Deadline

Deadline
Author: Chris Crutcher
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: September 2007
Pages: 316


About the Book: Ben Wolf has big things planned for his senior year. Had big things planned. Now what he has is some very bad news and only one year left to make his mark on the world. 
How can a pint-sized, smart-a** eighteen-year-old do anything significant in the nowheresville of Tout, Idaho?
First, Ben makes sure no one else knows what is going on -- not his superstar quarterback brother, Cody, not his parents, not his coach, no one. Next, he decides to become the best 123-pound football player Trout High has ever seen; to give his close-minded civics teacher a daily migraine; and to help the local drunk clean up his act. And then there's Dallas Suzuki. Amazingly perfect, fascinating Dallas Suzuki, who may or may not give Ben the time of day. Really, she's first on the list. 
Living with a secret isn't easy, though, and Ben's resolve begins to crumble... especially when he realizes that he isn't the only person in Trout with secrets. 


My Thoughts: 
If you don't like books that make you cry DO NOT read this one! Oh. My. Stars. I BAWLED. And really, you know what happens. It even tells you in the tagline on the cover that he only has a year to live. It reminds me of what my dad said to a middle school me when she came out of the movie theater sobbing (like, really unattractive, heaving sobs!) after seeing Titanic for the first time... "Heidi, honey... you KNEW how it was gonna end!" ***sigh*** Apparently I never learn!


Deadline follows Ben as he goes about living what he knows is the final year of his life. It also happens to be his final year of high school. This situation has the potential to create a totally bitter and depressed character. Ben is neither of those things. He's certainly not thrilled with the prospect of dying young but he decides that he will make this last year count. It's truly a great story about friendship, love, redemption, heart and hormones (Hey! He's a high school boy who KNOWS he's gonna die. What do you think is on his mind?!?)


This book is one more in a long line of awesome from Chris Crutcher. The man knows how to craft a story! His books are raw and real... probably why they're also challenged like nobody's business. For those of you who are not familiar with Crutcher or his books here is his website (He even has a link about censorship!) When I think of authors of young adult literature Chris Crutcher's name is one of the first that pops in to my head. He's been doing it (and doing it right!) since 1983. 

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox

In my Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.

Book titles link to goodreads. Author names link to their website/blog.

Keep in mind that I was ill when I made this and just too exhausted to redo it. ;)

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Also, Jan. 31 is the LAST DAY to enter to win one of six prize packs I'm giving away. See this blog post to enter.  

Born at Midnight

Born at Midnight
Author: C.C. Hunter
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: April 2011
Pages: 398
Challenge: Debut Authors Challenge


ARC received from publisher. Review based on ARC text.


About the Book: 
Kylie Galen's about to spend the next three months trapped with a bunch of freaks. After getting caught at a party with alcohol, she's shipped off to Shadow Falls Camp -- a camp for troubled teens. And these new kids aren't normal freaks either. As Kylie discovers, they're freaky freaks -- witches, vampires, werewolves, fairies and shapeshifters -- and the camp is a training ground where they're taught to harness their powers.
All Kylie wants to do is finish out her sentence at the camp... but everything changes when she meets Derek and Lucas. Derek is a smokin' hot guy with magical powers who's making it painfully clear that he wants to be more than just friends. And Lucas is a werewolf pack leader with whom she shares a secret past. Lucas has always made Kylie's insides melt -- unfortunately, he wants nothing to do with her. 
Now Kylie's got two boys playing tug of war with her heart -- and a sneaking suspicion that she has magical powers of her own. After Shadow Falls Camp, how will she ever be able to go back to her normal life again?


My Thoughts:
This is C.C. Hunter's debut young adult novel. She has previously published romance novels for adults under a different name. 


I thought that this book was alright. I didn't love it but I think the series has potential. By the end of the story I was much more invested and interested in what was happening.


