Blogging Goals for 2011!

It's time for my annual blogging goals of 2011 post, which means that not only is 2010 nearly over (Is it just me or has this year gone by extremely fast?), but I get to think deep about what I want to do in 2011 with my blog! So, bring on the goals!

1) Reply to emails in a more timely matter: I love getting emails. I love when someone takes the time to send me a message about something (Well, expect for spam but that's a given), especially when it's book related. But here's the truth: I'm awful at replying to emails, as I've learned over the past year. I let them pile up in my inbox for at least a month, and then I have to reply to a bunch of them all at once, which is never fun, trust me. So, this year that's not going to happen. When I get an email, I'm going to reply to it ASAP, if not sooner.

2) Comment on blogs more, especially when the person comments on my blog. Oh, and respond to comments on my blog as well: I love getting comments. I really do. They are like treasure when they land in my inbox, but me posting comments almost never happens, even though I love to comment on other people's blogs. It's probably because of school, but I'm not going to let that happened this year. I'm going to comment on blogs at least once a week, if not more. And if someone comments on my blog, I'm going to try my best to respond :)

3) Interview More Authors: One of my favorite parts about blogging is the fact that I get to have the chance to think of fun, interesting questions for authors whose books I love, but the thing is I don't do this nearly enough. So this year, I'm going to interview more authors, and best of all, I'm already working on this goal, as you'll see in January! :)

4) Get through my blog TBR pile: Last time I checked I have at least 122 books in my blog TBR pile, which just shouldn't be the case at all. So this year, I'm going to do my best to work through them all. Even if I get down to only 50 books, I'll be very happy.

5) Go to more author events: I love going to author events, especially when I've had the chance to talk to the author online before, but I don't go to them nearly as often as I would like, so this year I'm going to try to find more in PA to go to. And going along with this, I want to meet an actual blogger in person this year. I've been blogging for nearly three years, and I still haven't, which I find kind of sad. lol

6) Be More Outgoing: I love to talk, especially about bookish things, but I tend to be kind of shy at times. So, this year I'm going to make more of an effort to get to know some more of my fellow bloggers better on twitter and such! :)

7) Actually accomplish my 2011 goals and finish the challenges I'm doing by the end of 2011: Is it sad that I don't even remember what my goals and challenges were last year because I kind of think it is. So, this year I'm going to finish all my challenges and accomplish my goals!

Add-On:

8) Have Fun: I stress out about stuff way more than I should (with blogging and life in general) so this year I want to be more stress free. I want to relax and have fun! :)

In all, those are my blogging goals for 2011! I think I've thought up a fair and manageable amount, don't you?

Though, enough about me, what are some of your goals (personal, blogging/etc.) for 2011? Are any of them similar to mine? Let me know in the comments! :)

Challenges for 2011!

Here's the list of the challenges I'll be participating in during 2011.

I plan to keep track of them here, and I've also created "shelves" on Goodreads to help me as well.

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 2011 Debut Author Challenge

This one is hosted by the lovely Kristi at The Story Siren (her blog is the BEST, by the way!). For this one, I have to read at least 12 books by the many 2011 debut authors, which should be really easy for me. :)

Anyhow, I'll be keeping track of them through the list below, as well as this shelf on goodreads.

1) Human. 4 by Mike A. Lancaster
2) The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

 

Lastly, I've read a number of really great 2011 debuts already, and while they don't count for the challenge, I thought I would still list them below.

• Awaken
• Darkness Becomes Her
• Across the Universe
• Choker
• The False Princess
• The Lipstick Laws
• The Liar Society
• Here Lies Bridget
• Unearthly
• Angelfire
• Wither

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YA Historical Fiction Challenge

Sab at YA Bliss is hosting this one. There are 3 levels (each with a different book total) and the one I'll be doing is Level 2 which is to read 10 YA HF books in 2011.

I'll be keeping track of them through the list below, as well as this shelf on goodreads.

1)

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2011 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge

This is hosted by Jennifer at Reading with Tequila. For this one, there's a HUGE list of recommend books that each participant is to choose books from to read. This one also has several different levels. The one I'll be doing is Level II where you have to read 10 books.

I'll be keeping track of them through the list below, as well as this shelf on goodreads.

