Zombie Movies!!!---Braaaiiiinnnsss!!

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Synopsis:

Packed with more blood, more gore, and more bone-chilling, jaw-dropping thrills, Dawn of the Dead Unrated Director's Cut is the version too terrifying to be shown in theaters! Starring Mekhi Phifer, Ving Rhames and Sarah Polley in an edgy, electrifying thrill-ride.

When a mysterious virus turns people into mindless, flesh-eating zombies, a handful of survivors wage a desperate, last-stand battle to stay alive…and human.

I love this movie. I love the original, too, but this version is most definitely my favorite and possibly my favorite zombie movie of all time. If you want to get a first hand look at the slow-moving zombie vs. fast-moving zombie comparison, you should watch the original DOTD and then turn around and follow it with this incredible remake.

I am a slow zombie purist, but I do think fast zombies are way scarier, especially when they are in the guise of the cute little neighbor girl. Geez, it gives me the willies just thinking about it. Not so scary is the fact that Jake Weber is in this one. He normally plays the husband on Medium, but in DOTD, he's just a totally dreamy guy trying to fight of flesh-eating hordes. Ahhhh, Jake Weber.

If you don't like gore, I would stay away from.....well, basically all zombie movies. Gore sort of goes hand in hand with the genre.



28 Days Later

Synopsis:

Hailed as the most frightening film since The Exorcist, acclaimed Director Danny Boyle's visionary take on zombie horror "isn't just scary…it's absolutely terrifying" (Access Hollywood).
An infirmary patient awakens from a coma to an empty room…in a vacant hospital…in a deserted city. A powerful virus, which locks victims into a permanent state of murderous rage, has transformed the world around him into a seemingly desolate wasteland. Now a handful of survivors must fight to stay alive, unaware that the worst is yet to come…

This is another one of my favorites. Although in this one, people are infected with rage, so they aren't your classic zombies. Still scary, though, oh yes, very scary.
And this movie is directed by Danny Boyle of Trainspotting and Shallow Grave fame. He's one of my favorite directors and Cillian Murphy is positively lovely, while trying to run for his life.


So there's a little slice of my zombie movie faves. I'll post a few more favorites this week as well. Tomorrow, come back for a new promotion where you can win an 8 book prize pack of James Patterson's YA books. Not zombies, but still pretty cool.

Never Slow Dance With a Zombie by E. Van Lowe

Release Date: Available Now from Tor Teen!!!

Synopsis:

Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion meets Night of the Living Dead in this laugh-out-loud debut YA novel by Emmy Award-nominated TV writer E. Van Lowe

Principal Taft's 3 Simple Rules for Surviving a Zombie Uprising:

Rule #1: While in the halls, walk slowly and wear a vacant expression on your face. Zombies won't attack other zombies.

Rule #2: Never travel alone. Move in packs. Follow the crowd. Zombies detest blatant displays of individuality.

Rule #3: If a zombie should attack, do not run. Instead, throw raw steak at to him. Zombies love raw meat. This display of kindness will go a long way.

On the night of her middle school graduation, Margot Jean Johnson wrote a high school manifesto detailing her goals for what she was sure would be a most excellent high school career. She and her best friend, Sybil, would be popular and, most important, have boyfriends. Three years later, they haven't accomplished a thing!

Then Margot and Sybil arrive at school one day to find that most of the student body has been turned into flesh-eating zombies. When kooky Principal Taft asks the girls to coexist with the zombies until the end of the semester, they realize that this is the perfect opportunity to live out their high school dreams. All they have to do is stay alive....

As a lover of all things zombie, there's no way that I could resist this tale of two high school wannabes who get they're chance to rule the school thanks to a zombie apocalypse. I was not the most popular girl in school, not by a long shot, and at times I myself dreamt of a zombie apocalypse that would rid me of all the creeps at school. With this book, I got the perfect look at "be careful what you wish for."

Margot and Sybil are great characters whose friendship is truly tested just as all their dreams are coming true. I see a lot of myself and my friend (also named Cari) in these characters. Our high school career, although not this exciting, was full of many of the same struggles that these girls face.

This is just a really fun read. It's loony and off-the-wall, but just a great quick zombie-filled read. I would love to see more of Margot and Sybil in the future. Perhaps they could be battling collegiate zombies this time?

I recommend this book to anyone who loves the undead or just a fun read. Not to mention, E. Van Lowe is a really cool and super nice guy.

Come back tomorrow for more zombie fun. I'll be talking about a favorite zombie movie of mine, plus my thoughts on H2, which I saw yesterday. Then Tuesday, I'll be starting a new contest, which although not zombie related is pretty freakin' awesome.

In My Mailbox (27)

I had a rawther awesome week this week and I can't wait to share my mailbox goodies with you all.

First things first, In My Mailbox is brought to you by The Story Siren.

For Review:

Emily & The Silent King by Irven Keppen

Release Date: Available Now from CreateSpace

Synopsis:

From his dark tower in the far north, the Silent King sends forth his foul armies. His minions are quickly spreading throughout the lands of Midralon, bringing fear and terror. His dark magic is powerful and his armies mighty, but the Silent King has one weakness. According to an ancient prophecy, one simple word can defeat the evil tyrant, but no one knows this word and the Silent King slays any who dare to speak in his presence! None of this matters to Emily; she doesn't know how she ended up in this strange land along with her sister and two brothers. Her only desire is to get her family safely back home to their own world. There is just one problem: it appears her only way back will lead to an encounter with the sinister Silent King himself! Join Emily as she adventures in the enchanting land of Midralon!

