12-27-2011

Wow this week's book vlog is going to be great. Also working on a new music video- don't know when that will be done and another music video. So this is just a short post saying i'm busy and im reading my head off :)

Lexicon Vlog #3

enjoy and merry christmas!

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Run's January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012.

The Rules:

• Anyone can join.
• You don't need a blog to participate.
• Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post on Jamie's blog.
• Audio, eBooks, paper, re-reads all count.
• 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.

There are four levels:

1. The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
2. The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels.
3. The Jumbo Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 40 Young Adult novels.
4. The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels.

I'm going for the 50+ Mega size :) since I pretty much read ya novels :) The list will be on another page... :)

Speculative Fiction Challenge 2012!

Another Challenge YAY! I'll make my list soon!

This is a challenge that has been passed around a bit. In 2012, BaffledBooks 2.0 will be taking over hosting the Speculative Fiction Challenge which was created by Carolyn at Book Chick City and then passed on to Amanda at Floor to Ceiling Books. It’s found it 2012 home here with us and I’m so, so excited!
I (Lisa, by the way) am doing my thesis on Science Fiction as a thought experiment, focusing on artifical intelligence (robots basically). This means that my reading pile has had a lot of speculative fiction added to it lately and what better way to make the most of my limited reading time than to host a speculative fiction challenge!
Sign Up
Anyone can join, blog or not, you just need somewhere to post your reviews to share with the world. If you have a blog, a post about the challenge would be nice!
Just add your details to the linky below to sign up.
I’ve made a couple of buttons and have modified the traditional challenge button for this year. Feel free to put them in your sidebar and use them in your review posts! Just save the image of your choice to your computer first please!
Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012. You can sign up from now right up until 31 Nov 2012.
Rules: The levels are back this year! Just pick your level and declare it in your post or in the comments below:

• Nosey: 3 novels
• Excited: 6 novels
• Content: 12 novels
• In Nirvana: 24 novels
• Obsessed: 48 novels

There is no need to list your books now (unless you are like me and love making lists), just pick as you go along and have fun! Books can most definitely be counted towards other challenges.
I will post a monthly link up for you to share your reviews. There are no prizes other that a sense of satisfaction at reaching your goal (*interpretation* We are broke college students with no sneakily awesome publishing contacts).
Any book format (ebook, print, audio) counts!
And because it can sometimes get a bit confusing (from Carolyns original post), Genres:

• Science Fiction: hard/soft SF, cyberpunk, time travel, alternative history, space opera
• Fantasy Fiction: dark fantasy, urban fantasy, magic realism, quest, mythical fantasy, steampunk
• Horror Fiction: paranormal, gothic literature, splatterpunk
• Supernatural Fiction
• Superhero Fiction
• Utopian and Dystopian Fiction
• Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction

Buttons (Click to make them bigger):

Lexicon Vlog #2

Well Hello there! Please Subscribe, Comment, and Rate!

2012 Paranormal Romance Reading Challenge

The 2012 Paranormal Romance Reading Challenge is hosted by Tales from the Crypt. All you have to do is read books in the paranormal romance genre!
Rules:

• Starts January 1, 2012 and ends December 31, 2012
• Anyone can join
• You don’t have to have a blog to participate.
• Non-Bloggers feel free to share your list of books in the comment section of the monthly link up post.
• Reviews though not required are always nice.
• Audio, E-books, Bound and re-reads all count
• There is no need to come up with your list of books in advance.
• Challenge crossovers ok
• Create a sign up post and link up in the linky ON THE HOST’S BLOG.

Levels:
Level 1 – Read 1-5 Paranormal Romances
Level 2 – Read 6-10 Paranormal Romances
Level 3 – Read 11-20 Paranormal Romances
Level 4 – Read 21+ Paranormal Romances

I'm going for level 2 lol I think I can do 6-10 lol

Reading the 2011 Award Winners Book Challenge

Goal

Read books that WON a Book Award during 2011.

Duration
Jan. 1, 2011 - Dec 31, 2012
Summary
There always seem to be controversy over some of the choices for winners of some of the major book awards - so let's hear what you have to say! Pick some award winning books, read them, and then we'll talk about it. Book awards have many different categories - so feel free to pick books from any (or all) of them. Every month I will post a recap of the books that I (and anyone else who wants to participate) reads and reviews.

