A staple of my childhood reading is back!

This was posted on The Nest Book Club board I post on.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/books/31babysitters.html?_r=3&pagewanted=1&src=twt&twt=nytimesbooks

Yes that is right Mary Anne, Kristy, Claudia, Stacey, Mallory, Jessica, and Dawn are going to be back. I personally will probably read it even if they are more for children. I loved them when I was little and would often get a book as my reward for doing chores or whatever it was that week. They really helped me to love reading. I hope it works with bringing kids a joy of reading again.

December Reads

1.The Boy In the striped pajamas-John Boyne
2.Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes-Maureen Johnson
3.Living Dead Girl-Elizabeth Scott
4.How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls-Zoey Dean
5.Once Was Lost-Sara Zarr
6.Gossip Girl-Cecily Von Ziegesar
7.I am the Messenger- Markus Zusak
8.Cracked up to Be-Courtney Summers
9.Fighting Ruben Wolfe-Markus Zusak
10.The Handmaid's Tale-Margaret Atwood

Top 15 of 2009

I can't believe it is December 31, 2009 already. It doesn't seem like it. I read over 100 books this year so limiting my stack to 15 was hard, but here they are:

1. Harry Potter Series-J.K. Rowling
2. The Secret Life of Bees-Sue Monk Kidd
3. The Truth About Forever-Sarah Dessen
4. Jessica Darling Series-Megan McCafferty
5. Wintergirls-Laurie Halse Anderson
6. Just Listen-Sarah Dessen
7. Along For the Ride- Sarah Dessen
8. Thirteen Reasons Why-Jay Asher
9. Lock and Key-Sarah Dessen
10. The Luxe Series-Anna Godbersen
11. Hunger Games/Catching Fire-Suzanne Collins
12. The Last Song-Nicholas Sparks
13. The Earth, My Butt, and other BIG Round Things-Carolyn Mackler
14. Audrey Wait-Robin Benway
15. Cracked Up to Be-Courtney Summers

There were so many more great ones, but these were my favorites.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday wan introduced to me by Jessica over at Reading is Sexy. It is a feature for bloggers to swoon over upcoming releases they can't wait to get their hands on.



My Pick:

Not my Daughter by Barbara Delinsky.

From Amazon: Three high school seniors make a pregnancy pact. Heightening the stakes, these aren't just any seniors--these are three popular, college-bound girls from good families. Set in an insular, tightly knit community in Maine, Not My Daughter explores the consequences of pact behavior on a small town, as well as the strain placed on mothers and daughters who find themselves in unfamiliar terrain. One of the Pregnant teens is the daughter of the high school principal-- a former teen mother herself-- and the local school board is quick to assign blame. When the national media gets wind of the story, the principal's job is put in jeopardy, as is her standing in the community. Not My Daughter is a timely exploration of teen motherhood and the hard choices that sometimes have to be made in life.

My take: This should be a good book that deals with an issue that is happening a lot now. I like books where the author doesn't sugar coat teens and their issues.

Cracked Up to Be-Courtney Summers

Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers is a great Young Adult book. This is the book that would put everyone who thinks YA is not good written literature into a different mindset.

Parker was the perfect girl.....Cheerleader, honor student, popular, etc. until one day that changes, but why did it change. She starts to drink, skip school, and alienate her friends, family, and counselor. The book is told in present time with Parker flashing back to the night that changed everything. Oh and of course there is a great boy who helps her to find herself again.

I loved this book and want to thank Jessica over at Reading is Sexy for recommending it to me. Courtney wrote Parker real and with a real voice and I enjoyed watching her layers unfold and to find out what happened to her.

Fighting Ruben Wolfe- Markus Zusak

Fighting Ruben Wolfe was recommended to me by Jessica of Reading is Sexy. This book was so much more than what I expected.

Cameron and Ruben are brothers. They have an older brother Steven and an older sister Sarah. Their father is out of work and their mother works to hard so they just kind of exist. That is until they are noticed by a man who hosts fights in warehouses. They decide to fight for money and we see the brothers learn about themselves through these fights.

This book is great to show pride, heart, love, etc. It has it all. Cameron is a lovable main character and I can't wait to read the sequel Getting the Girl to see where his life is at now.

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays

From my house to yours have a great Holiday!!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday was introduced to me by Jessica over at Reading is Sexy. It is a feature for bloggers to swoon over upcoming releases they can't wait to get their hands on.

My Pick:

Some Girls Are-Courtney Summers

Release Date: January 5, 2010

Genre: Young Adult

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard-falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High......until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around.

Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes that Michael could be more than just a friend....if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

Tensions grow and the abuse worsens as the final days of senior year march toward an explosive conclusion in this dark new tale from the author of Cracked Up To Be.

My Thoughts: Drama, Love, Character growth all the makings of an excellent book. I can't wait to learn about Regina and Michael and see what happens with the fearsome group.

2010 Debut Author Challenges

Over at The Story Siren she is doing a 2010 Debut Author challenge. I have decided to join in. The rules can be found here and you can also click on the button in the sidebar. I will keep a list of the books that I have read in the sidebar and also any reviews that I do will have the 2010 Debut Author challenge label for an easy find.

I am really looking forward to doing this! My list of my tentative books is as follows:

1. The Secret Year- Jennifer Hubbard
2. The Body Finder-Kimberly Derting
3.Tell Me A Secret- Holly Cupala
4. Firespell- Chloe Neill
5. Before I Fall- Lauren Oliver
6. The Naughty List-Suzanne Young
7. Party-Tom Leeven
8. Match Made in High School-Kristin Walker
9. Whisper-Phoebe Kitanidis
10. A Blue So Dark- Holly Schindler
11. The Best and Hardest Thing-Pat Brisson
12. The Cinderella Society-Kay Cassidy
13. Forget-Her-Nots-Amy Brecount White

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday asks you to: Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page. Share with us two "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. You also need to share the title of the book that you're getting your "teaser" from that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you've given! Please avoid spoilers!

My Teaser:
Around us, I can sniff out a savagery in the noisy southern air. It knifes its way into my nose, but I do not bleed blood. It's fear I bleed, and it gushes out over my lip.

Fighting Ruben Wolfe-Markus Zusak
Lines 3-5
Page:85

Gossip Girl- Cecily von Ziegesar

Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar was a guilty pleasure read. I watched the first season of the show and stayed away from the books because I was worried I wouldn't like it or it would ruin the show for me because the book was so much better. It kept tempting me though and I finally gave into temptation. The book is just as juicy and delicious as the show.

This book follows Blair, Serena, Nate, Dan, Jenny, Chuck, and a few other sidekicks. Blair, Serena, Nate, and Chuck are from privileged families and it shows. They have also been friends since they were toddlers, but are they friends or frenemies. Dan and Jenny are different from them and yet Dan longs for one and Jenny longs to be one. Does she do it?

If you have watched the show then you know the characters, but the book is different when it comes to their personalities. If you love the rich and famous you will love this book even if they aren't "real rich and famous".

In my Library Bag

Kristi over at a great YA blog I frequent The Story Siren has a blog post called In My Mailbox. I am trying not to buy books so I go to the library way to often so I decided to do a play on her post and do In My Library Bag.

Picked up:












The Summer I Turned Pretty: Jenny Han


















The Adoration of Jenna Fox: Mary Pearson

Witch & Wizard-James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet




















Hush Hush: Becca Fitzpatrick

Gossip Girl: Cecily von Ziegesar

Waiting on Wednesday

Yes I know it is Thursday, but I still want to put this on here. It is a new blog post that I found over at Reading is Sexy that I wanted to add to my blog.

Today's Pick:

The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard

Release Date: January 7, 2010

Genre: Young Adult

Description from Amazon:

Take Romeo and Juliet. Add The Outsiders. Mix thoroughly.

Colt and Julia were secretly together for an entire year, and no one-not even Julia's boyfriend-knew. They had nothing in common, with Julia in her country club world on Black Mountain and Colt from down on the flats, but it never mattered. Until Julia dies in a car accident, and Colt learns the price of secrecy. He can't mourn Julia openly, and he is tormented that he might have played a part in her death. When Julia's journal ends up in his hands, Colt relives their year together at the same time that he's desperately trying to forget her. But how do you get over someone who was never yours in the first place?

My Thoughts: Sounds deliciously good and I can't wait to read it.

I am the Messenger-Markus Zusak

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak was an excellent book. The first chapter is the best and keeps you wanting more. The message in this book is a good one for people. The book is heartfelt, meaningful, funny, suspenseful, etc. I really could list about a million adjectives, but I would rather you just read it and decide on your own.

The book starts out with Ed and his friends in a bank during a bank robbery. Hilarious as it is the worst bank robbery ever. Ed becomes a hero after he gets the robber, but to him he isn't because he is stuck in the small town he grew up in and is nothing more than an underage cab driver. Then he receives an Ace of diamonds in his mailbox with addresses listed. He knows that people need his help and he starts on his journey. The journey takes him to help people as well as learning about himself.

