Follow Friday (10)

This is a weekly theme hosted by Parajunkee's View & Alison Can Read.

 

Q: Best cover? What is the best cover of a book that you've read and loved?

 

I picked two books for this because I couldn't choose between them. I picked The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater and The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa. The reason why I picked the Scorpio Races is because the cover just fits the book so well. I don't think they could have picked a better cover for this book. I am a huge horse lover and this book was just like my dream come true, especially since it was written by Maggie Stiefvater. I can just picture that being Puck and her horse. Puck has to be one of my all time favorite female characters ever. The reason I picked The Immortal Rules is just that stunning cover with fantastic story. I should expect no less from Julie Kagawa since I also love her Iron Fey series. I love how it shows Allison has a vampire and the blood dripping down her face!

 

Article 5 - Kristen Simmons

Title: Article 5

Author: Kristen Simmons

Release Date: January 31st, 2012, Hardcover

Publisher: Tor Teen

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★

 

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned. The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.

*************************************************************

I really liked Article 5! However it didn't live up to my expectations. Anymore I just have such high standards for dystopian books that they just aren't possible anymore. I blame Hunger Games, Legend, and Shatter Me. Those books are just so good that I can't help but have expectations for other dystopian books. Don't get me wrong, Article 5 is a really good dystopian book and I probably would have given it five stars if it wasn't for a little problem I had with it. I felt like it was forced. The writing and characters felt forced.

Article 5 tells the story of Ember Miller. She lives in the ruins of Louisville, Kentucky. There is a new government and rules that the people must live by. When Article 5 gets changed, to where any child under the age of eighteen was born out of wedlock than the mother gets arrested and the child becomes owned by the government basically, her mother gets arrested and she gets taken away. Ember is also in loved with a boy who was drafted into the Military and she hasn't seen him since he left, until he shows up with the Military to arrest her mother and take her away.

There is a lot of action and traveling that takes place throughout this story. Ember and Chase end up all over the eastern side of the USA it seems like. While there are some flaws with Article 5; I still couldn't put it down. I kept reading until my eyes hurt and got a headache from not eating. That tends to happen to me when I'm hungry for some reason. Anyways, I just couldn't take the suspense and just knew something awful was going to happen to Ember and Chase by the end of the book.

Earlier I mentioned that I felt like the writing and characters were being forced. What I meant by that is Ember has some strange characteristics. She would go on and on about Chase. "I love him. I hate him. Why does he not talk to me? I don't want him to talk me. What has happened to him? He is a monster. No he isn't monster." Just OMG, make up your mind Ember! That inner babbling about it got annoying after a while. Also Chase just didn't feel real at first. He was so mean and tough that I started to roll my eyes. I'm sorry but I just don't find that attractive at all. I guess he was trying to be protective, but he should have just been up front with Ember to begin with. Instead of this wild goose chase he was sending her on. I know why he didn't tell Ember about her mother, but couldn't he discuss his feelings and what has happened to him instead of having to listen to Ember guess about two thousands time until the end of the book? I don't know. Ember and Chase just frustrated me to know end, but at the same time I loved them! Funny how that works out I guess.

I also feel like I don't have clear image of this new America that they are living in. I get that the Bill of Rights is gone and that the major cities have been abandoned. So is the new country like have a communist government? Who is the leader? All we ever hear about is the Military soldiers. Who is the leader over them? When did this new America start? I hope that these answers get answered in the next book.

Overall, I really liked Article 5! I know it sounds like I didn't like it, but it was just easier for me to list things I didn't like instead of things I did like with this book. I recommend it! Especially since this is a 2012 debut author! The writing is so good for this being Kristen Simmons first novel! I can't wait for Breaking Point! I just hope that Ember and Chase won't be as frustrating and distressing.

 

Plot: ★★★★

Characters: ★★★

Writing:★★★★

Ending: ★★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Waiting on Wednesday (24)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

Prodigy (Legend, #2)

-Marie Lu

Release Date: January 29th, 2013

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengence, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

My thoughts: Sigh. I just want this book now. I am tired of waiting. Legend was just soooooooooooooooooo good. I can't tell you how much I loved it. I'm just impatiently waiting for this book. Yep.

Do you guys plan on reading this?