Reading the 2011 Award Winners Book Challenge

If you Do want to participate: Choose the level you wish to participate at.

Level 1 - Gold - Read 10+ books
Level 2 - Silver - Read 6 - 9 books
Level 3 - Bronze Read 1-5 books

* Link to your "commitment" post in the comments below (you don't have to choose your books in advance). If you don't have a blog, just leave a comment letting us know which level you'll be participating at.
* While you don't have to have a blog, your book review must be published online somewhere (e.g. Goodreads, Amazon, Shelfari), so that I can link to it in the monthly progress post.
* Remember, the book must have won a book award in 2011 - and you can have read it/ reviewed it anytime during 2011 or 2012.

Here's a list of a few Literary Awards to get you started on selecting your books.

• National Book Critics Awards
• Pulitzer Prize
• Edgar Awards
• Commonwealth Writers Prize
• Orange Prize
• Hugo Awards
• Man Booker Prize
• National Book Awards
• ALA Alex Awards

My list is:
 1. Caught by Harlan Coben
2. Faithful Place by Tana French
3. I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman
4. The Haunting of Charles Dickens by Lewis Buzbee
5. 7 Souls by Barnabas Miller and Jordan Orlando
6. Dust City by Robert Paul Weston
7. Live to Tell by Wendy Corsi Staub
8. The Radleys by Matt Haig
9. The Reapers Are the Angels: A Novel by Alden Bell
10. Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis

so I'm going for GOLD!

•  

2012 "Bucket List" Book Reading Challenge

2012 "Bucket List" Book Reading Challenge

The 2012 "Bucket List" Reading Challenge is the challenge to sign up for if YOU have a list of books that you are dying to read but just haven't gotten to them yet. The rules are simple for this challenge and I've also included a couple of sample "Bucket" Lists to provide a good starting point. NOTE: The link titled "Bucket List" Books is a list that I created and if you would like to add books to that list I encourage you to.

Rules:

1. Challenge starts on January 1, 2012 and goes until December 31, 2012.

2. You don't need a blog to participate.

3. Create a "sign up" post and link to the linky below.

4. There are 4 levels to this challenge....

a. The Mini Cooper level - 4 "bucket" list books
b. The Mid-sized Sedan level - 8 "bucket" list books
c. The Pick Up level - 12 "bucket" list books
d. The Semi level - 13 or more "bucket" list books

NOTE: I am adding a stipulation to this challenge. If you originally decided to start small with the Mini Cooper level and decide to upgrade that is fine. But once you decide to go big you can NOT downgrade.

5. Each month a review link will be posted. Please feel free to link up your reviews where ever you happen to post them...your blog, goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

Sample "Bucket" Lists:

YAReads
"Bucket List" Books

 

 

I'm going for Semi since I live for reading!

 

My list:
1. Matched - Ally Condie

2. Blood Promise - Richelle Mead

3. Delirium - Lauren Oliver

4. Road Kill - Rob Thurman

5. Black Out - Rob Thurman 

6. Crossed - Ally Condie

7. Airborn - Kenneth Oppel

8. Red Glove - Holly Black

9. Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

10.  The Body Finder - Kimberly Derting

11. Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater

12. Meg Cabot - Abandon

13.  Pillage - Obert Skye

 

I might change a few of these but thats it so far!

 

Sign-Up: 100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012!

Sign Up

To sign up you MUST make a post on your blog about participating in the challenge - you then use the DIRECT URL of the post to sign up to the challenge by adding it to Mr Linky below. DO NOT just add your blog URL - this will be deleted.

You must add the button to your sidebar - make sure that it links back to this post so others can join the challenge if they wish. Easiest way to do this is to copy and paste the code displayed below!

Grab the Button!

<center><a href="http://www.bookchickcity.com/2011/12/sign-up-100-books-in-year-reading.html"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6445247409_9ac04ea932_m.jpg" /></a></center>

Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012

• Rules: Read 100+ books in 2012 (any genre)

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.

• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.

• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.

• Only fiction, no non-fiction.

• This challenge can crossover to other challenges.

• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)

Please add your DIRECT URL link, not just your blog link. If you have trouble adding your URL link below, just fill out the form above and I will add it for you.

 

--------------------------------------

The first challenge I'm joining for the next coming up year! YAY for 2012!

Book Review Vid 12-7-2011 (Week #1)

ok the new book vlog review!

Mercedes Lackey :: Collegium Chronicles



Mercedes Lackey: Valdemar: Collegium Chronicles

Foundation. Book One.

The long-awaited brand new novel in the bestselling Valdemar series. In this chronicle of the early history of Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey’s bestselling world, a thirteenyear- old orphan named Magpie escapes a life of slavery in the gem mines when he is chosen by one of the magical Companion horses of Valdemar to be trained as a Herald. Thrust into the center of a legend in the making, Magpie discovers talents he never knew he had—and witnesses the founding of the great Heralds’ Collegium. From Shelfari

Intrigues. Book Two.
You would think that everything would have settled down for Mags at the Collegium. After all, he had been there for half a year, and by now things should have sorted out into a routine.
But nothing is ever simple where the Collegia are concerned. Bear's parents want him to "stop wasting the Healers' Collegium's time" and demand he return home. Lena's father Bard Marchand, turns up, and sends her into a tailspin. The Foreseers have had a vision of the King covered in blood, and all the signs point to Mags being involved! He finally uncovers some scant information about his parents, and they are not what he thought they were. And old enemies have not given up.... From Shelfari

Changes. Book Three.
In Mercedes Lackey's classic coming-of-age story, the orphan Magpie pursues his quest for his parent's identity with burning urgency-while also discovering another hidden talent and being trained by the King's Own Herald as an undercover agent for Valdemar. Shy Bardic Trainee Lena has to face her famous but uncaring father, one of Valdemar's most renowned Bards. And Healing Trainee Bear must struggle against his disapproving parents, who are pressuring Bear to quit the Healers' Collegium because he lacks the magical Healing Gift.

Each of the three friends must face his or her demons and find their true strength as they seek to become the full Heralds, Bards, and Healers of Valdemar. From Amazon.


I love this Series, horses that aren't horses at all- kids that are more than just kids with powers. Mercedes Lackey is my hero with this series... Another series I love of hers is Arrows of the Queen which takes place in this world of Valdemar- In the future I will be reading more of her books... the only downer of these books are that some of the characters have really weird talking grammer and such but you get use to it! I recommed this series to any reading into fantasy... horses... or kids with powers... or just someone looking for something else to read!

Keeper of the Winds

Book:
Jenna Solitaire - Keeper of the Winds

My name is Jenna Solitaire and everything I thought I knew about myself, my family, and my future is wrong. My life is not my own. It never has been. I just didn’t know it—until now… After the death of her grandfather, nineteen-year-old Jenna Solitaire finds an ancient wooden board hidden away in the attic of his house. Scorched by fire and covered in mysterious symbols, the board fascinates her—and scares her—at the same time. As does Simon Monk, the handsome stranger who has come into her life, claiming to know about the board. Even more frightening is the voice whispering in Jenna’s head, calling her “Keeper.” Does Jenna have power over the winds, as Simon claims? Is she truly the Daughter of Destiny?  (from Shelfari)

My thoughts on this book are mixed, it was hard to get into the plot and characters until I was finished with it... and of course the library doesn't have the next one. I thought it was strange that the author is the character's name... she is writing this down like a journal- well there is no telling in how its written. Weird. Well thats all I'm ranting about this book!

Psycho Busters 1-5 (9.15.11)

Psycho Busters:

Manga by: Akinari Nao

Story by: Yuya Aoki

This manga is about a boy who wishes that he was a hero- so he turns away from real life and gets sucked in to the games around him where he could protect everyone. That is until he meets a group with interesting powers of the mine and he finds out he is one too... But why do they think he is the person to either destroy the world or save it. Will he become a hero or the villian in this story. I really like this series better than their Get Backers Series.  I still need to read the last volume which is 6-7 together... but so far its a 4 star for me! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Demonglass (9-5-2011)

After learning that she is capable of dangerous magic, Sophie Mercer goes to England with her father, friend Jenna, and Cal hoping to have her powers removed, but soon she learns that she is being hunted by the Eye--and haunted by Elodie.  more to come!

