Follow Friday #19

Follow Friday! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. 

It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This week's featured blogs are The Bookaholic and Starcrossed 

Q. What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character?

A: I would love to see The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa made into a movie. I usually like movies where I don't recognize the actors. It just helps me get lost in the story when I don't remember what they looked like or how they acted in the past movie. All I ask for is that the actors for Ash and Puck are handsome and that they stay true to the books.

What about you? What book would you want to see in the big screen?

Let's talk about books is Under Construction!

As you can probably tell from the disorganized mess, Let's talk about books is under construction. 

I will try to get everything done by tonight. 

Feel free to make suggestions to make this blog better. :)

{Review}: ARC Crossed by Ally Condie

Title: Crossed (Matched, #2)
Author: Ally Condie Website | Twitter
Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (November, 2011)
Hardcover: 384 pages
ISBN: 9780525423652
Source:  Good Choice Reading Book Tour
Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository


My Rating: 4/5


Description from GoodReads:

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

My Review:


In Crossed we see a world outside the Society. We accompany Cassia and Ky on their journey's to find each other. Crossed, unlike Matched where we only see Cassia's point of view, is written in dual narration both Cassia and Ky take us on their adventure.

The beginning was a little difficult for me because I had a hard time remembering where Matched left off. This is probably just a personal problem and not a problem with the way it is written. The dual narration was also a little difficult at first but after a few chapters I enjoyed the ability to see both characters at once instead of wondering what is going on with the other.

Midway through the book I was suffering. I kept gaining and losing hope with the characters. I was anxious to see if Cassia and Ky would ever find each other. I was also hoping Xander would magically appear. What can I say I like Xander. :) Ally Condie does an amazing job of creating a love triangle that seems real and where both guys have a chance. I personally am hoping she chooses Xander.

Did I like it? Yes, I did. I got many questions answered and it was amazing to see what lies outside the Society ruled world. I was amazed by the description of their surroundings. I hope we get to see more in the 3rd book. The adventure was also amazing we get to see the outside world from two perspectives. Cassia's with her inexperienced eyes trying to make sense of everything and Ky's perspective as he tries to remember his way.

There are many questions answered and many more brought up but Ms. Condie did a great job at not leaving me confused but just wanting to know more. We learn more about Ky's past and secrets about other major characters. New characters are also introduced that are sure to add interesting personalities to the third book.

If you enjoyed Matched then you will love Crossed. Just make sure you re-read Matched so you are not confused like I was at the beginning.

Top Ten Books I Feel As Though Everyone Has Read But Me

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by the The Broke and the Bookish

1.  Die for me by Amy Plum - I love the cover and have been dying to read this book but my TBR pile is so big that I have not been able to get to it. 

2. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer- I finally got this one, so I should be able to get to it soon... hopefully.

3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern- I have heard great things about this one lately.

4. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins- I absolutely loved Anna and the French Kiss so I am almost sure this one will be  amazing.

5. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin- I have no  idea what this one is about but I have seen such amazing reviews that I want to read it.

6. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez- This is one of those books that I should have read a long time ago but for strange reason have not. Even though I have both an English and Spanish edition.

7. Divergent by Veronica Roth- This was my blogs first giveaway prize and I purchased a copy for myself but have been unable to get to it. The second one is about to come out maybe I should just wait until the week before so I can enjoy both together. 

8. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins- Another one of those strange occurrences. I read the first two but I have not read Mockingjay. I just don't want the series to end.

9. The Help by Kathryn Stockett- I have seen this book everywhere. It may be due to the movie coming out or because it is that good. Maybe I should read it and find out.

10.   The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson- I read the first and it was a little too strong for me. It was a good book but I was a bit disturbed so I have been waiting until I am ready to read the second.

Have you read these? What books do you feel everyone has read but you?

Follow Friday #18

Follow Friday! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. 

It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This weeks featured blogs are Librarian Mouse and Alaskan Book Cafe

Q: It's that pesky magic book fairy again! She has another wish: What imaginary book world would you like to make a reality?

A: I would love for Cassandra Clare's worlds to be a reality. I would be happy with either The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devices. I just love shadowhunters. :)

How about you? What book world would you like to make a reality?