The characters in this book are great even the dog, Doorman. Markus Zusak really knows how to write rootable characters that you want to keep learning about. Can't wait to try more of his books.

2010 YA challenge

I came across this YA challenge from a post on the Nest Book Club. Since I had read quite a bit of YA this year and have a ton on my TBR pile still I have decided to do this challenge. The original post of this challenge is on J. Kaye's Book Blog. The rules are as follows:

1. Anyone can join. You do not need a blog to join. Just go to J.Kaye's Book Blog and leave your books in a comment under the post.

2. There are 4 levels:

--The Mini YA Reading Challenge-Read 12 Young Adult novels.

-- Just My Size YA Reading Challenge- Read 25 Young Adult Novels.

-- Stepping it Up YA Reading Challenge- Read 50 Young Adult Novels.

-- Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge- Read 75 Young Adult Novels.

3. Audio, eBooks, rereads all count.

4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

6. Challenge begins January 1st thru December 2010.

I plan on trying for the Stepping it up YA Reading Challenge.

2010 Challenges

This year I challenged myself to read 100 books. I have now surpassed that goal. I am now thinking of challenges for next year and thought of these:

1. Read at least one book over 500 pages a month
2. A to Z Book titles
3. A to Z authors
4. A to Z new authors

I am thinking of doing one YA challenge too, but haven't picked one out yet. I want to keep updating my blog and hope to add new content.

Once Was Lost-Sara Zarr

Once Was Lost was my first Sara Zarr book. I have had her book Sweethearts on my list for a while, but haven't gotten around to it.

Samara is the daughter of a small town preacher. Everyone thinks they have a perfect family until her mom goes to rehab and her dad ignores her. Then a young girl goes missing and Samara starts to question what she has been raised to believe.

I really liked this book. I felt for Samara and wanted to just give her a big hug. I liked her friends and to watch her grow and figure things out on her own. The character of her dad bugged me to no end, but at the same time I could see why he did the things he did.

I now can't wait to get to Sweethearts.

Other recent Young Adult Books.

Some others that I have read:
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson: It was just an ok book. It follows Ginny through an adventure that her aunt set up for her through 13 letters. She travels around Europe and learns about her and her aunt. There wasn't a whole lot of character development though.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne: GREAT BOOK. It is a quick read about Bruno who is a young boy during WWII. His father, who is an officer, moves Bruno and the rest of the family next to a concentration camp and we see the time through Bruno's eyes. John Boyne told this story fabously.

The Espressologist by Kristina Springer: A book as delicous as my peppermint mocha latte I was drinking while I read it. It is a quick Young Adult book about a girl who works for "starbucks" and does match making based on your favorite drink. There wasn't a lot of character development and yet I drank it up.

Living Dead Girl-Elizabeth Scott

What a hauntingly good book. Living Dead Girl follows "Alice" who was kidnapped by Ray at age 10 from a school field trip. She is now 15 and has been dealing with Ray's abuse for the last 5 years. She is wondering what is going to happen next since the first "Alice" was killed at 15 when she got to old.

Elizabeth Scott wrote this book very well. She captured Alice's feelings and thoughts perfectly. I loved the ending and really the whole book. I will put a disclaimer that it while the scenes aren't really graphic graphic as it is a Young Adult book you will get the picture. I read this book in one day because I just needed to know what was going to happen no matter how uncomfortable I felt. I can't wait to read more from Ms. Scott

Over the Holidays-Sandra Harper

I wanted something Christmas to read to keep me in the Christmas spirit. I saw this at Target and read the synopsis on the back and thought it sounded good. The book ended up being nothing that I thought it was going to be. I expected a light Christmas themed book, but it was actually deeper and didn't really center on Christmas at all.

Vanessa and her husband JT have twin 9 year olds so while Vanessa would rather not celebrate Christmas she has presents to buy, cookies to bake, and a tree to put up. At least this year she doesn't have to go to her sister in law,s house who is the Queen of Christmas. Then surprise her Sister in law and family come to visit her for Christmas. Many things happen there afterwards.

There were a lot of "WTF" moments for me, but it was a good read.

Shadowland-Alyson Noel

The third in the Immortal series picks up about a week after Blue Moon ended. We see Ever and Damon trying not to touch each other and yet still having a relationship. Ever gets a job at a bookstore and we meet someone from her past. Roman is still there making trouble for Ever since losing his beloved Drina.

This one was not as interesting as the other two in the series. I found it lacking in the suspense and character development areas. I felt that I was guessing everything ahead of time. That being said I did still enjoy it. The next one Dark Flame comes out this summer.