Incarnate - Jodi Meadows

Title: Incarnate

Author: Jodi Meadows

Release Date: January 31st, 2012, Hardcover

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★

New soul.
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

No soul.
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Heart.
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

*************************************************************

I have never ever read anything like this in my entire life. It was so different and not what I was expecting and I mean that in the best way possible. I was sure in for surprises and taken by this unique world that was so interesting that I didn't want to leave. Jodi Meadows has such a beautiful writing style! I am impatiently waiting for Asunder! The main character is Ana. She is a New Soul. She has never been reincarnated before and has no previous lives. While her father abandoned her and she...moreI have never ever read anything like this in my entire life. It was so different and not what I was expecting and I mean that in the best way possible. I was sure in for surprises and taken by this unique world that was so interesting that I didn't want to leave. Jodi Meadows has such a beautiful writing style! I am impatiently waiting for Asunder! The main character is Ana. She is a New Soul. She has never been reincarnated before and has no previous lives. While her father abandoned her and she was abused by her mother; Ana sets out to the City of Heart to learn why she is a New Soul and what her purpose is. She feels like she doesn't belong since everybody has known everyone for thousands of years and she doesn't know anyone. When she starts traveling to City of Heart; Ana meets a boy named Sam and that is when the story starts. I know that this can be somewhat confusing! So I would start reading this with knowing as little as possible. I knew absolutely nothing when I started this. I tried to read the summary, but it just confused me. I don't know if it is that way for other people as well? There are a couple things that I don't like about this though. This reincarnated stuff can be quite nasty at times. For example, if you had a lover or spouse they could become your parent in the next lifetime. That is the only problem I have with this reincarnated thing. There are so many great characters in this book! I feel like this story is more character driven than story telling. While the story telling is poetically done, I felt like the plot was very slow moving. I thought for sure that we figure out something about the New Souls before the last fifty pages which is when there was a lot of revelations revealed for the plot. That was for sure surprising. I wasn't expecting that to happen at all! The romance between Ana and Sam is just so awesome! I know that sounds really fangirly of me, but I don't know what else to say! They are both such strong characters that each have their own personality and bring out the best in each other which is what each relationship should be like. I just can't wait to see how it will start in the next book. There is also a big shock about Sam that I wasn't expecting towards the beginning! Loved it! Overall, I highly recommend this. I could not put it down. I was reading for hours straight and still didn't want to get up and eat or sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about this world or the characters. I can't wait to see what Jodi Meadows has in store for the next installment. I will be buying it as soon as it hits shelves!   Plot: ★★★★ Characters: ★★★★★ Writing:★★★★★ Ending: ★★★★ Cover: ★★★★★

Showcase Sunday (7)

 

Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It was inspired by Pop Culture Junkie and the Story Siren. For more information about how this feature works and how to join, click here.

 

Bought:

 

The Hunger Games Three Disc Edition DVD from Target

The Ripper (The Stefan Diaries, #4) - L.J. Smith

Monsters of Men (Chaos Walking, #3) - Patrick Ness

 

That is all that I got this week! FINALLY have all the books in the Chaos Walking series now. I plan to read them this fall since I can just read one right after the other now! I also went ahead and got the fourth book in the Stefan Diaries. I really enjoy these books even though they are somewhat different from the TV show. I miss TVD so much! I can't wait till October 11th! Or at least until we can see a new trailer for season four besides the Comic-Con one. I also included the Hunger Games DVD. I am just beyond excited to watch all the special features. Even though I have rented it on TV already before I bought the DVD. I made my Dad watch and he really liked it but he doesn't like Peeta! 0_0 He likes Gale! WHAT?! Hopefully that changes when he watches Catching Fire because I will force him to watch that too! *evil laughs*

 

Post a comment and tell me what books you got this week!

What She Left Behind - Tracy Bilen

Title: What She Left Behind

Author: Tracy Bilen

Release Date: May 1st, 2012, Hardcover

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★

 

“Don’t even think of leaving… I will find you,” he whispered. “Guaranteed.”

 

Sara and her mom have a plan to finally escape Sara’s abusive father. But when her mom doesn’t show up as expected, Sara’s terrified. Her father says that she’s on a business trip, but Sara knows he’s lying. Her mom is missing—and her dad had something to do with it.

With each day that passes, Sara’s more on edge. Her friends know that something’s wrong, but she won’t endanger anyone else with her secret. And with her dad growing increasingly violent, Sara must figure out what happened to her mom before it’s too late… for them both.

*************************************************************

I really liked this! I wasn't too sure what this book was about, since I hadn't heard much about it so far. I wanted to read this since the first time I saw it. The cover was so creepy and the summary made it sound so intense. I can say that this book didn't disappoint me at all!

