Monday, January 30, 2012

STRANGE CHEMISTRY OPEN DOOR!!

This is really exciting! When I got the email I knew I had to blog about it...

Strange Chemistry-in conjunction with Angry Robot Books- is doing an open door from April 16th to April 30th. What this means is that UNAGENTED AUTHORS are invited to send in their novels for consideration.

They say they will read everything they are sent, but please go to their website to find out everything you need to do before you mail out your manuscript.

My thoughts on 'FRACTURE' by Megan Miranda

FractureFracture by Megan Miranda

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


"If you had one day left to live, what would you do?"

This was such a good story with excellent writing and great characters!

The story is about a teenager named, DeLaney, who falls through a frozen lake and dies. But yet, she doesn't. She comes back and ends up in a coma for 6 days, where upon coming out of that coma, she is changed.

Not in the obvious ways that you would think, but in ways that you would never think. DeLaney ends up having some strange gift or curse, depending on the way that you look at it. This 'thing' that she has acquired changes her life so much and in so many ways.

She meets a strange new boy who she is both attracted to and repulsed by, her relationship between her neighbor and best friend becomes strained and the way her mom looks at her also changes, and not for the better.

DeLaney is trying to figure out what is going on with her and there is only person who seems to know, or at least who is experiencing the same thing she is. The one person she would rather stay away from. She is afraid to open up to other people about this for fear of what they will think or say. So she is stuck trying to deal with it all by herself. Or almost by herself.

But underneath the obvious, are also the feelings she is having for two different boys and she is not sure how to deal with them.

This story just flowed for me and the first chapter literally made me cry. It takes a lot to make me cry but this author did such a great job with her words that I just welled up.

A great debut novel that I highly recommend!

Check out the trailer....



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Friday, January 27, 2012

My thoughts on 'LIVING VIOLET' by Jaime Reed

Living Violet (The Cambion Chronicles, #1)Living Violet by Jaime Reed

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I read this book immediately after reading The Goddess Test and there were many things that were similar to me.



This is a story about a girl named Sam who works in a bookstore with a girl named Nadine. Also working at the bookstore is a boy named Caleb, who Sam thinks is weird but yet, she finds him intriguing-especially because of his violet eyes.



One day Sam and Caleb have a small chat at work and out of nowhere Caleb kisses her. And this begins their 'hot and cold' relationship.



There are some women around town that have been either dying or hospitalized because of heart attacks and then there is Caleb, whom Sam thinks is acting strange.



Sam soon learns some secrets about Caleb and her friend Nadine and after that nothing is the same for her.



There is intrigue, mystery, who-dun-it and of course romance in this book also. The same elements that were in The Goddess Test.



I thought that the story was well written and the characters were well done, but the whole 'thing' that was going on, the paranormal aspect, I wasn't too excited about. It was very interesting, but I don't know. It was just missing something for me.



I do want to add that there is a lot of pop culture in this book and the dialogue has a decent amount of slang in it. I actually found it more appealing to me, but years down the road I am not sure how that will affect the story.



Not a bad book and I am sure it will end up being a favorite of many people this year.



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Thursday, January 26, 2012

My thoughts on "WHEREVER YOU GO" by Heather Davis

Wherever You GoWherever You Go by Heather Davis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book had a great ending.

The story is told from several different pov's...the MC, Holly, her dead boyfriend, Rob and her current boyfriend, Jason.

There are so many different things going on in this story, but they all loop together, that it makes it sort of difficult to explain the story.

Holly is the MC, who has lost her boyfriend when they get into a car accident months before and he dies. Holly also has a lot that she has to do at home, living with a single mom who works two jobs and having a younger sister. Before long her grandfather, who has Alzheimer's, comes to stay with them too and she has even more to take on.

Then you have Rob, her dead boyfriend, who is still hanging around. He can't communicate with anyone and he is frustrated about this and also because he is still stuck here all by himself.

Jason, who was Robs best friend, who is interested in Holly, finally makes his move. I think this is my favorite part of the book. Even though I am not a big lovey person when it comes to books, the things that Jason does for Holly is nothing short of love. He extends himself and sacrifices so much for her.

Aldo, Holly's grandfather, has the ability to communicate with Rob and he helps Rob to realize and admit to some things. Eventually helping him to cross over.

This story has so much in it. Heartache, love, sacrifice, courage, friendship, forgiveness. Even though each chapter had all the different pov's, everything came together so well. And the ending-the very last part, where Rob is talking, brought tears to my eyes.

Well done, Heather!





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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

WHAT LIES BENEATH by Richard Denney

For those of you who do not know who Richard Denney, he is a self published author who is well known in the book community on You Tube and on Goodreads.

I have read two of his books so far and I really enjoyed them. He seems to always be churning out a book. All of his books are fairly short but still pack a lot.

You can find his books on Amazon.

Below is what Richard had to say about the latest book of his that he has written: What Lies Beneath.

"I'm coming to you all today to introduce my new book "What Lies Beneath" to my awesome readers. What Lies Beneath came to me unexpectedly. I didn't set out to write a thriller and I sure enough didn't think it would become a trilogy. The story unfolds with seventeen year old Blair Lewis in the hospital with minor injuries to her body, but severe injuries to her life. She doesn't remember what happened before Dylan lost it and nearly drowned her. But she wants to know why more than anyone. Soon it becomes clear that someone is stalking her and attempting to make her lose her sanity over what is going on. Can she figure out who or what is after her? and what do you do when you feel you like your losing it? and most importantly, who do you turn to when there is no one left to trust?