Splendor-Anna Godbersen

Splendor is the last book in The Luxe series. It is bittersweet as I love new books following old "friends", but hate that it is now over.

This book wraps up the lives of Elizabeth, Diana, Henry, Penelope, and Carolina. I don't want to spoil the series for those who have not read it, but the ending was not what I expected and in fact was disappointed at first. Now that it has been a little while I am happy with it.

Diana follows her heart, Carolina gets what is coming to her, Penelope is still the love to hate girl, Henry learns about himself, and Elizabeth finds information.

I am sad to see my friends go.

Bed of Roses- Nora Roberts

This is the Bride Quartet book 2. It is about Emma and her flowers and of course her love life. Emma and Jack to me came out of no where with the oh we have been hot for each other, but didn't act on it. I liked the book, but I am not sure why I didn't love it like I did Vision in White.

Emma to me didn't grow as a character she was just there. She didn't have to change a thing and I love books where characters grow and learn about themselves. It was nice to catch up with the other girls too.

I have been busy

Well reading and working. I went on a YA Spree. If I get to it I will post reviews of the books. Here is the list:
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood-Ann Brashares- 4 stars
Audrey, Wait-Robin Benway 4 stars
Perfect You-Elizabeth Scott 3 stars
Vegan Virgin Valentine-Carolyn Mackler-4 stars
Guyaholic-Carolyn Mackler- 4 stars
Love Is the Higher Law-David Levithan 3 stars
Keeping Faith-Jodi Picoult 4 stars

Keeping The Moon-Sarah Dessen

This was my last Sarah Dessen book left and her third book. I can tell that she had hit her stride with this one after reading the first 2 books. I really enjoyed this one like I did her later ones. The sidekicks were great, the main character lovable, and of course the boy.

Colie used to be overweight and is currently anything, but popular. Her mom is a famous weight loss guru. While her mom travels in London Colie must go stay in a small town in North Carolina with her eccentric aunt. There Colie meets friends, learns about herself, and gets a job. Wow what a busy summer.

Fall Book Challenge

I am doing a Fall Book Challenge!!!!

5 Point Tasks
1. IHO Breast Cancer Awareness month read a book with a pink cover or tile or about a victim's story. Audrey Wait

2. IHO Friday the 13th(Nov. 13th) read the 13th book on your TBR shelf. If you do not have a goodreads shelf then either read the 13th book on your physical shelf or if that isn't possible pull a title out of 13 pieces of paper. Sisterhood of the traveling pants 2

3.IHO Black Friday/Cyber Monday, read a book that you bought on clearance (that day or before) or sale or Read a book about shopping/retail.: Perfect You

4. IHO Christmas gift giving read a book that you were given as a gift or bought with a gift card. (If you don't get books as a gift buy yourself a book as a gift to yourself for being great!) Marley and Me or The Guardian

5. IHO the darker nights curl up with a mystery. Murder on the orient express

6. IHO the cold nights read a book under a blanket or in front of a fire.

7. IHO Fall colors read a book with a brown, orange, red, yellow, or black cover.Fourth of July

8. IHO Sweetest Day read a book with a flower or type of Candy in the title. Bed of Roses

9. IHO Sadie Hawkins day read a book where the main character is a male. The Outsiders

10. IHO Statue of Liberty dedication read a book set in New York. Shopaholic takes Manhattan

10 Point Tasks
1.Read a book by an author that you have been meaning to read, but haven't gotten around to. Percy Jackson

2. IHO National Teen Read Week read a Young Adult book. Vegan Virgin Valentine

3. IHO Daylight Savings Time fall back, read a Historical Fiction book Splendor

4. IHO fall read a book about Fall'ing in love, off the wagon, etc. The History of Love

5. Read a book that comes out in October, November, December:The Gift

6. Read an NBC monthly book that you wanted to read but didn't get the chance too. If you have read them all then read and discuss Oct., Nov., or Dec. book.
The Bolyen Inheritance or The Little Lady Agency

7. IHO the holidays Read a book about a religion other than your own: Plain Truth

8. IHO Halloween read a horror/suspense book: Heart Shaped Box

9. IHO Thanksgiving read a book about Families: Over The Holidays

10. IHO Halloween read a book about ghosts, witches, vampires, goblins, etc. Her Fearful Symmetry

15 Point Task
1. Go to random word generator (http://watchout4snakes.com/CreativityTools/RandomWord/RandomWord.aspx) and read a book with that word in the title or a book about that word or related to the word. Screwing- This Charming Man