Storm Borm Comic 1-3 (9-4-2011)

Dark Swan: Storm Born
Eugenie Markham is a fiery redhead- that is a freelance
shaman, battling and banishing creatures from the otherworld.
When her luck changes and after a prophecy is announced she
becomes the hottest bachelorette towards these creatures. Now
she must fight supernatural suitors as well as her past.

Preview #1
Volume 1 starts with a whirl as Eugenie is attacked by a
Keres but what is strange is that he knows her real name.
After that her secretary gives her a call and tells her
about a girl that the gentry took away into the otherworld.
She is dead set to help the girl after seeing the site but
her stepfather tells her to stay away from the gentry and to
let this one girl go- since she isn't the first. This volume
ends with a moment of passion with a stranger and an attack.

Will she save the girl?
More importantly will she survive the night??

So far I love this series... I'm thinking about picking up even
the novels and reading them! And I really enjoyed the story so
far Thankz Sea Lion Books for the free previews. I'll read part
2-3 and the other story soon!

The Candidates (9-2-2011)

Delcroix Academy: Book 1
The Candidates
by Inara Scott

Dancia Lewis tried to stay a wallflower ever since she noticed strange things happened to people around her when her emotions went to bit high. Raised by her grandmother she is visited by two recruiters. One teacher and another student, Cam. They are from Delcroix Academy- and they were giving her a full scholarship to go to a school where everyone knew only the best went too. Singers, dancers, computer nerds, sporty types- they went there but not the type of person that only wears neutral colored clothes. But nothing is what it seems...

Wow there wasn't any part of this book that was boring. Loved the characters and story. Hmmm another triangle love story... but isn't that the best. Cam or Jack... man I probody would have picked Jack
since he is all alone- poor Jack

Can't wait to get my hands on book two!

Family Storms (8-25-2011)

Family Storms                                           

by V. C. Andrews

In the eye of the storm . . . Living on the streets with her destitute mother, selling knickknacks and trinkets just to survive, Sasha Porter dreams of someday having a normal life, with a real house and family. But she never dreamed a devastating tragedy would bring her those very things: on a stormy night by a rainspattered highway, a speeding car veers out of control, striking and killing her mother and badly injuring Sasha. . . . is anywhere truly safe? In the hospital, Sasha is whisked off to a fancy private suite at the request of wealthy Mrs. Jordan March, a complete stranger who keeps watch by Sasha’s bedside and insists she come live at her family’s sprawling, luxurious mansion. Sasha soon learns Mrs. March never recovered from the loss of her daughter Alena, and with nowhere else to go, Sasha agrees to use Alena’s room, sleep in her bed, and wear her clothes. But someone will make sure that Sasha never takes Alena’s place: a jealous sister dead set on making Sasha’s life a living hell.

from Shelfari.com

So far my fav. V.C. Andrews book! and I have the second book on hold so i'll be reading that soon. I don't want to give away anything about this book. Poor Sasha tho if not only losing her mother but in the process almost lost herself to the darkest of the March family! READ THIS BOOK!

Hunger (8-8-2011)

Hunger

by Jackie Morse Kessler    

"Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world." Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home—her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power—and the courage to fight her own inner demons? A wildly original approach to the issue of eating disorders, Hunger is about the struggle to find balance in a world of extremes, and uses fantastic tropes to explore a difficult topic that touches the lives of many teens.

From Shelfari.com

Alright this book was completely weird and very short. It did keep my attention on the story tho, but the story isn't for everyone. I wish I had more to say... I'm pretty much speechless about this book!