The biggest issue for me is that I just didn't "feel" the book for about the first third. The teen characters just weren't "authentic" to me. I had problems with the language they used and some of the situations seemed a bit forced. The language wasn't offensive or anything like that but it didn't seem to fit with the characters. For example, the sixteen-year-old main character mentions her "night terrors" and says things like "dadblast it." Also, at one point one of the teenaged boys uses the word "boner" and it has to be explained to one of the teenaged girls. As someone who works in a middle school I can guarantee you... they know what it means! Also, just a warning for all you bloggers who have said you're sick of the one girl and two great guys love triangle... it's here in full force! I happen to like it :)


There were a few things about Kylie specifically that bothered me. She seemed to latch on to something and not be able to let it go. I mean, we get it... your life is in the toilet, all you need is for someone to flush. We get it, Derek looks like Trey and you're conflicted. We get it, your mom is the Ice Queen. WE GET IT!  Kylie overuses the words "freak" and "goth" when talking about the other people at the camp. Okay, so the kid has a few piercings or funky hair... I don't think that teens automatically classify these things as "freak" qualifiers any more. The texting shorthand was also off. "Know" is "no" but "you" is spelled out? It was little things like this that made the teen characters seem a bit forced to me. As I got further in to the book these things appeared less and the characters seemed more real to me. The book seemed to really "hit its stride" and I think the next book has the potential to pick up where it left off. 


This book is worth a look and the series could be something I really get in to. I'm looking forward to reading about what happens to Kylie and crew!


Others have LOVED this book. Here is one such review.

Fangirl Friday: Sarah Rees Brennan

Okay, so I've decided to periodically post "fangirl" vlogs about authors I love. I don't think I'll do it every Friday but maybe every other or once a month. Basically I just ramble on about an author, their books, and how fabulous I think they are! This week I'm embarrassing myself gushing about Sarah Rees Brennan. She's the author of The Demon's Lexicon, The Demon's Covenant, and the upcoming The Demon's Surrender. Sarah, if you see this, I'm not a stalker... I promise!

Sorry for the poor video/light/sound quality. My students are using all the "good" cameras so I had to borrow an older one without a screen that I can view while filming!

Links:
Sarah's Webpage
Sarah's Short Stories and other extras
Sarah's blog
Sarah's Twitter

Also, seriously... if you know where I can get a hardcover copy of The Demon's Lexicon with the cover shown below email me (yabibliophile (at) gmail (dot) com)! Now, for your viewing enjoyment... the covers of all three books!

The Key to the Golden Firebird

The Key to the Golden Firebird
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 297


About the Book: 
The funny thing about stop sings is that they're also start signs. 
Mayzie is the middle sister, sent to private school because of her brains. Brooks, the oldest, is a beautiful athlete who's conflicted about her two loves: Softball and Dave. Palmer is the youngest, tentative in all but her blistering pitches as the only freshman on varsity softball. Though very different, the Golds are sisters through and through.
When the unthinkable happens -- the death of their father -- a year passes in shattered silence. Brooks begins drinking, Palm withdraws, and May is left to fend for herself. She gets a job at a coffee spot, and hits the books. But the one thing she can't do alone is learn to drive. That's when Peter, her life-long nemesis and all around thorn-in-side, assumes a surprising new role in May's life: he teaches her to drive, and the connection between them changes from childhood animosity to one that May can't understand, or doesn't yet want.
As May slowly starts to pick up the pieces of her life, her sisters struggle with their own demons. The Gold sisters have been changed irrevocably, and they are all but lost to one another, until the key is found. The key to their father's Pontiac Firebird. 


My Thoughts: 
This is Maureen Johnson's first book and perhaps my favorite of hers. That's saying a lot because I really loved 13 Little Blue Envelopes and the Scarlett books! 
The book starts out with a brief "before" but the bulk is "'after"... after May's dad dies, after everything shatters. The "after" is divided up by the three months it covers. There are also a few fabulous definitions/stories to introduce each month. They are typical of the @maureenjohnson that we know and love!


I like that this book alternates viewpoints between the three Gold sisters. They are all dealing with the loss of their father differently and it's interesting to see the different perspectives. It also allows us to get to know the sisters and their relationships with one another better.  


Of course we get a dose of the humor and quirkiness that Maureen Johnson is so known for. She manages to take a story that has the potential to be depressing and trite and make it hilarious and hopeful. The characters aren't perfect but they're perfect for this book. I LOVED Peter. He's definitely crush worthy :) 


In summary, The Key to the Golden Firebird is a humorous and touching read that will engage you right up to the last page. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Author: Sherman Alexie
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: September 2007
Pages: 240




About the Book: (from the author's website)
In his first book for young adults, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist who leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school. This heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written tale, coupled with poignant drawings that reflect the character’s art, is based on the author’s own experiences and chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he seems destined to live.