2. Choose an unfinished task from one of the last 3 challenges and finish it. If you finished all the challenges redo your hardest task. If you haven't done any other challenges then go back to the tasks in the bookchallenge blog and pick your favorite to do. The Host (Read a book you started and didn't finish- SBC)

3. Read a book and pick a playlist of at least 5 songs that you feel would fit the book. Post the list on NBC: The Last Song

4. IHO T.V. starting read a book that a T.V. Show or Made for T.V. Movie/big screen movie was based off of. If possible watch the show or movie and Post a comparison
The Vampire Diaries
5. Read a book from the 1001 books to read list Middlesex or The Handmaids Tale

6. IHO Pearl Harbor and Rememberance Day read a book about WWII or a book about/set in Hawaii: Honolulu

7. IHO National Family Literacy month read a book a family member recommended to you. Keeping Faith

8. IHO Columbus Day read a book where the main character travels or a travel memoir: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

9. IHO Edgar Allen Poe's death and National Poetry month read a book of short stories or poetry: A Touch of Dead

10. Go to thisonenext.com and put in your last book read. Read one of the suggestions given to you on what to read next.The Earth, My Butt, And other round things

25 Point Task
1. MrsGinTN- Read a book and cook a MEAL that was inspired by the book. Keeping The Moon

2. Mrsfu-Read a fairy tale; then write your own modern version and post for the NBC. (can be as short or as long as you like)

3. am+a-Read a novel (not a memoir) by John Irving: Widow for a year

4. MrsJuicy2Be-Read a book about your dream career (fiction or non-fiction). Create a list of steps you need to take in order to have your dream career and post it. If you already have your dream job, read and write about the next step you'll take in your career. Letters to a Young Teacher

5. Jackiback- read 7,500 pages over the course of the FBC.

Her Fearful Symmetry-Audrey Niffenegger

I fell in love with the Time Traveler's Wife so when I heard that Audrey had another book coming out I requested it before even reading the synopsis. While it wasn't Time Traveler's Wife good it was still a very enjoyable book.

Julia and Valentina are twins who have never met their Aunt Elspeth which is there mother's twin sister. Suddenly their Aunt dies and leaves them with her flat in London that is next to a Cemetery.

They move across the ocean and meet their neighbors and try to learn about why their mom and aunt never talked. They also learned about their own relationship with each other. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book and the story is written well. The last 100 pages will fly by.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-Ann Brashares

I finally started this series. They have been on my to read list for months and I have seen the movies so I am not sure why it took so long.

The book was great. I really enjoy books on friendship and how to have a lasting friendship because I just don't see that to much anymore. I really liked hearing from each girl about their adventures. Carmen with her father, Bridgette at soccer camp, Lena with her Grandparents, and Tibby at home.

I laughed, teared up, and just all around enjoyed this book a lot. I will be getting the rest because I can't wait to see what the girls have been up to.

My Earth, My Butt, and Other BIG Round Things-Carolyn Mackler

This is my first Carolyn Mackler book and she did not let me down. Virginia is the perfect character. She has flaws, but she is rootable. I sat down and read this book in one sitting last Sunday and I want more. To see Virginia grow and learn about herself was so satisfying.

Virginia is a sophomore in high school. Her best friend has moved a way and she is forced to deal with High School by herself. Oh and did I mention she is a bigger girl? What is worse is her family is small and pretty and her brother was Mr. Popular at the school before her. Her mother is a teen counselor and is very well known, but can't listen to her own family. How is a girl to cope?

This book tackles a subject that just about every High School girl has dealt with. Carolyn deals with it in a good and funny way that gets her point across in a way that teens will get it and still have fun reading about it.

A Touch of Dead-Charlaine Harris

It has been 5 months since the last Sookie book came out and I still have to wait 7 months until the next one comes out. That is to big of a gap of time to go without Sookie and Eric. I knew that Ms. Harris had written some Sookie short stories and I was thrilled to find out that she was releasing them all in one book.

This book has 4 short stories. They were cute, but not in depth enough. I know they are short stories, but I guess I was expecting something different. There was one story with Claude and Claudine, One with Eric, One about Hadley, and one set during Christmas. It curbed my Sookie need, but I still can't wait for May.

The Last Song-Nicholas Sparks

This is Nicholas Sparks' latest book. I really enjoy Nicholas Sparks books. He can really write characters that I can connect with and want to root for. The Last Song was not a disappointment.

The Last Song is about Ronnie, her brother, her father, and their summer together. Ronnie's father left them and she didn't talk to him for 3 years when she is sent to his house for the summer. She is ready to hate the summer and go home the minute she gets there. In true Nicholas Sparks fashion we get to watch Ronnie meet new friends, learn about herself, and learn about her family.