Karma For Beginners by Jessica Blank

Release Date: Available Now from Hyperion

Synopsis:

Fourteen-year-old Tessa has never had a normal life. Her mother, a frustrated hippie with awful taste in men, has seen to that. But when her mom pulls her out of school to live at an ashram in the Catskills, Tessa goes from being a freak among normal people to being an outcast among freaks. Freaks who worship an orange robe-wearing guru. And while her mom is buzzing with spiritual energy, and finding a little too much favor with the guru, all Tessa feels are weird vibes.

Unless she's with Colin, the gorgeous boy who fixes trucks for the ashram. The connection they share is the most spiritual thing Tessa has ever felt. But he's older-like illegally older-and Tessa's taking dangerous risks to spend time with him. Soon her life is blooming into a psychedelic web of secrets and lies and it's clear that something's about to give way. When it does, will she have anyone to hold on to? Will she even know herself?

Revelations abound in this mind-altering novel from the acclaimed author of Almost Home.

Max by James Patterson

Release Date: Available Now from Little, Brown

Synopsis:

Maximum Ride and the other members of the Flock have barely recovered from their last arctic adventure, when they are confronted by the most frightening catastrophe yet. Millions of fish are dying off the coast of Hawaii and someone—or something—is destroying hundreds of ships. Unable to discover the cause, the government enlists the Flock to help them get to the bottom of the disaster before it is too late.

While Max and her team are exploring the depths of the ocean, their every move is being carefully tracked by Mr. Chu—a criminal mastermind with his own plans for the Flock. Can they protect themselves from Mr. Chu's army of mercenaries and save the ocean from utter destruction?

A James Patterson Pageturner
In the spirit of the most enduring hit movies and books, James Patterson has written this story for readers from ten to a hundred and ten. Special care has been taken with the language and content of MAXIMUM RIDE 5.

Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga

Release Date: October 19, 2009 from Houghton Mifflin

Synopsis:

Time is a funny thing in the hospital. In the mental ward. You lose track of it easily.

After six months in the Maryland Mental Health Unit, Kyra Sellers, a.k.a. Goth Girl, is going home. Unfortunately, she's about to find out that while she was away, she lost track of more than time. Kyra is back in black, feeling good, and ready to make up with the only person who's ever appreciated her for who she really is.

But then she sees him. Fanboy. Transcended from everything he was into someone she barely recognizes.

And the anger and memories come rushing back.

There's so much to do to people when you're angry.
Kyra's about to get very busy.

Purchased: (I went a little crazy!!)

The Fat Girl by Marilyn Sachs
The Sky Always Hears Me and the Hills Don't Mind by Kristin Cronn-Mills
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri
Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass
My Big Fat Manifesto by Susan Vaught
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Meridian by Amber Kizer
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

I also bought a Blu-Ray player, which I am a tad bit in love with. It makes my movies so pretty and drool-worthy. I can't wait until Tuesday when I can buy Supernatural Season 4 on Blu-Ray. Winchesters in Hi-Def is heavenly!!!

Can't wait to see what everyone else got this week.

Zombie Appreciation Week Starts Today!!!

I love zombies. They are my favorite supernatural creature, followed closely by werewolves, but that's for another appreciation week. This undead celebration is the brain child of Velvet over at vvb32 reads. Head on over to her blog for some wonderful and witty guest posts from E. Van Lowe author of Never Slow Dance With A Zombie.

What does all this mean? What is this celebration mean for you dear reader? Well, this week, I'll be trying to stick to reviewing zombie related media. Tonight, at some point, I'll be posting my own review of Never Slow Dance, and then throughout the week, I'll be sharing some of my other fave zombie books and movies. I may even throw in a review of H2, which I'm seeing today. After all, I think Michael Myers totally counts as the undead. He's like the ultimate zombie.

So, there you have it, all zombies all the time. However, I might take a break tomorrow to post my IMM, because I got so fantastic stuff this week!!

Hope you'll tune in for lots of brain-munching fun!

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

Release Date: Available Now from Scholatic!!!!

Synopsis:

Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek. . . and Ryan and Sarah are trying to find out why. Ryan writes down everything in his journal, and Sarah records everything on her videocam. The two move deeper into the mystery they've uncovered, determined to discover the secrets buried in Skeleton Creek.

I know I'm starting to sound like some kind of Patrick Carman fangirl, but....well, I am. He has yet to disappoint me with a book and I don't think it's going to happen any time soon. Skeleton Creek is considered a middle grade book, but I think older folks would like it too.

It combines a classic "journal" style, which is Ryan's side of the events, with videos accessible on the internet, which is Sarah's side of the story. I've never read anything that combined multimedia with print so well. You can, of course, read the story without watching the videos, but you really do miss something. You not only miss some story elements, but you also miss some truly creepy footage, which I will admit made me jump a time or two.

This is a great mystery with supernatural elements. It's just a really wonderful and addictive piece of storytelling. The tale of Skeleton Creek and Ryan and Sarah, will conclude with the second book, Ghost in the Machine that comes out in October. I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel, and I will read it as soon as it hits my hot little hands.

Thank you Mr. Carman for yet another amazing read. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next.

Waiting on Wednesday (30)--My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey

Release Date: January 4, 2010 from Bloomsbury

Synopsis:

The Blakes are rather different to your usual neighbours. They are vampires and some of the members of the family date back to the twelfth century. One of the children, Solange, is the only born female vampire known and, as such, she poses a direct threat to the vampire queen. Her best friend Lucy is human, and when Solange is kidnapped Lucy and Solange's brother, Nicholas, set out to save her. Lucy soon discovers that she would like to be more than just friends with Nicholas. But how does one go about dating a vampire? Meanwhile, Solange finds an unlikely ally in Kieran, a vampire slayer on the hunt for his father's killer.

I know what you're thinking....oh no, not another vampire book. But this one sounds really good. Murder, mayhem, and romance?!! Fantastic-ness!!!! Unfortunately, it's not out until January, but maybe by then I'll have caught up a little bit on my reading (yeah right).