Let's talk about the book cover!
Now, my friend pointed out that it resembles The unbecoming of mara dyer and I can sort of see it in the cover, but the cover resembles the story perfectly. It's a girl drowning and that is what happens to Blair. The drowning on the cover also shows how Blair feels. She feels she can't trust anyone and she feels like she's drowning in life. I'm not trying to copy the Mara Dyer cover in fact most of you know I really did not enjoy that book, but I am in no way mooching off of it. I wanted to clear this up so that if I do get bashed on it, this blog post will be here to silence the bashers. I think a lot of YA book covers look similar and some even use the same image. I adore the cover, I hope you do too.

While I researched a few things for this book, I scared myself with a few subjects that I tapped into. Such as psychological thrillers, and people who suffer from paranoia and depression. I personally think I did a great job with the first book and I'm already writing the second in the trilogy. I hope you enjoy this novella and I can't wait to see all your reviews, good or bad. :)

I will announce the official release date soon. Sooner than you think."



I think this is a gorgeous cover! I like how the knees are the focal point of it. I am really excited for this book to come out because it sounds so good!

So if you haven't read any of Richard's books you should go and get one or more and read them....You won't be disappointed.

(most of his books are YA, but some are MG)

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

My thoughts on 'THE GODDESS TEST' by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test (Goddess Test, #1)The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I usually do not read much during the day, but today I did.

I just couldn't put this book down. When I first started it I knew immediatelty that I would like it but not how much. I absolutely loved the writing!

This story if you cannot tell from the title is about Mythology. I have never read a story about Mythology and have never been interested in the gods, and honestly, I still am not, but this story was very interesting to me and I had to keep reading to find out what happened next.

I loved how there was mystery, intrigue and who-dun-it, and yes, I actually liked the romance that was in this book. Probably because it wasn't over the top and most times it was pretty subtle....I loved the characters, but there were also some things that I didn't care for and that is why the book only got 4 stars.

I actually became quite angry with the way Ella treated Kate at first. For those who have not read this book yet, Kate is the MC and Ella is one of the characters who works at Eden Manor, where Kate goes to stay for 6 months.

This is the story of Hades and Persephone, and I went into this not knowing barely anything at all about that story. But it didn't matter I still understood everything that was happening.

In a way it reminded me of Beauty and the Beast in some respects. And I kept picturing Belle and the Beast. The main difference was that Henry, or Hades, was not ugly in the least. He was a god so of course he was gorgeous.

I did guess a lot of what was going to happen in the book so either I am just really good at that or it was too predictable, but at the same time the parts I didn't guess made for a great surprise.

I liked how they explained the town of Eden. That was very interesting to me...as was Kate's moms role...and I have to say that Ava had me fooled.

The next book in this series is Goddess Interrupted and I cannot to read more of this story.





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My thoughts on 'BREATHING UNDERWATER' by Alex Flinn

Breathing UnderwaterBreathing Underwater by Alex Flinn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was amazing!

I also read Breaking Point by Alex Flinn and absolutely loved that book too.

Such a deep and emotional story about emotional and physical abuse. The MC, Nick, who was 16 and very popular in school, started dating a girl named, Caitlyn, who wasn't too popular.

The story is about how Nick is emotionally and physically abusive to Caityln and has to go to anger management classes per court orders.

I really don't know to express the impact this book had on me, except to say that every time I would read one of his journal entries I would put the book down and literally say, 'Wow!', and then digest what I just read.

I always wondered how someone could hurt someone they claimed to love, and this book helped me to understand a little bit.

In no way is this acceptable but I was able to understand, at least in regards to Nick, how something like could happen.

If you like realistic fiction and books about abuse then you have got to read this!

I am uploading a You Tube video on this book and hopefully I was able to express myself a little bit better in that how this book affected me.

This is a video done by Leah Mouse-she does great videos and is very well spoken. She is very intellegent and has a lot to say on a lot of different subjects.






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Sunday, January 22, 2012

My thoughts on 'Oink! My life with Minipigs' by Matt Whyman

Oink! My Life with MinipigsOink! My Life with Mini pigs by Matt Whyman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a wonderful book!

If you like books about animals then you have got to read this book. There are a ton of books out there about dogs and cats, but I have never read a book about pet mini-pigs.

The author, Matt Whyman, does a great job telling this story. It was so informative and humorous. I absolutely loved the humor in this book!

The story talks about what led his family to acquire the mini-pigs, their adjustment to living with them, the ups and the downs and then trying to breed them.

To me, what set this book about from other fun and loving animal/pet books is the fact that Matt doesn't make the whole thing about having mini-pigs as pets just a wonderful thing. He is honest and actually tells us how he wasn't too happy with the idea right from the start. He also tells us about the trouble they had at times with them and how everything isn't all honky-dory living with mini-pigs.

I started this book, of course, wanting to add a mini-pig to our home-in the future. I actually did some research online and went as far as to check out some breeders and rescues. But thankfully, because of Matt's honesty, I quickly realized that a mini-pig would not be the pet for our household.

If you like books about animals, I definitely recommend picking this up.



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Friday, January 20, 2012

Please have Daniel Osborn in your thoughts and Prayers

UPDATE: 1-20-12

Daniel went back to the James Center today at the Ohio State University and got blood drawn and another cat scan on his chest area. They saw some unusual blood cell formation in his lungs and wanted to take a closer look and it was supposed to be a three hour cat scan which only ended up being a 30 minute cat scan. So hopefully that is good news that it's nothing to be worrying about. He will get the results on Monday of those tests.