{Review}: Exposure by Therese Fowler

Title: Exposure
Author: Therese Fowler
Genre: YA Fiction/Contemporary
Publisher: Ballantine Books (May, 2011)
Hardcover: 384 pages
ISBN: 9780345515537
Source: Borrowed from Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 3/5

Description from GoodReads:

In Exposure, Therese Fowler has written her most gripping novel to date—a ripped-from-the-headlines story of ardent young love and a nightmarish legal maelstrom that threatens to destroy two families.
Amelia Wilkes’s strict father does not allow her to date, but that doesn’t stop the talented, winsome high school senior from carrying on a secret romance with her classmate Anthony Winter. Desperately in love, the two envision a life together and plan to tell Amelia’s parents only after she turns eighteen and is legally an adult. Anthony’s mother, Kim, who teaches at their school, knows—and keeps—their secret. But the couple’s passion is exposed sooner than planned: Amelia’s father, Harlan, is shocked and infuriated to find naked pictures of Anthony on his daughter’s computer. Just hours later, Anthony is arrested.
Despite Amelia’s frantic protests, Harlan uses his wealth and influence with local law enforcement and the media to label Anthony a deviant who preyed on his innocent daughter. Spearheaded by a zealous prosecutor anxious to turn the case into a public crusade against “sexting,” the investigation soon takes an even more disturbing and destructive turn.
As events spiral wildly out of control and the scandalous story makes national news, Amelia and Anthony risk everything in a bold and dangerous attempt to clear their names and end the madness once and for all.

A captivating page-turner, Therese Fowler’s Exposure is also a deftly crafted, provocative, and timely novel that serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of love in the modern age.

My Review :


Exposure is a a well written thought provoking novel. Amelia and Anthony are a normal high school serious couple. They are young, in love and anxiously awaiting their future together. The only problem is that Amelia's father is overprotective and does not want her daughter dating Anthony. Everything seems to be gong their way until one day her father discovers inappropriate pictures of Anthony. The discovery of these pictures puts into motion a series of events that threaten to destroy not only their relationship but the well being of both families.

Exposure examines love in an ever changing culture. Anthony and Amelia can be seen as modern Romeo and Juliet. It will captivate you from the beginning, not only because it is well written but because it is so believable you can see it happening in today's society. This is a great book to encourage discussion on the phenomenon of "sexting" that is so prevalent in today's youth.

{Review}: ARC Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Title: Vanish
Author: Sophie Jordan
Genre: YA Fiction/Fantasy
Publisher: HarperCollins (Sept 06, 2011)
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN: 9780061935107
Source: NetGalley*
Pre-Order on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.
Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?
In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

My Review:


Vanish begins where Firelight left off. Jacinda returns to the pride after revealing her pride's secret. When Jacinda and her family returns they are treated as betrayers and are once again have to follow the commands of Severin. Jacinda must decide whether she wants to be accepted once again with her pride and bond with Cassian or forget about the pride and find Will.

If you loved Firelight, Vanish will not disappoint. We learn more about Cassian and his real emotions and motivations. I am seriously confused about whether I want her to be with Cassian or Will and it's strange because I usually just go for the dangerous choice but Cassian just grew on me. Hopefully, the third book will help me and Jacinda (Of course!) decide.

In Vanish we get to see more of the inner workings of the pride. Nidia's veil is lifted for the reader and we get to meet new interesting character of Jacinda's pride. We also get to learn more about other characters such as Jacinda's sister and how she is taking returning to the pride that once rejected her. Sophie Jordan does a magnificent job in developing her characters because i felt like at the end of this book I had a better idea of their intentions and motivations.

The only things that I did expect that did not happen was Jacinda taping into her fire breather and showing us her power and strength but I can see that happening in the third. The ending was a bit of a foreseeable cliffhanger. I can't wait to see what happens in the third installment.

*Cover Bonus* I could not do a review without saying that I absolutely love the cover of Vanish. I love when the covers of series compliment each other and this series does a great job. I love the contrast of Fire and Ice between the two. We just have to wait and see what amazing cover they come up for the next one. 




*Disclosure: This e-ARC was provided by the publisher (HarperCollins Publishing via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

Top Ten Books I Read Because Of Another Blogger

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by the The Broke and the Bookish

One of the main reasons why I blog is to keep up with new and old amazing books that I might have missed. Here are the Top Ten books that I would not have read if it weren't because of someone's awesome review or because another blogger let me know about it. Thank You!

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - I absolutely love this book and I would have never read this book if it weren't for the many amazing reviews. The cover just didn't appeal to me. After reading the book I can't think of a better cover but at first sight it did not make me want to pick it up. If you have not read this one you should definitively pick it up. Bloggers are also doing a great job at keeping me posted on all the latest news on the upcoming movie.

2. Across the Universe by Beth Revis -  Stories that take place in outer space are usually not my type of books but I really enjoyed this one. It  captures your attention from the first pages and takes you on an amazing journey. 

3. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White - I recently got this book because I have heard great things about it. Hoping that I enjoy it as much as everyone else seems to. 

4. Matched by Ally Condie -  I would not have given dystopian novels a chance if it weren't for fellow bloggers and boy am I happy I did. they are one of my favorite now.  I am currently reading Crossed the sequel to Matched and this is definitely a series you should pick up. 

5. Iron King by Julie Kagawa - OMG! I can't belive I almost didnt read this book. I love faeries and this is definetly one of the best of this series.

 

6. Wither by Lauren DeStefano - The subject matter was a little strange in this book but it was still very enjoyable. This is another novel about what could happen if humans go to far in trying to control nature. 