All I have to say is have tissues ready. I cried in a few different places. This book hit home for me in a way and I am so glad that I read it!

The Luxe Series- Anna Godbersen

This is a great series. It is a historical fiction that I have heard compared to Gossip Girl in the past. The books follow the Hollands (Elizabeth and Diana) and their friends, families, and enemies. The twists and turns of this book are great. There are things that happen that I never would have guessed were going to happen. Plus the covers are so breathtaking.

My favorite character of this series is Diana, but I feel connected with all of them. Anna writes with just enough detail for you to get a picture, but still be able to use your imagination also. The last in the series comes out November 1st.

Hunger Games/Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins

I am doing one post for both of these books. They are the first 2 books in a series. They are such great books.

These books are about future America. There are 12 districts and a Capitol. The children are entered into a reality show type game that is a game to the death. The books follow Katniss and her family as well as her friends and district.

These books really make you think. Katniss is the perfect character to have tell the story. The relationships in this book are meaningful and deep. Watching Katniss be strong and grow and cry in this book was my favorite.

Cathching Fire starts a few months after Hunger Games ends and just continues the wonderful story. Lots of twists and turns.

I recommend these books to everyone and can't wait for the third one.

I am Back

I promise to start doing better about getting my books added here. I haven't read a whole bunch of good ones, but I will be better.

My poor neglected blog

I haven't added any of the books I have read in the last month or so. BOOO.
I will probably be adding them, but if not here is my list with a grade by it:

Someone Like You-Sarah Dessen (B)
Finger Lickin' Fifteen-Janet Evanovich (A)
The Luxe-Anna Godbersen (B)
Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married- Marian Keyes (B-)
L.A. Candy- Lauren Conrad (C although I will read the next one)
You Know Where To Find Me (C)
Rumors (B)

I only give The Luxe and Rumors b's because they start out slow for me, but once they start going the are addicting.

Summer Sisters-Judy Blume

Oh Judy Blume how you fulfilled my love of reading in my youth. I remember hiding Forever from my parents afraid my mom would want to read it and get mad at me for reading it.

Summer Sisters is about Vix and Caitlin, friends from elementary school, and their summer trips to The Island to visit Caitlin's dad and step-mother. The friendship that these girls had was unusual, but at the same time long lasting despite their problems.

Vix is the shy girl who has had a hard family life. She is smart and likes to read. Caitlin's family take her in and help her to recognize her potential and help her to go to college and be the success that she wants to be.

Caitlin is the pretty, popular, rich, selfish, and carefree girl. She wants what she wants and will get it no matter what. She travels the world with no regards to her future.

I really enjoyed this book, but I am a sucker for a book about friendships. There were some things that made me blush, but I liked the characters, even the ones that I Loved to hate.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an easy read for the beach or just for a lazy day.

Vision in White-Nora Roberts

This was my first Nora Roberts book. Boy did I pick a good one. I have always thought about becoming a wedding planner so I thought this book would be just my style. I was right.

I really liked that Ms. Roberts had the business and the love story along with friendship all woven together. The story and the writing fit together beautifully.

I really enjoyed the characters and could see me working for Vows even if Parker is high strung (I think she just needs an assistant to help with her part). I do wish I could see Mac's pictures some how.

Now I have to wait till October for the next one Bed of Roses.

Along For The Ride-Sarah Dessen

Along For The Ride is Sarah's newest book. This one follows Auden who has just graduated from High School. She is an insomniac and her parents are divorced. She was always the good child while her brother was the wild child. She has never done the whole "teen scene" . She decides to go to spend the summer before college with her father, his new wife, and brand new baby.

Auden's growth warmed my heart. I loved reading about her mission to be a "teen". Eli was another great male character. Of course I loved the supporting cast of friends she makes and learns how to be a girl friend with. I also loved seeing others pop up (Jason) and them selling the key necklaces.

As always I was not disappointed.

Lock and Key-Sarah Dessen

I truly enjoy Sarah Dessen's books. I was excited to read this book since a lot of people enjoyed it. It started a little slow for me, but there was history that was important to Ruby's character that needed to be introduced. The book really picked up though and I ended up loving it.

Ruby is a great character. She reminded me of myself there for a while. While I didn't have to live with my sister because I did have my father my mother left me also. I was very close to my older sister and often even to this day think of her as a substitute mom in my life.

Can I just say that Nate and Wes (The Truth About Forever) have to be the best males from her books. Nate was not the typical male character from Sarah's books as he was the popular kid instead of the outsider. I really enjoyed that and getting into his life with his father and such.