Catching up with 2 Book Reviews! (8-24-2011)

The Compound                                           
by S. A. Bodeen

When the United States is under nuclear attack the Yanakakisi family thinks they are lucky to have the Compound. Eli, Lexie, and Terese, along with their parents all make it into the underground shelter. Eddy, Eli’s twin, and their grandmother aren’t so lucky. It is six years later; Eli is now fifteen and still misses his twin. Things in the Compound have started to go wrong. The livestock has all died, the hydroponic lights are flickering, and supplies are dwindling all around, but Eli’s father thought of everything, he has a stockpile of Supplements to feed his family with, should the food run out. Bits of the truth of their situation begin to seep in when Eli discovers his twin’s never-used laptop and a mystifying internet connection near his father’s office. Eli successfully gets online and a curious series of events makes this a must-read book. The book undergoes a transformation from science fiction to a horrific psychological survival story in just a few pages.

taken from shelfari.com

This book actually kept me almost glued to it, I couldn't get enough and when it was over I wanted more. I wish there was a second book. I would like to know about their lives after the compound... I know the book tell us a bit but I wanted more!

Elixir (2010)

by Hilary Duff

Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea's father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea's photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before. When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father's disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures.

taken from shelfari.com

I was actually dispointed in this book, the soulmate thing was fine but there was no 'real' tension between the three or even clea and sage. I felt the story had a great plot but was missing alot. I wanted a real love triangle a fight between the boys would be nice I mean they both love her but there was almost nothing emotional between the soulmates! I don't know if I want to read the sequel!





Delia's Crossing (8-6-2011)

Delia's Crossing                                           
by V. C. Andrews

KIDNAPPED BY CRUEL FATE... Secuestrado por sino cruel After her parents are killed in a truck accident, Delia Yebarra's life is turned upside down. At fifteen, she leaves the rural Mexican village where she grew up and embarks on a new life in America. Coming to her wealthy aunt Isabella's huge estate in Palm Springs, California, should be a dream come true for a simple country girl like Delia -- so why does it feel like a nightmare? A PRISONER OF DESTINY... Un preso del destino Her aunt refuses to acknowledge Delia's heritage, relegating her to servants' quarters with a licentious language tutor intent on exploiting a beautiful young foreigner. Her cousin Edward is kind, but cousin Sophia is cruel, manipulative, and resentful of Delia's smoky Latina looks. And just when Delia tries to embrace the life of a real American girl, a heartbreaking chain of events sends her spiraling back to a Mexico she hardly recognizes.... Will Delia find a place to call home?

Taken by Shelfari

I haven't read a v.c.andrews in a long time... but of course I know that all her books are pretty ummmmm taboo... So I was surprised that her cousin did do anything with her. The only problem I had with this book was that some, very little Spanish wasn't translated... I mean most was but at parts I was like huh? So I give it 4 stars!

Red Moon Rising (7-31-2011)

Red Moon Rising                                           
by Peter Moore

Teen Wolf meets True Blood in this fun, boy-friendly story. Being only half-vamp in a high school like Carpathia Night makes you a whole loser. But Danny Gray manages to escape the worst of the specists at his school. Thanks to genetic treatments he had as an infant, most people assume Danny's other half is human. Which is a good thing. Ever since the development of synthetic blood – SynHeme – vamps have become society’s elite, while wulves like his father work menial jobs and live in bad neighborhoods. Wulves are less than second class citizens; once a month they become inmates, forced to undergo their Change in dangerous government compounds. For Danny, living with his vamp mother and going to a school with a nearly all-vamp student body, it’s best to pretend his wulf half doesn’t even exist. But lately Danny's been having some weird symptoms -- fantastic night vision; a keener-than-usual sense of smell; and headaches, right around the full moon. Even though it's tempting to live in denial, it's hard to ignore evidence. There's only a month until the next full moon, and Danny's time is running out. Peter Moore speaks to adolescents in a voice that will have them laughing, set in a world that will get them thinking. 

Taken from Shelfari

I've always love to read books about werewolves and vampires... this one was just like that. About a word where children are born either vampires (high class), Human, or werewolves (low class). This story they are not made by attacks its in the DNA. And this story is about the racial problems between the vampires and werewolves. Danny is a mixed breed. His mother is a vampire and remarried to a vampire. His father a werewolf. The other book I loved with werewolves recently is Never Cry Werewolf... by Heather Davis ... And yes read that book its so good. :) Alright now for the bad news; the only problem was the end was rushed! Luved it tho!