1)

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And that concludes my list of challenges for 2011. While I didn't choose a lot of challenges this year, the ones I have chosen look like they are going to be a bunch of fun! So be sure to check back as 2011 progresses to see how I've done.

Though, enough about me, what challenges are YOU participating in this year? Any of the ones I am? Did I miss any really awesome ones?  Let me know in the comments!

12 Books of '11 To Keep An Eye Out For!

In the past few months, I've had the chance to read several upcoming '11 books. All of them have been fantastic in their own ways, so I thought I would dedicate a post to 12 books to be excited for! So, without a further ado, here they are...

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky: Awaken  is a story of a future society that's addicted to computers (to a point where they barley interact face to face anymore), but can Maddie and her friends bring this system down? This book is one of the most haunting and memorable dystopian titles I've read. I loved the characters and premise Ms. Kacvinsky had in this; she's one author to keep an eye out for, no doubt about it.

Buy this one May 23rd 2011!

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker: I read this book back in late August, nearly a year before its publication, and let me tell you, I tend to still think back to it to this day because Melissa Walker has created such a fantastic story within this one... a story about religion, first love, and what ties people together.

Buy this one on July 19th 2011!

Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton: This book is haunting, dark, romantic, and nearly flawless! I read it one sitting and could barley put it down for even a second, which nearly never happens. Words of advice? If you love YA, get this book because it one of those rare books that shows just how incredible YA can be!

Buy this one February 22nd 2011!

Across the Universe by Beth Revis: Yet another incredible book! Revis' sets up an extremely enticing and unique premise in this one...one that's pure gold in my eyes and makes me eager to read the next additions of Elder and Amy's journey through space!

Buy this one January 11th 2011!

Drought by Pam Bachorz: In Drought, Pam Bachorz is back with yet another memorable and haunting story of one girl's struggle to break away from the future she's destined to. Look for a review, as well as interview with Pam, coming soon!

Buy this one January 25th 2011!

Choker by Elizabeth Woods: If you're a regular reader of my blog, you may know I reviewed this book a few weeks ago, but let me reiterate once again just how mind blowing and amazing this book is! If you do one thing this upcoming January, buy this book!

Buy this one January 4th 2011!

Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell: An adorable, heart-warming coming of age story that will leave any reader with a smile on their face by the end!

Buy this one March 22nd 2011!

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder: If you loved the movie Mean Girls, you'll love this book even more because not only does it involve mean girls, but it's funny, charming, and addicting! Can't wait to see what Ms. Holder comes up with next! Even better, Amy is a fellow PA resident like yours truly and she sent me cool swag a while back. But that doesn't make me biased at all. ;)

Buy this one April 4th 2011!

Will Work for Prom Dress by Aimee Ferris: Looking for a cute, funny prom read? Well, look no further because this is the book for you!

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg: While this has been available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble for the last week or so, the official release date is January 1, 2011. Anyhow, this book is yet another great one by Ms. Eulberg because not only is it witty and charming, but it's a take of off Pride and Prejudice.

Buy this book January 1st 2011!

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand: Angels and romance? What's not to love about this one? Check out my review here.

Buy this book January 4th 2011! Though, I've already seen it a few stores already! :)

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker: When I first set down to read this book yesterday, I only expected to read a few pages and then put it down until it was closer to its March release date, but before I knew it I was hooked. Wit, romance, suspense, and action- this book has it all! I seriously can't express in words just how much I LOVED this book. Lisa and Laura? You've kind of created a fan-girl in me with this one. :) (Cover shown is not the final one)

Buy this book March 1st 2011!

In all, that includes this list. Final words: If these books are any indication of how great the books will be in 2011, I can't wait to read more, more, and more! :)

Questions for you: What books are you looking forward to reading in 2011? Any of the ones featured above? And if you've had the chance to read any '11 books so far, which ones do you suggest? Let me know in the comments! :)

Check back tomorrow to see my blogging goals for 2011, as well as the challenges I'll be participating in!

My Favorite Books of 2010: Part 2!

Yesterday you saw and read about ten out of twenty of my favorite reads, and today I'll be talking abut the rest. So, let's get to it...

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder (Review not yet posted): It took me a while to give this book a chance but once I did I was hooked from start to finish. This is dystopian lit in its finest and Maria V. Snyder is one superb author. I can only hope the sequel (coming in 2011) will be as great if not more.

Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst: Sarah Beth Durst's storytelling was first introduced to me in the spectacular Ice and it was brought back in full force once again in Enchanted Ivy. This is one book that will manage to have readers entwined in the story from the very first page to the very last.

The Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb: At least once a year, I find one adult novel I absolutely love (last year's was Best Friends Forever) and this years was this one. This is a ghost story about one girl's quest to find love and happiness.

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead (No review available at this time): Just like this list wouldn't be complete without out one Summers' book, it would also not be complete without a book by Ms. Mead. Last Sacrifice was a fantastic end to one of my favorite series...a story I'm thinking of even though it's been several weeks since I finished it.

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody: I first discovered Ms. Brody's talent of spinning a unique and interesting tales in The Fidelity Files, and with The Karma Club she does this once again, while also establishing herself in the YA market as one to keep an eye out for. This is a fun, feel-good novel about karma, love, and friendship.

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs: I adore mermaid stories so it's only a give to say I loved this one with all my heart. Tera introduced a fabulous setting, characters, and premise in this one, and I can't wait to revisit it in the upcoming sequel, Fins are Forever.

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur: Out of all the YA books out there very few are about college life, something I'll be experiencing in just a few short years, but with The Ivy Kunze and Onur not only give you all the scoop but bring to life a school everyone has at least heard about once-Harvard. This is a humorous, realistic, and enjoyable book, and I simply can't wait to read the sequels to it!

My Double Life by Janette Rallison: Janette Rallison is one to have heartfelt and enjoyable stories about life, love, and happiness and My Double Life is yet another one by her. Reading this book is one great way to spend your afternoon, as you'll only be left with one big goofy smile on your face by the end.

Salvaged by Stefne Miller: I'll leave you in on a little secret of mine: I'm not really one to read Christian based stories. I mean, I believe in god but I'm not the church-going sort one so bit. But Salvaged is so much more than a christian based story. Instead this is a story about all the different parts of life and learning to believe in yourself even when you feel like you just can't. Salvaged/ Stefne Miller is one book/author that doesn't get nearly as much publicity as it should and I really hope that changes soon.

Honorable Mentions:

Allison van Diepen's "Oracle" Series
Meg Cabot's Runaway and Insatiable
Mara Purnhagen's Tagged
Sara Shepard's The Lying Game
Brenda Pandos' The Sapphire Talisman
Melissa Francis' Love Sucks!
Andrea Cremer's Nightshade

And many, many more!

In all, that concludes my Favorite Books of 2010 list. And to end this, I would like to thank all the amazing authors out there who provide all of theYA/adult fiction fanatics, like myself, with such fantastic books year after year.

Question for you: What are some of your favorite books of 2010? Any of the ones I listed above? Let me know in the comments!

And look for my 11 Reads of '11 to Keep an Eye Out For list coming tomorrow.

My Favorite Books of 2010: Part 1!

In my opinion, one of the hardest parts of the year is picking my absolute favorite books I've read. I mean, I read a lot of books (Over 212 this year!) and almost every single one is fantastic in its own ways, but I've decided to do the impossible and post a list of my 20 favorite books of the year, along with a little snippet about each. They will be separated into two lists (the second part will be posted tomorrow) and are in no particular order.

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce: Jackson Pearce proved to be an author to lookout for with her 09' debut As You Wish and in Sisters Red she's back and better than ever before. This book has romance, kick-butt main characters, amazing world building and a fantastic take on Little Red Riding Hood! Simply one of the best of the year!

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus: Let's admit it: There's a lot of paranormal books out there these days, and only very few are five-star material. Luckily, Shadow Hills is one of them. This book is intriguing, fun, and leaves you craving for more. My wish? Anastasia will have a chance to revisit these characters in the next year or so!

Mostly Good Girls by Lelia Sales: I like funny aspects in my books, and luckily enough for Lelia Sales, Mostly Good Girls definitely delivers on that! Furthermore, this book has one of the most realistic portrayals of teen friendship, as well as teen life in general, I've ever seen in a teen novel! Lelia, you NEED to write another book ASAP!

Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly: If Mostly Good Girls has one of the most realistic portrayals of teen friendship of the year, then this book has one of the most realistic portrayals of a girl living with Asperger’s. This is a debut that will have any reader laughing, smiling, and grabbing at a box of tissues with tears in their eyes by the end! Tara Kelly is simply an amazing author.

Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers: This list simply wouldn't be complete without the yearly Courtney Summers' book. Courtney Summers is one of my favorite authors in the world, and with Fall For Anything she reminds me once again why I fall in love with her characters and her writing time and time again. The emotions she especially makes me feel with this one left me emotionally drained at times! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next, and if you haven't tread a Summers' book yet, what are you waiting for?

Life, After by Sarah Darer Littman: Sarah Littman first caught my eye with her second novel Purge, and with Life, After, she's officially be added to my list of favorite authors, because with this novel she provides a heartbreaking, touching, and well-written tale of one girl facing the saddest parts of life- tragedies, terrorism, and coping, as well as the happiest parts of life- love, friendship, strength, and hope. Plus, it has one of my favorite lines ever! What is it, you may ask? Well, click on the link and go to my review to see. :)

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour introduces not only one of the most memorable road-trip books I've read, but the lovely Morgan Matson as one author to be on the look out for. This book is the perfect mix of romance and finding yourself on one of the most epic detours of all time! Buy this book! I promise you won't regret it! :)

Grace by Elizabeth Scott: Grace is one of the most eye-opening and captivating books about life and death and what lies between each. If readers already didn't realize what a gem Elizabeth is to the YA literary world, they are sure to after this one.

Bitter Melon (Review not yet posted) by Cara Chow: With Bitter Melon Cara shows her unique and memorizing talent of spinning words in a way that you can't help but get entranced by them. Bitter Melon is an incredible, touching, and inspirational story of one girl's fight to become the person she wants to be rather then the one who mother wants her to become. Final Words: I can't wait to read more by Ms. Chow!

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June by Robin Benway: Prior to reading this, I hadn't read any books by Ms. Benway, though I had been hearing for months how great of a writer she is. Luckily enough, The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June showed this and much more. This is a book of the magic that ties sister together; highly, highly recommended.

End of part one!

So, are any of the books listed above one of your favorites of 2010? Any you're looking forward to reading in the coming year? And what are some of you favorite books of 2010 that are listed above? Let me know in the comments, and come back to see part two tomorrow!

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

The non-stop sequel to The Dark Divine delivers an even hotter romance and more thrilling action than Bree Despain's first novel. Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She gave her soul to the wolf to save him and lost her beloved brother. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel begins to crumble. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace becomes prideful in her new abilities - not realizing that an old enemy has returned and deadly trap is about to be sprung. Readers, ravenous for more Grace and Daniel, will be itching to sink their teeth into The Lost Saint.

Review:

If you thought The Dark Divine was fantastic fun, well, just wait until you read The Lost Saint because not only are some of your favorite characters back in style, but their story proves to be even more exciting, chaotic, and romantic than ever before!

The Lost Saint starts a few months after The Dark Divine ended, and Grace's life is nothing like it was before. For one, she's dealing with the side affects that came with sacrificing her soul to cure the beautiful and dreamy Daniel Kalbi...side affects that mean learning about the inner wolf inside of her to dealing with the fact that her brother will probably never be coming back. Though, at least she has Daniel, the guy who manages to be there for her time after time in ways that her family and former friends can't. But when Daniel starts to hide secrets from Grace everything begins to change for the worse once again. Can Grace save the day once again? Also, will Grace fall to the charm of newcomer Talbot, or will she end up with Daniel once again? Only time will tell in this action-packed of a sequel!

One of my favorite parts about the prequel was characters and the same thing applied to the sequel as well! I loved finding out more about Daniel and Grace's story, as I'm sure most other Dark Divine fans will. Adding this, I always liked the way Daniel and Grace managed to grown throughout this arc of the story. For one, Grace becomes an even stronger person in this novel, and even though she made a few mistakes in The Lost Saint, she still manages to learn from them and move on. In this addition, Daniel become even more mysterious, but that aspect always had me on the edge of my seat, eager to find out more about him and his many secrets. Best of all, I adored the relationship between Daniel and Grace, because not only are their interactions cute to read about, but I love the fact that there are not the "stereotypical YA couple". Instead they have their good AND bad just like real couples do.