My Thoughts: Sherman Alexie is a genius. Period. End of review.
Okay, not really the end but, seriously. The man needs to write more YA books! I can't tell you the number of students who come in asking for "that book that's kinda inappropriate but funny." Even more exciting is the high number of students who tell me that this is the first book they've ever finished and/or enjoyed. Thank you Sherman Alexie!


I love that this book can take serious issues and present them in a way that appeals to young adults without being preachy. It's a HILARIOUS book but as you're laughing you're also thinking, "This is so heartbreaking!" With Junior as narrator Alexie tells the story like it is. The amazing illustrations add depth as well as comic relief. I loved this book so much that I bought the special edition which has a number of color illustrations like this one:

It also comes in a cool box and has a forward by Marcus Zusak. I certainly think it was worth the extra money!

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a book you should make a point to read. It's a hilarious and honest look at the life and options typically available to Native American youth growing up on "the rez." If you're not sure about reading it after seeing what I have to say then consider this... Neil Gaiman (That's right NEIL GAIMAN) called it "Excellent in every way." (If you don't know who Neil Gaiman is I'm not sure I want to talk to you! Kidding, kidding... but seriously, he's an amazing author too!)

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. It's a weekly meme to talk about what upcoming book we're most looking forward to reading

Waiting on Wednesday

January 26, 2011

Abandon

by Meg Cabot

Release Date: April 2011

Published by: Point

She knows what it's like to die. Now Death wants her back.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce knows what happens to us when we die.
That's how she met John Hayden, the mysterious stranger who's made returning to normal life—or at least life as Pierce knew it before the accident—next to impossible.
Though she thought she escaped him—starting a new school in a whole new place—it turns out she was wrong. He finds her.
What does John want from her? Pierce thinks she knows... just like she knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven. But she can't stay away from him, either, especially since he's always there when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.
But if she lets herself fall any further, she might find herself back in the place she fears the most.
And when Pierce discovers the shocking truth, that’s exactly where John sweeps her:
The Underworld.

Have I told you recently that I adore Meg Cabot? Because I do. A lot! Now take Meg Cabot and add the story of Persephone... awesome overload!!! I cannot wait to read this book. I think I'm gonna love this series. Just look at the beautiful book jacket:

So pretties!! That's going to fly off the shelves!

Top Ten Books I Wish I'd Read as a Kid

Top Ten Books I Wish I'd Read as a Kid

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by

The Broke and the Bookish

I read a lot as a kid but I have to admit... my reading material wasn't incredibly varied. The Babysitter's Club was pretty high on my list! When I was in college I decided I wanted to read all the Newbery winners. I think I made it through ten of them! This list is populated with Newbery winners I wish I would have read as a child. I think I would have enjoyed them more then.

1. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle I still plan to read this one. I feel a little embarrassed every time I admit that I haven't read it! 

2. King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry This is one of the ten I read when I went on my Newbery kick. I liked it but think I would have liked it more as a teen. 

3. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg I LOVED Silent to the Bone and some of Konigsburg's more recent reads. I think I would have enjoyed this as a younger reader.
4. The High King by Lloyd Alexander How did I miss this series as a kid? It is SO right up my ally!!!
5. The Grey King by Susan Cooper Again, sixth grade me would have devoured this!
6. Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred Taylor My seventh grade students read this in language class. I wish I would have read it when I was their age to have that experience to relate to.
7. Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt My students love this one. 
8. Number the Stars by Lois Lowery This just seems like a book I should have read.
9. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli I love his other books. I still plan to read this one soon!
10. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George A girl in my fifth grade class LOVED this book and I never read it because she was mean. Oh, the logic of a ten-year-old!

the piper's son

the piper's son
Author: Melina Marchetta
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: March 2011
Pages: 328 (in ARC)
Companion to Saving Francesca


ARC received from I Read Banned Books book tour


About the Book:
Melina Marchetta's brilliant, heart-wrenching new novel takes up the story of the group of friends from her best-selling, much-loved bookSaving Francesca - only this time it's five years later and Thomas Mackee is the one who needs saving. 

Thomas Mackee wants oblivion. Wants to forget parents who leave and friends he used to care about and a string of one-night stands, and favourite uncles being blown to smithereens on their way to work on the other side of the world. 

But when his flatmates turn him out of the house, Tom moves in with his single, pregnant aunt, Georgie. And starts working at the Union pub with his former friends. And winds up living with his grieving father again. And remembers how he abandoned Tara Finke two years ago, after his uncle's death. 

