24 Hour Read-a-Thon MeMe

Where are you reading from today?
In my house I'll probably switch between my bedrooms and my comfy couch.

3 facts about me …

I am OBSESSED with Glee.
My favorite musicals of ALL TIME are Spring Awakening and RENT
It is an off week when I don't watch the 10 Things I Hate About You movie at least once.

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?

I have a lot of books in mt TBR pile, like 20 or something. But, I don't expect to finish them all.

Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?

I want to finish at least 2 books.

If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time?

This is my 3rd Read-a-Thon. I find it helpful to get up every few hours and stretch and such.

Read-a-Thon

So, I'm watching TV right now and I just finished checking my twitter. I saw that there is a READ-A-THON TODAY! I didn't know this! And I think I am going to participate. I haven't been reading much books because of school and such so this is a good opportunity for me to.
So, Happy Reading to everybody participating! I wish you all well!

Love, Ghosts, and Facial Hair by Steven Herrick

I'm a normal guy.

An average sixteen-year-old.

I think about sex, sport, & nose hair.

Sex mostly.

Jack's got a lot on his mind: He's trying to figure out the mystery of the opposite sex, he can't stop wondering about facial hair, and he won't let go of his mother's ghost, even though she died seven years ago. Jack knows he can't hang on to the past forever, but what he doesn't know is how to let go.

Then he meets Annabel. She's beautiful, smart, and she gets him. Suddenly love makes sense, and the future seems hopeful. And for the first time, Jack feels ready to leave the past where it belongs.


This book was kind of awkward to read. By reading the description, you may also think that. In general, it was an ok book.I don't really recommend it because it was slightly ridiculous in my opinion. 1/4 of the book was him talking about sex. Which in my opinion is kinda not a good thing. So, I don't really recommend this book.

Girl in the Arena... VIDEO

Secret Society by Tom Dolby

An eccentric new girl. A brooding socialite. The scion of one of New York’s wealthiest families. A promising filmmaker. As students at the exclusive Chadwick School, Phoebe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch already live in a world most teenagers only dream about. They didn’t ask to be Society members. But when three of them receive a mysterious text message promising success and fame beyond belief, they say yes to everything. Even to the harrowing initiation ceremony in a gritty warehouse downtown, and to the ankh-shaped tattoo they’re forced to get on the nape of their necks. Once they’re part of the Society, things begin falling into place for them. Week after week, their ambitions are fulfilled. It’s all perfect—until a body is found in Central Park with no distinguishing marks except for an ankh-shaped tattoo.


Secret Society was a really umm.... interesting? book. I didn't love it. But it was pretty good. This was Tom Dolby's first YA book and I think he did pretty good writing it.
Some high points of Mr.Dolby's writing was that I couldn't stop reading this book. It was really addicting!
Come low points of this book were that it wasn't very well planned. It was pretty predictable too.
But, if you are looking for a book that will keep you reading and is secretive, I recommend this.
I am look forward to Tom Dolby's up and coming YA books.


* I received this book from Harper Teen Publishing

An Interview with Amy Reed

So, I just posted a review of Beautiful by Amy Reed. You can see my review here.
I recently interviewed Amy Reed. I hope you enjoy it...


1. Was it hard to write Beautiful, because of the content in it?

Parts of it were really emotionally draining for me. It was difficult to go through some things with the characters, to experience their pain and loss, to put them in situations where I knew they were going to get hurt. But in some ways, it was also very healing because there's a lot in Beautiful that comes from my own life. By revisiting certain things, I was able to find some understanding and closure that I didn't have before.


2. Did you have any say in the cover of the book? What are your opinions on it?

I gave a little initial input about what I thought Cassie should look like, but I pretty much trusted the folks at Simon Pulse to come up with something great--and indeed they did. I think the cover is absolutely amazing and is a perfect visualization of what you'll find inside.


3. What are some of your favorite books/authors?

That's a difficult question for someone who reads so much. There are a few books that will stay in my heart forever and have definitely influenced my own writing: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold; Push by Sapphire; Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen; the poetry of Anne Sexton; Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Alison. Most recently, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson blew my mind. I read a little of everything, but the books that really stick with me tend to be about young women in intense, sometimes scary situations where they're forced to confront their fears and find inner strength. I think that because of my own experiences, I deeply identify with these types of stories.