What She Left Behind tells the story of Sara and her relationship with her abusive father. One day her mother tell Sara that they are leaving and that she will pick her up during her lunch break at school. But when her mother doesn't show up, Sara starts to wonder what actually happened to her mother. Her father then begins to become abusive towards Sara as she tries to figure out what happened to her mother and why she disappeared.

This is a very quick read. I just couldn't put it down. It was so easy to get into the story and feel for Sara with all the things she had to deal with. There is one element to the story that really made it more sad and that was her brother. He committed suicide a couple months ago before the story starts and Sara often has these flashbacks with him and talks about him a lot.

There is also some romance in this story which I wasn't expecting. However, I really liked it. Alex was sweet and charming. There were a lot of funny scenes that take place with him in it. The last sixty pages are so intense and so scary that I was freaking out and worried about what would happen to Sara and her mom.

Overall, this is a great debut for 2012. Tracy Bilen has a good writing style that doesn't take long to like and follow the characters. I can't wait to see what she will come up with in the future!

Plot: ★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★

Ending: ★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★

Waiting on Wednesday (23)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

The Almost Truth

-Eileen Cook

Release Date: December 24th, 2012

From the author of "Unraveling Isobel "and "The Education of Hailey Kendrick," a smart, romantic novel about a teenage con artist who might be in over her head. Sadie can't wait to get away from her backwards small town, her delusional mom, her jailbird dad, and the tiny trailer where she was raised... even though leaving those things behind also means leaving Brendan. Sadie wants a better life, and she has been working steadily toward it, one con at a time.

But when Sadie's mother wipes out Sadie's savings, her escape plan is suddenly gone. She needs to come up with a lot of cash--and fast--or she'll be stuck in this town forever.

With Brendan's help, she devises a plan--the ultimate con--to get the money. But the more lies Sadie spins, the more she starts falling for her own hoax... and perhaps for the wrong boy. Sadie wanted to change her life, but she wasn't prepared to have it flipped upside down by her own deception. With her future at stake and her heart on the line, suddenly it seems like she has a lot more than just money to lose...

My thoughts: I'm not a huge fan of contemporary but this one looks good! I just love the cover! I am interested in Sadie's "cons". I wonder what she does? Haha. I am interested to see how this one will turn out. I'm surprised I haven't seen more people talking about it. I can't wait to read this one!

Do you guys plan on reading this?

Teaser Tuesday (6)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

"Lily, I woke up and the last piece of my heart disappeared. I opened my eyes and I felt it go. I sit on the edge of the bathtub and run the fingernail of my thumb up the inside of my wrist. I trace a vein until it pitchforks out and disappears under the fleshiest part of my palm. Lily couldn't sleep; a few weeks before she left, she had all these pills to help her do that. I didn't think know why at the time but now I think her guilt was probably keeping her up at night. When I serached her bedroom earlier, I couldn't find them, which is too bad. I was counting on it."

pg. 1, This Is Not a Test - Courntey Summers

-I am just starting this book today and I can't not wait to get more into the story. I love Courtney Summer's other books. One of my all time favorites ever is Some Girls Are and Cracked Up to Be. I'm sure that I will love this book as well. I have also heard amazing things about this. Plus it's about zombies!

Leave a comment and tell me if you guys have read or looking forward to this book!

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books You've Read During The Lifespan Of Your Blog (7)

This weekly meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

This weeks Top Ten is:

FAVORITE BOOKS YOU'VE READ DURING THE LIFESPAN OF YOUR BLOG

 

I started my Blog in November 2011.

 

1. Divergent - Veronica Roth

I read this book in December 2011. I loved it so much. I was putting it off because I didn't think I would like it and I didn't want to be one of those crazy weird people who didn't like it. However, this is one of my all-time favorite books. I love Four and the dauntless so much.

 

2. Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi

I read this book in January 2012. It was just right down kick ass awesome. The writing style that Tahereh Mafi uses is so unique and original. Juliette and Warner are like my crackship. I can't wait to read Destroy Me. Finally get some time in Warner's crazy brain.

 

3. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

I read this book in March 2012. Do I really need to say anything? This book was just epic. I don't know of any other word to describe it. If you haven't read this book, like, seriously what are you doing with your life? This book made me laugh, cry, and think about life. I highly, highly recommend it. Even if you don't like John Green's other books, you will like this one. Trust me.

 

4. Legend - Marie Lu

I read this book in March 2012. Another awesome dystopian. Seeing a trend here? Yep, I love dystopia. I don't care what people say. Some say that are tired of it, but I happen to love it so much. Legend was just so good. I am dying waiting for the next book which doesn't come out till January 2013. Why so far away?!