Another high point of The Lost Saint was the action-packed plot. I loved the way it always kept me on the tip of toes with all the twists, turns, and revelations that kept occurring with every chapter. I especially liked all the new characters Bree introduced in this to keep the plot moving in a fun and fast pace.

In all, Bree Despain yet again proves her worth as a paranormal YA writer in the romantic and suspenseful The Lost Saint. This is a read that I highly recommend you pick up, but word of warning, after you finish the last chapter, you'll be clamoring for yet another addition!

Grade: A+

The Lost Saint will be released December 28, 2010!

Source: Goodman Media. Thanks, Jenny!

In My Mailbox (102)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

First off, I hope all of you who celebrate Christmas had a great one! I certainly did. I love all the presents I got and it was so great to be able to see some of my family I don't usually get to see. But anyhow, let's get to what I received this week...

For Review:

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg (I adored Elizabeth's debut novel The Lonely Hearts Club so I'm really looking forward to this one. Oh, and look for a spectacular giveaway for a copy or two coming in '11!)

From Contest:

Signed copy of Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer + Bookmarks (I won this in a contest on Sara's site, and I can't wait to read it! It sounds like it will be incredible!)

From Netgalley:

Outside In by Maria V. Snyder (I read the prequel to this (Inside Out- Review coming soon!) a couple of days ago and absolutely LOVED it, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what's next for Trella and the gang in this one!)

Christmas Presents:

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (My mom is awesome and bought this for me, and let me tell you, I CAN'T wait to start it! I've heard so many FANTASTIC things about it so I'm really hoping it lives up to all the hype.)

Seasons 1, 2, and 3 of Bones (I recently discovered this show and fell in love with it instantly (Are any of you out there fans as well?) so I'm really excited about catching up on previous episodes. Much thanks goes to my Mom and my Step dad for this one as well!)

The Rocky Horror Glee Show CD (TRHGS is one of my favorite episodes of Glee mostly because I loved the music from it so I'm so glad I got this!)
Glee Calender (I know, I'm a dweeb ;)

I also got a pair of new UGGs (I'm wearing them as I type this up :), some Nook accessories, and a bunch of clothes/cash/giftcards but I won't bore you all with that.

So, what did you get this week? Anything exciting? Let me know in the comments!

Winners + Other News!

Hi everyone!

First of all, for those of you who celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a fantastic Christmas Eve! For those of you who don't, I hope you have a fantastic day! :)

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Winners:

I recently picked the winner for my Hollywood Ending Giveaway, as well as my Hunger Giveaway.

The winner of Hunger is Tanya!

The winner of Hollywood Ending is Jessica!

Congrats both of you! I hope each of you enjoy the book you have won!

For those of you who didn't win, I have two AMAZING contest going on right now. To find out more about them, look to the top of my right sidebar!

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Blog Related News:

With 2010 coming to a close, I will be posting several end-of-the-year posts, such as "My Favorite Books of 2010", "11 Releases to Look Forward to in '11", the results of the challenges I participated in this year, which ones I'll be participating in next year, as well as some other things. There may even be a huge giveaway posted. *hint hint* So, look for that coming within the next week or so! :)

Also, for those of you who asked for a Nook review, it will be coming shortly as well! The last couple of weeks have been hectic with the holidays and all but have no worries because it will be here shortly.

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Book Related News:

I was asked by Katrina at Wiredset to alert you of several holiday-bundle romance deals HarperCollins is having for the holidays.

• $9.99 Queen of Babble Bundle with Bonus Material by Meg Cabot (Links: Barnes and Noble/Amazon)
• $14.99 The Untamed Bride Plus Two Full Novels and Bonus Material by Stephanie Laurens (Links: Barnes and Noble/Amazon)
• $9.99 The Accidental Vampire Plus Vampires Are Forever and Bonus Material (Links: Barnes and Noble/Amazon)
• $1.99 Storming the Castle: An Original Short Story with Bonus Content (Links: Barnes and Noble/Amazon)

I hope the romance fans of my blog will take advantage of these deals. I personally suggest the Queen of Babble Bundle because that is seriously one of Meg Cabot's BEST series to date, and the price is GREAT! :)

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Talk to you all soon!

Giveaway for Lauren DeStefano's Wither!

*Sidenote: THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION*

Because I have an extra ARC of Wither, I've decided to giveaway my copy as a way to say happy holidays and thank you to all my loyal readers!

