Wanna give a heads up!

Phew, I made it alive through my first week with the second semester starting. My new classes are: Art, English 2 Honors, Foods, and Geometry. And so far, I've been getting A LOT of homework. My parents have noticed (via my grades :P) that I seem to spend more time on the computer, than I do studying. Which I'll admit is true... but blogging is so much more fun!

So that's why I haven't been really posting that much, which I apologize greatly for! Also, sorry for my lack of book reviews, too. Since I'm taking English now, as soon as we finish reading a book we start a new one. We're currently reading "All Quiet on the Western Front." DON'T read it..ugh.

Anywho - that's my current situation and just wanted to clarify why I won't be as active as I used to be on my site, unfortunately. However, I just love love love the great comments you guys leave. They're the reason I still run this site! :)

Waiting On Wednesday: In A Heartbeat

This week's WoW book is In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth! It will be released on February 2, 2010.

Book Description:

When a small mistake costs sixteen-year-old Eagan her life during a figure-skating competition, she leaves many things unreconciled, including her troubled relationship with her mother. From her vantage point in the afterlife, Eagan reflects back on her memories, and what she could have done differently, through her still-beating heart. When fourteen-year-old Amelia learns she will be getting a heart transplant, her fear and guilt battle with her joy at this new chance at life. And afterwards when she starts to feel different—dreaming about figure skating, craving grape candy—her need to learn about her donor leads her to discover and explore Eagan’s life, meeting her grieving loved ones and trying to bring the closure they all need to move on. Told in alternating viewpoints, In a Heartbeat tells the emotional and compelling story of two girls sharing one heart.

Oh my gosh I completely fell in love with this cover at first glance. This one sounds fantastic and I'm dying to read it! PUBLISHED ON FEBRUARY 2, 2010!

E-readers; the ups and downs and everything in between.

As many of you probably know, e-readers are becoming the new hit thing. The Kindle is practically all over Amazon's website and homepage, and I've heard a lot of talk about the nook, from Barnes and Noble. Then of course there is the sony eReader, which is also pretty popular. But what I really want to know is...what do you all think about them!?

At first, even though I thought the idea of an electronic book was awesome, I didn't like the eReaders. I thought it took away from the 'beauty of literature' kind of, the way that now adays a lot of people don't even buy music CD's anymore, because they just have iPods instead! But ever since I started using the Kindle I got from Christmas, I'm in love! They are soo convenient and hold a huge amount of books for such a small and thin size. And because the quality of the screen is so good, a lot of times I forget I'm not even reading a real paperback book.

However the thing that I am kind of scared of is what I mentioned earlier. That maybe ten years from now, these eReaders will be the next big thing and replace paperbacks and hardcover books! And I really hope not, because I get so much joy everytime I simply pass by my crowded bookshelf and take a quick glance over at my beloved books. :) I just like being able to call them mine, you know? And with eReaders, you can't do that. Sure, you get to enjoy the story the book tells, but you don't get the actual feel of the book in your hands and being able to look directly at the pretty cover when you put it down.

So.. I want to know your thoughts on this new technology that's affecting literature! Are you all for eReaders, totally against them, or just stuck on the fence? What do you like about them and what don't you like? These are the things I want to know! I'd loveee to hear your opinions about it.

I'll be out for the weekend!

Hey everyone! First I just wanted to apologize for only posting like twice this week. I had exams and so I had to do a lot of studying for that and didn't get to go on here a lot. But my new semester and classes are starting up next week, so hopefully it'll give me more free time!

I'm also going on a ski trip (for the first time!) with my church youth group until Monday. So you won't be hearing from me for a couple of days. Just wanted to give a heads up! :)

Waiting On Wednesday: Possessed

This week's WoW book is Possessed by Kate Cann! It will be released on February 1, 2010.

Book Description:

Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare -- the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere. Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked -- before she becomes a ghost story herself?

Ahh this one looks like a great one, and I love the creepy cover. PUBLISHED ON FEBRUARY 1, 2010!