The Supernaturalist (7-27-2011)

The Supernaturalist                                           
by: Eoin Colfer

In the future, in a place called Satelite City, fourteen-year-old Cosmo Hill enters the world, unwanted by his parents. He's sent to the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys, Freight class. At Clarissa Frayne, the boys are put to work by the state, testing highly dangerous products. At the end of most days, they are covered with burns, bruises, and sores. Cosmo realizes that if he doesn't escape, he will die at this so-called orphanage. When the moment finally comes, Cosmo seizes his chance and breaks out with the help of the Supernaturalists, a motley crew of kids who all have the same special ability as Cosmo-they can see supernatural Parasites, creatures that feed on the life force of humans. The Supernaturalists patrol the city at night, hunting the Parasites in hopes of saving what's left of humanity in Satellite City. Or so they think. The Supernaturalist soon find themselves caught in a web far more complicated than they'd imagined, when they discover a horrifying secret that will force them to question everything they believe in. Eoin Colfer has created an eerie and captivating world-part Blade Runner, part futuristic Dickens-replete with non-stop action

Taken from Shelfari

Ok this book was good but not as good as artemis fowl which I love. But Eoin Colfer is an amazing author so had to read this. The only thing bad that I can say about this book is that it feels like there should be more to it... it leaves us with a cliffhanger which sort of made me mad and wondering what happened to Cosmo after this book. Please make a second book! :))

Hunger Games (7-23-2011)

The Hunger Games
by: Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.

Summary taken from Shelfari

Wow, I wonder why I haven't picked up this book til now. The Hunger Games kept me on the edge of my sit not knowing if she was going to survive or fall victim to the games. It also reminded me of a japanese book with a similar feeling which was about a certain class that is sent to an area and are told they must kill their classmates to survive. That would be called Battle Royale by: Koushun Takami. But back to Hunger Games- which bought me to tears about a certain small girl being killed... I can't wait to read on about Katniss, Peeta, Gale and the rest. :)

2 Mangas (7-22-11)

I Love Him to Pieces
by:  Evonne Tsang (Author), Janina Görrissen (Illustrator)

Can love survive the zombie apocalypse? Maybe Dicey's first chance at a real relationship was dead from the start. She's the star of her high school baseball team, and Jack's the star of the science program. Her idea of a study session includes sleeping in the sun, and his idea of a good game involves dungeons and dice. But opposites start attracting when they're assigned to be partners in a class project. Now an outbreak of a weird infection--it eats your brains and leaves you hungry for more--might not mean just the end of their first date. It might mean the end of everything. Will their relationship fall apart faster than zombies in the Florida sun, or can Dicey and Jack beat the odds and find a happy ending?

Made for Each Other                                     
by Paul D. Storrie (Author), Eldon Cowgur (Illustrator)

Tom Stone stepped into Seward High and into Maria McBride's life like a bolt of lightning. He's the perfect guy for Maria--nice, smart, and well-built. There's just one problem: his family. Tom's father is the town's new funeral director, and business is booming. The bodies are piling up thick and fast in Persephone Falls, Alaska, so Dr. Stone keeps Tom up late at night working in the funeral home. And it's clear that Dr. Stone and his creepy assistant, Graves, don't want Maria around. Maria knows Tom was made for her. She's determined to find out what Dr. Stone has against her. When Tom refuses to stand up to his father, Maria begins to stitch together the clues...and finds out that the Stones are into recycling in ways she never could have imagined.

Both taken from Shelfari

Alright so these both are manga/comics. The first one was about zombies- which i liked the story it was about a girl and boy different as you could be getting together and dating in the end. She is a jock- he is a scientist. I enjoyed this very much the characters and story were nice.  The second one is about frankinstein- I didn't like this one as much but I didn't hate it. The story was about a girl who didn't think twice about how Tom was made but love him for him! And love in both survived in the end. :)

How to Be Popular (7-19-11)

How to Be Popular
by Meg Cabot

Do you want to be popular?
Everyone wants to be popular—or at least, Stephanie Landry does. Steph's been the least popular girl in her class since a certain cherry Super Big Gulp catastrophe five years earlier.
Does being popular matter?
It matters very much—to Steph. That's why this year, she has a plan to get in with the It Crowd in no time flat. She's got a secret weapon: an old book called—what else?— How to Be Popular.
What does it take to be popular?
All Steph has to do is follow the instructions in The Book, and soon she'll be partying with the It Crowd (including school quarterback Mark Finley) instead of sitting on The Hill Saturday nights, stargazing with her nerdy best pal Becca, and even nerdier Jason (now kind of hot, but still), whose passion for astronomy Steph once shared. Who needs red dwarves when you're invited to the hottest parties in town?
But don't forget the most important thing about popularity!
It's easy to become popular. What isn't so easy? Staying that way.

