones I read. They are written journal-style and tell the story of British teen Georgia as she deals with typical kid stuff. fun reads
*Blue is for Nightmares & White is for Magic are the first two in a series that deals with a teen who, through her dreams, can see when some one in her life is in serious danger. She is also a wtich. These are pretty good books. They kept me on the edge of my seat at times. I am going to have to get the next books in this series.
*To Kill a Mockingbird is one that I have had for a long time but just now got around to reading. I think I put it off because I thought it was going to be your typical courtroom drama/John Grisham type book, which I don't like. It was much better than I thought it was going to be. The "southern speak" got on my nerves a lot.
*Burned is one that I had been wanting to read. I have heard a lot of good things about Ellen Hopkins books. This one tells the story of a a girl from a Morman home that has many skeletons in the closets. Her alcoholic father is abusive and she starts to question everything. When her father sends her to live with an aunt in Nevada she starts to descover who she is. I loved this book until the end. I absolutely hated the book ended.
*Fight Club- I watched the movie forever ago and Mark kept telling me I needed to read the book. The movie stays pretty true to the book except right at the end. As for the book itself, I am not a fan of his writing style. I didn't like how he abruptly jumped scene. I am also not a fan of people beating the crap out of each but I knew what I was getting myself into there.
*The Fashion Disaster that Changed my Life- I love Lauren Myracle's books. She writes to the "tween" set and really gets them. As a middle school teacher I see and hear a lot of things that she writes about in her books. The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life is no exception. 7th grade girls want to fit in and be popular and sometimes they forget what is important. I've been there myself. I still feel bad for ditching a long time friend when I moved to the junior high building and she was still in the elementary building. Lauren's characters are so easy to relate to and real. I would recommend any of her books to the girls in my class
*Dancing in my Nuddy Pants & Away on a Laughing Camel are two more installments in the Georgia Nicolson series. They are still just as funny as the first ones I read. They are written journal-style and tell the story of British teen Georgia as she deals with typical kid stuff. fun reads
*Blue is for Nightmares & White is for Magic are the first two in a series that deals with a teen who, through her dreams, can see when some one in her life is in serious danger. She is also a wtich. These are pretty good books. They kept me on the edge of my seat at times. I am going to have to get the next books in this series.
*To Kill a Mockingbird is one that I have had for a long time but just now got around to reading. I think I put it off because I thought it was going to be your typical courtroom drama/John Grisham type book, which I don't like. It was much better than I thought it was going to be. The "southern speak" got on my nerves a lot.
*Burned is one that I had been wanting to read. I have heard a lot of good things about Ellen Hopkins books. This one tells the story of a a girl from a Morman home that has many skeletons in the closets. Her alcoholic father is abusive and she starts to question everything. When her father sends her to live with an aunt in Nevada she starts to descover who she is. I loved this book until the end. I absolutely hated the book ended.
*Fight Club- I watched the movie forever ago and Mark kept telling me I needed to read the book. The movie stays pretty true to the book except right at the end. As for the book itself, I am not a fan of his writing style. I didn't like how he abruptly jumped scene. I am also not a fan of people beating the crap out of each but I knew what I was getting myself into there.
*The Fashion Disaster that Changed my Life- I love Lauren Myracle's books. She writes to the "tween" set and really gets them. As a middle school teacher I see and hear a lot of things that she writes about in her books. The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life is no exception. 7th grade girls want to fit in and be popular and sometimes they forget what is important. I've been there myself. I still feel bad for ditching a long time friend when I moved to the junior high building and she was still in the elementary building. Lauren's characters are so easy to relate to and real. I would recommend any of her books to the girls in my class
May Books
May
so far this year- 38
March
Geektastic ~Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci
Oh My Goth ~ Gena Showalter
Hunted~PC & Kristen Cast
The Thirteen Treasures~Michelle Harrison (this one of the best written books I've read in a while)
Wit~a play by Margaret Edson
Angus, Thongs, & Full frontal Snogging~Louise Rennison (this book is HILARIOUS!)
Twilight Director's Notebook~ Catherine Hardwick
Books read so far this year- 20
Goal for the year-100
February
Kingdom Keepers:Disney at Dawn~ Ridley Pearson
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl~Barry Lyga
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist~Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Night World vl 1: Secret Vampire
Daughters of Darkness
Spellbinder ~LJ Smith
Zombie Queen on Newbury High ~ ~Amanda Ashby
Prophecy of the Sisters ~Michelle Zink
January
The Tales of Beedle the Bard~JK Rowling (Brilliant!)
Kingdom Keepers:Disney After Dark~Ridley Pearson (A must read for any Disney fan)
Fade to Blue~Sean Beaudoin (not released until Spring 09) (This one had me guessing until the end)
My Sister the Vampire:Switched~Sienna Mercer (Vampire books for the Middle school set. Really cute books)
My Sister the Vampire:Fangtastic~Sienna Mercer
Dancing in my Nuddy-Pants~Louise Rennison
Blue is for Nightmares~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Away Laughing on a Fast Camel~Louise Rennison
To Kill a Mockingbird~ Harper Lee
White is for Magic~Laurie Faria Stolarz
Burned~Ellen Hopkins
Fight Club_Chuck Palahniuk
The Fashion Disaster that Changed my life~Lauren Myracle
so far this year- 38
April
On the Bright Side, I'm now the Girlfriend of a Sex God~Louise Rennison
Cabinet of Wonders~ Marie Rutkoski
Giver~Lois Lowry (read with my class)
Why I Let My Hair Grow Out~Maryrose Wood
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Thing~Carolyn Mackler
Boy Toy~Barry Lyga
13 Little Blue Envelopes~Maureen Johnson
Westing Game~Ellen Raskin (read with class)
North of Beautiful ~Justina Chen Headley
Knocked Out by my Nunga-Nunga~Louise Rennison
so far this year- 30
Goal for the year-100
Geektastic ~Edited by Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci
Oh My Goth ~ Gena Showalter
Hunted~PC & Kristen Cast
The Thirteen Treasures~Michelle Harrison (this one of the best written books I've read in a while)
Wit~a play by Margaret Edson
Angus, Thongs, & Full frontal Snogging~Louise Rennison (this book is HILARIOUS!)
Twilight Director's Notebook~ Catherine Hardwick
Books read so far this year- 20
Goal for the year-100
February
Kingdom Keepers:Disney at Dawn~ Ridley Pearson
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy & Goth Girl~Barry Lyga
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist~Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Night World vl 1: Secret Vampire
Daughters of Darkness
Spellbinder ~LJ Smith
Zombie Queen on Newbury High ~ ~Amanda Ashby
Prophecy of the Sisters ~Michelle Zink
January
The Tales of Beedle the Bard~JK Rowling (Brilliant!)
Kingdom Keepers:Disney After Dark~Ridley Pearson (A must read for any Disney fan)
Fade to Blue~Sean Beaudoin (not released until Spring 09) (This one had me guessing until the end)
My Sister the Vampire:Switched~Sienna Mercer (Vampire books for the Middle school set. Really cute books)
My Sister the Vampire:Fangtastic~Sienna Mercer
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