Sunday, May 31, 2009

In My Mailbox




So, I tried uploading the video. But it didn't work. So, here is the link: In My Mailbox

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler


Good books are good books. And, this is a good book.


"Don't worry, Anna. I'll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won't say anything?"
"Don't worry." I laughed. "It's our secret, right?"

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in ZanzibarBay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.



This is Sarah Ockler's debut book. It could not be more wonderful. I'd have to say it is one of my favorite books of 2009. Sarah did an awesome job writing this book. I couldn't stop reading. It was honest and engaging. This is a novel that everybody should read.

I don't really know how to describe my love for this book without sounding fangirly. But it was amazing. You should all read it. Sarah, besides being an awesome author. Is a really awesome person.

The characters were very well written, and the different emotions in the books were conveyed in a very nice fashion. Some books when you read them you know that they are great, and with some books it takes awhile. Within reading the first few pages, I knew this books was going to be awesome.

Reminders...

So, I have two contests... here are the links...

One here.

AND

One here.

I just wanted to mention those...

BYE!!!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Willow by Julia Hoban


Holy Crud! Amazing!

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy —one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.

Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl’s struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy’s refusal to give up on her.



I loved this book so much. It was beyond amazing. I couldn't stop reading.
I was recently in a chat where we discussed various topics in the book.

One thing that was brought up was how some people refer to it as a "cutting" book. Personally, I don't think of it as a "cutting" book. To me, it represents much more. Willow, though she cuts herself, shows strength, and makes good decisions.

For example, Willow, instead of hanging out with a not-so-suitable guy. She hangs out with someone who is responsible and cares about her, and tries to stop her from destroying herself.

This book was honest, and amazing. It was a truly beautiful read. Every teen should read this book.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

If I Stay by Gayle Forman


This was an amazing book!


In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.



Yea, this book was amazing. It was sad and short. But I absolutely loved it. It made me cry, a lot. But, the journey that Mia made while watching her body was amazing. SHe came to realize things she never would have. I know this review in incredibly short, but this book left me speechless. I loved it.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sloane Sisters by Anna Carey


Style. Sabotage. Sisterhood.

When Cate and Andie Sloane's Upper East Side dad met Stella and Lola Childs's British-model mom, nobody thought a transatlantic relationship would last. But then their parents drop the M-bomb—marriage—and it looks like Cate, Andie, Stella, and Lola are going to be one big happy family. Well, big anyway. Meet:

Cate Sloane: She dominates the ninth grade at exclusive Ashton Prep. Tantrum-prone and competitive, Cate would rather wear Laura Ashley every day than be second best at anything. Luckily there's not a rival in sight. Yet.

Andie Sloane: Twelve-year-old Andie desperately wants to walk the runway. Her face is flawless, and boys flock to her like love-struck sheep. There's just one leetle problem: She's only 4' 11". But with a new supermodel stepmom, she'll be voguing in no time. Right?

Stella Childs: With her take-charge attitude and a closet full of supermodel swag, Stella was the It Girl at her London middle school. She's determined to rule Ashton Prep—even if that means dethroning the current queen bee. Can you say British Invasion?

Lola Childs: London boys called gawky Lola "Sticks," but she's got a new mission in Manhattan: boyfriend or bust! With the help of her boy-magnet stepsister, Lola sets her sights on supercute Kyle Lewis. Too bad Kyle's only got eyes for . . . Andie.


I didn't really like this book. I mean, wait, it's not that I disliked Anna Carey's writing. It's that I didn't really like the topic. Anna did a wonderful job writing this. I just don't really like books that have to do with Hollywood, Celebrities, and Money. I do, however, make exceptions for certain novels. This may be one of them. As you can tell, I have mixed emotions about this book. On one hand, it kept me entertained and amused. But, on the other hand, it dealt with Popularity/Celebrities/Hollywood/Money. So, I say, why not give this a try? At least it made me want to read the sequel!

Waiting on Wednesday


Once was Lost by Sara Zarr


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.




This sounds really good, and I am super excited to read it! Sara Zarr is an amazing author!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

What is Your Book Personality?

I saw this over at Reading Keeps You Sane. You can take the quiz here.


My Reading Personality: Involved Reader!

