The Springsweet

The Springsweet

Author: Saundra Mitchell
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Publication Date: April 17, 2012
Pages: 288
Series: Companion to The Vespertine
Source: ARC from author 


About the Book: It’s a long way from Baltimore to Oklahoma Territory. But Zora Stewart will go any distance to put the tragic events of her sixteenth summer behind her. So this city girl heads to the tiny frontier town of West Glory to help her young widowed aunt keep her homestead going.

When another Baltimorean shows up in West Glory, Zora couldn’t be more surprised. Theo de la Croix made the long trip out west hoping to court Zora, whom he has long admired from afar.

But Zora has developed an attraction to a rather less respectable fellow: Emerson Birch, a rough-mannered young "sooner" whose fertile land is coveted.

As Zora begins to suspect that there may be more than luck behind Emerson’s good land, she discovers an extraordinary, astonishing power of her own: the ability to sense water under the parched earth. When her aunt hires her out as a "springsweet" to advise other settlers where to dig their wells, Zora feels the burden of holding the key to something so essential to survival in this unforgiving land.

Even more, she finds herself longing for love the way the prairie thirsts for water. Maybe, in the wildness of the territories, Zora can finally move beyond simply surviving and start living.

My Thoughts: I have a new rule. It's called the "Read Everything Saundra Mitchell Publishes" rule. This has been my unofficial rule since reading her first book Shadowed Summer. It was strengthened by The Vespertine but I felt three books were needed to make it official. Consider it official. 


Saundra has such a way with words. I know I've said it before but I don't think I can stress it enough! I mean, I flagged two separate sentences on the first page alone! Her writing style and word choice are superb. They work so well together. It turns an intriguing read in to a beautiful work of art. I'm gushing and it sounds like hyperbole but it is so, so true! Saundra has a wonderful turn of phrase... at times delightful, at times lovely, at times haunting. I can relate to Zora (the main character) when she says, "The word spilled on my skin, clean and clear. I rolled it in my thoughts, longed to roll it on my tongue." I think a much less eloquent version of this thought whenever I'm reading something by Saundra. (Usually it's more like, "The words! So pretty! So.... PRETTY!!!!")


When the story begins Zora, devastated by the events of The Vespertine, has been forced to grow up quickly. She is broken and lost in the world that was once so familiar to her. My heart just broke for her... to have given up on happiness so young! In an effort to get out of societies obligations she "ruins" herself and is sent West to live with her aunt.I really enjoyed Saundra's descriptions of the west and the town Zora joins. I don't know that I would have made it as a frontierswoman! (Sidenote: There is a scene that was eerily reminiscent of a childhood phobia and put me off eggs for some time!)


And now the characters... oh, the characters. Zora i so very wounded. I was rooting for her as she moved on with her life and began to heal. I appreciated that she didn't just go on and pretend that everything was fine. She took the hard road (quite literally!) Theo and Emerson were both so interesting to learn about. I have to admit... I prefer Emerson! He is handsome, rugged yet sweet, and he plays the fiddle! I am such a sucker for a guy with musical ability! The other characters were authentic and added to the feeling of being immersed in Zora's world. 


The Springsweet is truly a gem. I read it in one sitting the day I got it. Saundra Mitchell has crafted a beautiful story that draws you in and stays with you long after you've turned the last page. And what a last page it is! If you've read The Vespertine you will by aching for the final book Aetherborne! I highly recommend giving this book a try! Read The Vespertine first to get the full effect!


Random Things I Loved:
*The opening line, "That I went a little mad, I could not deny."
*"...a city growing in desperate gasps."
*The Poe mention! 
*"I longed to throw rocks at them, to chase them away -- to dare them to grieve just once over somethign real and then decide if it was romantic."
*"I wondered if I'd stumbled on inquiries for a zoo."
*The use of the word "expectorating." I will now have Gaston's song from Beauty and the Beast stuck in my head for the foreseeable future!
*Zora's strength. She doesn't sit around waiting to be saved.
* I just love the word "springsweet."
*Nellie Bly gets a mention too!
*I liked the contrast in the ways that Zora builds relationships with Emerson and Theo.
* The words!!! All the words!  

Waiting on Wednesday (39)

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

November 30, 2011

Bitterblue

by Kristen Cashore

Release Date: May 1, 2012

Published by: Dial

Bitterblue is a companion book to both Graceling and Fire and takes place in the seven kingdoms eight years after Graceling. This third book will tie all three books together in some way. Bitterblue is the sixteen-year-old protagonist, and Katsa, Po, Giddon, Helda, and other characters from Graceling will be part of the fabric of the book.