I actually ended the book wishing that Ms. Dessen would write a sequel to this book.

Fearless Fourteen-Janet Evanovich

Number 14 was good. I think they have gotten better the higher the numbers. Stephanie is always getting herself in trouble and Grandma Mazur is just hilarious. I loved that Stephanie and Morelli were basically living together again and I wish she would realize she doesn't love 2 men she loves 1 and lusts after another.

Lean Mean Thirteen-Janet Evanovich

I was going to read something different over the long weekend, but decided I would keep the weekend light so I picked up Lean Mean Thirteen. I am so glad that I did. Besides making me laugh out loud so many times I found myself drooling over her descriptions of the food that they made in this book.

So what happens in this book without telling spoilers: Grandma gets a boyfriend, Stephanie works with Ranger again, and we get to have a mystery with Joyce Barnhart and Stephanie's Ex Dickie ( which happens after Stephanie threatens to kill him). Everyone who knows Stephanie and her crew know it is a great book.

Dune Road-Jane Green

I have read a lot of Jane Green's books and have enjoyed them. This is not your typical Jane Green book, but just as entertaining. I read it quickly and found it hard to put it down. The book follows 3 women friends and their relationship as well as their families. It also shows their struggles with love, divorce, kids, and the financial crisis.

Charlie is married with kids. She has the big house, the cars, and the money. But is her world really that great?

Kit is a divorced mom of 2. Her ex is very much in the picture. Kit also finds herself dealing with dating and family.

Tracy is the newest to the group and she owns her own business and is trying to find love after she started her life over after her 2nd divorce.

There are other characters in the book that give this book a well rounded story and the charm that is Jane Green.

Summer Book Challenge Tasks

The Summer Book Challenge over on the nest started today. I am so excited because a ton of the books I wanted to read fit. Here is my list:

5 POINT TASKS

1. IHO the Beautiful weather read a book while enjoying the outdoors.

2. Take 10 books you want to read and put the titles in a hat, pick one at random and read that book. Plain Truth

3. Read a book with a Summer word in the title (sun, heat, sand, hot, etc). Firefly Lane

4. Read a book considered a beach read (Chick lit, etc.).

5. IHO Friendship day (August 2nd) read a book about friends or siblings. Best Friends Forever-Jennifer Weiner

6. Read a book with a food or drink in the title. Watermelon-Marian Keyes

7. Post a poll on NBC of 5 books of your choice and let the nesties pick your next book (leave up for at least a day)

8. Read a book that takes place at a beach, ocean, lake, or resort. Along for the Ride-Sarah Dessen

9. Christmas in July, Read a book about/set during Christmas: On Stike for Christmas-Sheila Roberts

10.IHO Dog days of Summer read a book with the word dog in the title or about a dog. Marley and Me- own

10 POINT TASKS

1. IHO summer blockbusters read a book of your choice and then choose your cast, then share with NBC. Finger Lickin Fifteen- Janet Evanovich

2. IHO Fourth of July read a book about the revolutionary war or any other important time in your Country’s history.

3. IHO Women’s equality day (August 26th) read a book with a woman as the main character or about a woman you admire. Dune Road-Jane Green

4. Read a book set in a place you have, will, or would like to travel to. Lock and Key-Sarah Dessen (travel to N.C. to see my sister) own

5. Read a book about a Summer romance or a romance book. The Guardian own

6. Read a book about a library, librarian, book store, or anything else book related. Bookends-Jane Green or Thirteenth Tale

7. Read a book about getting married, weddings, being married. Vision in White-Nora Roberts

8. Read a book with a verb in the title (Walk, run, talk, etc). What was she Thinking: Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married.

9. Read a book you first heard about on NBC. Perfect Match-Jodi Picoult

10. Read a book with a teenager as the main character or set in a high school. The Tenth Circle Own

15 POINT TASKS

1. Read a book that an author you enjoy has read or suggested. A bump in the road- Maureen Lipinski (Jen Lancaster) Candy Girl (Sarah Dessen)

2. IHO back to school in August read a book off your high school’s summer reading list. A Great and Terrible Beauty

3. Read a book by an author born in July, August, September. Notes on a Scandal

4. Read a book about a disaster or tragedy (Tornado, hurricane, 9/11, plane crash, etc.) Columbine- Dave Cullen

5. Judge a book by its cover, read a book based solely on the cover or title. I Heart You,You Haunt Me or You Know Where to Find Me.