You don't just love to read books, you love to read about books. For you, half the fun of reading is the thrill of the chase - discovering new books and authors, and discussing your finds with others. If you don't already belong to a book club you probably should consider joining one, or even starting your own!




This kind of describes me. I enjoy discovering new books, but I also love reading books by authors that I love.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Devilish by Maureen Johnson


So, I am here to review yet another book by Maureen Johnson.


At St. Teresa’s Preparatory School for Girls in Providence, Rhode Island, rebellious senior class genius Jane Jarvis is worried about her best friend Allison Concord. Ally is lovable, but a little clueless, and badly in need of Jane’s help. She needs to get a freshman “sister” at the school’s annual Big-Little celebration. When Ally blows it (rather literally), Jane knows that they are in for a rough few weeks.
She has no idea just how rough they will be.
Strange things start happening in Providence. Hail storms rip into the city. A strangely polite gourmet in a silver roadster turns up every time Jane turns around. A freshman guy from neighboring St. Sebastian’s starts to stalk her. A lanky, cupcake-loving sophomore transfer steps into their lives to save the day . . .
Then Ally begins to change. She looses the awkwardness that Jane has always known and loved and becomes the model of cool. Things don’t go as well for Jane, and she soon winds up facing the threat of expulsion and ruin.
But these are only the beginnings of much bigger problems. Jane’s life is about to get much worse. Ally claims that she sold her soul, and Jane throws herself on the line to get it back. But this battle is big. A crowd of strangers is about to descend on Providence, and they’re not there to go on a campus tour of Brown.
It’s Jane versus the demons, and nothing is what it seems. There will be perfume bottles, dogs, explosions, dancing, death, badly misused textbooks, ex-boyfriends, very long falls, unusual weaponry, and lots of sugary snacks before it’s all over.
Hey, you do what you have to do. Everyone knows high school is hell.



This was a really adorable book. I read it straight through and loved it all of the way. Not only is Maureen normally a good author, but this shows the paranormal side of her writing. And, man , can she write paranormal books! Everyone should read this. It put a new spin on things. I have never loved reading about demons so much in my life! The ending was fairy-tale sweet. I wanted to jump right in and be there.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Hey! I am camping right now. This is going to be short becau
se I am on my dads blackberry. I just wanted to say hi. I will be home tomorrow. BYE!

Another Contest...


So, I will be giving away a copy of Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez.

TO enter, leave a comment with your e-mail.

+3 If you are subscribed
+2 If you subscribe

This contest will end on June 6.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Night World No.1, Part 1 by LJ Smith




SO, I have decided to split my review into 3 parts. One part for each novel in the book. Here is the product description:

Vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters -- they live among us without our knowledge. Night World is their secret society, a secret society with very strict rules. And falling in love breaks all the laws of the Night World.

The apocalypse is drawing near. But four Wild Powers can save the world from the impending doom. Circle Daybreak, an underground organization with both Night World and human members, is searching for the four who can stop the darkness.

A vampire hunter -- who is half vampire -- stalks her own kind to protect humans in Huntress.

In Black Dawn, Maggie stumbles upon an old Night World kingdom where the ruling vampire prince is both an enemy and an ally.

And Circle Daybreak hires Keller, a shapeshifting panther, to guard a new Wild Power in Witchlight. But when Keller falls in love with the Wild Power's soulmate, her love could destroy everything....




This review is going to be of Huntress. Like all of L.J.'s books. Huntress was really sweet. It had action and vampires. But, it also had love and compassion. I admit, a lot of it is sappy and predictable. But, it's really addicting. It's kind of like a drug (though I haven't done any). You know you shouldn't be reading it, for whatever reason. But, you can't stop. This book had that sort of effect on me.

If you want to get sucked in. Read this. If you like reading. Read this. If you are a young adult. Read this...

Friday, May 22, 2009

Guest Review- Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers


So, Sarah of Sarah's Random Musings wrote this review, and I thank her.

Summary:

At one point, Parker Fadley was a straight A Student, a Cheerleader, had a great boyfriend, and overall just a nice girl. Suddenly something had one night at a party. Parker is now failing every class and in jeopardy of not graduating. She dumped her boyfriend, Chris. She had been caught drinking in class. What is the secret that Parker holds?