Can't wait to see what everyone else is waiting on this week.

Immortal by Gillian Shields

Release Date: Available Now from HarperTeen

Synopsis:

Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, housed in a Gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors, is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn away from her home by the sea to become the newest scholarship student, she is more isolated than she could have dreamed. Strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave Evie drowning in loneliness.

Evie's only lifeline is Sebastian, a rebellious, mocking, dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie's feelings for Sebastian grow with each secret meeting, she starts to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie, she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. And as the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.

Okay, here's the thing. I only got about halfway through this and then I just up and quit. I'm not usually a quitter, but with my busy days at the new job, it was hard for me to justify spending time with a book that didn't really capture me.

It's not badly written, it's just a little blah. I like the premise, I like the setting and the teachers at Wyldcliffe are pretty darn creepy, but something about this book just made it hard for me to soldier through.

I will admit, I am easily distracted these days, so I plan to give this one another try when I have more time to devote to it. Don't pass it up just because I didn't like it, but I've read some other not so great reviews as well, which leads me to the question.....are we influenced in our reading by bad reviews as much as good? If you've heard that something isn't good, are you likely to dislike it as well?

I think sometimes, when I've read some negative reviews on a book, I am pleasantly surprised when I like it. Whereas when I hear that something is awesome, I am occasionally let down when I don't like it as much as others. I don't know, just a thought.

To make a long story short, too late, this one just wasn't for me. At least it wasn't for the present, super-busy me. Maybe a summer vacation me would see this book completely differently. That's all I have to say about Immortal.

39 Clues Book 5: The Black Circle by Patrick Carman

Release Date: Available Now from Scholastic!!!

Synopsis:

WHERE ARE AMY AND DAN CAHILL? The two kids were last seen in Egypt, hunting for one of the 39 Clues that could make them the most powerful people on earth. But no one has seen the siblings since. Has the ruthless Irina Spasky finally tracked them down? Or worse . . . the Madrigals?

No one knows where the Clue hunt leads next. But one thing is certain – Book 5 is gearing up to be Dan and Amy’s most dangerous adventure yet.

I love this series!!! It remains, after 5 books, exciting, interesting and compulsively readable. Not to mention that this particular entry in the series is written by Patrick Carman, who is one of my favorite authors. I've been waiting for his contribution to the clues and I was not disappointed.

I love racing around the world with Amy and Dan. Each book takes me to a new locale, that I can't wait to visit. Each book is also interspersed with tidbits of history that I find fascinating.

Book 5 creates even more questions about who the kids can and cannot trust. People who they've relied on suddenly become suspect, and they must fend for themselves once again. I eagerly await each new entry in this series, which for me is saying something. Usually I get bored with a series after 5 books, but not this one. I am looking as forward to Book 6 as to anything else on my wishlist.

If you haven't picked these up yet, you just might want to. It's early enough to still get into the game.

Just putting this out there!!

As many of you know, I've recently started a new job as an elementary librarian in a local district. It's a great school with a caring staff and an awesome principal. We're fairly small, about 300 students, and we are in an urban area. We have about 99% free lunch at our school and there are about 300 empty homes in our surrounding neighborhoods, due to foreclosures, etc.

My budget is very small compared to other local districts and I'm trying to fill my shelves with exciting new titles to encourage the kids to read. There's not a lot left over after buying books for cool posters and incentives.

Basically, I just want to put the idea out there for authors, publicists, and publishers that I am willing to review books for younger readers as well, since my school is K-5. If I like a title, I will share it with my fellow librarians, and donate it to my school or to a student.

Also, if you have any posters or bookmarks that you would like to donate, I'm starting a treasure chest for kids who reach their reading goal for the quarter and the year. I'm just trying to make the library an awesome and inviting place, because we need to get these kids reading more. They are big graphic novel fans, in fact, I haven't even been able to start checkout yet, but I already have kids asking about graphic novels, so I know they are a big hit.

I just wanted to put all that out there. I hate to ask for stuff like that, but I want to keep my library fresh and exciting and I can't do that single-handedly.

Thanks guys!!!

DupliKate by Cherry Cheva

Reviewed for the 1 ARC Tour.

Release Date: September 29, 2009 from HarperTeen

Synopsis:

Getting into Yale has been Kate Larson’s dream for years—and being overworked and under-rested is the price of admission. But when she opens her eyes after falling asleep on her keyboard one night, she comes face-to-face with, well, herself.

Meet Kate’s computer-generated twin. Kate doesn’t know why she’s here or how to put her back where she belongs, but she’s real. And she’s the last thing Kate has time to deal with right now. Unless. . .could having a double be the answer to Kate’s prayers?

I'm so glad I got a chance to read this one as part of the 1 ARC Tour. It was just what I needed at this stressful time in my life. It was a quick, fun, easy read that reminded me to take time in the middle of the madness to enjoy life for awhile.

Kate is way overstressed. She's so busy planning for her future that she's completely missing out on the little joys of high school. So when Rina, Kate's SimuLife double, appears out her computer-generated world, Kate finds it easy to let her take some of the pressure off. But when Rina starts making her own demands, Kate has to find a way to take control once again.

I've played a lot of The Sims in my life and the thought of one of my simulated friends coming to life is pretty darned cool. Freaky?! Yes, but cool. I really liked the character of Kate. I knew people like her in high school and this was like taking a trip back in time for me.

This book is just a wonderful reminder not to let the pressures of one's future ruin the joys of the present moment. We need to take time to stop, breath, and just enjoy life, especially in high school. I know it's important to get into a good school, but not at the cost of your sanity. In the end, happiness is more important.