And in a year when everything's broken, Tom realizes that his family and friends need him to help put the pieces back together as much as he needs them.


My Thoughts:

Oh. My. Stars. This book. Wow. Just... wow. It was painfully beautiful. Literally painful. It hurt my heart so much that I don't know if I can ever read it again. And yet, it was beautiful... the writing, the relationships, the healing. I want to read it again. How does Marchetta do it? The characters are so broken and the story could easily have become cliche and well.... drivel. It didn't. It was real and at times heartbreaking and hopeful and humorous and just so incredibly emotional. I'm fairly sure that I cried for each character at some point in the novel.

The story is mainly about Tom. His life has fallen apart since we last saw him in Saving Francesca. (Note: If you've not read Saving Francesca you will not be lost in this book but it enhances the story. I would recommend reading it first.) Basically, at the story open, he has hit rock bottom and has no where to go. the piper's son follows Tom and various members of his family as they try to heal and move on from tragedies and hurts. It's told in the present as well as through memories and flashbacks. The characters are all incredibly flawed and do so many things that make you want to shake them yet you're rooting for them throughout the book. 


I spent at least the first half of this book taking one hit after another to my heart. It got to the point where I almost didn't want to learn more about any of the characters because I loved them and knew that there was something that was going to blindside me and make me break for them. Then there were about 20 or so pages where I was laughing out loud and thinking, "Ah! Here is where it turns around." As we used to say in the 90s... NOT! 
As I reread that I realize that it makes it sounds all doom and gloom-y. It's not. There are very funny parts. I love Tom and his crazy mixed up family and friends. They remind me of my own. Still, as I said before, Tom is at a very low point. As readers we go through that with him before the healing really starts. And the thing about healing? It can hurt too. 


This was a beautiful story of life, love, healing and loyalty. Marchetta builds real, complex relationships. Not everything is tied up in a nice neat bow, but there is hope in the end. 


A few of the random things I loved:
*Music... it's important to many of the people in the story and I loved the way it was used.
*The names/insults Tom and his friends/family banter around.
*Tom's silly side... we don't see it all that often in the first 2/3 of the book but Tom can be very silly. Also, witty.
*The friendship between Francesca, Justine, Siobhan, and Tara.
* Seeing the crew from Saving Francesca a few years down the road. They're no longer teenagers.
* The Australian cover:

I would highly recommend this book. It's certainly intense, but very worth it! I can't wait to add the finished copy to my shelf!

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox

In my Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.

Book titles link to goodreads. Author names link to their website/blog.

In which I talk too quickly and too much... it's kind of long and I cut a couple minutes out!

The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta

Clarity by Kim Harrington swag

Storm Runners: The Wind by Roland Smith

Num8ers: The Chaos by Rachel Ward

Daughters of the Sea: May by Kathryn Lasky

Consumed (UK title Fire & Rayne) by Kate Cann

Lost and Found: 3 by Shaun Tan

Jen's Blog: I Read Banned Books

The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen

Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: January 25, 2011

Pages: 368

Series: The Iron Fey, book three

ARC received from Different Area Codes Arc Tours at  Just Another Book Blog

About the Book: 

MY NAME IS MEGHAN CHASE.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

THIS TIME, THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK.

My Thoughts: 

I really LOVE this series. The Iron Queen is a great addition. Since it is the third book in the series this review will be somewhat brief. I don't want to give anything away. Also, if I let myself I would just sit here and gush.... and gush and gush and gush.

The book is divided in to three parts. The first part is especially distinct from the other two. It picks up right where The Iron Daughter left off and really connects the two books. It flows nicely in to parts two and three. Honestly, the whole series is very fluid. It's easy to pick up the next installment, even if it's been a while since you read the previous one. 

I think my favorite part about this book (besides Ash!) was the intensity. I don't mean to say that the other books were "fluffy" or lacked intensity (so NOT the case!) I just felt it more from the "get go." Meghan is really figuring things out and coming to some tough decisions. She's always been strong but now she really starts to kick butt (literally!) The relationships between the main characters are more defined and therefore intensify. The stakes are higher all around and you can feel it in the atmosphere of the book. I loved it. It just sucked me in!

And now for a brief moment of gushing... Ash... **sigh** I loves him! Add to that my love of Sarah Rees Brennan's Nick (from The Demon's Lexicon, The Demon's Covenant and the upcoming The Demon's Surrender) and it appears I like them tall, dark and soulless. I guess it's a good thing I'm single! 