6. Read a book about Royalty (Tudors, Princess Diaries, etc): The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn- Robin Maxfield

7. Read July, August, or September’s NBC book and participate in the discussions. Summer Sisters- Judy Blume

8. Read the first and second (or 3rd and 4th) book in a series 4th of July and 5 Horseman- James Patterson

9. Read a book that is at least 500 pages. Vampire Diaries?

10. Second chances- Read a book by an author you didn’t enjoy the first time around. The Accidental Mother own

25 POINT TASKS

1. Mrs.GinTN- Read a book and cook a meal inspired by that book. Lean Mean Thirteen and I made homemade spaghetti sauce and garlic bread.

2. AdaraMarie-Read a book recommended by the staff at your local library or bookstore. Complete the task by posting a review of the book with no spoilers so we can all learn your opinion of the book. Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons or the Luxe

3.Mac&Chip- Read a book and do an activity that the characters in the book did.

4.RoMoSquare- Read a book over 700 pages: I know this much is true-wally Lamb

5. Rebus82- Read a book that you've never read before because it has always intimidated you. Afterward, make a non-spoiler WIJFR post about how you feel about the book now that you've finally read it, and if you feel the original intimidation was justified.

6.danamh83- Read a book written by or about a famous person (living or dead) that you would like to meet. Post a list of questions you would like to ask them, based on what you read in the book. Moonwalk by Michael Jackson

Evermore-Alyson Noel

I went into this book with no expectations. I didn't really know what it was fully about, but it seemed like it could be interesting. I was right. This books was great. Alyson Noel had a good idea when she came up with this story. She made Ever a great rootable character.

Ever is 16 and the rest of her family died in a car accident. She is now living with her aunt who is a big time lawyer and is not used to having kids. She is visited everyday by her 12 year old sister Riley. She has 2 friends, Haven and Miles. She also sees people's auras and read their minds, until Damen.

The book follows Ever and Damen and their relationship. It also shows Ever and her grief and guilt over losing her family. She grew in this book although she never really took crap from people. Her relationship with Damen was refreshing in that respect.

All in all a good book that I would recommend to those who enjoy YA books or a love story.

`June Reads`

June was a little bit of a slower month. There was 2 books that I started, but due to time and having to return them to the library I didn't finish.

1. Twelve Sharp-Janet Evanovich
2.Thirteen Reasons Why- Jay Asher
3. Grave Sight-Charlaine Harris
4.Such A Pretty Fat- Jen Lancaster
5.Speak- Laurie Halse Anderson
6.Another Mother's Life-Rowan Coleman
7.Evermore-Alyson Noel

Monday Mind Games

I picked this up on a book blog forum. The question is from Sheila DeChantal.....

What is your indulgent book? You know the book that you just love... that you could read again and again.....

Mine now would have to be a tie between The Pact by Jodi Picoult and all the Harry Potter books (I can't pick just one).

Another Mother's Life-Rowan Coleman

This was my first by Rowan Coleman so I wasn't sure what to expect. I saw the cover and it grabbed me so I read the back and decided to try it out.

It is about Alison and Catherine who were best friends from grade school until Alison ran off with Catherine's boyfriend. 15 years later Alison and said boyfriend are married and are moving back to the town that they left.

The characters in this book were pretty good. I think they could have been developed more. The kids were adorable. The plot was ok, but it was pretty predictable. The ending was rushed and left some things unanswered.

Speak- Laurie Halse Anderson

I really liked Wintergirls by Ms. Anderson so I thought I would really like this book. It was just ok. I didn't fall in love with the character and really felt that she wasn't developed at all. I know that something happened to her and that her home life isn't the greatest, but it just didn't work for me. It reminded me a lot of Sarah Dessen's Just Listen and after reading that book this one just didn't live up.

Dreamland-Sarah Dessen

Dreamland was a sad book. It pulled me right in though. I loved Caitlin's character and felt for her. Rogerson is the first male Sarah Dessen character that I didn't like from the beginning. There was something about him that was just off.

Dreamland is about Caitlin's life after her sister Cass leaves in the middle of the night. She mets Rogerson and things go south after that. We get to see Caitlin at her worst and how she grows a little during a tough time.

Again I think every teen girl should read this book.

Such A Pretty Fat-Jen Lancaster

This book is typical Jen Lancaster, Hilarious, sarcastic, witty, and inspirational. She made me want to lose weight while I read this. I realized that I make losing weight and dieting harder than it needs to be.

The stories in this book of Jen losing weight, being at the gym, going swimming were so funny. Her Jenny Craig stories had me laughing out loud. I will probably go buy this book to keep.

I am a little sad that I have finished her books, but I do know she is working on another on hopefully to be out next year.