I haven't read She's So Money, but now I totally want to, and I'm anxiously awaiting anything Cheva writes from now on. I'm a fan!!

BBAW

So, I got an e-mail today, while I was at work that said that I had been nominated for a BBAW award for Best YA Blog. Seriously?! I am soooo pumped and thank you to whoever nominated me. It feels so good to know that someone likes what you are doing. Lately with a new job, I've had to force myself some nights to post reviews and whatnot, so it's amazing to know that people are reading and enjoying. It's just more encouragement to keep going even when I'm super tired.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Waiting on Wednesday (29)--Firespell by Chloe Neill

Release Date: January 5, 2010 from Signet

Synopsis:

As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

This book sounds amazing and I love the cover. Plus it's the first book in a series and we all know how much I love a good series. Unfortunately, it's not out until January, which is forever away, but I have lots of books to keep me occupied until then.

Can't wait to see what everyone else is waiting on this week.

Guest Post by Hannah Friedman

I'd like to welcome Hannah Friedman, author of Everything Sucks, as she stops by Carrie's YA Bookshelf for a stop on her TLC Tour. And now....here's Hannah!!

Hello all! So here's the deal: my book Everything Sucks includes a live monkey, a dead friend, sex, drugs, SATs, a national scandal, a diet disaster, and all the rest of that fantastic awkwardness that makes our teenage years so deliciously angst-ridden. I wrote this book because it wasn't around for me to read it. It includes everything I wish I had known growing up but was too afraid to ask about.


I knew all about perfect rich girls with designer purses and cocaine habits from sexy movie and TV portrayals of teenagers who are played by 26 year old 80 lb. actresses, but I didn't need to hear about those girls. I wanted to hear about the girl who was so nervous about her first kiss that she nearly fell over, and the girl who felt like such a freak she was sure she'd never fit in anywhere, the girl who pretended, who worried, who wondered about the purpose of education and her place in the world and how to shave your pubes without getting those gross little red bumps. And I didn't find that girl in any of the books I read. So I wrote this one.


Some things you might be wondering about: Amelia the monkey is still alive (mostly) at the ripe old age of 42. Her vision is probably that of an old woman wearing sunglasses through an evening fog, but she still manages to get around spryly enough to hide behind doorways and lunge out at my toes whenever I am carrying something particularly heavy/spiky/hot.


What's next for me? Well, I'm glad you asked. Because to be perfectly honest I'm f***ing terrified. All my college friends have these fancy "real jobs" with "real paychecks" and some sort of magical "health insurance" dealie where you get your anti-depressants and eyeglasses for free. Sometimes I feel like it's something I should look into. But another part of me longs for the freedom of the artist, and entertains the ridiculous notion that sometime soon I'll get paid gobs of money (gobs of chocolate or gobs of kittens would also be acceptable,) to sit around squeezing out my ideas. To that end, I encourage you to check out some of my youtube experimenting, and possibly even get involved with video collaborations! It's a very exciting interactive creative platform which has allowed me to do what I love without the aggravation of going into cold sweats before I enter an audition room... seriously, just check it out. I'm kind of funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfeX2MZY8Tk&feature=channel_page


Please do let me know if you guys have any questions. You can reach me at writinghannah@me.com, and if you like the book I encourage you to write an Amazon.com review, because otherwise in order to get enough money to move out of my parent's basement I'm going to have to go to law school or something. And seriously, would even a large gob of kittens (which I would estimate to be approximately 300 kittens,) soothe the trauma of having to write constitutional law papers instead of hilariously candid and self-indulgent memoir chapters temporarily titled things like "the verge of virginity"??? You tell me. Really, tell me. Go to writinghannah.com. And buy the book while you're at it. Thanks so much for your support.


Much love & laughter,


Hannah Friedman


Thank you Hannah!! I urge all of you to run right out and buy a copy of Everything Sucks, because it most certainly does not suck. In fact, it rocks and just happens to be made of awesome.

Everything Sucks by Hannah Friedman

Release Date: Available Now from HCI Teens!!!

Synopsis:

When everything sucks,
change everything . . .

And that's exactly what Hannah Friedman set out to do in an ambitious attempt to bust out of a life of obscurity and absurdity and into an alternate world of glamour, wealth, and popularity.

Being dubbed 'That Monkey Girl' by middle school bullies and being pulled out of sixth grade to live on a tour bus with her agoraphobic mother, her smelly little brother, and her father's hippie band mates convinces Hannah that she is destined for a life of freakdom.

But when she enters one of the country's most prestigious boarding schools on scholarship, Hannah transforms herself into everything she is not: cool. By senior year, she has a perfect millionaire boyfriend, a perfect GPA, a perfect designer wardrobe, and is part of the most popular clique in school, but somehow everything begins to suck far worse than when she first started. Her newfound costly drug habit, eating disorder, identity crisis, and Queen-Bee attitude lead to the unraveling of Hannah's very unusual life.

Putting her life back together will take more than a few clicks of her heels, or the perfect fit of a glass slipper, in this not-so-fairy tale of going from rock bottom to head of the class and back again.

Hannah's memoir is fantastic!!! It's a quick read full of her own special brand of acerbic wit. I think everyone could find something to relate to in this book. For me, it was Hannah's fear of sleepovers. When I was young, I also suffered from slumber party anxiety. I don't know why, but I was always so nervous about spending the night at a friends house. As soon as everyone around me fell asleep, I had to fight the urge to call my mom and beg her to pick me up.

There are many things in this book that you will find yourself nodding your head to in that "been there" way. Nothing is off limits and at times I found myself gasping in shock, while simultaneously laughing out loud or fighting back tears.

I'm not usually a big non-fiction fan, but I really loved this book. It's a wonderful look inside the mind of a teenager who, although her life may be different than mine, many of her experiences are the same. It was refreshing to read such an honest and open memoir from such a talented writer.