While I haven't had the chance to read it yet, I've heard it's AMAZING! So, want to know more about it? Here's the summary:

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

Still not sold? You can read the first chapter here.

To enter, please out the following form.

Other Info:

~ This contest is open to ages 13 or older.
~ This contest is open internationally.
~ The winner will be chosen on December 31, 2010!

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER.*

Waiting on Wednesday (98)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking The Spine.

The Implosion of Aggie Winchester by Lara Zielin
(August 4, 2011!)

Is Aggie’s high school ready for a pregnant Goth Prom Queen?

Sixteen year-old Aggie Winchester couldn’t care less about who’s elected prom queen—even if it’s her pregnant Goth-girl best friend, Sylvia Ness. Aggie’s got bigger things to worry about, like whether or not her ex-boyfriend wants to get back together and whether her mom will survive cancer.

But like it or not, Aggie, soon finds herself in the middle of an unfolding prom scandal, largely because her mom, who is the school’s principal, is rumored to have burned prom ballots so Sylvia won’t be elected queen. Compelled to investigate, Aggie finds out more than she bargained for and wonders if the election could be dirty on both sides.

I absolutely loved Lara Zielin's debut novel Donut Days becasue it was the perfect mix of light and serious topics. So, ever since I first heard about this one, I've been dying to read it! It sounds like it's going to be amazing and touching! Plus, I love the cover.

Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

From the author of Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are comes a gripping story about one girl’s search for clues into the mysterious death of her father.

When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?

Review:

Fall For Anything...I don't know even where to begin with this review, which nearly never happens. Though, this is a book by Courtney Summers, one of the most brilliant and amazing authors out there, so what else should I expect?

As long time readers of my blog may know, I LOVED Courtney's debut Cracked Up to Be and enjoyed her second novel Some Girls Are nearly as much. And her third one-Fall For Anything? Well, surprisingly enough, it was even better than Cracked Up to Be!

Fall for Anything is a honest and gritty portrayal of teen life, one that's so messed up but yet so true and well written that you can't help but get lost in the world of Eddie Reeve.

Fall For Anything begins shortly after Eddie's beloved and famous dad has committed suicide. As most teens would be, Eddie is a mess and only has questions about why her dad would commit suicide. He was an amazing painter, had a loving family, and had a daughter that he always seemed proud of, so why would someone who he had all that and more feel so lost in the world? Eager for answers to her questions, Eddie is happy when she meets Culler Evans, a fellow painter and student of her father's, one who's charming and cute, one who may just have the answers she doesn't. Soon enough, Eddie is on the path to finding out why her father left the world, but is Culler everything he appears to be, and more importantly is Eddie loosing herself through this? Only time will tell in this fantastic book that's sure to have nearly any reader turning the pages, eager to find out more.

Eddie. There's so much to say just about this one girl. For example, I never really liked Eddie all that much. I thought she was self-absorbed and way to impulsive- in all ways not a likable character. Though, that never stopped me from being completely enthralled in her story and from just being completely fascinated by her and her decisions. I especially loved how Courtney made Eddie's emotions so vivid and real, ones that any teen could really relate to if they've gone through something similar.

One of my favorite parts of this story was the relationships Eddie had with different people in it. For example, her one with Culler was fascinating and always had me on the edge of my seat, really, really curious to see what would come next. I also loved reading about her complicated friendship with Milo. Milo was without a doubt my favorite main character in this. He was likable, very real, and sweet, and to be even more honest, he was way too good for Eddie at times. But that never stopped me from having their scenes together be some of my favorites. Lastly, I loved seeing the parent-child relationships as well, from Eddie and her mom to the one she had with her dad each were three dimensional and well-done.

Furthermore, I think it goes without saying that Summers writing was amazing as per usual. As always, I loved the emotions she brings about in me with her characters, and the unique and forever twisted plot lines she introduces throughout. I don't think there was one moment where I truly knew how this was going to end until, well, the end.

In all, Fall For Anything is a lot of things including brilliant, sad, funny, honest, and true to name a few. So I beg you to buy this book once its released, to read and love it, to be completely fascinated in it in a way you aren't with most books, and to become a fan of Courtney Summers. I promise you you'll never once regret it.

Though, word of warning, if you're like me, you'll be thinking about this novels, days (and weeks even) after you've finished it.