First two authors added to STRANGE CHEMISTRY

Strange Chemistry is a new YA imprint of Angry Robot books. They are launching this fall and have just announced their very first authors that they have signed.  (To find out more about Strange Chemistry, click here)...

The first author is Kim Curran who is signed on for 2 books. The first being Shift, her debut novel,  which is about "the tale of your average, 16-year old loser Scott Tyler. When he meets the beautiful and mysterious Aubrey Jones, he learns he’s not quite so average after all. He’s a ‘Shifter’. And that means he has the power to undo any decision he’s ever made. At first, he thinks the power to shift is pretty cool. But as his world quickly starts to unravel around him he realises that each time he uses his power, it has consequences; terrible unforeseen consequences. Shifting is going to get him killed. In a world where everything can change with a thought, Scott has to decide where he stands."

Shift will be published this fall and her next novel, the sequel, will be published in 2013.

The next and last author signed so far to Strange Chemistry, is Sean Cummings. Sean is also signed on for two books with the first, Poltergeeks, being published this fall and the sequel being published in 2013.

Poltergeeks is about Julie, who "is an apprentice witch – or so she believes. When a dark power comes stalking out of the past to haunt her and her mother, Julie learns that she is far more than just a witch. With the help of her best friend Marcus and a rather unusual Great Dane, Julie has to race against time to ensure she can defeat the bad guy, save her mother and avoid being grounded – again!"

Both of these books sound like they are going to be really good so keep your eyes out for them this fall. Mark your calendars and keep checking back at the Strange Chemistry website for updates on what they have planned.

My thoughts on "INSIGHT" by Diana Greenwood

InsightInsight by Diana Greenwood

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a story about a girl, Elvira and her family, in the 1940's. Even though it takes place during that time period I couldn't really tell.

Elvira has a rocky home life with a father who drinks and sometimes is gone for days and a mother who doesn't notice her and when she does it isn't to say anything nice.

One day her father enlists in the service and is gone. Her grandmother comes to stay with her and her mother and before long her mother gives birth to a baby girl.

Elvira talks about how life is and the struggles her and her family go through while her father is gone. She talks about how her sister is different then other kids and the road trip her and her family take with another, a near stranger, in search of something that they are positive they will find.

The story has religion in it and talks about God quite often. Elvira tells us how she went from not believing in God to believing and what it took for her to get there. Even though it had this in the story it is not in a preachy way.

And even though the tagline for this book is, "What if you could see things before they happen?", that is not the main point or idea of the story. It does wrap up the story and draw us to the end of the story, but not in the way that you would think.

This story is a coming of age story and I enjoyed it for that reason. I really loved the authors writing and the story line, but I do wish the tagline was more prominent in the story.



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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Mia's story for Literature....

Mia had to write some entries for literature where she is the main character from a book or movie. She chose to do the Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong.

She kind of followed went actually happened but in her own words. Remember this was for school. She is in 6th grade...


The Escape plan…

My name is Chloe Saunders, and right now I’m at Lyle house, a sort of “home” for people with problems, in Derek’s and Simon’s room. Dr.Davidoff and the other nurses think that we’re studying but in reality we’re planning our escape route.

Why escape?, you’re probably wondering. Well I’ll tell you why. Dr.Davidoff is keeping us here telling our parents that we have mental problems and are giving us medicine that will help us, but really we’re all special. In a good way. And the “medicine” that he’s giving us is to get our powers under control. For example. I’m a necromancer. I can raise the dead, see them, talk to them, and all that. Simon’s a sorcerer, Rae can control fire, and Derek. Well we don’t know what Derek is yet. Well there is one of us who just really does need some serious help. That person’s Taylor.

“Then we sneak out the back door.”

Simon said sounding proud of himself.

“The backdoor? You do realize that it has sensors right?”

I blurted.

The backdoor has sensors that can only be deactivated by a code, and I’m pretty sure none of us know what it is.

“Did you guys forget about me?”

Derek budded in. Clearly annoyed.

“No.” I lied.

“Anyways, if you haven’t already forgotten, that I not only have peculiar eyesight and sense of smell but also steps as soft as a cat’s and K-9 hearing, I already have the code.

“Great so when do we leave?” I asked.

You guys leave tonight. As for me. I’m just cracking the code, them going back to bed.”

There was no use arguing, so we just left it at that.
 

Mission Escape In action…
I awoke in a haze to the buzzing of my alarm clock. I got up and looked over to see Rae still sleeping peacefully. I had almost forgotten that she was tagging along. After I went over to the closet and got our bags down, I tiptoed over to Rae and shook her awake.

“I’m up. I’m up.”

She murmured sitting up right.

“You better be. It’s time to go.” I shot back.

“Finally.” She pouted, standing up and stretching.

Once she was done, we headed downstairs into the kitchen.

To my surprise, only Simon awaited us.

“Where’s Derek”? I asked tossing Rae’s her bag. She had been to lazy to carry it down the stairs, therefore making me carry it.

“I couldn’t find him anywhere, but we have to go.” Simon explained.

“But Derek has the code.” Rae pointed out.

“The backdoor was already open when I got down here.” Simon told us.

“Good then you two go. I’ll find Derek.” I said backing out of the kitchen.

“but-” Simon started but was cut off by Rae.

“There’s no time to argue.” And pulled Simon out the open doorway.

It didn’t occur to me to check out side in until I was done looking in every single room. It was colder and darker than I expected.