Sarah's Review:

The character are amazing. I could picture Parker, Jake, Chris, and Becky, so well. I loved Parker's Spunky, Witty, and an amazing narrator for the story. I don't want to dig in to the plot that deep, because it is a very strong book that you just have to read. The plot was amazing and had me reading on Christmas Eve till I finished it at about 4 AM. Cracked Up To Be is a real page turner.
I loved the fact that as you read you got flashbacks into the past and that they were done so well. This is easily in my favorite books ever and definitely of 2008. I highly suggest going to your nearest bookstore and pick up this book that is too amazing for words. This is Courtney Summer's debut novel, and I can't wait to read the next one.

My Life...

So recently, my life has consisted a lot of this sort of stuff...

this...they are amazing!You need to watch!


Plenty of this.




And...well...ummm...just see for yourself...here.






PWNED!!! Oh, yes! I am that cruel! You know you love Hank!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Contest Time!



So, it has come time for me to bring forth another contest! I will be giving away two Advance Reader Copies. One of Freaky Monday by Mary Rodgers and Heather Hach and one of Sloane Sisters by Anna Carey.

So enter, you must leave a comment with your e-mail address.

To get extra entries if:

+3 If you are subscribed
+1 If you comment on my review of Freaky Monday
+2 If you subscribe

This contest will end on June 6.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Real Real Tour Schedule


Hey Everyone!
I was asked to post the tour dates for Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus who are the authors of The Nanny Diaries and their debut young adult book; The Real Real. So, here it is:


The tour kicks off this week, and they’ll be on Good Morning America tomorrow morning around 8:40 am to talk about their first YA novel.


May 23 Bookhampton, Amagansett , NY
May 26 B&N Skokie , IL
May 27 Anderson’s, Naperville, IL
May 28 B&N Lake Grove, NY
June 2 Changing Hands, Phoenix , AZ
June 3 Vroman’s, Pasadena, CA
June 4 Borders, Torrance , CA
June 5 B& N Huntington Beach , CA
June 6 B&N, El Cerrito , CA
June 7 Copperfields, Petaluma , CA
June 8 Book Passage, Corte Madera , CA
June 24 Borders Columbus Circle , NYC


So, if they're coming near you, you should go see them!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

I Was Interviewed!

Hey Everyone,
I would like to let you know that I was interviewed here.

He is a really nice author. You should all check him out!

So, yea. Check the interview out. I hope you like it.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson


Maureen is awesome!

The Girl: Clio, seventeen, wants to spend the summer smooching her art-store crush, not stuck on a boat in the Mediterranean. At least she'll get a killer tan.

The Mission: Survive her father's annoying antics. Oh, also find some underwater treasure that could be the missing link to a long-lost civilization.

The Crew: Dad's absentminded best friend Martin, his scary girlfriend Julia, her voluptuous daughter Elsa . . . and then there's Aidan, Julia's incredibly attractive, incredibly arrogant research assistant.

What's going on behind Aidan's intellectual, intensely green eyes, anyway?

As Clio sails into uncharted territory she unveils secrets that have the power to change history. But her most surprising discovery is that there's something deeper and more mysterious than the sea—her own heart.



This is one of the many books by Maureen Johnson that I have read. Like he other books, this was really good. It wasn't my favorite of her though. I liked the whole aspect of traveling abroad. I got to learn about the different places where she traveled!
However, some things I didn't like were that this was similar to one of her other books called Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes. In both novels, the characters travel. I mean, don't get me wrong, I like that. But, I don't like the similarity of them.
You should all check out Maureen. She is a really good author.

The Most Awesome Song Lyrics EVER!!!

This is probably one of the most awesome songs I have had the pleasure to hear. It is called Seasons of Love. And, it is in RENT! Here are the lyrics:


525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 525,600 minutes - how do you measure,
measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In
inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes - how do you
measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love. Seasons of
love.

SOLOIST 1
525,600 minutes! 525,000 journeys to plan. 525,600 minutes - how can you measure
the life of a woman or man?

SOLOIST 2
In truths that she learned, or in times that he cried. In bridges he burned, or
the way that she died.

COMPANY
It’s time now to sing out, tho the story never ends let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends. Remember
the love! Remember the love! Remember
the love! Measure in love. Seasons of love! Seasons of love.