Below you can see a glimpse into Everything Sucks from Hannah herself. And come back tomorrow when Hannah stops by Carrie's YA Bookshelf on her TLC Tour.

In My Mailbox (26)

Sorry I'm posting this a bit late today, but apparently I was more tired that I thought. It took me forever to get out of bed and moving this morning. All I wanted to do was lay in bed and read, but alas here I am at the computer once again.

Here we go:

As always, In My Mailbox is brought to you by Kristi, AKA The Story Siren, AKA she who is Made of Awesome.

I got some exciting stuff in the mail this week. There are only three books, but they are three fantastic books.

For Review:

Duplikate by Cherry Cheva

Release Date: September 29, 2009 from HarperTeen

Synopsis:

Getting into Yale has been Kate Larson’s dream for years—and being overworked and under-rested is the price of admission. But when she opens her eyes after falling asleep on her keyboard one night, she comes face-to-face with, well, herself.

Meet Kate’s computer-generated twin. Kate doesn’t know why she’s here or how to put her back where she belongs, but she’s real. And she’s the last thing Kate has time to deal with right now. Unless. . .could having a double be the answer to Kate’s prayers?

I got this one as part of the 1 ARC Tour and I am very excited to read it. I'll be starting it next, so I can pass it on quickly.

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima (autographed)

Release Date: October 13, 2009 from Hyperion

Synopsis:

Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for himself, his mother, and his sister Mari. Ironically, the only thing of value he has is something he can't sell. For as long as Han can remember, he's worn thick silver cuffs engraved with runes. They're clearly magicked-as he grows, they grow, and he's never been able to get them off.

While out hunting one day, Han and his Clan friend, Dancer catch three young wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. After a confrontation, Han takes an amulet from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won't use it against them. Han soon learns that the amulet has an evil history-it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece that powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.

Meanwhile, Raisa ana'Helena, Princess Heir of the Fells, has her own battles to fight. She's just returned to court after three years of relative freedom with her father's family at Demonai camp - riding, hunting, and working the famous Clan markets. Although Raisa will become eligible for marriage after her sixteenth name-day, she isn't looking forward to trading in her common sense and new skills for etiquette tutors and stuffy parties.

Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea-the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But it seems like her mother has other plans for her--plans that include a suitor who goes against everything the Queendom stands for.

The Seven Realms will tremble when the lives of Han and Raisa collide in this stunning new page-turner from bestselling author Cinda Williams Chima.


The Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima (autographed paperback)

Release Date: September 1, 2009 in paperback from Hyperion

Synopsis:

The covenant that was meant to keep the wizard wars at bay has been stolen, and Trinity must prepare for attack. Everyone is doing their part -- Seph is monitoring the Weirwalls; Jack and Ellen are training their ghostly army; even Anaweir Will and Fitch are setting booby traps around the town's perimeter. But to Jason Haley, it seems like everyone wants to keep him out of the action. He may not be the most powerful wizard in Trinity, but he's prepared to fight for his friends. When Jason finds a powerful talisman --a huge opal called the Dragonheart--buried in a cave, his role takes on new importance. The stone seems to sing to Jason's very soul -- showing him that he is meant for more than anyone guessed. Trinity's guardians take the stone away after they realize that it may be a weapon powerful enough to save them all. Without any significant power of his own, and now without the stone, what can Jason possibly do to help the people he cares about -- and to prove his mettle?

Cinda was kind enough to send me an autographed copy of her upcoming book The Demon King and then she threw in and autographed copy of The Dragon Heir in paperback, too. Thank you so much Cinda. I've been anxiously awaiting your new book and I can't wait to start it.

I Bought:

Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley
The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees

So that's it for me this week. I can't wait to see what everyone else got in their mailboxes.

The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley

Release Date: Available Now from Greenwillow (Harpercollins)!!

Synopsis:

No one wanted you. But I did.

Kat's true identity is a secret, even from her. All she has ever known are Grace and Anna and their small village. Kat wants more—more than hours spent embroidering finery for wealthy ladies and more than Christian, the gentle young farmer courting her.

But there are wolves outside, Grace warns. Waiting, with their eyes glowing in the dark . . . and Grace has given Kat safety and a home when no one else would.

Then a stranger appears in their cottage, bringing the mystery of Kat's birth with her. In one night, Kat's destiny finds her: She will leave. She will journey to London, and her skill with the needle will attract the notice of the magnificent Queen Elizabeth—and of the wolves of the court. She will discover what Grace would never tell her.

Everything will unravel.

I love historical fiction, especially historical fiction that is set during Elizabethan time. I love the novels of Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy, and I believe this book from Suzanne Crowley deserves a spot amongst these greats of the genre.

This book is beautifully written and captured me from the very first page. Kat is an incredibly vivid character and the book is written in such a way that you really get inside her head and live the events right along with her. As Kat gets swept up in life in Elizabeth's court, the reader gets swept up right along with her. It's a magical world and for someone who has Kat's background, it seems to be the answer to all of her prayers.

However, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Anna, whose world is slowly crumbling, while Kat's is ever on the rise. I also really enjoyed reading Grace's diary entries and they really add to Kat's own story. We get to discover the mystery of Kat's parentage as she does.

If you love historical fiction, the Elizabethan era, or just a good story of intrigue and mystery, then I recommend you pick up The Stolen One immediately. It's a truly fantastic read and I hope Crowley returns to the world of historical fiction very soon.

Contest you should check out!!!

So, Princess Bookie is having an AMAZING contest over at her blog where you can win oodles of books and I mean oodles. So run over there right now and check it out!!! What are you waiting for?!

Waiting on Wednesday (28)--Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Release Date: February 23, 2010 from Dial

Synopsis:

Incarceron – a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology – a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber – chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here.