 

5. The Scorpio Races - Maggie Stiefvater

I read this book in April 2012. I love Maggie's other series, The Wolves of Mercy Falls, so I knew for sure that I would love this book. The writing was so beautiful and it's about horses! I love horses, I was kinda obsessed as a kid. There are alternating chapters between Puck and Sean. Their whole relationship was beautiful as well. I recommend this book as well, however, it does take a few chapters to get into.

 

6. Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins

I read this book in April 2012. I could just go on and on and on about how much I love this book. Lola and Cricket were just so amazing. One of my favorite contemporaries and I just stated earlier dystopian tends to be my favorite here lately, but this was such a good nice change. Lola has to be one of my all time favorite characters ever. She was just so crazy with all of her outfits. Such a good book.

 

7. The Golden Lily - Richelle Mead

I read this book in June 2012. I love Richelle Mead. I really do. First, it was her Vampire Academy series. Now it's her Bloodlines series. Oh gosh, what these books do to me. Sydney and Adrian, just oh  my gosh. I'm not even going to hide my fangirlness with them. I love these books and they just keep coming and being more awesome each time.

 

8. The Immortal Rlues - Julie Kagawa

I read this book in June 2012. I love Julie Kagawa's other series, The Iron Fey, so I wasn't sure how she would handle vampires but she did it perfectly. I can't explain in words my love for this book. It is like this dystopian about vampires. My two favorite things. Lol.

 

9. City of Lost Souls - Cassandra Clare

I read this book in May 2012. Oh my, do I love a good book by Cassandra Clare. While the Mortal Instruments is my favorite, the Infernal Devices is just a little bit below it. I loved all the different story lines that went on in this and also Clary going with Jace and Sebastian. Wasn't expecting what happened with Sebastian. We really got to see his character a lot more, and he is one creepy evil dark dude. I just can't wait for the next book, but I don't want it to come cause that means its the end of this book series.

 

 

10. Insurgent - Veronica Roth

I read this book in May 2012. Is this cheating since I posted Divergent too? Oh well, just can't get enough of this series. Tris and Four are one of the best couples that I have ever read about and the big secret at the end of this book was just so good. I am dying waiting for the next book. I wonder what it will be called. Hmm...

My Top Five Favorite T.V. Couples

1. Tate Langdon & Violet Harmon
(American Horror Story)

Why yes, I picked Tate and Violet has my favorite TV show couple. Honestly, there is just something about their relationship that scares me but also makes me crazy about them. It's weird I know, but hey, that's American Horror Story for you. I never watched AHS when first came out in October. I really don't know anything about it. One day some of my favorite Vampire Diaries fan vidders on the YouTube started doing videos about Tate and Violet and it looked so good. So that is why I started watching the show. I didn't start until January after the season was already over. I watched all twelve episodes in one night. If any of you have watched AHS, you probably think that I am out of my freaking mind. Tate is a psychopath murderer who has did a lot of horrible things. I just want to clarify that I do not want Tate as my boyfriend and I do not love him, however, his relationship with Violet is beautiful. I don't really care what anybody else thinks.

This ship has made me have so many feelings. I just couldn't tell you. You always hear people who cry over their OTP, but they actually don't. Well I have cried over Tate and Violet if I watched a really sad video of them. I feel Violet makes Tate a better person and helps him. Tate did all that stuff to Violet's mom before they actually talked or got together. She changes him. Just listen to me, I think I need help. Lol. I just didn't like the way their story played out. In my mind they have a happy ending. I hope the writers of the show plan to go back to this storyline in the future. I next season of AHS is about totally different people, but Evan Peters, the boy who played Tate, will be back! Yay!

2. Klaus Mikaelson & Caroline Forbes
(The Vampire Diaries)

Yes, I love Klaroline. My favorite characters beside Stefan and Elena, are Caroline and Klaus. Klaus and Caroline use to be my TVD crackship for a long time. I can't believe that it actually is starting to happen. I just love how Klaus likes Caroline. It is adorable.When he draws pictures of her with horses, gives her jewelry! It just makes Klaus so much hotter. Not going to lie. I just feel like Caroline is just what Klaus needs. She is light and fun and Klaus definitely needs that in his life. Even though Klaus murders people, I just feel sympathy for him. My favorite scene with them was in one of the last episodes when Alaric was torturing Caroline and when Elena helped her get free, Klaus and Caroline have a scene together after that, that is just so wonderful. I also love the scene where he saves her life on her birthday. I feel like Klaus could just be himself and wouldn't have to put up walls if he was around Caroline. I don't know why Caroline totally hates Klaus because I think she secretly does like the idea that he likes her. They just need more time for their relationship to grow. It is going to be great when it finally happens. They have such great chemistry and they act beautifully together. Can't wait for the new season for them!