Gah!!!! FINALLY! I wants so bad. Oh my stars how I wants! I read Graceling when it first came out and adored it. Of course I pre-ordered Fire and couldn't put that one down either. They get to me every time I read them! I am seriously considering taking off work when this one comes out so I can read it uninterrupted!   

Sass & Serendipity

Sass & Serendipity

Author: Jennifer Ziegler
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 12, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: Purchased


About the Book: For Daphne, the glass is always half full, a situation is better managed with a dab of lip gloss, and the boy of her dreams—the one she's read about in all of her novels—is waiting for her just around the corner.
For Gabby, nothing ever works out positively; wearing any form of makeup is a waste of study time, and boys will only leave you heartbroken. Her best friend, Mule, is the only one who has been there for her every step of the way. 
But when the richest boy in town befriends Gabby, and Daphne starts to hang out more and more with her best and only friend, Mule, Gabby is forced to confront the emotional barriers she has put up to stop the hurting. And for once, her sassiness may fall prey to her definition of stupidity.

My Thoughts: A modern day retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility? Yes, please! You know I love me some Jane in the modern day! ;) This was a cute story loosely based on the original. When I forst started I was trying to match all the characters up with who they would represent from the original version. This was a bad idea. The author uses Sense and Sensibility as a starting point for Sass & Serendipity but this book is quite different. This is a good thing but I think I love the original too much to appreciate the differences fully! 


Two sisters, Gabby and Daphne, are the main characters. One is uber responsible and, well, a bit uptight. The other is more fly by the seat of her pants. While there were some really fun scenes I felt that the sisters were a bit too much for me. I know that they are supposed to be in contrast to one another but I thought the were too extreme. It distracted from the story. Having said that, I still enjoyed the book. I liked watching the way the characters interacted. The varied relationships were interesting as were the ways they evolved. As a bonus? There was a Dr. Who reference!!! Win! 


Overall a quick and enjoyable read. I caution die hard Jane Austen fans! Just remember that it is not a strict retelling!!!

Christmas Cards!

It's Christmas time again! I love this time of year. It's especially great to do holiday activities with my nieces and nephew. On Saturday we went to a Christmas Tree farm and cut down trees. It was rainy and wet but oh so fun! On Sunday I had my sister's three kids over. They helped decorate my little artificial tree. Then we had hot cocoa (with marshmallows and candy canes!) and watched Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas. It was fabulous. 

She's worse than a cat!

My favorite ornament!

While unpacking my ornaments I realized that I have a ridiculous amount of Christmas cards! I also have a ton of bookmarks/temporary tattoos/stickers/etc... I decided to add the two together! If you're like me and love receiving mail fill out the form below and I'll send you a Christmas card with at least one piece of bookish swag in it :) 

In My Mailbox (40)

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.

I went to the NCTE/ALAN annual convention this past week in Chicago. It was amazing. So many incredible authors and educators all in once place! I was on fangirl overload! To add to the awesome I came home with over 100 books. INSANE! I bought many and you get a box when you attend ALAN. The rest were from publishers. I declined a bunch too (I don't have the time!) My students are going to be so excited! 

Received in the mail:

Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep (Thanks Kensington Publishing)

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (Thanks Erica!)

Purchased at NCTE/ALAN:

The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Ingenue by Jillian Larkin

Chime by Franny Billingsly

Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

Received at NCTE/ALAN:

Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King (finished copy)

First Kill by Heather Brewer (finished copy)

Black Heart by Holly Black

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Thumped by Megan McCafferty

Balthezar by Claudia Gray

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

The Nightmare Garden by Caitlin Kittredge

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

Curveball: The Year I Lost my Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick

Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald

The Catastrophic History of You and Me  by Jess Rothenberg

Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Marr

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

Courtship and Curses by Marissa Doyle

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Waiting on Wednesday (38)

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

November 23, 2011

Pandemonium

by Lauren Oliver

Release Date: March 6, 2012

Published by: Harper Teen

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare, 

pushing aside thoughts of Alex, 

pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school, 

push, 

push, 

push, 

like Raven taught me to do.

The old life is dead.

But the old Lena is dead too.

I buried her.

I left her beyond a fence,

behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

Oh Lauren! What you do to us!!! I still cannot get over the way delirium ended! I cannot wait for this one!! I find the cover intriguing as well as the teaser!

Gratuitous photo of me and Lauren from a signing

Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Hearts

Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: Dec. 20, 2011(ebook released Oct. 3)
Pages: 304 
Series: The Drake Chronicles, book four
Source: purchased ebook


About the Book: The Drakes and friends will be tested when an infestation of deadly vampires threatens Violet Hill. 