I was heading toward the shed when I saw it. Derek’s bright, white, running shoe.

“Derek?” I whispered.

“Go!” he growled.

“Why are you back there?” I questioned, ignoring his order, and tiptoed closer.

“Stay back!”

“Are you okay?”

“Go. Away. Chloe.

It surprised me that I wasn’t that surprised at what I saw.

Derek was in the middle of his transformation.
 

Code Red…
I stayed with Derek until one of the nurses started out the door.

“Give me your shoe.”

I ordered Derek.

“What?”

“Give. Me. Your. Shoe. I have a plan.”

I repeated. He finally handed me his shoe. Confusion written all over his face.

I took of one of my own shoes off and hopped out into view. Pulling on Derek’s oversized shoe.

“Chloe?” She asked.

“yeah.” I replied, pulling down the part of my shirt that flipped up, down.

“What do you think your doing out here?”

She asked stepping forward.

“Finishing what Derek and I started in the attic.”

I said hardly a whisper.

I could feel my face going red at the lie.

“There’s no use, trying to come up with an excuse. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to.” She smirked. Stepping closer.

“I-I d-don’t know w-what your t-talking about.”

I stuttered

“We also know that you stutter when you lie. You not fooling anyone, Mrs. Saunders.” She kept coming closer and I kept backing up until my back hit the wall.

“So tell me where they are.” She urged.

I noticed something shining in her hand. It took me a minute to realize that it was a gun. Noticing my gaze she lifted it up, pointing it at the center of my head.

“Oh this?” She laughed, but before she could pull the trigger, Derek pounced on her. The crack of the nurse’s head meeting concrete echoed though the air.

“Where are the others?” Derek growled, grabbing my arm and dragging me back towards the shed.

“I told them to go on while I went to go find you.”

I told him, not even bothering to struggle ageist his death grip.

“You such an idiot.”

He sighed, stopping in front of the gate.

“climb.” he added.

“I’m not a very good climber.” I admitted.

Without another word Derek tossed me up and over the gate.

I landed on my butt with a “thump”

“CODE RED!”

I heard Dr.Davidoff scream. He must have found the nurse.

“Derek. Hurry up.” I whispered franticly. As if on cue he came souring over the top of gate, landing on all fours.

“Come on!”

He said viciously, once again grabbing my arm.

We were darting across someone’s backyard when all the shouting started.

Last step to freedom…
“We’re almost there.” Derek said, almost sounding happy.

He sniffed the air again and headed left.

“Chloe? Derek?” Came an oddly familiar voice from the shadows.

Derek stiffened. Then raced toward the voice as if his life depended on it.

Moments later Simon and Rae stepped from the shadows.

“What took you so long?” Simon pouted.

“It happened.” Derek replied looking down at his now bare feet.

“What happened?” Rae asked.

“His transformation”

I replied.

“That narrows it down.”

She said her voice icy.

“Into a werewolf” Simon mumbled.

“We should go now. Their now far behind.”

Derek interrupted clearly wanting to change the subject.

Simon, taking the hint headed down the streets with us not far behind.

My thoughts on 'THE ALCHEMY OF FOREVER' by Avery Williams

The Alchemy of ForeverThe Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I finished this book so quickly. And not because it was under 250 pgs or that the words were rather large....no, although I am sure that helped, but because I was so drawn into this story that I just kept reading.

The story is about a group of people called 'incarnates' who take over other peoples bodies so they can live forever. The bodies they possess are only good for about 10 years and if they don't find another body before the body they are in expires they will be turned to dust and be gone forever.

The main girl, Seraphina, is tired of taking other peoples bodies, because she doesn't want to kill anymore. So after being an incarnate for 600 years she decides to run away. And it is 'run away' because the creator of them all, Cyrus, who is also an incarnate, is very possesive and controlling and would never just let Seraphina go.

So Seraphina makes a plan, but things go wrong and do not go as she had thought out so she must make some changes. Unfortunately, things become even more messed up and on top of what Seraphina is dealing with trying to get everything worked out she experiences things she never did before, which makes her double think her original plans.

Add to that that the fact that Cyrus is after her and that he may have found her.

Seraphina must find a way to outsmart Cryus, but still protect everything she has grown to care about.

There wasn't a whole lot of action in this book, but there was a lot of mystery and intrigue. Questions left unanswered. Some of the things I figured out right away, but I was so wrapped up in what was happening and what was going to happen to Seraphina that I wasn't too bothered by it.

I cannot wait for the next book because I just need to know what is going to happen next. And I need so many questions answered. Such as, why was a certain somebody in that part of town in the first place??

I usually don't come across a book like this that just draws me so deeply in unless it is a comtemparary so this book must be good!



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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Library Haul 1-16-12

I brought a ton of stuff back to the library today and had a ton of stuff waiting for me. What a great trade!

I really wanted to do a You Tube video, but Mia and I cannot find the memory card now so that isn't happening....sucks! First, my charger is lost and I have to wait to get a new one before I can record anymore videos. And now, the memory card is missing and so I have to wait again before recording anymore videos...

So, I got 20 items from the library today-yes, a lot...but 1 was a DVD and 4 were CDs....I think since there are so many items I will just put the name and link them to their Amazon page.