On My Bookshelf (12)

(Originally by The Story Siren, as "In My Mailbox.") On My Bookshelf is used to share what books I bought, won, received for review, or got from the library this week. It's to let you know what to expect for me to read/review next. (:

BOUGHT FROM BOOKSTORES:

"Rebel Angels" by Libba Bray: In this sequel to the Victorian fantasy 'A Great And Terrible Beauty', Gemma continues to pursue her role as the one destined to bind the magic of the Realms and restore it to the Order--a mysterious group who have been overthrown by a rebellion. Gemma, Felicity and Ann, (her girlfriends at Spence Academy for Young Ladies), use magical power to transport themselves on visits from their corseted world to the visionary country of the Realms, with its strange beauty and menace. There they search for the lost Temple, the key to Gemma's mission, and comfort Pippa, their friend who has been left behind in the Realms. After these visits they bring back magical power for a short time to use in their own world. Meanwhile, Gemma is torn between her attraction to the exotic Kartik, the messenger from the opposing forces of the Rakshana, and the handsome but clueless Simon, a young man of good family who is courting her. The complicated plot thickens when Gemma discovers a woman in Bedlam madhouse who knows where to find the Temple; Ann shows signs of being enamored of Gemma's loutish brother Tom, and their father's addiction to laudanum lands him in an opium den. A large part of the enjoyment of this unusual fantasy comes from the Victorian milieu and its restrictive rules about the behavior of proper young ladies, as contrasted with the unimaginable possibilities of the Realms, where Gemma has power to confront gorgons and ghosts and the responsibility to save a world.

WON FROM CONTESTS:

"Gettin' Hooked" by Nyomi Scott: Click for your dream date. Could she go to the senior dance with just any guy? No way. Imani Lane has her heart set on Maurice, the hottest guy in town. But he isn't exactly asking. So she comes up with an idea to help herself -- and everyone else, too. An online dating hookup site for local teens! Her friends and cousin can find their dream dates, and Imani can brilliantly engineer her own profile to match Maurice's. Problem is, the Web site is becoming too popular. Guys who are looking for hookups -- say, with Imani's own impressionable cousin -- now include some very sleazy types. So Imani has to get things unhooked and fast.

"Alphas #1" by Lisi Harrison: At OCD the losers are tormented. At Alpha Academy, they're sent home. Skye Hamilton has scored an invitation to the ultra-exclusive Alphas-only boarding school where beta is spelled LBR . What happens when the country's best, brightest, and hawtest begin clawing and scratching their way to the top?

"Day of the Assassins" by Johnny O'Brien: Jack Christie and his best friend, Angus, find themselves at the center of a momentous event that will shape history for decades to come. Their dilemma: Should they intervene? Their problem: Can they survive? Join Jack on a dangerous chase from the dockyards of England to the rain-sodden trenches of the First World War. Will he escape the evil authorities who believe in the mysterious Vigil Imperative?

RECEIVED FROM TRADING:

"The Nannies" by Melody Mayer: Life in La Crosse couldn’t be any blah-er. Kiley’s way out? A pricey school in California that she can only afford if she’s a resident of the Golden State. That’s why she’s on Platinum Nanny, vying for the chance to work for a wacko rock star–or be sent home nationally humiliated. Lydia has spent eight years stuck in the Amazon with her do-gooding parents. When her aunt offers her a lifeline–babysitting in posh Bel Air–Lydia hops the next plane to civilization. Pucci sandals, poolside cabanas, clubbing in Hollywood It spots–was there even a question she’d accept? Moving into the guesthouse of one of Beverly Hills’ most powerful families isn’t exactly what Esme had in mind for a summer job. Neither was losing her head over Jonathan, her new boss’s almost famous son. Safe to say her boyfriend isn’t going to like this. Grab your sunglasses and welcome to The Nannies, a crazy world of Hollyweird backstabbing and skyscraping palm trees, spoiled tots and private swim lessons. But how hard can a nanny job be?