It is a beautiful song. You should all go listen to it!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

RENT!


Yay! I have been making my way through this movie! And, I love it! I am not done with it. But, so far it is really-freaking-good. The music is catchy and the actors are awesome. I really want to see the live now. So, if you haven't seen RENT, you really should It is really really awesome! It will probably be one of my new obsessions!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

When You Go On A Trip...

So, I have a question for you all...

When you go on trips, how many books to you bring, if any?

I mean, right now, I am packing to stay the night at my grandparents house, and I am bringing 7 books.

Seven books for one night...I don't get it. I actually might end up packing more then seven books.

So, how many books to you pack when you go on a trip?

Friday, May 15, 2009

A Shortage in Reviews...

So, for awhile, some of you may notice I won't have very many reviews going up. I am gratefully sorry for this, but...
School is ending in a few weeks, and I drastically need to bring up my grades.

So, that and the projects I have in class, will be taking up all of my time.

All of my reading will probably be done on weekends.

I am sorry, but, school comes first.

There will be at least one review a week... I can promise you that.

Bye...homework calls...

Thursday, May 14, 2009

AHHHH!!!!

I can't believe I forgot about this! Ummmm... I think I will talk about another author. That author is....


DAVID LEVITHAN!!!!!



He is also incredibly brilliant! I have read almost all of his books, and I loved every single one. Everybody should read his books. They are amazing!!! Even ask Khy of Frenetic Reader; we are both obsessed with him!


So, go check him out...

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle


This was really really sweet.


Growing up in a world of wealth and pastel-tinted entitlement, fifteen-year-old Carly has always relied on the constancy—and authenticity—of her sister, Anna. But when fourteen-year-old Anna turns plastic-perfect-pretty over the course of a single summer, everything starts to change. And there are boys involved, complicating things as boys always do. With warmth, insight, and an unparalleled gift for finding humor even in stormy situations, beloved author Lauren Myracle dives into the tumultuous waters of sisterhood and shows that even very different sisters can learn to help each other stay afloat.



Wow...
This was really good. I couldn't stop reading it. I have loved all of Lauren's books that I have read. But, this was above and beyond. It was very sweet and thoughtful. It portrays the importance of sisterhood very well.

I found myself really wanting to have a sister. Though, as this book shows, it can be very stressful and annoying.

It was beautifully written, and you should all read it.

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks comes out May 14, 2009.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

John Green!

So, I tried to post a video earlier. But it didn't work. I feel very bad right now. So, I am typing this really fast.


So, as many of you know. John Green is awesome and magnificent. Some may say, god-like. So, yea, this is basically me fangirling John Green. SO, let's go!


John Green Is-

amazing
awesome
glorious
smart
a very good novel writer


If you haven't read any of John's books. You all should. Seriously, go read them.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Skype, and Why You Should Get It

So,
You should all get Skype. It is marvelous and amazing! So, Join in NOW! Fellow book bloggers are also on, which is an awesome bonus!So ummm... get it now!!! You must! If you do, there may be prizes!!!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Books Read in April

1. Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt
2. The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King
3. Death by Bikini by Linda Gerber
4. Death by Latte by Linda Gerber
5. Gingerbread by Rachel Cohn
6. Shrimp by Rachel Cohn
7. Love & Lies by Ellen Wittlinger
8. Bloom by Elizabeth Scott
9. Need by Carrie Jones
10.Cupcake by Rachel Cohn
11.Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
12.Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott
13.Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
14.Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
15.When it Happens by Susan Colasanti
16.The Giver by Lois Lowry
17.Evermore by Alyson Noel


So, there are the books I read in April. Tell me in the comments if you liked the ones that you have read (if any).

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Night World No.2 by L.J. Smith


Yay!

Vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters -- they live among us without our knowledge. Night World is their secret society, a secret society with very strict rules. And falling in love breaks all the laws of the Night World.

In Dark Angel, Gillian is saved from drowning by her guardian angel. Only visible to Gillian, Angel will fulfill her heart's every desire. But when Angel starts making strange and sinister requests, Gillian must question who he truly is and where he came from.

Armed with a wooden stake, martial arts, and the will to resist a vampire's mind control, Rashel struggles to avenge her mother's death in The Chosen. Then she meets Quinn, her soulmate, who is part of the world she has vowed to destroy.