In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison – a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device – a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn’s escape is born ...

I read about this book on The Compulsive Reader's site. It was part of a list of upcoming Penguin titles. I think it looks fantastic and it's already available in the UK, so I might just have to order it from Amazon UK. The picture is actually the UK cover, since I can't find the US cover anywhere. I'm really looking forward to a lot of Penguin's future titles, so head over to her blog and check them out.

Can't wait to see what everyone else is waiting for this week!!

The Garden of Eve by K. L. Going

Release Date: Available now in hardcover and paperback from Houghton Mifflin!!

Synopsis:

Evie doesn't believe in magic anymore. After all, if magic were real, her mom would still be alive.

But when Evie moves to Beaumont, New York, where her father has bought a withered apple orchard that the townspeople whisper is cursed, she learns about a lost girl, receives a mysterious seed, and meets a boy who claims to be dead.

Before long, Evie finds herself in the middle of a fairy tale. And this one is real.

I decided to read this one, because it's on the Mark Twain list, which is chosen by MASL (Missouri Association of School Librarians). In most elementary schools including the one where I will be working, we try to encourage the kids to read some books from this list, so I figured if I expected them to read them, I should too. If you see some middle grade or younger books showing up on my blog, they are most likely from this list.

They choose these books for a reason, and after reading The Garden of Eve, I can see why it was added to the list. This is a really beautiful story about a father and daughter trying to find their way through a profound loss. Anyone who has ever lost someone close to them will appreciate the emotions that Evie experiences throughout this book.

Evie's story does have some touches of magic, but the real magic is how she comes to terms with the loss of her mother and helps a friend come to terms with a loss of their own. The setting of the "withered" orchard is perfect to set the tone for the story. It's all about death and rebirth.

I recommend this one, even if you don't usually read books for younger readers. It's a quick and yet powerful book that will stay with me for a long while. I'll have no problem sharing this title with my future students and I think they'll find it just as magical and moving as I did.

Ruined by Paula Morris

Release Date: Available Now from Point

Synopsis:

Rebecca couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to spend the year while her dad is traveling. She's staying in a creepy old house with her aunt. And at the snooty prep school, the filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda. Then one night, in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to talk to Rebecca, and to show her the nooks and crannies of the city. There's just one catch: Lisette is a ghost.

A ghost with a deep, dark secret, and a serious score to settle.

As Rebecca learns more from her ghost friend -- and as she slowly learns to trust Anton Grey -- she also uncovers startling truths about her own history. Will Rebecca be able to right the wrongs of the past, or has everything been ruined beyond repair?

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you probably know that I like to travel. I also love books that make me feel like traveling or that remind me of trips I've taken in the past. I went to New Orleans probably 6 years ago, well before Katrina, and I fell in love with the city. There is no place else like it in the world. When you walk down the street, it's like walking back in time and you can feel the history surrounding you.

Ruined captures that feeling perfectly. It's a wonderful mix of a good ol'fashioned ghost story and an amazing historical all rolled up into one. Through Rebecca we get to discover the city of New Orleans as it is today, post-Katrina, where people are focused on rebuilding their homes and their lives.

Then through, Lisette, we see the New Orleans that was and we get to take a walking tour of New Orleans through the ages. The two characters stories work so well together that I was immediately swept into the action and couldn't wait to find out what happened next.

I love ghost stories, so this one was right up my alley. Morris' writing is eerie and suspenseful, which creates an atmosphere where you never really know which character is friend or foe.

I highly recommend this one, especially if you love to travel through literature. When I can't get out of town, it's always nice to be able to see the sights through my books. I will be planning a trip to New Orleans in the next year or two, so that I can once again experience the magic that I know is still there.

In My Mailbox (25)--Wow, have I been doing this for 25 weeks?!

As always, In My Mailbox is brought to you by Kristi, AKA The Story Siren.

Let's get to it, shall we.

For review:

Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

Release Date: September 15, 2009 from Henry Holt

Synopsis:

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over “breathers.” Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody…and Cass loves dirt. She’s on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass’s whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim’s life, she’s surprised to realize he’s not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance….

I've been wanting this one for awhile, so thanks to Megan for making sure I got a copy. I really appreciate it and I'm looking forward to reading it soon.

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

Release Date: October 1, 2009 from Little, Brown

Synopsis:

Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.

In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed---about God, about your family, about yourself---is transformed.

This one was completely unexpected, but very welcome. It looks fantastic, so hopefully I'll be able to work my way to it very soon.

Secrets of a Christmas Box by Stephen Hornby (autographed)

Release Date: September 1, 2009 from Ecky Thump Books

Synopsis:

Enter the magical festive world of the Christmas 'Tree-Dwellers', as Larry, a Christmas snowman, wakes up after the long sleep in the Christmas box, to find his brother is missing.

Desperate to find him before Christmas, Larry, along with his girlfriend Debbie, a newcomer Splint, and Larry's companion Tinsel, break the laws of the 'Tree-Elders' and escape down the tree and away into the house, to look for clues.
Away from the safety of the tree and in an unfamiliar world, the Dwellers stumble upon a dark and sinister secret that threatens their entire world. Can Larry and the group make it back to the tree in time to warn the others, and finally uncover the truth behind the 'Secrets of a Christmas Box'?

I'm not quite ready for Christmas yet, but I usually read one Christmas related book a year, so this is the one for me in '09. It looks pretty interesting and the author autographed it, which is great.

Purchased:

Ivy by Julie Hearn
Days of Little Texas by R.A. Nelson
The Garden of Eve by K. L. Going

That's what I got this week. Can't wait to see what's in everyone else's mailboxes.

Geektastic Winners!!!!