3. Stefan Salvatore & Elena Gilbert
(The Vamprie Diaries)

I feel so nervous just posting and writing about Stelena. I really hope that the Delena fans don't get all mad at me and hate me after this. I like Delena too, but there is just something about Stefan and Elena that I love. However, I ship Stefan with like everyone. I love Katherine and Stefan, Caroline and Stefan. Maybe there is just something about Stefan and his chemistry with just everyone! First off let me tell you how my love for Stelena came about because I use to hate them and be full on the Delena ship. I didn't really start to like Stelena till the end of the season two. It was the scene where Stefan and Elena are talking about Elena becoming a vampire and her saying that she never wanted to be one. That scene was so emotional and I felt like I could actually see why there would even be Stelena shippers. After that it took till about episode three of season three until I felt that way again. I loved that whole episode and the scene where Stefan and Elena are looking at each other in his old apartment. It just screamed OTP feelings at me, but I kept trying to ignore it.

After that it took until around the fifth episode when Klaus compelled Stefan to bite Elena. That is when I loved Stelena. I'm sorry Damon, I loved you during the first two seasons mostly, but there was something about Stefan this season that blew my mind. They have so much chemistry with each other that I never seemed to notice before. That scene where he about drove her off the bridge to make her a vampire, the dance scene in episode fourteen. The one scene where she told Stefan that she kissed Damon. They were all just so good! I can't believe that I never appreciated Stefan as a character before. I just can't wait to see what is going to happen next season. I so excited to see what is going to become of Stelena not that situations are different with Elena. I also wonder what will be happening to Stefan next season! I hope to see more of the ripper side! I love it!

4. Stiles Stilinski & Lydia Martin
(Teen Wolf)

This couple totally just snuck on up me. I can't believe how much I have fallen for them over the last few weeks. I have watched Teen Wolf off and on for the last few months and have grown to like it more and more due to Stiles. I love his character so much. His character is like one of the best that I have ever seen. His love for Lydia just breaks my heart and especially after the season two finale. There was a scene with Lydia and Jackson and Stiles was actually crying. There goes my feelings again! AhHhHhH! Seriously, it is physically painful to be a fangirl. This should be a sport or something. Okay, back to the topic of Stiles and Lydia. Love, love, love them! I just think they would be so perfect each other. Stiles has always been in love with Lydia and he doesn't want anyone else but her. My favorite scene was in the 11th episode this season when Stiles has made all those goals during the lacrosse game and he looks up and see Lydia smiling at him. They just have such great chemistry! Have I mentioned that I loved them yet? I hope that there is more scenes between them next season, since there will be 24 episodes! I can't wait to see what will happen to Lydia and her relationship with Jackson, but I'm hoping that Lydia and Stiles will start to be friends at first and then their relationship starts from there. Plus, it does help that I have a biggest crush on Dylan O'Brien. He is just so cute and adorable. I mean, how can you not like him!? :)

5. Jesse St. James & Rachel Berry
(Glee)

Oh my, how I love these two. I am a big Glee fan, well, I use to be a big Glee fan. Season one was like the best thing that has ever happened ever. I don't know what happened to the show but it just hasn't been as good lately and I don't know how this next season will turn out. I have always liked Rachel and Jesse since the beginning. I haven't given up hope yet, but I don't think they will ever be a couple again. I have thoughts that he will end up in New York and visit Rachel while she is at school but who knows. There isn't nothing wrong with Finn, but I sometimes find that relationship so boring.

One of my favorite songs ever from glee is when they did Total Eclipse of the Heart. That song was just so perfect for Rachel and Jesse. Agh, the feelings! Also, there was this part in the Madonna tribute episode when Jesse and Rachel were about to sex, but Rachel wouldn't go through with it and Jesse's like, "Come on, please come out so we can talk about it. Or sing about it." LOL. That is when I knew that Jesse is just so right Rachel. He is like Rachel only in boy form. They are perfect. I'm sorry Finn lovers. I just can't change my feelings! I am not ready to give up on them yet! I hope something big comes soon or at lest before the show definitely ends. Also there hasn't been an amazing performance since Bohemian Rhapsody. Season one just had such great music. What happened?