"A Heart Divided" by Cherie Bennett: When Kate’s liberal-minded family moves from the suburbs of New York City to a small town near Nashville, Kate is convinced her life is over. Redford lives up to Kate’s low expectations. The Confederate battle flag waves proudly in the sky, the local diner serves grits and sweet tea, and country music rules the airwaves. Then she meets Jackson Redford III, scion of the town and embodiment of everything Dixie. And dang if brilliant, gorgeous Jack doesn’t make Kate decide that maybe her new hometown isn’t so bad after all. But a petition to replace the school’s Confederate flag symbol is stirring up trouble. Kate dives right in, not afraid to attack what she sees as offensive. Getting involved means making enemies, though, and soon, Kate and Jack—and their families—find themselves pitted against each other in a bitter controversy: not just about the flag, but about what it means to be an American.

RECEIVED FOR REVIEW:

"Little Black Lies" by Tish Cohen: Sara Black is tiptoeing across a fraying tightrope. As the new eleventh grader at Anton High–the most elite public school in the country–she sticks out like an old VW bus in a parking lot full of shiny BMWs. But being the new kid also brings a certain advantageous anonymity. In Anton High’s world of privilege, intelligence, and wealth, Sara can escape her family’s tarnished past and become whomever she wants. And what’s the harm in telling a few little black lies when it can lead to popularity? That is, until another it girl at Anton becomes jealous of Sara’s social climbing. With her balance evaporating, one small push could bring Sara crashing down.

Waiting On Wednesday: Numbers

This week's WoW book is Numbers by Rachel Ward! The hardcover will be released on February 1, 2010. [The paperback came out a few days ago.]

Book Description:

Ever since she was child, Jem has kept a secret: Whenever she meets someone new, no matter who, as soon as she looks into their eyes, a number pops into her head. That number is a date: the date they will die. Burdened with such awful awareness, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. The two plan a trip to the city. But while waiting to ride the ferris wheel, Jem is terrified to see that all the other tourists in line flash the same number. Today's number. Today's date. Terrorists are going to attack London. Jem's world is about to explode!

Wow, oh my gosh I am just dying to read this one! The summary got me hooked just by the first sentence and this cover is creepy! Can not WAIT to get my hands on a copy. I bet this will be a movie.. PUBLISHED ON FEBRUARY 1, 2010!

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

Title: When It Happens
Author: Susane Colasanti
Published: May 2008 by Speak

My Rating: 4 stars
Tags: YA | Realistic | Romance
Includes: Lots of Profanity, Sexual Content

First Lines: "So." "Yeah?" I say. But I already know what she's going to say. She's asked me the same exact question every day this summer. And the answer is always no.

Sara, a senior at high school, is focused on getting into the college of her dreams and getting a real boyfriend. She starts dating the popular jock, Dave, to later find out that maybe he's not the one out there for her. Then there's Tobey...the under-the-radar slacker, wannabe rockstar. Who believes that Sara is his soul mate. Despite the fact they they barely know each other, they begin to fall head-over-heels in love. They're both looking for "something real" and could this just be it? Or will their very different plans for the future get in the way of that?

Character development. One of my personal most important things for a book to have - and this one had it! I got to know Sara and Tobey so well throughout their story, and their chemistry seemed so real. They're both likeable characters with a separate personality, that fit each other perfectly. It's almost too good to be true!

I loved how the chapters alternated between points of view of both characters. It was like I got a sneak peek into a boy's head and finally was able to understand how they think for once, ha! However the derogatory ways that Tobey would think about Sara were sometimes a little insulting. He constantly would think about sex, whereas from Sara's POV it was all about talking and getting to know him. But Tobey's a sweet guy and I liked how honest he was and stayed true to himself throughout the book.

From page 139
Then Sara looks right at me, catching me off guard. I am instantaneously transformed into this sweating, heart-pounding freak. I am no longer Tobey Beller. It's bizarre that I'm still able to speak in this condition.