Thanks to Little, Brown, I get to give three lucky people a copy of the anthology Geektastic. So thank you Little, Brown. Now down to business.

The winners are:

holdenj

BrittLit

Korianne

Thanks so much to everyone for entering. I posted a new contest this week to win a copy of Wings and Intertwined, so be sure to enter that one.

Winners--I'll be sending an e-mail shortly, so get back to me soon and I'll forward your info onto the publisher.

Thanks again!!!

August Contest!!!

This month I am giving away two awesome titles. One that is already on the shelves and one that is headed our way very, very soon.

First up,

Wings by Aprilynne Pike (ARC)


Synopsis:

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

My review of Wings can be found here.

Intertwined by Gena Showalter (ARC)


Release Date: September 1, 2009 from HarlequinTEEN

Synopsis:

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time-travel.

One can raise the dead.

One can tell the future.

And one can possess another human.

With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now they're causing him all kinds of trouble. Like, he'll blink and suddenly he's a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he'll change the future. Or he'll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she's going to die.

He's so over it. All he wants is peace.

And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, as long as he's near her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He's a loner; she has friends. He doesn't care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it's too late….

Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own, and a vampire princess Aden can't resist.

Two romances, both forbidden. Still, the four will enter a dark underworld of intrigue and danger—but not everyone will come out alive….

My review of Intertwined can be found here.

Two great books up for grabs this month.

Here's how to enter:

+1 for commenting with your e-mail address
+1 for becoming a follower
+2 if you are already a follower
+1 for blogging about my contest, please include a link
+1 for adding me to your blogroll
+1 for following me on Twitter

There you have it. Contest is open to U.S. only. I have to send a book to my Australian friend this month, so that's gonna break me. Sorry international folks. I promise the next one will be open to everyone.

Contest ends August 31st.

Bite Me! by Melissa Francis

Release Date: Available Now from HarperTeen

Synopsis:

AJ Ashe isn't your typical seventeen-year-old vampire—as if there is such a thing! She's stuck in the middle of a huge fight between her two BFFs. Her ex-boyfriend—whom she's still totally in love with, by the way—is now her stepbrother. A former classmate—who, um, she may or may not have turned into a vampire—is stalking her. And now, apparently, the fate of humankind lies in her little undead hands. What ever happened to the good old days, when all a vampire girl had to worry about was the occasional zit and hiding her taste for blood?

So, I was starting to get tired of vampires. I know, I know, that blasphemous, but it's the truth. We've been inundated with vampire books as of late and it starts to wear on you after awhile. Then along came Bite Me! and I was won over once again.

This book is so much fun. I read it in probably less than three hours and I couldn't put it down. I just kept turning the pages not only to find out what happened next, but also because I enjoyed hanging out with these characters.

All of the characters are so likable, especially AJ, who you can't help but feel for. I mean, what girl wants her ex-boyfriend to be her step-brother?! That's just a little too weird. And then to have to deal with vampire urges on top of that. Man, talk about teen angst. AJ handles it all quite well though with the support of her completely nontraditional family.

I can't wait to read more about these awesome people. The next book, which will be called Love Sucks! comes out in the Spring, according to Melissa herself. It's going on my wishlist now.

And Melissa, thanks for making vampires fun again!!

Waiting on Wednesday (27)--Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern

Release Date: September 29, 2009 from Feiwel & Friends

Synopsis:

It’s Jessie’s sophomore year of high school. A self-professed “mathelete,” she isn’t sure where she belongs. Her two best friends have transformed themselves into punks and one of them is going after her longtime crush. Her beloved older brother will soon leave for college (and in the meantime has shaved his mohawk and started dating . . . the prom princess!) . . .

Things are changing fast. Jessie needs new friends. And her quest is a hilarious tour through high-school clique-dom, with a surprising stop along the way—the Dungeons and Dragons crowd, who out-nerd everyone. Will hanging out with them make her a nerd, too? And could she really be crushing on a guy with too-short pants and too-white gym shoes?

If you go into the wild nerd yonder, can you ever come back?

I think this sounds fantastic and I can't wait to read it. I also really love the cover. There's just something about it that draws me in. I will definitely be investing in this one come September. Luckily that's not too far away.

Can't wait to see what everyone else is waiting for this week.

Waiting on Wednesday is brought to you by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Release Date: Available Now from Margaret McElderry (Simon & Schuster)

Synopsis:

Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole -- a charm that keeps her alive -- and they want it badly enough to kill again.

Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase...and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is desperate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.

Ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Nick starts to suspect that his brother is telling him lie after lie about their past. As the magicians' Circle closes in on their family, Nick uncovers the secret that could destroy them all.

You know how when you hear a bunch of people rave about a book, you start to fear that you might hate it?! Am I the only one who gets slightly concerned when all they hear are good things? Well, with this book, I had no reason to fear. It was as amazing as everyone said it would be.

I'd heard that it was a bit like Supernatural and there's nothing wrong with that. I can see where Nick could be seen as slightly Dean-like, but Alan is even more sensitive than Sam. Some of the dialogue, especially Nick's was pretty Dean-erific.

Oh Nick, what a dreamboat. Even though sometimes I wanted to smack him, I could just tell that the boy was totally hot. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. I found all of the characters really compelling, especially Mae. I would love to here more of Mae and Jamie's story, because I know there is lots more to tell.

The action was intense and quick-paced and the writing was incredible. Sarah Rees Brennan has turned me into a total gushing fangirl, not that my fangirl status was lacking or anything.

I'm hoping that there is much more to come for Nick and Alan. Is she planning more? Let me know dear readers and fellow bloggers. And if you haven't read The Demon's Lexicon, you should immediately. You won't be sorry. Believe the hype....believe it.