DVD

Eminem: Diamonds and Pearls

CDs

Eminem: Relapse
Eminem: Recovery
2011 Grammy Nominees
Bad meets evil-Hell: the sequel

YA FICTION

Insight by Diana Greenwood
Sing me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
Living Violet by Jaime Reed
Wherever you go by Heather Davis
A long long sleep by Anna Sheehan
Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

NON-FICTION ADULT


Understanding Drugs: Cocaine & Crack by Alan Hecht, D.C.
The Holocaust: Kristallnacht-The Nazi Terror that began the Holocaust by James M. Deem
Whatever you say I am: The life and times of Eminem by Anthony Bozza
Oink: My life with mini-pigs by Matt Whyman
It calls you back by Luis J. Rodriguez
It's so easy and other lies by Duff McKagan

These books are also going to be my TBR pile for the 2nd half of January since I already finished my first pile of TBR for January.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

What is with all the HATE???

OK, so I did not realize that this was such a problem around the book community, but apparently there has been a lot of hate going around. I do not know how long it has been happening for, but I just got wind of it yesterday and it is not pretty.

I do not understand why people feel the need to say such nasty and hateful things to people. Especially over books and peoples opinions of them. I understand that reading certain books can really produce strong emotions in people but unless the person is giving a really bashing review of a book shouldn't we just let people state their opinions without being so judgemental?

Isn't one of the reasons why people love to be in the book community because it is such a happy and welcoming one? I know that is the reason I like to be in it and I have heard plenty of people state that is exactly why they also like being in this community.

People do this (have blogs, do videos, etc) because it is something that they enjoy doing. They love reading and they love to share their thoughts with others. They do not do this because they are looking for a debate or a fight, and when others start that it makes us upset and question if we should continue doing something that we really loved. It makes us question if it is worth all the hate to continue spending time to share our love of reading with others.

I believe that if you don't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all. Even if the review in question is bashing a book or the author. Although, if the review is bashing the author maybe you should stand up for said author. But please refrain from any hate or ugly words on your end also, because all you, we are doing is being just like the people we do not like.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

The Irrestibly Sweet Blog Award

I normally don't do blog awards, but I was nominated by my good friend Krista, over at The Cubicle Blindness so I thought I would go ahead and do this one.


Here are The Rules:
Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
Share 7 random facts about yourself.
Pass the Award on to 10 deserving blog buddies.
Contact those buddies and let them know.

7 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME:
  1. It takes a lot to get me mad, but when I do I have no problem speaking my mind. When I'm done, I'm OK again. I do not hold grudges.
  2. I have an Associates degree
  3. I have always wanted to be a Criminal Psychologist, but because of a lot of issues at home (when I was a teen) I obviously didn't take that path
  4. I used to draw and write short stories
  5. I have no desire to draw or write anymore
  6. I do not drink or smoke and can't be around people who are drinking-unless it is a glass of something and they are not guzzling down beers or shots
  7. Extremely afraid of vomit. Cannot be around anyone that has a stomach-ache. I have literally left the house before and my husband  has had to stay home from work to take care of the kids when they were throwing up. Cannot watch movies, etc that have it in there...Bad phobia!
and I just wanted to add one more:

      8. I love to have edgy short(er) haircuts and wild colors!
    I am not going to tag anyone but I thought it would be fun to do since Krista tagged me.

    NO NAME-CALLING WEEK

    No name calling is a weekly annual event created by Simon and Schuster and GLSEN. It was inspired by the book, The Misfits by James Howe. This year the event runs from Janaury 23-January 27.

    (from the Simon and Schuster website)

    No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities. No Name-Calling Week was inspired by a young adult novel entitled The Misfits by popular author James Howe in which a group of students organize a "No Name-Calling Day" at school. Motivated by this simple, yet powerful idea, the No Name-Calling Week Coalition, created by GLSEN and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, and consisting of over 40 national partner organizations, organized an actual No Name-Calling Week in schools for the first time in 2004. The event is now held annually in schools nationwide.

    So please go over to Simon and Schusters website or GLSENs website and see what you can do and learn more about No Name-Calling Week. Please spread the word! If everyone works together I believe that we can make a huge difference in bullying.

    My Goals for 2012

    I wasn't going to do this but then I seen a video by Danny Marks and he tagged everyone, so I thought why not...?? So here is my video on my goals for 2012....

    Saturday, January 14, 2012

    My thoughts on 'THE SHARP TIME' by Mary O'Connell

    The Sharp TimeThe Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell

    My rating: 4 of 5 stars


    This is the authors first book which came out in 2011.

    This was a great book! It happens over the course of a week and there is so much in this story.

    The MC, Sandanista, named after the Clash album, has recently lost her mother and so is now living on her own (she is 18-a senior in HS). The book tells us about a day at school when her alegbra teacher attacks her verbally and phsically, by kicking the desk Sandinista is sitting in. Thus begins our story.

    Sandinista walks out of class and out of school and promptly goes and appies for a job at a second-hand store, which she gets on the spot. She has no intentions of going back to school, but every intention of getting revenge on the teacher who did this to her. (and who has been doing this to another girl in the class who is mentally challenged). Sandinista feels she has to stick up for the girl, Alecia, as well as for herself.

    The day Sandinista walks out of school and applies for the job she walks into a thrift store of sorts and comes across a case full of handguns. She is so enthralled with these handguns that it actually shocks her. But what comes next really upset me and was so unrealistic. I would have to say this one thing is what prevented me from giving this book 5 stars. Probably because I come from a home where my husband collects guns and is very big of the safety of them.

    Sandinista begins fantasizing of ways to get revenge and this takes up all of her days. No matter what she is doing she cannot seem to stop thinking about it. I would say she is a little obsessed. Her thoughts are kind of scary and Columbine is mentioned briefly in the story.