Taken from Shelfari

Basically I thought Steph was a bit whiny and had a hard time reading thru this book. The only parts I liked was the interaction from Jason and herself and the ending where she finally after 5 years of torture told Lauren to pretty much to back off... growing a pair helped her to show the others that being friends might more than just being popular. This book wasn't my fav. of Meg Cabot but she is still awesome in my book! Next Month I'll be doing 3 Meg Cabot books hopefully! 

Clarity (7-14-11)

Clarity
by Kim Harrington

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. And a curse. When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Taken from Shelfari

Alrightly this book starts off with a bang and ends with one. And what a boy magnet if having visions and sorts gets you a boyfriend- let me sign up! Each boy is cute in his own way- her brother Perry, Nate, Justin, Gabriel... so many boys so little time LOL! Hopefully there will be a second book to this story, I want a second book! 

Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey (7-11-11)

Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey
by: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Things are so bad, I feel like I'm going to explode if I don't do something... Everyone has to keep a journal in Mrs. Dunphrey's English class, but the teacher has promised she won't read any entry marked "Do not read this." It's the kind of assignment Tish Bonner, one of the girls with big hair who sit in the back row, usually wouldn't take very seriously. But right now, Tish desperately needs someone to talk to, even if it's only a notebook she doesn't dare let anyone read. As Tish's life spins out of control, the entries in her journal become more and more private...and dangerous. Is she risking everything that matters to her by putting the truth on paper? And is she risking more by keeping silent?

Taken by: Shelfari

The only thing I could say about this book is that it's a quick read. I liked her among the series way better. I'm giving this book 2 stars- maybe I was just not in the mood. Since I'm reading this as a break from My Sister's Keeper which last night made me cry. But I was like damn this parents are stupid and poor children in this book, grrr to the parents!

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret (7-8-11)

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret 
By: Judy Blume

Margaret Simon, almost twelve, has just moved from New York City to the suburbs, and she’s anxious to fit in with her new friends. When she’s asked to join a secret club she jumps at the chance. But when the girls start talking about boys, bras, and getting their first periods, Margaret starts to wonder if she’s normal. There are some things about growing up that are hard for her to talk about, even with her friends. Lucky for Margaret, she’s got someone else to confide in . . . someone who always listens. Good book but for girls only

taken from: Shelfari

I loved it, enjoyed the main character and all her flaws- and I also didn't
mind the religion factor in this story. I usually don't read book with religion in

them but this book was about a girl trying to find out where she belonged in the world.

I give this book 4 stars and 2 thumbs up YAY!

Oh my Goth! (7-2-01)

BOOK REVIEW:
Gena Showalter: Oh my Goth!

A fiercely individualist Goth girl wakes up to discover that the whole world has gone Goth and she's actually -- gag -- popular.

Jade Leigh is a nonconformist who values individuality above all else. She has a small group of like-minded Goth friends who wear black, dabble in the dark arts, and thrive outside the norm. They're considered the "freaks" of their high school. But when Jade's smart mouth lands her in trouble -- again -- her principal decides to teach her a lesson she'll never forget.

Taken to a remote location where she is strapped down and sedated, Jade wakes up in an alternate universe where she rules the school. But her best friends won't talk to her, and the people she used to hate are all Goth. Only Clarik, the mysterious new boy in town, operates outside all the cliques. And only Mercedes, the Barbie clone Jade loathes, believes that Jade's stuck in a virtual reality game -- because she's stuck there, too, now living the life of a "freak." Together, they realize they might never get back to reality...and that even if they do, things might never be the same. Description from Shelfari

I really liked this book, I had it on my actual bookshelf. Finally after joining a group on Shelfari and getting a challege I picked it up, took me about a day to read this fast moving book, it is full of attitude- and a few bad words but very funny. I give this 5 stars.

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