Waiting on Wednesday (26)

"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 Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

Release date: January 11th, 2011

Summary: (taken from Goodreads) 

Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She's not comforted by the news that she'll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run?As she struggles to cope with crutches and a first cyborg-like prosthetic, Jessica feels oddly both in the spotlight and invisible. People who don't know what to say, act like she's not there. Which she could handle better if she weren't now keenly aware that she'd done the same thing herself to a girl with CP named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she's missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her.With the support of family, friends, a coach, and her track teammates, Jessica may actually be able to run again. But that's not enough for her now. She doesn't just want to cross finish lines herself—she wants to take Rosa with her. 

I absolutely love reading books with main characters that have lives so different than mine. This sounds like an interesting and inspirational story :)

Daily Dose Monday (23)

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 :)

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Book review #60

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Rating: Five stars

Summary:  

 Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.

After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.

Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

Like most people, I didn't know too much about Leaving Paradise before picking it up from the library. From the first few pages, I was hooked-the book didn't leave my hands unless it was absolutely necessary. With school and homework becoming a priority in my life, I don't have much time to blog, but no way I was going to not share the love and amazingness of Leaving Paradise. Finishing this book moments ago, raw, emotional, and honestly breathtaking are the only words that come into mind. 

The first half of the book was good, but didn't compare to the qualities and surprises the second half had in store. Leaving Paradise follows both Maggie and Caleb's point of view, starting with Caleb finally getting released from the juvenile detention center he's had to call home for the past year. Caleb is a hot, popular, average guy who had a little too much to drink one night, accidentally hitting Maggie Armstrong with his car. Maggie has the dreams of becoming a tennis star, is outgoing, and pretty popular, but ever since the accident she hasn't been the same. It took loads of physical therapy to get her leg back into shape, but she still has a limp. The only thing she looks forward to is going to Spain to leave Paradise (her town) and everything behind her. What she doesn't count on is Caleb being back in Paradise changing everything yet once again. Maggie and Caleb find themselves face to face, involuntary spending more time together; together they learn things aren't always what they seem.

Leaving Paradise is a love story, but not the typical love story most are used to. In fact there isn't anything ordinary about Leaving Paradise. Caleb and Maggie seem to have a normal relationship, but it's much more complicated and heartwarming then it looks from afar. A year after the accident, both characters have changed and grown; they find that each other are the only people that will ever understand. It's safe to say Simone Elkeles is one of the best writers out there. The connection she created by Caleb and Maggie flow so easily throughout the book.There are countless heartbreaking, emotional, honest moments making the reader almost frustrated. 

While Caleb and Maggie were wonderful characters, Mrs. Reynolds-the lady Caleb and Maggie both end up working with, brings sunshine to the novel. She helps both of them accept themselves for who they are. Anyone with a person like Mrs.Reynolds in their lives are very lucky. 

Leaving Paradise let me escape from my own hectic life for a little bit, as  I was completely absorbed in what was happening at all times. The ending wasn't my favorite, but lucky me the sequel is already out! I can't wait to see what's going to happen with Caleb and Maggie. Leaving Paradise is one of the best books I've read in awhile, if not this year. Pick up a copy immediately, you won't regret it :)

HELP!

Hi :)
Unfortunately it's been way to long. I'm having a major dilemma and I need suggestions. How do you fellow bloggers out there balance blogging with school and work? AP classes and tons of homework takes up most of my day. Thankfully I've blocked up just a little bit of time to read some good books, but I have found it hard to squeeze in blogging as well. I'm hoping some trick will fix this hehe ;D Any comments or opinions would be VERY appreciated. Thank you! I hope to post soon :))

Daily Dose Monday (22)

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 :)

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Book review #59

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Rating: Five stars

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.

*I know this review is super late and you've read the same thing about a million times, so I'll try to make it short :)*

On the evening of August 24th, I rushed to Walmart to secure my copy of Mockingjay as soon as I could. I set aside the next couple of hours and became absorbed in the many adventures of Katniss and the gang.From then on I was put on a rocky roller coaster full of tears, frustrations, and finally relief. Mockingjay is most definitely a one sitting read so pick a comfortable spot and get ready to expect an action packed journey filled with love, loss, and conflicts along the way.

Although the action in Mockingjay was different than in the other two books, it was just as intense. Poor Katniss doesn’t get a break with nonstop action and battling. Although there isn’t another hunger games, Katniss is still not safe. The capital wants revenge.  Ultimately, you will become forced to choose whether you’re going to join the rebellion or fight with the capital.