Lucy's cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult enough. The strict curfew that Lucy's parents enforce is the worst part. Something really dangerous couldn't possibly happen in this tiny town. 
But Christabel has noticed some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn't understand—one that seems deadly serious. Although she won't admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. But when she is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Christabel must cause more and more trouble in Violet Hill, Lucy and Connor finally fill Christabel in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.



My Thoughts: I have so much love for this series! I mean multiple perspectives? Adorable boys? Warring vampire factions? Tough girls? Dark humor? Sign me up!!! As an added bonus the characters are quirky and fun. Each book is full of fast paced action as well as non-angsty romance. The families portrayed are not perfect and I love them for it. Sure, sometimes they annoy each other but they are a family and there for one another. I also really like how each book focuses on a different Drake sibling and their "love connection" (not as corny as that sounds!) but also continues the overall arc of the series. 


Bleeding Hearts focuses on Conner (Quinn's adorably geeky yet still oh so pretty twin) and Lucy's cousin Christabel. Conner has a bit of a challenge since Christabel doesn't know vampires exist! Conner is one of my favorite Drake brothers. I really enjoyed "watching" him and Cristabel get to know one another. Nobody tops Lucy and Nicholas though! They are by far my favorite of the couples :) 


I do have to say that I had to re-read the ending three times before I realized that it was indeed the end and I'd have to wait for the next book to find out what happened. I was reading it on my iPad and didn't notice the word "epilogue" so I totally thought that there was more of the book to go! Seriously. I was hoping against hope that I was having an ebook fail. But alas, it was truly the end. My notes literally say, "What?!? No! Nonononono! More! I need more now! More, more, more, more, more." As you can see I am very eloquent when taking notes!  


I have enjoyed every book in this series. They are fun and engaging reads. When I'm in a reading slump or have read too many "heavy" books I know I can count on Alyxandra Harvey to amuse me. Check out The Drake Chronicles website for more information on the books and the characters. 

The Mockingbirds

The Mockingbirds

Author: Daisy Whitney
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: Nov. 2, 2010
Pages: 332
Series: The Mockingbirds, book one
Source: Purchased


About the Book: Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it.

My Thoughts: Why did I wait so long to read this one? I remember reading rave reviews when it came out and seeing people mention it on Twitter. For some reason I bought it but never actually picked it up. Thank goodness for readathons! The Mockingbirds had me totally engrossed in the story and its outcome.


The book starts out "the morning after." Alex wakes up in a boy's bed and has no memory of the night before. It soon becomes clear that they had sex. Alex knows that if she had been thinking clearly she never would have consented to it. So what exactly happened? Much of the book is Alex trying to piece it all together. 


One of the things I most appreciated about this book was the discussion about the crime and the perception of the crime. It is brutal and honest to the point of being ugly (as it should be. Rape is an ugly, ugly thing.) The Mockingbirds looks at the ideas of blame and guilt as they relate to date rape. Alex was drunk and made out with the boy. Did she "ask for it?" Is she to blame. To my mind the answer is clearly no. Consent requires both people to say yes and also to be in a state where they are thinking clearly. The absence of a no is not a yes. Not everyone in the book agrees with me. 


Alex is confused an hurt by the whole ordeal. To heal she needs to know that she sought justice the school will never give her. Enter The Mockingbirds. It was interesting to see how this secret society of students worked. The way they dealt with injustices at the school was intriguing. Also, the connections to To Kill a Mockingbird were fabulous!


This was a tough book to read in the best possible way. It really reminded me how important it is to stand up for yourself and to surround yourself with people who truly care about you and what is best for you. I cannot wait to start The Rivals!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuester
Publication Date: Sept. 27 ,2011
Pages: 452
Series: Mara Dyer, book one
Source: Purchased


About the Book: Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

My Thoughts: I finally got around to reading this book! It was one I was really looking forward to. The book itself is just so dang pretty. Just look at that cover! The look, the feel, the font... it all works together so well. Thankfully the words do too. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer more than lived up to my expectations.


The story starts with a letter from the main character. It sets the tone for the book. It grabbed my attention and really made me wonder about the story and what "Mara" was about to tell us. Chapter one takes place, "before." The story quickly moves to "after", "eight weeks after", etc... There are flashbacks to "before" as Mara remembers more as well. I really liked the way this was done. I thought it enhanced the feel of the story and added to Mara's confusion in a way that the reader can still follow. 


I can relate to so much of what Mara went through. Dont' worry.... it's not the hallucinations/memory loss/maybe had something to do with the death of her best friend stuff. No, I can't relate to that. What I can relate to are the feelings and situations she finds herself in... feeling usurped by someone new in a friendship, doing something you know you'll regret but you can't seem to stop yourself, being treated unjustly by someone in a postion of power, feeling out of control, things like that. I was really impressed with the way these universal concerns were worked in to the bigger issues that Mara has to deal with. 