    Besides for obsession with the teacher, she is also making a friend at the store she works at. Bradley. I really loved the friendship the two of them have. It is instantaneous and real. They get each other and Bradley is oh, so fun. Something Sandinista needs to take her mind off of things.

    During the course of the week we follow Sandinista around with her day to day things. The thoughts in her head and the fantasies in her mind. Bradley and her discover so many things about themselves and each other.

    I love the store that she works in and I love her sense of style. That really added to the book. I liked that the book was raw on the way she was feeling. Still trying to cope with the loss of her mother and then the incident that happened at school. She is feeling so many different things, but still trying to remain strong, tough. I like that it takes place over a week and in that week you are introduced to a quite a few different characters who are so well liked. I really wish I knew people like that. You see how her relationships with these characters develope and the inpact it has on her.

    There is so much in this book. The meaning is so deep and the author executed this story perfectly.





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    Friday, January 13, 2012

    My thoughts on 'WITH OR WITHOUT YOU' by Brian Farrey

    With or Without YouWith or Without You by Brian Farrey

    My rating: 4 of 5 stars


    OK, I have to say that I wasn't sure about this book at first. When I was about 100 pages in I almost put it down, but I decided to keep going and I am glad that I did.

    Not that the first 100 pages was bad or uninteresting, but because it was like a chick-lit book but with two boys. For anyone that knows me, I do not care for chick-lit books or at least most of them that I have read anyway.

    The first 100 or so pages was all about relationships, love, etc. But then I peeked ahead and I seen that the whole book was not like that.

    This book is about relationships, love, honesty, betrayal, confusion, fitting in, of course, being gay and HIV. It is also about understanding, trust, and discovering who you are.

    And those are the things that kept me reading.

    Evan has a best friend, Davis, and a boyfriend, Erik, who nobody knows about. Erik is the perfect guy. He is smart, loving, understanding, talented and hard working, dedicated. Evan is talented and kind but he is also lost and still trying to discover who he is and what exactly he wants in life.

    The whole story is mostly about Evan and Erik, but it is also about Evan and Davis. Evan and Davis had their futures planned together (as BFFs), but then certain things happened and Davis got mixed up with the wrong people because they made him feel as if he finally 'belonged'. His judgement was clouded by that, but luckily Evans was not. I think that if Evan didn't have Erik that maybe he would have fell for the the wrong crowd too. But he didn't and because he didn't he tried to make Davis see the truth.

    It was a very dangerous path and what Evan did was very brave and unselfish of him. But while he was being loyal and trying to help one person, he was being disloyal and unintentionally hurting someone else.

    I couldn't believe the things I read in this book about HIV and 'bugchasers'. How horrible!

    On a sidenote, anyone who has an Erik in their lives are very lucky and they should do whatever they can to keep them in it.



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    Thursday, January 12, 2012

    My thoughts on 'AMY AND ROGER'S EPIC DETOUR' by Morgan Matson

    Amy and Roger's Epic DetourAmy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

    My rating: 3 of 5 stars


    A very good book about a road trip. A book about finding yourself and being honest.

    This story is about a girl named Amy whose father has died and whose mother is in another state trying to get their new house settled. Amy has to drive to their new house (which should take about 4 days). The only problem is is that Amy won't drive after what happened with her father. So her mother came up with a plan and found someone to drive with her. Her best friends son, Roger.

    When Amy and Roger set off on this roadtrip they plan on going the way Amys mom had planned out for them...but before long they decide to take a detour, which actually leads them all over the US. Needless to say, Amy does not make it home in 4 days.

    But she does discover some things about herself and she was finally able to be honest with herself. It was an emotional and self discovery of sorts road trip.

    The one thing I was upset about though was the printing errors. There were words printed two times in a row and commas where they shouldn't have been.

    Other then that it was a good book.



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    Wednesday, January 11, 2012

    WDYT-Books you would rather NOT read

    I did a youtube video on this topic yesterday and thought I should probably post about it on here too for those of you who do not watch my videos...

    So, I always tell my husband what the books are about that I am currently reading, and the book at the time was "Forbidden" by Tabitha Suzuma. When I told him what that book was about (consensual incest) he made a disgusted looking face, and that got me to thinking...what books do people turn away from? What books would they rather not read? For reasons such as, boring, can't stomach, makes angry, too mushy, too sad, etc.

    And my choice of books (topics) or genres would be:
    1. Mushy chick-lit
    2. Adult romance
    3. Westerns
    4. Torture
    5. War or Battle Fiction
    6. High Fantasy
    7. Historical Fiction
    8. Plays
    9. Shakespearian (can't understand)
    10. Anything with names or places that I can't pronounce
    So tell me, what are some topics of books or genres that you would rather not read...and what are the reasons?

    Tuesday, January 10, 2012

    Kill the TBR Challenge



    The 'Kill the TBR' Challenge is hosted by Lindsay over at The Book Vlogger. This is a new challenge and I think it is a fabulous idea! All of us have books sitting on our shelves waiting to be read but we just don't get around to most of them because we are constantly buying new books. So here is the change, the challenge, to start getting those books that have been sitting on our shelves (preferably before 2012) read. Because isn't that the reason why we buy the books in the first place? To read them?

    So head on over to Lindsays site and sign up for the challenge. This is going to be a great way to cut down on our TBR piles!