4. If you could to anything, what would you do?

Besides writing, I would love to have a little organic farm somewhere in Northern California with a few chickens and goats, maybe a cow. There is nothing more relaxing to me than digging around in the dirt. And there's nothing more delicious than veggies picked straight out of the garden.

Beautiful by Amy Reed

When thirteen-year-old Cassie moves to a suburb of Seattle, she is determined to leave her boring, good-girl existence behind. She chooses some dangerous new friends and is quickly caught up in their fast-paced world of drugs, sex, secrets, and cruelty.

Cassie's new existence both thrills and terrifies her. She embraces the numbness she feels from the drugs, starts sleeping with an older boy, and gets pulled into a twisted friendship triangle that is tinged with violence and abuse. Cassie is trapped in a swift downward spiral, and there's no turning back.

This was a really emotional and moving book. When I was reading this, it was totally surreal because Cassie is incredibly young. The things she is doing are things nobody should do, especially at a very-young age.

Amy Reed is a wonderful writer. She wrote this beautifully.

This is a heart-wrenching novel that will grab readers. Yes, it was hard to read. Yes, it was totally worth it. And Yes, I recommend it.

* I received this book from Simon and Schuster Publishing

DupliKate by Cherry Cheva

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?

This was an incredibly cute book. Kate's feeling really showed through. And Rina was a very amusing character.
In this book, you see the characters handle confusion, heartbreak, and a "twin" who isn't supposed to be there!
This is the first book I have read by Cherry Cheva and I totally want to read more now!
This book was incredibly fun to read. I devoured it!


* I received this book from Harper Teen Publishing

I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure

True tales of love, loss, good friends, and bad hair days filled Not Quite What I Was Planning, the New York Times bestselling first book in the Six-Word Memoir series—an international phenomenon. Some of the very best were by teens, so the editors decided to create a book written entirely by those bold, brash truth-tellers. From cancer to creativity, prom dates to promiscuity, and breaking hearts to breaking laws, the memoirs in this collection reveal that often the youngest writers have the most fascinating stories to tell.

This book is pretty awesome. Some of the memoirs are hilarious while others are extraordinarily serious.
The idea of six word memoirs is truly incredible. Some people may not realize this, but six-word memoirs can tell a lot about a person.
By reading this, not only do you get to learn a but about the people who contribute the memoirs, but you also get to read wonderful pieces of literature written by everyday teens.
This was a really good read and I strongly recommend it.


* I received this book from Harper Teen Publishing

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

I finished this book incredibly fast. I think it took me a total of 3 or so hours to read.
In a way, this book reminded me faintly of Twilight. The characters have similar characteristics. Nora was like Bella because she was the human girl who falls in love with a "cute and dreamy guy". Patch was the dangerous non-human "dreamy guy".
He was a slight stalker, but he was practically irresistible to the girls in his school.
I'm not trying to compare this book to Twilight, because, in my opinion, it is much better.
The characters were strong, the plot was amazing, and Becca Fitzpatrick is a wonderful author that you won't want to miss!


* I received this book from Simon and Schuster Publishing

Scott Westerfeld and Sarah Rees Brenna Book Signing

So, yesterday I went to a book signing for Scott Westerfeld and Sarah Rees Brennan. It was really cool!
They had to catch a flight to Oregon, so the signing could only last an hour, which was a bit of a downer. Scott had a really cool presentation explaining pictures in Leviathan and explaining a bit about the book. Sarah showed us one of her foreign of covers and explained why she liked it.
They also had postcards for Leviathan and Bookmarks for The Demons Lexicon, which were all really awesome.
So, if they are coming to a signing near you, you should totally go because it is worth it!
I am in the middle of reading The Demons Lexicon, and it is awesome so far. I bought Leviathan yesterday, and it sounds marvelous!

I have to give kudos to Scott Westerfeld for signing all those books. I think I may have been the only person at the signing I went to that had more than 2 books... *blushes*. I brought 8 of his books for him to sign... and I didn't even bring all of the ones I have!

I would just like to mention that Sarah Rees Brennan wears the most awesome clothes I have ever seen, and she has an awesome accent! *Sarah I loved your shoes!!!!!*


If any of you are going to their signing, you are really lucky. Sarah, along with wearing really awesome clothes, is also really super nice. She is one of those authors, who actually take time and talk to you, which is rare and truly awesome.
When my mom and I got there, Scott Westerfeld walked right past us and said hi. From than moment on, I was totally starstruck. I mean, I have been reading his books for the past 3 years and seeing him person was just...wow. He was one of those people that kinda, I don't know... look? brilliant. He has that air about him where your like "This guy is one cool dude."

