In My Mailbox (34)

In My Mailbox is a meme originally hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren (click for more information) that shares all the new books you've bought, borrowed, received, or traded for the week.

Here are all the books I bought for a total of 8 dollars! :)

Bought/for review:

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder 

Summary: 

Restless souls and empty heart.

Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams. 

Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface. 

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

I've been wanting to read this for awhile and when I saw a hardcover for so cheap I knew I had to get it! I've heard great things, so I can't wait.

The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson
Summary:

Lifelong best friends Nina Bermudez, Avery Dekker, and Melanie Forrest face their first separation the summer before their senior year when Nina attends a ten-week summer program at Stanford. Nina returns home bursting with stories about Steve, her summer romance. But she soon learns the shocking truth about what her friends were up to while she was gone when she sees Mel and Avery . . . kissing. The friendship is rocked by what feels like the ultimate challenge. But it's only the beginning of a sometimes painful, sometimes funny, always gripping journey as three girls discover who they are and what they really want. 

I love Maureen Johnson, so I'm sure this one is great. It also happens to be a splashproof read- aka 100% water proof! :)

How To Take the Ec Out of Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison
Summary: 

Sixteen-year-old Giovanna Petrizzo finds it hard enough to fit in. Three years since her family moved to Texas, she's still the newcomer compared to everyone around her. It doesn't help matters when her twin brother, Dante, takes on the mayor's son by running for class president. The least she could expect, though, would be for her boyfriend, Jesse, to support their cause. But Jesse's apparent defection triggers Giovanna's rash emotional side, and before she knows it, she's turned Jesse from the boy of her dreams to the exboyfriend she dreams of winning back.

I haven't heard much about this one, but I"m in love with the cover!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Summary:


A funky pair of dungarees and a strong friendship lie at the heart of this compelling coming-of-age novel. During the first summer they'll be separated from each other, four friends share a pair of second-hand jeans...and experience happiness, heartbreak, and all the complications of growing up.

I've already read and loved this one, but I couldn't pass a 50 cent book to keep on the bookshelf :) 

Meet Me at the Boardwalk by Erin Taft
Summary: 

Growing up in the resort town of Seashell Point, Jade, Megan, and Miles are best friends, and spend their summers working at the Clam Shack, making fun of the snooty summer people, and chilling on the boardwalk. But this summer, everything's different. Not only does Jade have her house to herself -- can you say parties? - but there's that tiny little issue of Megan's giant crush on Miles. Then there's the mysterious new girl who catches Miles's eye, and the threat that their beloved boardwalk will be torn down. This is one summer the friends will NEVER forget! 

I love these fluffy summer reads to lighten up the mood.  

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
Summary:

When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?


I love Sarah Dessen and I'm surprised I haven't read this one yet! It sounds great.

Red: Teenage Girls in America Write on What Fires up Their Lives Today edited by Amy Goldwasser
Summary: 

For every teen girl who thinks she’s alone, and every adult who’s dared to try to figure her out, comes this eye-opening collection in the spirit of New York Times bestseller Ophelia Speaks. In Red, fifty-eight girls—ranging in age from thirteen to nineteen, and writing from across the spectrum of geographic, socioeconomic, racial, and religious upbringings—share “heartbreaking, hilarious, and often harrowing” (Francine Prose) essays about everything from politics to pop culture; from post-Katrina New Orleans to Johnny Depp; from the loneliness of losing a best friend to the loathing or pride they feel about their bodies.

The authors of Red are brave and honest documentarians of their own lives. These girls are the best shades of red (not pink): a little bit angry, a lot passionate. They’re on fire, and their essays speak gloriously for the future.

I've already read some of this and I LOVE it. It's kind of like Chicken Soup, but more brutal and honest.   

What's in your mailbox?

Help please!

Hey everyone!

I've been asked by the library to set up a book display. The theme for the display are fairytale turned into novels. An example would be Beastly by Alex Flinn. I can't really think of many, so I would LOVE your input and opinions. It would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. :)

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we "can't-wait-to-read".

Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams
Release date: March 15, 2011
Summary:

Thirteen-year-old Lacey wakes to a beautiful summer morning excited to begin her new job at the library, just as her mother is supposed to start work at the grocery store. Lacey hopes that her mother's ghosts have finally been laid to rest; after all, she seems so much better these days, and they really do need the money. But as the hours tick by and memories come flooding back, a day full of hope spins terrifyingly out of control.... 

I was so delighted to hear Carol Lynch Williams had another book coming out! The Chosen One and Glimpse were both amazing, and this should be no exception. I love the title and cover as well. I can't wait :)

Freefall by Mindi Scott

Book review # 62
Freefall by Mindi Scott
Rating: Five stars


Summary:
Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend, Isaac, alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time when Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn't wake up.


Convinced that his own actions led to his friend's death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth soon realizes he isn't the only one who needs saving . . .

Freefall is one of those books you are sure to not forget. I've been so busy lately, but after lying in bed a couple of nights after finishing Freefall, thinking about a scene between Seth and Rosetta, I knew I had to  share the love. I adore and admire Mindi Scott for writing such a powerful, emotional, realistic debut novel. Freefall isn't just any novel, it's one that sends a message; one that could possibly affect or change lives. Scott easily portrayed the importance of making decisions, pushing past fears, and drinking.

Finally, we get to read about an accurate male point of view. I felt so close to Seth; his emotions poured through the pages. I found myself feeling almost as emotional as him. Seth is going through a tough time, with his best friend Issac dying from drinking too much. Drinking and partying is the norm for everyone around him, but Seth isn't sure he wants to live that life anymore. Living in a trailer park, playing in a band with his brother and friends, not passing school; is what Seth is used to. Meeting Rosetta is just the beginning,some things are going to have to change...

What  I loved the most was watching the journey and transformation Seth and Rosetta went through. They both seem so different, but the closer you look, the more alike they seem. Their relationship was beautiful, it changed and developed until the very last page. Together they experienced so many firsts, at times it was painfully realistic. I was very grateful for the minor characters as well, they were interesting and vital in helping Seth move on with his life.

There is so many things I have to say Freefall, but I feel like nothing will serve it justice. With the romance, drama, and intensity Freefall is one of a kind. The scenes were written so beautfully, it was almost like a movie. I could easily visulize the characters and places around town; when the characters spoke I could pracrically hear them talking. You become so absorbed that you almost forget what's happening around you. Do yourself a favor and get your hands on Freefall as soon as you can. 

Daily Dose Monday (26)

Daily Dose Monday is hosted by Holly over at Good Golly Miss Holly and features inspiring/magical images that you would like to share with your readers :)

 This one is my sister and her husband on her wedding day! <3

Here's another one from the wedding day :)

 

 These last two were taken by my sister from her honeymoon in Hawaii. This was her backyard (:

In My Mailbox (33)

In My Mailbox is a meme originally hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren (click for more information) that shares all the new books you've bought, borrowed, received, or traded for the week.


I noticed some of my favorite blogs stopped updating and I really don't want to follow in their footsteps. Although I haven't been really blogging, I've been reading probably more than ever (:

Library books/for review:

Crazy by Han Nolan

Summary: 

Fifteen-year-old Jason has fallen upon bad times—his mother has died and his father has succumbed to mental illness. As he tries to hold his crazy father and their crumbling home together, Jason relies on a host of imaginary friends for guidance as he stumbles along trying not to draw attention to his father’s deteriorating condition.

Both heartbreaking and funny, CRAZY lives up to the intense and compelling characters Han Nolan is praised for. As Jason himself teeters on the edge of insanity, Nolan uncovers the clever coping system he develops for himself and throws him a lifeline in the guise of friendship.

The Scorch Trials (Maze Runner #2) by James Dashner
Summary:

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal.