    Monday, January 9, 2012

    My thoughts on 'TAFT 2012' by Jason Heller

    Taft 2012: A NovelTaft 2012: A Novel by Jason Heller

    My rating: 4 of 5 stars


    This book was not what I expected, but that is not meant in a bad way as you can see by the 4 star rating.

    The book is divided into 2 sections, 2011 and 2012. 2011 was all about Taft getting to know America again and 2012 was about his campaign.

    This is Hellers first book and he did an excellent job writing it. I really enjoyed the information I learned in here about Taft (although there was some fiction) and I loved how the chapters were broken up with news show excerpts, twitter 'tweets' and other such things.

    The main thing that Taft talks about changing is the food in America. About getting back to organic, fresh food, etc. Also, about education. I really loved his views on everything and his outlook on life. He was down to earth and above all of the deceitfulness that is politics.

    This book was so well written and I think even young adults would enjoy reading this.

    I have to say that if Taft were truly running for President now, I would vote for him.



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    Sunday, January 8, 2012

    My thoughts on "FORBIDDEN" by Tabitha Suzuma

    ForbiddenForbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

    My rating: 5 of 5 stars


    Wow! This was a very well done book....Tabitha took this taboo subject and turned it into something understandable.

    I still do not condone any sort of incest but the way Tabitha tackled this you get an understanding of what Maya and her brother Lockan were going through.

    The first 100+pgs is all about their family and their situation which I felt was very important to help you understand the rest. Tabitha wrote the characters so amazing and they felt so real.

    I could understand a lot of what they went through and what they felt-even though I do not think their actions were appropriate.

    I have done a video review on this over at youtube and I go into more on there...check it out at on my channel: ocdofbooks



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    Friday, January 6, 2012

    TBR January UPDATE...

    OK, I know that I just posted my January TBR, but that is already being updated...

    I finished The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff and The Immortalists by Richard Denney...I couldn't get into Haunting Violet-so that was a fail for me...Currency Wars is a dense book so that will be read in parts along with another book...and I am currently reading The probability of miracles by Wendy Wunder-which is really good so far...

    I still have to read and review Fracture by Megan Miranda and Taft 2012 by Jason Heller and then Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma.

    THEN....on top of those, I picked some more up from the library today...I couldn't resist since I was there dropping a bunch off...so here they are...all, hopefully, to be read this month also...


    The Sky is everywhere by Jandy Nelson


    Marcelo in the real world by Francisco X. Stork


    With or without you by Brian Farrey


    Amy and Roger's epic detour by Morgan Matson


    Supernaturally by Kiersten White


    Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

    So lets see how I do with these...wish me luck!





    My thoughts on "THE PROBABILITY OF MIRACLES" by Wendy Wunder

    The Probability of MiraclesThe Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

    My rating: 4 of 5 stars


    I read this book in one night. I wasn't sure if I would, but I couldn't put it down.

    It is about a girl named Cam who has cancer and about a portion of her life when she is 15-16yo. Cam gets some bad news and her, her mom and her sister set off on a journey to try and make things better.

    I really liked Cams character-she was sarcastic...I really liked how you watched her transform from someone that had a wall up, from someone that refused to wish, to hope, to dream-to someone that let herself open up to so many things.

    Despite everything she was going through, half of the time you wouldn't know she was sick. Cam was a very strong character-even though at the beginning it was a facade...instead of worrying about her situation she worried about other people.

    This book let you know that you can dream, wish, hope, believe in miracles. No matter your situation there is always something bright to look to. You just have to allow yourself.

    Cams character was such an inspiration. Yes, she broke at times, but she is only human, and she always came back. She didn't let her sickness dictate her life.

    Cams mom and sister were also amazing characters. Her mom did everything she could for Cam but she also didn't treat Cam like a sick person. The same with her sister....they both encouraged Cam to go out and experience life-esp when all Cam wanted to do was lay in bed.

    I also liked Cams love interest, Asher, although there were a few things I would have preferred to see different with him.

    The town of Promise that the author created was amazing. I loved all the 'miracles' and what it did for Cam. The whole idea of the 'miracles' was a great part of the book.



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    Thursday, January 5, 2012

    My thoughts on 'THE REPLACEMENT' by Brenna Yovanoff

    The ReplacementThe Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

    My rating: 4 of 5 stars


    This was a great book. I loved the writing style and cannot wait to read Brennas next book.

    The concept of the story was brillant I thought. The cover makes perfect sense now. I love how the author made this other world, and the characters were amazing!

    I love how there was that touch of creepiness mixed in with everyday life. Her 'monsters' were so well thought out. And the personalities of everyone were just perfect.

    Very interesting, creepy and just all around great!



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    My thoughts on 'GIRL MEETS BOY' by Kelly Milner Halls

    Girl Meets Boy: Because There Are Two Sides to Every StoryGirl Meets Boy: Because There Are Two Sides to Every Story by Kelly Milner Halls

    My rating: 3 of 5 stars


    I won this book in a giveaway and then got a copy for review from Chronicle books.

    I was very excited to read this because it sounded so interesting...two sides to the same story. A boys and a girls view. Aren't there always two sides to every story?

    The book has 6 stories in it or 12, depending on how you look at, all with two sides...Ha! So one male and one female author. And some great authors at that.

    I have to say that the stories were rather interesting to read. They each dealt with something different and I really liked that. I also really liked that they each dealt with pretty serious issues.

    What I was sort of disappointed in is that I was expecting the stories to include both the female and the male character in some sort of conflict/dispute and that each story told the point of view about the conflict/dispute from each of their eyes. But it wasn't like that at all. One story talked about that persons life at a certain time-whether it was the boy or the girl and then the other side would talk about their life at the same time often overlapping but not always.