Showcase Sunday (6)

Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. It was inspired by Pop Culture Junkie and the Story Siren. For more information about how this feature works and how to join, click here.

Bought:

Songs of the Humpback Whale - Jodi Picoult

Beautiful Disaster - Jamie McGuire

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky

Owl Journal from Barnes and Noble

Library:

Hide and Seek (The Lying Game, #4) - Sara Shepard

Unraveling - Elizabeth Norris

So I have had one heck of a week. I had surgery a week ago and had a doctors appointment on Wednesday. I got a little depressed after the appointment for silly reasons now when I look back at it, but at the time I was really upset. So I made my dad drive me to Barnes and Noble. All of those books I got were an impulse buy. I got a Jodi Picoult book because before I really started getting into YA I use to read some adult novels. I love Jodi Picoult's Tenth Circle, Harvesting the Heart, The Pact and Plain Truth so I went and bought a Jodi Picoult book. Beautiful Disaster is another impulse buy. I have told myself repeatedly that I wouldn't read 50 Shades of Grey, so when I saw this on the same table I just went over and picked it up then kept on walking. Lol. I then bought an Owl Journal for some reason. I think I might start keeping a journal. I don't know. Lol. So yeah, there is my big story and trip to Barnes and Noble this week. It is always good to do some retail (book) therapy. Lol. I have had those books on hold from the library for a couple weeks so it was finally nice to get them. I am reading Hide and Seek right now. Really liking it so far! :)

Btw, I also bought college books this week. and OhMyGod kill me now. Totally broke. I have decided that those are the only books that i don't like. I hate college books. AghH! Okay, sorry rant over. Lol.

Post a comment and tell me what books you got this week!

Reunited - Hilary Weisman Graham

Title: Reunited

Author: Hilary Weisman Graham

Release Date: June 12th, 2010, Hardcover

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Group: Young Adult Literature

Rating:★★★★

 

Alice, Summer, and Tiernan are ex-best friends.

Back in middle school, the three girls were inseparable. They were also the number one fans of the rock band Level3. But when the band broke up, so did their friendship. Summer ran with the popular crowd, Tiernan was a rebellious wild-child, and Alice spent high school with her nose buried in books.

Now, just as the girls are about to graduate, Level3 announces a one-time-only reunion show. Even though the concert’s 2000 miles away, Alice buys three tickets on impulse. And as it turns out, Summer and Tiernan have their own reasons for wanting to get out of town. Good thing Alice’s graduation gift (a pea-green 1976 VW camper van known as the Pea Pod) is just the vehicle to get them there.

But on the long drive cross-country, the girls hit more than a few bumps in the road. Will their friendship get an encore or is the show really over?

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I loved this book! I have been wanting to read this since the first time that I saw it. It just looked like it would be so much fun to read. I have also heard many good reviews over it, so my expectations were pretty high and I can say that this didn't disappoint!

Reunited tells the story of three ex-best friends; Summer, Alice, and Tiernan. Their friendship ended in middle school over a big misunderstanding and when their favorite band, Level3, broke up. When Level3 announces a one-time reunion show, Alice buys three tickets and asks the girls go on a road trip with her to see the band.

The characters are the best thing about this story. I loved all the girls so much. They each had their own unique personality and back story to tell. Summer is very popular, but has her own problems with her boyfriend and family. Tiernan is the complete opposite of Summer, with blue hair and black combat boots. She is sarcastic and funny, but feels guilty that they all aren't friends anymore. Alice is lighthearted and sometimes completely clueless when it comes to boys. There is at least one characteristic that I could relate to with all the girls. I liked them all for different reasons.

The adventures that the girls get into are so crazy. The guys the meet in West Virginia were hilarious, but scary at the same time. The Pea Pod was always so great. The author described it so clearly that I could picture it in my head. I also liked learning all the different lyrics to Level3's songs before each chapter. That was really cool. There is also a lot of character development between the girls and you learn the story of why they aren't friends anymore. While, the girls were sometimes immature and had bad attitude; I still liked them.

Overall, this was a great summer read. It was quick and didn't take that long to get into. The ending is very surprising. I really liked this story and could relate to some aspects of it. I can't wait to read more books by Hilary Weisman Graham. I really enjoyed her writing style!

Plot: ★★★★★

Characters: ★★★★★

Writing:★★★★

Ending: ★★★★

Cover: ★★★★★