In My Mailbox (24)

In My Mailbox is brought to you by the brilliant Kristi, AKA The Story Siren. Go check out her mailbox.

Here's what I got this week in my mailbox:

For review:

Immortal by Gillian Shields


Release Date: August 4, 2009 from Harperteen

Synopsis:

Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, housed in a Gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors, is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn away from her home by the sea to become the newest scholarship student, she is more isolated than she could have dreamed. Strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave Evie drowning in loneliness.

Evie's only lifeline is Sebastian, a rebellious, mocking, dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie's feelings for Sebastian grow with each secret meeting, she starts to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie, she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. And as the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.

Gillian Shields's electrifying tale will dazzle readers with suspense, mysticism, and romance.

This has been on my wishlist for a long while, so I was thrilled to finally get my hands on it. I will be reading it very soon.

The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley


Release Date: Available Now from Harperteen

Synopsis:

No one wanted you. But I did.

Kat's true identity is a secret, even from her. All she has ever known are Grace and Anna and their small village. Kat wants more—more than hours spent embroidering finery for wealthy ladies and more than Christian, the gentle young farmer courting her.

But there are wolves outside, Grace warns. Waiting, with their eyes glowing in the dark . . . and Grace has given Kat safety and a home when no one else would.

Then a stranger appears in their cottage, bringing the mystery of Kat's birth with her. In one night, Kat's destiny finds her: She will leave. She will journey to London, and her skill with the needle will attract the notice of the magnificent Queen Elizabeth—and of the wolves of the court. She will discover what Grace would never tell her.

Everything will unravel.

I'm very excited for this one. I love historical fiction set during Elizabethan times, so this one is right up my alley. Thanks Suzanne for hooking me up.

Legacy by Cayla Kluver


Release Date: August 18, 2009 from AmazonEncore

Synopsis:

In an award-winning YA fantasy debut, 16-year-old novelist Cayla Kluver brings a magical touch to an unrelentingly suspenseful coming-of-age tale. Duty-bound to wed her father’s choice in successor to the throne, Princess Alera of Hytanica believes that she is being forced into the worst of all possible fates—a marriage to the arrogant and hot-tempered suitor, Steldor. When a mysterious boy from enemy Cokyri appears bearing secrets and an entirely different view of what's appropriate behavior for a young lady, Alera learns that her private desires threaten to destroy the kingdom. When Narian’s shocking past comes to light, Alera finds herself in a shadowy world of palace intrigue and ancient blood feuds, facing an uncertain future with dwindling options—and must learn to decide between right and wrong all alone. Marked by witty, rapid-fire dialogue and dramatic complexity that belie the writer’s age, Legacy brings a fresh, new sensibility to age-old questions of duty and inheritance and to a young heroine’s quest to find her true voice.

Legacy was Bronze Medalist in Young Adult Fiction in the 2008 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards; Finalist in Young Adult Fiction in the National Best Books Awards 2008, sponsored by USA Book News.

This looks amazing and I've heard only good things. If you look it up on Amazon there's tons of information about the author and the title. Very cool!!

Purchased:

Two incredibly expensive and yet boring-looking textbooks for my Fall class. Why are textbooks soooo expensive? It's hard to justify buying three books for one class, but I'm sure I will learn a lot and should just stop complaining.

Oh well, moving on:

Bite Me by Melissa Francis
The Comeback by Marlene Perez
The Tomorrow Code by Brian Falkner

I think that's it for me this week. Can't wait to see what everyone else got in their mailboxes.

The ABC's of Me

I was tagged by Samantha.


The Rules:
- Link to the person who tagged you
- Share your ABCs
- Tag three people at the end by linking to their blogs
- Let the three tagged people know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website
- Do not tag the same person repeatedly but try to tag different people, so there is a big network of bloggers doing this tag.

Taken or single?
Oh so very single.

Best Friend? I have two really. My friend Cari who I've known for over 20 years and my friend Briana who I've known for like 8 years and have traveled to Disney with numerous times.

Cake or Pie? Pie....Lemon Meringue or Strawberry Rhubarb

Drink of choice?
Iced Tea Unsweetened

Essential item for every day use? Computer w/ Internet

Favorite color? Right now probably red, but it changes all the time.

Google? All the time.

Hometown? Independence, Missouri (birthplace of president Harry S. Truman)

Indulgences? Candy....Jolly Ranchers, Spree, etc.

January or February? Neither...I hate winter.

Kids and their names? Non-existent.

Marriage date? Non-existent.

Number of siblings? One sister.

Older siblings? One sister.

Younger siblings? Non-existent

Oranges or apples? Oranges

Phobias and fears? Spiders....really bugs in general, snakes, I'm also quite the hypochondriac

Fear of death? Not of my own, but of others.

Quote for the day? You are never to old to become what you might have been.

Reason to smile? new books

Season? Spring...I can bust out the flip flops and summer is on its way.

Unknown fact about me? I majored in Spanish in college, but don't remember a lot of it. Pretty sad, I know.

Vegetable you hate? Black-eyed peas.

Worst habit? Nail biting.

Xrays you've had? Knees, chest, that's probably it.

Your fave food? Vietnamese

Zodiac sign? Gemini

Tag 3 people? Do I have to? I'm not gonna tag anyone, but just because I'm really tired and I want to finish Ruined tonight. I have enjoyed this little quiz though, so thanks go out to Samantha.

July Contest Winner!!!!!

First of all, thanks to everyone for entering and making this month's contest another success.

The winner this month is:


Lilibeth Ramos


Congrats!!! I sent an e-mail your way, so get back to me as soon as you can with your address and I will ship off your copies of Beautiful Creatures and The Hate List.

Stay tuned for my August contest and you still have a few days to enter to win Geektastic. That contest ends Aug. 6th and can be found in the Contests area of my sidebar.