You can also expect a lot of previous characters to make an appearance. Collin’s excels at further developing the characters allowing you to make empathize and connect with them. Over the course of the three books, I have had the pleasure of watching the characters grow and develop. I have become so attached to them - they have almost become family. For those of you who are on Team Gale, you are definitely in luck. Readers get a chance to see a lot more of Gale.  Devoted Team Peeta fans may need to reconsider whose side they are on.  As for Katniss, I can now officially call her one of my all time favorite heroines. Without out a doubt she is one daring, courageous character.

After reading the conclusion of the series, I quickly turned back a couple of chapters and relived the ending once again. Mockingjay will dominate your thoughts hours after turning through the last pages. The last couple of pages definitely have some wet spots where my tear drops landed. Mockingjay was a wonderful end to an amazing series. I can honestly say that The Hunger Games series is one of the best out there. If you haven't read them yet, then do yourself a favor and immediately get a copy of The Hunger Games in your possession.

-Most of this content was written for my school newspaper so I hope I didn't give away too many/any spoilers! :)

Updates, Explanations,and Opinions (please!)

Hi!
As most of you have noticed, I've been mostly absent in the blogging community. School is taking over most of my free time. But thankfully I have a five day weekend (Fall break) so I'm going to catch up on everything! Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with it. Life without blogging just doesn't feel right. I've still been reading though! My latest favorite was Tell Me a Secret which I absolutely loved! Ok so here comes the part where I really need some help. For my school newspaper I've landing a permanent spot for a book review. The newspaper comes out about every monthish. For the last issue (August-September) I reviewed Mockingjay since it had so much hype. My problem is coming up with a book to review for this month. It can be any book, preferably newly released, that has a lot of hype. It's going to be read by the whole high school, so maybe a book that would be read by a diverse audience. Any ideas are welcome! Thank you so much in advance! 

PS. It feels so amazing to post again :)
PSS I love you all! Thanks a million to everyone who hasn't unfollowed!

Winner of the What's Your Status Prize Pack!

The winner of a paperback copy of Top 8 and What's Your Status?  by Katie Finn is:

Bere from Suenos En La Luna

Congrats Bere! I'll be e-mailing you shortly :) Thanks a ton to everyone who entered. I'm so sorry for posting the winner so late! Top 8 and What's Your Status? are both wonderful books so if you didn't win, make sure you get your own copy :)

*Winner were chosen from Random.org.

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Book review #58

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Rating: Five stars

Summary:

Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.

She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.

Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?

 

I honestly have no idea where to begin. Twenty Boy Summer was one of my all time favorite books, so I was nervous that Fixing Delilah wouldn't be as good. Boy was I wrong. Fixing Delilah left me speechless, it's definitely going onto my favorite books list. Better yet I can confirm that Sarah Ockler is without a doubt an amazing author. She has a way to put all my favorite things into one book. Fixing Delilah had everything from romance, mystery, to family relationships.Ockler really knows how to balance everything creating the perfect blend.

 

Delilah has had a very rough year and to top it all off she's being forced to spend the summer in her old hometown to help plan for her grandmother's funeral. After both her grandparents died and with her aunt dead, she was only one of the three Hannafords left. Right after her grandfather died, her mother packed up and moved to Red Falls. Delilah never knew why she had to leave her hometown behind. Eight years later she's back and she's determined to uncover the truth. 

The characters were perfect. If wanted to pick characters to read about it I would chose this cast. There's Emily who is the nice outgoing good friend that Delilah's never had. Then there's the Hannaford sisters. Family is really important to me. I know all about crazy family secrets and sister rivalries. It was so refreshing to see family play such an important part in the book. I loved see how the siblings interacted with each other. Of course Patrick was my absolute favorite. Delilah and Patrick grew up together and now eight years later they realized they have feelings for each other. Childhood best friends turned lovers are just my type of romance :) It was so pure and real. Lastly there was Delilah herself. She has a had a tough time lately, transforming from a  good girl into who knows what. Her friendships are falling apart, her love life isn't any better, and to top it all off the family mystery is driving her crazy. But the moment she steps back into Red Falls everything changes...

 

Sarah Ockler sure does know how to write a love scene! The chemistry and interactions between the two can be compared to scenes written by Simone Elkeles and Jennifer Echols. It made those who haven't experienced those feelings longing to fall in love. Not only does she know how to write a love scene, but her writing over all is impeccable. There were so many memorable quotes and verses. The lines flew effortless almost off the page. I was so engrossed in what was going on, I had forgotten everything I had to do that day. Fixing Delilah became the number one thing on my mind.

 

I almost forgot about the setting of the book. Red Falls is even better than a summery beach town. It's small and a place I would love to spend my summer at. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I knew my way around town.

 

For those of you exciting for Fixing Delilah to be released, get even more excited! It definitely won't disappoint. Fans of Twenty Boy Summer are guaranteed to fall in love. Realism, coming of age, romance, and the added family tension makes this one unforgettable read. I'm anxiously awaiting for the release date as well, so I can get a copy of my own.