7. Anna and the French Kiss by Sephanie Pekins - I usually read more paranormal romance and not many contemporary YA fiction but I decided to give this one a chance and I am glad I did. I loved the story and it made me want to go visit France.

8. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter -  I heard about this book  from a blog and wanted to read it immediately. I love Greek mythology and the story of Persephone is definitely one of my favorites.  

9. Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray - We have all heard of Cleopatra and her story but what about her children when she died. This book was a great find thanks to Gabrielle Carolina from The Modge Podge Bookshelf. I can't wait for the next one. 

10.Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins -  I think the cover is what kept me from reading this book. To me, it looks a little too much like a Disney Channel story so I was not interested until I heard great reviews. Do not be deterred from reading this book if the cover does not appeal, it is a great story about a girl trying  to understand who she is and her place in the world. 

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by The Story Siren, held usually on Sundays that encourages bloggers to share what they bought, borrowed, or won this week.

BORROWED

Title: Paranormalcy

Author: Kiersten White

Publisher: HarperTeen (August, 2010)

ISBN: 9780061985843

Source: Library

Description from GoodReads:

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

Title: Bumped

Author: Megan McCafferty 

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (April, 2011) 

ISBN: 9780061962745 

Source: Library  

Description from GoodReads: 

 When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food. Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job. Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from. When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

BOUGHT

Title: Iron Queen 
Author: Julie Kagawa 
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (January, 2011) 
ISBN: 9780373210183 
Source: Purchased from Borders 
Description from GoodReads: 

My name is Meghan Chase. I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it. This time, there will be no turning back.

What's in your Mailbox?

Do books influence relationships

I have not been able to keep this question out of my mind. Does the books we read affect our relationships?

Ideas such as soul mates, love at first sight, perfect compatibility are so common in young adult books, that it leaves some readers wondering if they are doing something wrong. Of course, it always depends on the readers maturity and understanding that after all it is a work of fiction. Yet, most of these books are targeted towards a young demographic. So, What do we think, do they affect young girls' expectations of relationships?

I am 24 and not immune, I admit that I am guilty of constantly crushing on book characters. My current crush is Ash from the Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa just in case you were wondering. There is just something about these mysterious, romantic, chivalrous young male protagonists that capture my heart. Who doesn't want to find their soul mate and live happily ever after with them for the rest of their lives. Yet, what I am wondering is does it give some girls the wrong idea of how relationships function? Does it make them believe that this romanticized view of relationships is what they should have? If so, is it a good thing or bad one?

Here is my opinion on the subject, feel free to join the discussion and if you disagree let me know. I always love to hear others opinions. :)

Let me begin by saying that I met my now husband at 16 (we didn't get married until we were 24) so I do not believe that it is impossible to find love at this age. Finding love so young is not as common in real life as it is in novels so hopefully young girls don't believe that they are turning 19 and have not found their prince charming so something must be wrong with them.

What I do have a problem is with the idea of instant love. Yes, I did believe that my husband was the most handsome guy ever at first sight but it was not love until we got to know each other. This idea of love at first sight is entertaining to read but I can see how a problem may arise if a young girl believes that the infatuation they feel at first means that they are now in love and will live a happily ever after. I am not saying that the writers have to change the stories, the idea of instant love works great with the plots. In my belief it is the parent's, or the person's responsibility to not get fooled and try to live a fictional love story.

The idea of perfect compatible couple or soul mates is also very common and may also give the wrong idea. To read a book where all they have to do is love each other and you will live a happy romantic story is entertaining but not realistic. Relationships take hard work and dedication. Yes, you can live happily ever after but I think that girls should be aware that it won't happen magically with the power of love. One may end a great relationship just because the other forgot to call and they know their soul mate would never forget such a thing and this is where this idea may be troublesome. We are humans that make mistakes not perfect fictional characters.

One aspect or idea that I do love about young adult books is the idea of romance. Growing up with this stories helped me realize that I do not have to settle. Romance does exist and it should be something we look forward to, with time you will find Mr. Right. We just have to be smart and find a balance in our expectations. Your perfect guy may not fight demons, have wings and shimmer you to a romantic dinner in the clouds but he might still wake you up with coffee and a brand new book.

What do you think? Has reading YA affected the way you approach relationships?

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by The Story Siren, held usually on Sundays that encourages bloggers to share what they bought, borrowed, or won this week.

BORROWED

Title: Wither
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ISBN: 9781442409057
Source: Library

Description from GoodReads:

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she trusts, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

Title: Nevermore

Author: Kelly Creagh

Publisher: Atheneum

ISBN: 9781442402003

Source: Libray

Description from GoodReads:

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

Title: Abandon
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: Point
ISBN: 9780545284103
Source: Library

Description from GoodReads:

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away... especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

Title: Forgotten

Author: Cat Patrick

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 9780316094610

Source: Library

Description from GoodReads:

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

What's in your mailbox?