Something I really liked in the book was that even though Sara wanted to be with Tobey, while she was still dating Dave the idiot, she didn't give into temptation. It's good to see a strong self-control in the main character, and made me like her even more. In other books, she would have kissed him and then felt guilty afterward since she already had a boyfriend.

The book was a lot of dialogue, and I would've liked to see more details or things happening. Halfway through reading it, I couldn't even distinguish what the problem in the book was - it all seemed so happy go lucky to me, and that everything was working out a little too perfectly. Even after the satisfactory ending, I still can't quite put my finger on what was the 'problem' that arose somewhere in the book. Overall a great book, I really loved the two characters, and they shared a cute story.

From page 191
Music plays. A few kids start dancing, but most of them sit in groups on the bleachers. People filter in. They reek of self-consciousness. Nervous excitement is in the air. And there's that charge of hope I always feel at these things when I have a girl watching who's into me.

Book Supplied by: Traded it from paperbackswap.com

Woooow!

...300 followers?! :) I'm so happy! Thanks to each and every one of you awesome followers of mine who actually take the time to read my blog and better yet comment on my posts! It really means a lot to me, and I'd never thought Books Obsession would be this popular. Thank you thank you thank youuuu! [:

For The Future (3)

This is a monthly meme of mine that I made up! :) It's similar to my "Waiting on Wednesday" posts, but highlights many books, not just one. And doesn't include summaries. If you'd like to do it too, you can! But could you link the idea credit to me? Thanks!

Here's a list of some young adult books that are still in-the-making or will be published in the future. This can range from being released tomorrow, to two years from now! These covers and release dates might not be permanent, it's just what I saw on Amazon, Goodreads, or the author's website. Hope this will be efficient to expand your reading pile!

A Match Made In High School by Kristin Walker (February 2010)
The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard (January 2010)
Green by Laura Peyton Roberts (January 2010)



Spring Fling by Sabrina James (February 2010)
Forget-Her-Nots by Amy White (March 2010)
Shadows of the Redwood: The Scions of Shadow Book One by Gillian Summers (June 2010)



The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk (February 2010)
The Mark by Jen Nadol (January 2010)
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (March 2010)

Flawless by Sara Shepard

Title: Flawless (Pretty Little Liars #2)
Author: Sara Shepard
Published: February 2008 by HarperTeen

My Rating: 4 stars
Tags: YA | Girls | Series (Book Two)
Includes: Profanity, Sexual Content, Brief Drug Abuse, Homosexuality

First Lines: Spencer Hastings stood on the apple-green lawn of the Rosewood Abbey with her three ex-best friends, Hanna Marin, Aria Montgomery, and Emily Fields.

*This review may contain spoilers for those of you that haven't read the first book in the series, Pretty Little Liars.*

The novel picks up from the very last scene that the first book stopped at. Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily are at their former bestfriend's funeral...Ali DiLaurentis, who was the manipulative queen bee of the group. However, even though Ali's dead, the four girls are consistently getting e-mails, letters, and texts from someone named "A". This anonymous person knows deep dark secrets about each girl, and is now threatening and blackmailing them with this information.

Sara Shepard's novel is very interesting and never left me bored once. With alternating points of view of each of the four girls, each one has a different story and personality, yet they all harmonize each other. I sympathized with some characters, and grew a strong hatred towards certain other minor characters in the book. Each one has secrets the others don't know about, that unlike in the first book which was sketchy, are starting to get finally revealed!

While the story seems realistic with every-day problems that some teens face like cheating parents, bad breakups with boyfriends, eating disorders, etc. there was one thing I kept thinking that felt really wrong. All of the parents in the book! They seem so heartless and uncaring, and I know even when parents are infuriated with their kids for a mistake they did - they still love them! I find it hard to believe that the parents would be this mean and unforgiving for a mistake their daughter made, even after she apologized.