Hannah receives notes warning her of incredible danger in Soulmate. But if death is her destiny, is the Lord of the Night World's love strong enough to save her?



So,
I finished this book a few days ago. I honestly like the first one better. It was more addicting than this one. I mean, don't get me wrong, this was a lovely book. But, it didn't have as much things drawing me in. The stories were well though out and creative, but, they just weren't it. So, if you have read the first book, don't give up on the series because of this book. You may like it more than I do.

As for the next book in the series, it is on my to be read pile. There will probably be a review fairly soon, but I'm not promising anything.

Freaky Monday by Mary Rodgers and Heather Hach


Hadley is pretty much the model student: straight As, perfect attendance, front row in class. So what if she's overstressed and overscheduled: She's got school covered. (Life—not so much.)

Ms. Pitt is the kind of teacher who wants you to call her by her first name and puts all the chairs in a circle and tells her students to feel their book reports.

Hadley wishes Ms. Pitt would stick to her lesson plan. Ms. Pitt wishes Hadley would lighten up.

So when Hadley and Ms. Pitt find themselves switched into each other's bodies, the first thing they want to do is switch right back. It takes a family crisis, a baffled principal, and a (double) first kiss to help them figure out that change can be pretty enlightening.

Even if it is a little freaky!



I really don't know what to say about this book. One one hand, I liked it. And on the other hand, it was incredibly reminiscent of Freaky Friday. I found it easy to relate to Hadley, though out lives are different. This was a very quick and cute read. I found myself actually liking it, though I wouldn't normally read this book.

I didn't like how similar it was to Freaky Friday. The only differences were that; instead of being mother and daughter, it was teacher and student. So, If you enjoyed Freaky Friday, read this! It was very nice and refreshing.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

It's May Already?

I can't believe that it is May already!!! I mean, almost half of the year has gone by. When I think about the things that have happened since May 6, 2008; I am flabbergasted. On May 6, I didn't even know I wanted to be a blogger, I hadn't even read my first book blog. I was just coming into my obsession with Twilight(I'm not as obsessed anymore). I had been watching John and Hank Green (vlogbrothers) for about four months. I was awaiting the birth of my new second cousin. I didn't even know what I was getting into.

When I think about all of this now, I truly can't believe what I was doing before all of this. What did I do with my time before I was blogging? Do I even remember what it was like before 2007; when I first read Harry Potter?

I'm looking around my room, and I can't believe that two years ago, the only books I had were Nancy Drew and the books I got for Christmas and never read. Now, I can only see books. In 2007, I didn't know about wizard rock (I am listening to it right now). In 2007, there was no fiveawesomegirls, or fiveawesomeguys, or a youtube obsession.

When I think about this it feels monumental...

Night World No.1 by L.J. Smith



This was a really good set of books.

Vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters -- they live among us without our knowledge. Night World is their secret society, a secret society with very strict rules. And falling in love breaks all the laws of the Night World.

In Secret Vampire, Poppy thought the summer would last forever. Then she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now Poppy's only hope for survival is James, her friend and secret love. A vampire in the Night World, James can make Poppy immortal. But first they both must risk everything to go against the laws of Night World.

Fugitives from Night World, three vampire sisters leave their isolated home to live among humans in Daughters of Darkness. Their brother, Ash, is sent to bring the girls back, but he falls in love with their beautiful friend.

Two witch cousins fight over their high school crush. It's a battle between black magic and white magic in Spellbinder.



This is a fairly large book; I mean, its 729 pages. I read this really fast, not because I wanted to finish it, and not because I was borrowing it. I finished it fast because it pulled me in, and I couldn't stop reading. The novels inside of them are incredibly well written. Though I knew, the Night World is a confusing place; L.J. Smith made me want to live in it.

L.J. is one of those authors who's books were written like 10 years ago; and are starting to get re-published. Let's just say that I'm am really glad that her books are being re-published. All of them that I have read are awesome. If you enjoy paranormal books, or even if you don't. You should read this book.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

I got Awards!

I keep putting this off... sorry! I really am. Some of these are from months ago!
I know you are supposed to nominate people, but I honestly have no clue who still has to be nominated and can't choose between the many people who deserve these awards.