    I would have found it much more interesting if it would have been written like that. Now someone will have to write a book like that. A disagreement/conflict, etc from the eyes of both parties involved.



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    Wednesday, January 4, 2012

    TBR for January 2012

    I usually don't do these because what book I read depends on the mood that I am in usually. But since I have been getting books from the library I have been committed to reading all those books-so here is my TBR list of books for January...or so I hope...


    The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff (reading now)


    The Immortalists by Richard Denney


    Fracture by Megan Miranda (review copy)


    Taft 2012 by Jason Heller (review copy)


    Currency Wars by James Rickards


    Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey


    The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder


    Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

    So hopefully I get these read in the month of January before I get anymore books from the library.







    Tuesday, January 3, 2012

    My thoughts on 'FLYAWAY' by Helen Landalf

    FlyawayFlyaway by Helen Landalf

    My rating: 4 of 5 stars


    Another book with a serious subject matter, so of course I loved it. I don't know what it is about issues like this that draw my interest.

    So, the main character, Stevie, has a mom who is sort of like a dead beat mom. Her and Stevie are constantly moving and she can't hold down a job. Nothing in Stevies life is stable, but that is all Stevie knows and when things turn bad in her life and she is no longer with her mom that is all she wants. To be with her even though that is the worst thing at the time.

    The story starts with Stevies mom being gone for almost 3 days. Leaving Stevie home alone (Stevie is 15). At this time Stevie has also missed a lot of school and isn't too concerned about it-and apparently her mom isn't either.

    Stevie is worried where her mom is and is hoping that she is OK. She is trying to talk herself into logical reasons on why her mom hasn't come home, but honestly there is no 'logical' reason why her mom hasn't been home in almost 3 days!

    Luckily for Stevie, her Aunt Mindy, who is her moms sister shows up at their apartment and takes Stevie back home with her. Unfortunately Stevie doesn't see it that way.

    Since Stevie has only known being with her mom she is very defensive and rebellious about everything that her Aunt Mindy is trying to do for her. She doesn't realize that her Aunt is only trying to help her and make things easier/better for her. But all Stevie wants is her mom.

    When Stevie finds out from her Aunt that he mom has been doing drugs and that is why she hasn't been home and why she was acting the way she had been for so long, Stevie is in denial and is very angry at her Aunt for even suggesting such a thing. She refuses to believe what is or was right in front of her. And then when she finds out that her Aunt plans on doing an intervention to get Stevies mom to admit to her problem and agree to go into rehab, Stevie wants nothing to do with it.

    Thankfully the intervention works and so while Stevies mom is away at rehab, Stevie is forced to stay with her Aunt. During this time with her Aunt she still remains bitter and angry, but you see through her interactions with her friends that she has changed. You see that what is going on with her mom has actually affected Stevie and that she has actually learned something from it. I really was proud to see this change in her. Even though Stevie was very angry still at her Aunt and in a few of the situations she was in was because she was running away from her Aunt to try and deal with her feelings....in the end she ended up doing the right thing.

    When her mom comes home from rehab Stevie is ecstatic and has high hopes that things will be better, that they will be different. Unfortunately that isn't to be and Stevie is forced to face and admit a lot of things that she was in denial about through the whole story.

    I really enjoyed this book. The story was great! I always like stories that show the dark side of life. The gritty side that a lot of people do not want to admit exists or that a lot of people refuse to see.

    The characters in this book were great also. Stevie was a very well believed character. All of the emotions and thoughts that she had were definitely something I could see someone in her situation having.

    Her Aunt was so loving and supportive despite the way Stevie treated her. She was very understanding and never gave up on Stevie.

    The side charaters in this story were also well liked. I liked how the author had a bird rehabilitation center in the story because it added a lot to it. There is a lot to read into that and to learn.

    I don't think that there was a character in this book that I didn't like a lot or that just didn't make sense. All of the characters made this story well rounded and gave such a big insight into Stevies life.

    I am glad that I didn't allow the cover make the decision for me if I was going to read this or not. Honestly, I don't care for the cover, but hey, the story well makes up for that.



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    Monday, January 2, 2012

    Goodwill book haul

    So my daughter wanted to go to Goodwill today to spend her Christmas money. No mall for her....which was great because she got so much for her money!! I couldn't believe everything that she got...it was 50% off day so the prices were great. I know a lot of people don't like to shop at Goodwill but why not? We make sure we don't get anything that is ripped or stained and then we wash everything right when we get home....anyway....

    I, of course, had to look at the books and the following is what I got. I did get one book from the library and that was this...



    And oh yeah, my husband bought me this book at TJ Maxx today also...


    Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steven Hockensmith

    And now here are the books that I got from Goodwill....




    Angelina Jolie: Notes from my Travels


    E.T. (20th Anniversary) by William Kotzwinkle
    (I couldn't find this edition on Amazon)


    The Twilight Companion by Lois H. Gresh


    Strange but True by John Searles



    Just Listen by Sarah Dessen


    Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs


    Exorcist The beginning by Steven Piziks


    Called by Lisa Jefferson and Felicia Middlebrooks


    21 Dog Years by Mike Daisey


    Ana's Story by Jenna Bush


    Why America Slept by Gerald Posner

    So that is it...those are the books that I got. And I have been watching everyones Christmas hauls on YouTube and have been adding even more books to my wish list.

    Hope everyone had a great New Years Eve and Have a great New Years!