I can't wait to read Ash's story in The Iron Knight, the next book in The Iron Fey series. 

Check out Julie Kagawa's website and follow her on twitter @Jkagawa. Also check out Harlequin Teen's website for The Iron Fey series where you can read the first three chapters of book one and (until Jan. 31, 2011) download the novella Winter's Passage for free!

What I Saw and How I Lied

What I Saw and How I Lied
Author: Judy Blundell
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 288


About the Book: 

When Evie's father returned home from World War II, the family fell back into its normal life pretty quickly. But Joe Spooner brought more back with him than just good war stories. When movie-star handsome Peter Coleridge, a young ex-GI who served in Joe's company in postwar Austria, shows up, Evie is suddenly caught in a complicated web of lies that she only slowly recognizes. She finds herself falling for Peter, ignoring the secrets that surround him . . . until a tragedy occurs that shatters her family and breaks her life in two.

As she begins to realize that almost everything she believed to be a truth was really a lie, Evie must get to the heart of the deceptions and choose between her loyalty to her parents and her feelings for the man she loves. Someone will have to be betrayed. The question is . . . who?

My Thoughts: This book has been sitting on my shelf since it won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2008. The cover and  time period really appealed to me; I just could never seem to get around to it! I ended up getting the audiobook from the public library and listening to it in my car. I'd recommend it. The narrator was good and fit with the story. 

I'm a little torn with this book. Overall I enjoyed it. I loved the way the setting was built and the time period related facts. It takes place right after WWII. It was interesting to read about all the things that were now available due to the end of rationing. Also, the fashion is so fun! 

I found Evie an authentic teen narrator. She's concerned with friends, boys, fitting in, fashion... all the things teens still think about today. Evie is still learning who she is and where she fits in the world. She wants to do "the right thing" but doesn't always know what that is. 

As the book progresses Evie comes to understand hard truths. Her mother is not perfect. Sometimes doing the right thing hurts. People lie, even those who care about you. Fighting a war does not stop injustice. All these things serve as stepping stones in Evie's journey. 

The mystery and intrigue are subtle and well done. We see everything unfolding through Evie's eyes. As a reader you will likely make connections that Evie doesn't make or before she makes them. She doesn't have the objectivity that we do. 

The part that leaves me torn is the love interest. Evie is about 15 and she falls for a man who is in his 20s. It fits the story and the author isn't promoting that kind of relationship. Maybe it's the teacher in me but it was SO HARD for me to get past that!

Overall a great read. I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling it!

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. It's a weekly meme to talk about what upcoming book we're most looking forward to reading

.

Waiting on Wednesday

January 19, 2011

What Happened to Goodbye

by Sarah Dessen

Release Date: May 10, 2011

Published by: Viking Juvenile

Another town. Another school. Another Mclean. Ever since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her father have been fleeing their unhappy past. And Mclean's become a pro at reinventing herself with each move. But in Lakeview, Mclean finds herself putting down roots and making friends—in part, thanks to Dave, the most real person Mclean's ever met. Dave just may be falling in love with her, but can he see the person she really is? Does Mclean herself know?

From goodreads

This week has been a week of Sarah Dessen for me! I just got an order of books in for my middle school LMC and, as always, there were copies of her books in it. I've been covering the paperbacks to make them last longer. Her books just walk off the shelves. I can't keep up with the demand. I pretty sure that I own at least two copies of each of her books. One I keep fir my self and the others I loan out to students (in addition to the library copies!) She is certainly one of the most popular authors in my LMC. I enjoy her books as much (if not more!) than my students so I am SUPER excited for this release. You can read the first chapter at Sarah Dessen's blog here. Also, you can enter to win an ARC at Kirsten Hubbard's blog until Tuesday January 25.

Entwined

Entwined

Author: Heather Dixon

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Publication Date: March 29, 2011

Challenge: Debut Authors Challenge

ARC received from Different Area Codes Arc Tours at Just Another Book Blog

About the Book:

Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.

The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.

But there is a cost.

The Keeper likes to keep things.

Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

My Thoughts:

I was really excited to read this book. I am a huge fan of fairy tales retold and I recently read (and loved) Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George (a retelling of the same tale.) Also, just look at that cover... so pretty (even if it is a bit overdone!)