I couldn't put this book down. I was so engrossed in the story and trying to wrap my mind around what was going on. Book two cannot come soon enough!


Sidenote:
I debated writing this part of the review but felt the need to include it. I heard a number of differing opinions on this book before I read it. I'm cool with that. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Not everyone is going to love every book. However, there were a few things that I heard about the book that I found to be untrue and people who hadn't read the book took them as fact rather than opinion. (I know I did before I read it.) This frustrates me. Even if I hadn't liked the story I would have been annoyed. There were two things that really stick out to me. 


One: There are two scene that involve alligators or the mention of them. Not crocodiles. Alligators. They do not eat anyone. The scenes that they are involved in take place in wetland areas of Florida. There are an estimated 1 to 1.5 million alligators in Florida. Why is it odd that they would be there? As to what happens in the scene involving them... personally I didn't find it surprising. In my opinion it fit with the way the story was progressing. I really was expecting some totally crazy thing from what I had read online. After I read the actual book I thought, "Seriously? That's it? Why is that a big deal to people?!?!" Again, maybe not for everyone but not that out of place.


Two: Noah and Mara's relationship. Some things I read made it seem like he was a total jerk who was stalking Mara and basically forcing his company on her. It sounded like Mara couldn't stand him at all but he bulldozed over her. I didn't get this. Mara is dealing with a lot and not exactly sure of her sanity so she does push people away. To me it seemed more of a cover. She didn't hate him but didn't know how to deal with him. I won't say it's a healthy start to a relationship but her resistance seems to be more of the "I like you but it's easier to hate you then let you in" variety. Yes, in the beginning of the book he seems to be a male slut but we only know him by his reputation. His actions say something much different. He doesn't hurt her. He tries to protect and help her. Abuse is a serious thing and never okay. I do not think it was happening in the book. 

Blogoversary Giveaway Four

Giveaway number four comes from the Pen Fatale tour stop! What a group of awesome ladies! This was a great event and I had so much fun. 

Sorry the pic is so bad. Computer wouldn't cooperate!

This is actually two separate giveaways. One person will win the audiobook of The Fox Inheritance (Thanks to MacMillian Audio for that!) and the poster signed by Alyson Noel, Mary E. Pearson, Gabrielle Zevin, and Jessica Brody. The other winner will get signed ARCs of The Fox Inheritance (signed to Heidi... Sorry!) and all these things i've done. As with the other giveaways use the widget below! 13 or older and US only please. 

Shattered Souls Blog Tour

Character Interview: Race

Today on the blog I am chatting with Race from Mary Lindsey's Shattered Souls. Race is one of the "Protectors." This means he has been kicking butt for more time than you or I could imagine. I was really interested to see what he thought about the world and the changes he has seen. Thanks to Mary for making this inter view possible.

What is the absolute best part of being a Protector and why? 

I love working for the Intercessor Council. I get to kick butt and cool stuff like that. 

You've lived through many different time periods. Which was your favorite and what made it so great? 

I like this time period the best because of the video games and the short skirts and shorts that girls wear. 

If you knew nothing of the world of Protectors what would your ideal job be? Why would it be a good fit for you?

A fitness trainer or boxer. I like working out and sparring. 

Throughout the different times you've lived many things have changed. What inventions are you most thankful for?

Well, since part of my job is to treat Speakers medically, I like the new medical technology. Antibiotics and sterilizing techniques have made a huge difference in my job. Oh, and cell phones—those make things really simple compared to the old days. 

Is there any thing that has gone out of style or is no longer available that you miss? 

I miss lengthy dinners. I liked those. I also liked it when chicks used to wear their hair up in fancy styles. Yeah. That. 

About Shattered Souls:

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

About the Author:

Mary Lindsey's debut young adult novel, SHATTERED SOULS, is scheduled for release December 8, 2011 from Philomel/Penguin. 

Having received a B.A. in English literature with a minor in drama from the University of Houston, she currently teaches acting to children and teens at a private studio in Houston, Texas. 

Mary lives with her husband, three kids, two dogs, her daughter's pet rats, an Australian Bearded Dragon, and dozens of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. 

She is represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

Mastiff

Mastiff

Author: Tamora Pierce
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: Oct. 25, 2011
Pages: 560
Series: Beka Cooper, book three
Source: Purchased hardcover and audiobook


About the Book: The Legend of Beka Cooper gives Tamora Pierce's fans exactly what they want—a smart and savvy heroine making a name for herself on the mean streets of Tortall's Lower City—while offering plenty of appeal for new readers as well. 