Grade: A+

Fall For Anything is now out!

Source: Author/Publisher. Thanks, Courtney/St. Martin's Griffin! You guys rock. :)

Book Trailer:

Guest Post by Wayne Josephson + Giveaway!

Readable Classics – Helping Teens Appreciate Great Literature

by Wayne Josephson

When I was in high school, I was assigned Moby Dick and The Scarlet Letter in English. I glazed over them, slammed the books in frustration, read CliffNotes instead, and got C’s on the exams.

Last year, history repeated itself when my 10th grade son was assigned The Scarlet Letter. He moaned and groaned and went online to SparkNotes. It was time to break the cycle.

Since I was now a published author, I decided to gently edit The Scarlet Letter to flow more smoothly and make it less frustrating. It still felt like the original because, essentially, it still was the original, retaining Nathaniel Hawthorne’s voice—I just made it more readable.

My son read my version alongside the original, chapter by chapter, and was able to understand and appreciate it. He got an A on the exam.

But something happened to me. I realized that I absolutely loved The Scarlet Letter. It was stunning, powerful, and beautiful. I finally realized why it has been continuously published for 150 years—the book is important. Hester Prynne was the very first female hero in American literature. Prior to that, they had all been men. That is unimaginable today.

I noticed that Nathaniel Hawthorne had dedicated his book to Herman Melville. I did some research and learned that they were best friends. Likewise, Melville dedicated Moby Dick to Hawthorne.

I decided to take the plunge and tackle my nemesis, the White Whale. As I gently edited Moby Dick, plowing through the murky, arcane language, I discovered that it was much more than a whale tale—it was an amazing, often humorous, satire about life, death, and religion.

I knew I had to share my excitement with others, so I published these two books.

Readable Classics was born.

The reviews on Amazon are glowing—even the literary purists like them. And students are ecstatic.

I gently edited Pride and Prejudice, the first novel to challenge the ridiculous notion that women were second-class citizens. As a result, I fell in love with Jane Austen. I recently published a mashup, Emma and the Vampires, with the intent of introducing Jane Austen to young adult readers in a friendly way, laced with Twilight-type vampires.

Then I edited Jane Eyre. It is the best book I have ever read, hands down. It was the first English novel in which a woman was the hero. Women couldn’t publish books in 1847, so Charlotte Bronte mailed one chapter a week to the London Sunday paper under a man’s pseudonym, Currer Bell. It was an instant sensation.

Jane Eyre is the spellbinding journey of a poor orphan girl who overcomes cruelty, loneliness, starvation, and heartbreak on her quest to find independence as a woman. It is the story of every woman who struggles for equality and dignity in a society that wants to deny her those rights—as true in Victorian England as it is today. It is one of the most important books ever written, and compulsively readable. You simply cannot put it down.

I have just published The Odyssey—the first novel ever written, 2800 years ago, a timeless story of intrigue and adventure. And I am currently working on The Red Badge of Courage—the first novel to portray war as ugly and violent and real, not dreamy and idealistic.

So many firsts—the classics have become classics because they are, in many ways, the first of their kind. They have opened up a whole new world to me, and I am grateful that I am finally able to understand and appreciate these great works of literature.

My work is challenging, enjoyable and satisfying. But the best part about writing Readable Classics? Students and adults have told me that my books have helped them overcome their fear of the classics. And that is the most rewarding part of all.

~~~

Thanks, Wayne.

Now for the giveaway....

Wayne is offering up ONE copy of one of his Readable Classics books for ONE winner. The winner will choose which book they would like out of the following:

• The Scarlet Letter
• Jane Erye
• Pride and Prejudce
• The Odyssey
• Moby Dick

You can find out more about each book here.

To enter, please fill out the following form.

Also, here are the official rules.

• The contest is open internationally!
• This contest will close on January 3, 2011.
• This contest is open to readers 13 or older.

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER.*

In My Mailbox (101)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

For Review:

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane (This is the first in a series is about the young Sherlock Holmes, and I can't wait to read it. Thanks, Ksenia!)

Won From A Life Bound by Books:

Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl + bookmark

From Shelf Awareness Ad:

The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern (This one looks SO GOOD! Thanks, HarperCollins!)

In all, a small but great week! Though, enough about me what did you get this week? Anything exciting? Let me know in the comments! :)