Amber from Must and Lust for Books and Senfaye from A Maze of Books gave me Splash Award!



Kristi from Books and Needlepoint gave me the Butterfly Award!


Thank you all! It is an awesome honor!

Evermore by Alyson Noel


This was a really cool book.


Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.

Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.



Though this book was slightly Twilight-esk, I enjoyed it. It pulled me into it's wonderfully portrayed world. Damen was a regular "dream-boy", but, for once, there was a twist. He wasn't as perfect, he still was extraordinarily "perfect", but he had his faults. When it came to Ever, however I found that she was too depressed all the time. I have know people who currently are or have been depressed, and they don't act that way. I understand trying to shut out the world, but, seriously? She could have tried a little bit harder to be more positive. That being said; there were some things I liked about this book.

It was clever and witty. It showed Alyson Noel's ability to create a whole separate world, that though we live in it, there are some secrets. Despite the bad things I said about this book. I really enjoyed it.

Friday, May 1, 2009

An Interview with Rachel Cohn


1. What was it like working with another author, in order to write books?
It's ridiculously fun, so much so that when I go back to write my solo
books, I have to remember all over again how much work writing is. It's
fun because when I send a chapter to David, I have no idea what he will
send back, so I can only plan so much; I have to figure my characters out
each time he volleys back, and in new and cool ways I hadn't expected.

2. How do you feel about being an idol to teens?
I'm an idol to teens? I really shouldn't be. Some days I don't make it
out of my pajamas. My primary food group is chocolate. Obviously, I'm no
role model. Unless wearing your pajamas and eating chocolate all day is
your lifestyle of choice, in which case, I say, feel free to worship me as
a false prophet.

3. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
My advice is pretty boring. Read as much as you can, and when you sit
down to write -- well, write. Turn off the Internet and your iPod and
your phone -- set aside a dedicated time without distractions and go forth
and create. Have fun with it. Love your characters -- it will show.

4. Your books have become wildly popular. Is their any crazy fan stories?
Nothing too crazy, but I've had readers come to my book events dressed as
characters from my books, or they'll have come from a ridiculously far
distance to meet me, which is so gratyifying as an author, to see that
something you've written could have affected a reader so personally that
they'd go to such lengths to meet you.

5. Who are some of your favorite young adult authors?
There are so many! But, and this is a very annotated list, I can never
recommend enough any and all books by David Levithan (obviously), Patricia
McCormick, Jaclyn Moriarty, Megan McCafferty, Markus Zusak, Melina
Marchetta, Libba Bray...

6.Is there a special place where you do all of your writing?
Typically I go to a place in the Village in NYC called The Writers Room.
It's a loft-type space with cubicles and I have a laptop I store in a
locker there. It's very quiet and seems to be the place I can focus the
most. And sometimes I go to the library at Columbia University, which is
closer to where I live. Like I said, I'm a big believer in going to quiet
places without distractions to get serious writing done.

7. Your books range drastically in topics, do you mean to write them this way? If so, why?
I don't decide these things in advance. It's a matter of a character's
voice talking to me, almost like they're dictating to me. I feel like I
actually don't decide the topics; they do. I'm just the typist.

8. How many more books do you plan on writing?
I have no idea! I'll keep writing 'em so long as folks keep reading 'em.

9. If you could co-write a book with any author, which author would you
co-write with?
There are other co-authors besides David?




I would like to thank Rachel Cohn for agreeing to do this interview.

When it Happens by Susan Colasanti


AWESOME!!!!


At the start of her senior year, Sara wants two things: to get into a top college and to find true love. Tobey also wants two things in his senior year: to win Battle of the Bands and to make Sara fall in love with him. A popular jock named Dave, though, moves in on Sara first. But Tobey's quirky wit and big blue eyes are hard for Sara to ignore. Plus, he gets the little things that matter to her - like why she loves the Lloyd Dobler boom-box scene in the movie Say Anything....Can a slacker rock-star wanna be win the heart of a pretty class brain like Sara?



Let me just say, I picked the right book at the right time. It was really sweet. I stayed up all night to read this. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. This book made me want to read more books by Susan Colasanti. After some of the books that I have been reading, this was refreshing and nice. It was easy to follow and easy to relate to. This book was amazing!