Beka and her friends will face their greatest and most important challenge ever when the young heir to the kingdom vanishes. They will be sent out of Corus on a trail that appears and disappears, following a twisting road throughout Tortall. It will be her greatest Hunt—if she can survive the very powerful people who do not want her to succeed in her goal.

My Thoughts: I am a total Tamora Pierce fangirl. I didn't "discover" her books until about four years ago when I got my job as a middle school librarian. I was browsing through the shelves of my new library and came across a very old edition of Alanna: The First Adventure. The cover grabbed me because it was so worn and dated. I decided to read it to see if I should order a newer copy or just withdraw the book. Over the next month I flew through all of Pierce's books. I was addicted! I ordered new copies of all of them for our LMC as well as purchasing copies for myself. I adore all of her books but the Beka Cooper series has a special place in my heart since they were being released as I was reading them. Mastiff has been one of the book I have been most anxiously awaiting. It seemed to take FOREVER to come out and I was so not patient. Now, having finished the series, I have to say... it was worth it. 

I listened to the audiobook of this title (Produced by Listening Library. Listen to an excerpt here.) I was a bit off audiobooks since the one I was listening to wasn't very good. Mastiff was a completely different experience! The narrator was perfect for the series. I loved the voices that she did for the different characters. There are many different people speaking throughout but she kept them separate and unique. It was interesting to hear the differences between the nobles and the common folk. It really added to the experience.

Okay, on to the actual story! I loved everything about it. The characters, the storyline, the twists... I was hooked. I just wanted to sit in my car all day and listen. If I had my copy of the actual book at my house nothing would have gotten done until the book was finished. I love Beka as a character. She is so true to herself and has such a sense of integrity. I also loved reading about the hunt and all the ways that she, Tunstall, Lady Sabine, the mage Farmer, Pounce, and of course Achoo track their quarry. 

I adored everything about the book but one event just hurt my heart. Without giving anything away I just have to say that as a reader I don't know that I've ever felt so betrayed! I understand it and it fits but I was so.... ugh! That's all I can say about that!

I was able to attend Tamora's signing at Anderson's Bookshop recently. Let's be honest... wild horses couldn't have kept me away! She was delightful... funny, insightful, authentic... everything I hoped she'd be! I really loved meeting her. It was great to see a room full of dedicated fans as well! The only signings I've been to that have come close in attendance were multiple author events, Suzanne Collins, and Sarah Dessen. The audience was such a varied group! Fans of all ages were there. Everyone was talking about what her books meant to them and how much they enjoy them as adults as much as the first time they read them. It just goes to show how incredible her books are and what a great person she is. Seriously. If you've never read anything by here I highly recommend picking up Alanna: The First Adventure. Don't be fooled by the cover ;) 

Tamora is saying how much she likes my phone case.
I am thinking "Ohmystars. TAMORA PIERCE!!!!!!!"

Saving June Tour Stop

Saving June involves a cross-country road trip! When asked to come up with some ideas for top ten lists I knew I wanted to know what Hannah Harrington's road trip playlist would look like! I am so glad that she picked that topic!


Top Ten Road Trip Songs

In no particular order:

1) Fastball – “The Way”

2) America – “Ventura Highway”

3) The Rolling Stones – “Satisfaction”

4) Johnny Cash – “I’ve Been Everywhere”

5) Foghat – “Slow Ride”

6) Wilson Phillips – “Hold On”

7) Florence and the Machine – “Dog Days Are Over”

8) The Killers – “All These Things I’ve Done”

9) Tom Petty – “American Girl”

10) The Proclaimers – “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”

You definitely want songs you can jam out to in an embarrassing fashion and that will keep you pumped up! These are all ones I can’t help but sing at the top of my lungs when I’m listening to them.

Thanks so much Hannah! I would so let you control the radio on a road trip! I remember listening to my Wilson Phillips cassette so much it wore out! So readers... what are your must listen to songs on a road trip?!?


About Saving June:
‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’ 

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why. 

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going California. 

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs. 

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.

Waiting on Wednesday (37)

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

November 16, 2011

Endlessly

by Kiersten White

Release Date: July 24, 2012

Published by: Harper Teen

The third book in the Paranormalcy trilogy. 

The final chapter of Evie's adventures. Old friends, new ones, all wrapped up in impossible decisions. And some ball gowns. Because what's a life of normal and paranormal drama without a ball gown or two?

Look at the pretty!!! I adore Kiersten White's books and cannot wait to see how Evie's story wraps up. And of course I need more Tasey ;)