One of my favorite things about the signing was that they weren't afraid to cuss. Both Sarah and Scott said "bad" words when they were presenting their books. I really admire authors who aren't afraid to say "bad" words.

In all, I loved this signing. I wish it was longer, and I wish I could have gotten some pictures, but it was still amazing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

So, today is Khy of Frenetic Reader's Birthday!
Khy is an incredibly awesome person!
I hope you have a marvelous birthday, you deserve it!

How Beautiful the Ordinary

A girl thought to be a boy steals her sister's skirt, while a boy thought to be a girl refuses to wear a cornflower blue dress. One boy's love of a soldier leads to the death of a stranger. The present takes a bittersweet journey into the past when a man revisits the summer school where he had "an accidental romance." And a forgotten mother writes a poignant letter to the teenage daughter she hasn't seen for fourteen years.

Poised between the past and the future are the stories of now.

I don't really know how to express my feeling toward this book. There were some stories that I loved and there were some that I didn't love.
Overall, my favorite story was David Levithan's. He wrote it beautifully.
I don't recommend this book to young audiences there are some very "risky" stories.
I think this book is an overall great GLBT book and will help many people.



*I received this review copy from Harper Teen publishers.

The Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz

I am practically in love with this book.

With a summer job at Bob & Bob Records in Berkeley, California, teen music junkie Allie is ready for anything. She’s poised to fall in love, catch a thief, and make a mix that’ll break your heart. And when she blogs as The Vinyl Princess, Allie is the sort of mystery girl you can’t resist tuning into. Get ready for the vinyl revolution!


This book was incredibly addicting. I mean, it probably wasn't the best writing. But, since two of my loves is music and blogging, I loved this book. It combines two wonderful things into a great book!
The Vinyl Princess is a lovely strong-voiced novel that audiophiles will love!

*Released December 22, 2009




*I got his review copy from Harper Teen Publishing

Blogoversary!

So, today is this blog's anniversary. I admit, when I first made this, I thought that I wouldn't be able to update. But, I DID IT!
It has been one long, fun, and challenging year. And I am glad to have been blogging for this long!
The blogging community is amazing and all of you are really-super-awesometastic-nice.
Looking back on it, it seems that I started writing this like, last week.

I would like to thank you all for being with me at some point in time as either a fellow reviewer, a reader, a follower, or a friend. Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.

Cheers to another wonderful year of blogging! *claps*


xoxoxo.
Zoe

Beating Heart by A.M. Jenkins

This house

is mine

and

I am

its beating heart.

She is a ghost: a figure glimpsed from the corner of your eye, a momentary chill, and a memory of secret kisses and hidden passion. He is 17 years old: Evan Calhoun, warm and alive, and ever since moving to this big abandoned house, he has dreamt of her. Ghost and boy fascinate each other–until her memories and his desire collide in a moment that changes them both.

Beating Heart was a cute and fast-paced novel. This was one of those books that you spend an hour reading it, it was good while it lasted, but afterwords I didn't really think it was one of the best books I had read. I liked it, and it is definitely a book I would buy.

I recomend this book if you are looking for a quick read.

No Right Turn by Terry Trueman

Three years after his father's suicide, Jordan is a self–described zombie. With no friends and no interests, Jordan has made sure he is invisible and alone because it's easier to get by that way. But then salvation comes in the most unlikely form. It's gorgeous, and it's sexy–a 1976 Corvette! Drawn by this beautiful car and the doors it opens for him, Jordan realizes that maybe he can start living. But on the path to recovery, Jordan starts taking risky chances that mean he might just lose everything all over again.



This book was interesting. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exactly good. No Right Turn was well written. But the story didn't pull me in. I didn't find it very interesting. And, to be completely honest, once I got to page 50 I had to push myself to finish reading it.
I don't tink this book was "my thing". But, who knows, you may like it.

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

An arresting story about starting over after a friend’s suicide, from a breakthrough new voice in YA fiction.

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.

This was a really emotional book. I devoured it. Nina wrote Hold Still with creativity, wit, and thought. While reading this book, I totally felt what Caitlin was feeling.

I recomend this book to people who likes You Know Where to Find Me by Rachel Cohn and to people who enjoy thoughtful and moving books.