While I didn't love this one as much as I thought I would, I did enjoy it. I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting it to be. From the book description and the mention of "The Keeper" I thought it would be a bit... darker? Don't get me wrong, it has its dark elements. They felt kind of surface to me. Every time that I started to get in to the "feel" of the story it seemed to change. It took about a third of the story for me to really get the "groove." After that the story flowed better for me.

I loved that the twelve princesses were named in alphabetical order and after flowers (also true in Princess of the Midnight Ball.) I wish that they would have all been introduced in a more formal manner earlier in the book. I had a hard time placing them all at first. As the book progresses the reader sees their distinct personalities emerge and it's easier to tell them apart.

I also really enjoyed the dances. They are featured heavily in the story (duh!) but it works. The moods of the princesses are reflected by the dances they perform. It was interesting to see how crucial dance was to the girls and how it lifted their spirits.

A couple of things didn't work for me. The princesses' relationship with their father was confusing. I had a hard time believing in the radical ways it changed. I also didn't really "feel" the romances of the second and third eldest daughters, particularly the third. I'd be interested in seeing a book focused solely on her to develop it more. It has potential ;)

Overall I enjoyed it. I didn't LOVE it. I'll be ordering it for my school library but won't be rushing out for my own copy. If you like retellings of fairy tales give this one a try. Read Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George while you wait for Entwined to be released.

Top Ten Inspirational Characters

Top Ten Inspirational Characters

(Resolutions regarding reading and blogging for 2011)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by

The Broke and the Bookish

This week was a little difficult for me. I found myself thinking of characters that embody the same qualities over and over (think strong female protagonists from fantasy novels.) Turns out I'm inspired by perseverance and dedication. I wish this was because I see these qualities in myself. Sadly, I think it's because I lack them! Regardless, I wanted to have a bit more variety. I'm not sure I succeeded with variety but I am sure that all these characters have qualities that inspire.

Characters are listed in the order that I "met" them.

1. Anne from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: The Anne of Green Gables books are the first books that I really fell in love with. Gilbert is still one of my favorite love interests and I always wanted to be like Anne. Her imagination and ability to find joy in any circumstance always impressed me. I finally made it to Prince Edward Island this past summer to visit the places where Anne is set and it was a childhood dream come true!

2. Lucy from The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: Oh, the faith of a child. Lucy makes mistakes as she grows but she manages to find her way and stay true to that which she believes.

3. Aerin from The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley/ Alanna from The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce: Basically I could have populated this whole list with characters from these two authors (also, Sherwood Smith.) These women kick butt! With nicknames like "Dragon Slayer" and "Lioness" was there ever any doubt? I was inspired by their dedication and refusal to accept that others dictate who they are.

4. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Oh my stars. The first time I read Pride and Prejudice I wanted to BE Lizzie (and not just because of Mr. Darcy!) I loved that she was witty and smart. She wasn't the prettiest or perfect but she was herself. She helped me to be okay with who I am, even if that's a big book geek ;)

5. Ron Weasley from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: How hard would it be to be the best friend of "The Boy Who Lived"?!?! Ron's not perfect. He makes some poor choices but in the end he is loyal and true. Inspiring qualities.

6. Joey Pigza from the Joey Pigza books by Jack Gantos: Seriously, this kid is a rockstar. He tries so hard to do right and be good. There are so many things against him yet he keeps going. LOVE him!

7. Jeffery from Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie and After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick: Jeffery's whole life has been spent dealing with cancer and the after effects. He persevered through his illness and dealt with the changes it caused.

8. Alejandro "Alex" Fuentes from Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles: Alex refuses to let his situation define him. He doesn't just take the easy way out. His loyalty to those he loves is admirable.

9. Junior from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie: Junior makes the choice that is best for him even though it causes him to straddle two worlds, not fully accepted in either. Alexie tells his story with humor and honesty.

10. Peeta from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: This may be influenced by my love for him! I just feel that he is deep down good.

Bookcase Tour

I've recently noticed a number of bloggers doing bookcase tours. Since I just rearranged and "thinned out" my books I thought that it'd be fun to do one as well. I had to divide it in to two videos. The first one is of my bookshelves that I vlog in front of and my "to be read" shelf. The second video tours the bookcases that I have downstairs. The camera work/lighting isn't great and I kind of ramble but it was fun to create. Hope you enjoy!

Yes, that is a totally amazing DFTBA Nerdfighters t-shirt I am wearing! To learn more about nerdfighters click here.

So now I'm curious... what's on your bookshelves?