The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

All You Get is Me by Yvonne Prinz
Summary:

A summer of love, loss, and justice.
Things were complicated enough for Roar, even before her father decided to yank her out of the city and go organic. Suddenly, she’s a farm girl, albeit a reluctant one, selling figs at the farmers’ market and developing her photographs in a ramshackle shed. Caught between a troublemaking sidekick named Storm, a brooding, easy-on-the-eyes L.A. boy, and a father on a human rights crusade that challenges the fabric of the farm community, Roar is going to have to tackle it all—even with dirt under her fingernails and her hair pulled back with a rubber band meant for asparagus.

 A big thanks goes to Goodreads for this one! I won it in Goodreads Firstreads (:

The Sweetness of Salt by Cecilia Galante
Summary:

Julia just graduated as her high school valedictorian, has a full ride to college in the fall and a coveted summer internship clerking for a federal judge. But when her older sister, Sophie, shows up at the graduation determined to reveal some long buried secrets, Julia's carefully constructed plans come to a halt. Instead of the summer she had painstakingly laid out, Julia follows Sophie back to Vermont, where Sophie is opening a bakery—and struggling with some secrets of her own. What follows is a summer of revelations—some heartwarming, some heartbreaking, and all slowly pointing Julia toward a new understanding of both herself and of the sister she never really knew.

The Kid Table by Andrea Seigel
Summary:

Ingrid Bell and her five teenage cousins are such a close-knit group that they don't really mind sitting at the kid table—even if they have to share it with a four-year-old. But then Brianne, the oldest cousin, lands a seat at the adult table and leaves her cousins shocked and confused. What does it take to graduate from the kid table?

Over the course of five family events, Ingrid chronicles the coming-of-age of her generation. Her cousins each grapple with growing pains, but it is Ingrid who truly struggles as she considers what it means to grow up. When first love comes in the form of first betrayal (he's Brianne's boyfriend), Ingrid is forced to question her own personality and how she fits into her family. The cousins each take their own path toward graduating into adulthood—only to realize that maybe the kid table was where they wanted to be all along.

I also bought seven books today for about 8 dollars! They are still on hold, so I'll post them for next week's IMM. Miss you all, I hope everyone is enjoying the winter! (:

What's in your mailbox? 

Finally...

Hi everyone! It's finally winter break :) The papers, the homework, the stress is all gone..for now at least. It's been a long semester, I'm definitely planning on doing things differently and prioritizing more efficiently next semester. It's going to be a busy break with my sister getting married on New Years and lots of family time, but I've FINALLY been able to just relax and read, read, and read some more :) I have some great things planned for the blog..upcoming reviews of The View from the Top by Hillary Frank, Party by Tom Leeven, Sea by Heidi King and more! AND my blog anniversary is creeping up! Any contest ideas? Oh and happy holidays everyone <3 

Daily Dose Monday (25)

Daily Dose Monday is hosted by Holly over at Good Golly Miss Holly and features inspiring/magical images that you would like to share with your readers :)

Waiting on Wednesday (27)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we "can't-wait-to-read".

The Latte Rebellion by  Sarah Jamila Stevenson

Release date: January 1st, 2011

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

"Our philosophy is simple: Promote a latte-colored world!" — from the Latte Rebellion Manifesto 

When high school senior Asha Jamison gets called a "towel head" at a pool party, the racist insult gives Asha and her best friend Carey a great money-making idea for a post-graduation trip. They'll sell T-shirts promoting the Latte Rebellion, a club that raises awareness of mixed-race students. 

Seemingly overnight, their "cause" goes viral and the T-shirts become a nationwide fad. As new chapters spring up from coast to coast, Asha realizes that her simple marketing plan has taken on a life of its own-and it's starting to ruin hers. Asha's once-stellar grades begin to slip, threatening her Ivy League dreams, and her friendship with Carey is hanging by a thread. And when the peaceful underground movement turns militant, Asha's school launches a disciplinary hearing.Facing expulsion, Asha must decide how much she's willing to risk for something she truly believes in. 

I love finding those occasional reads that really relate to me. I love the message and idea this book comes across. I really can't wait to get my hands on this one! :)