Yet again, the author starts each chapter off with making sure the reader always knows what the character's outfit is, and I surprisingly like it! Her acute eye for detail is a nice touch, and I can always very easily imagine what's going on. Sure, this might be similar to those girly-clique series about a group of girls who are rich and popular; except that all of those are missing one key thing: suspense. But THIS series has it! Especially the last few chapters when the climax and great ending started just bubbling over. I was making fast predictions in my head about who "A" was and what would happen next, I was usually wrong! Not a predictable book, I'll say that.

From location 2301-2 on the Kindle [there aren't page numbers]:
The night smelled delicious, like pine needles and oncoming rain. The moon was huge and full, and thick clouds began to roll in. It was so quiet outside, Emily could hear the car's tires slapping along the pavement.

Sara Shepard's writing is so enjoyable, with a mix of sarcasm from the girls, great details, a suspenseful and addicting plot, and of course juicy gossip and deep secrets! This is a perfect book and series for older girls, but I wouldn't recommend it to young teens because of mature themes in it. I am so excited to read the next in the series, "Perfect"!

Book Supplied by: The e-book on my Kindle! :)

Waiting On Wednesday: Wish

This week's WoW book is Wish by Alexandra Bullen! It will be released on January 12, 2010.

Book Description:

For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back. With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again. In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, WISH asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for?

Awh I want to read this book; it looks pretty good! [I haven't heard much talk about it though...and I'm not a fan of the cover.] PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 12, 2010!

Best Books of '09

I've decided as a way to reflect back on the year, I'd post a list of some of my favorite books that I've read this year and/or that were published this year! This is just a short list, and there were many though that I would've added but the list would be too long. If you posted your own list on your blog, too, feel free to leave the link! :)

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - Definitely the #1 best book I've read this year...and actually one of my favorites I've EVER read! If you haven't, you must be crazy because you're missing out on one heck of a fantastic book (series)!

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins - Okay so I just had to add the sequel to The Hunger Games in this list, too. It was amazing and addicting and left me thirsty for more! My favorite series currently; it feels like the third book will never come out!

"Hush, Hush" by Becca Fitzpatrick - Oh wow, this was an amazing, dark/gothic book that I fell in love with after the first few pages. The characters and storyline are so creative and deep...I'm so ecstatic for the next installment! This is a must-read that came out a few months ago.

"Pretty Little Liars" by Sara Shepard - I never thought I'd actually like this girly/cliquey series but it actually turned out great! I really enjoyed this book, it's like a guilty pleasure of mine, and I'm currently reading the next in the series, "Flawless".

"The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd - Read this book for my English-type class back in May yet I still remember it very well. This story will stay with you for a long time, and I think I even liked it better than the movie [which was awesome, with Dakota Fanning]. This one is full of female-power, and is historical-fiction, yet great!

"Twenty Boy Summer" by Sarah Ockler - For a debut author, this one was fantastic! Very full of emotion and heartache, it was a great summer read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope to see more from this author very soon!

"Just Listen" by Sarah Dessen - It was soo hard to pick just ONE book by Dessen to include in this list. And as ironic as it is, this one was my favorite that I read this year, yet I never wrote a review for it I just realized! I read it in July so it's too late now to write a thorough review - but if I ever read it again [which I definitely will!] I'll be sure to write up on it.

-------------------------------------

Well that was a very hard list to write, I wanted to include so many other books but sadly don't want this post to be too long. Did you love any of these books, too? Which ones did you put on your own list? Which books are you looking forward to for 2010?

New Years Extravaganza Giveaway!

CONTEST IS CLOSED. WINNERS WILL BE POSTED SOON.

I've been wanting to post this HUGE giveaway on my blog for weeks now! There will be loads of prizes and winners featured on some great young adult books! What a fantastic way to start the New Year off, right?

THE RULES:
-Open to USA residents, only! Sorry but this could get expensive.
-Starts today Jan. 2, and ends on January 31st. I'll post the winners in the beginning of February.
-You MUST leave a valid email address in the form so that I can notify you if you're one of the winners.

THE PRIZES:
-Signed copy of "One Lonely Degree" by C.K. Kelly Martin; a One Lonely Degree mouse pad; magnet; a collection of mini-buttons based from her books
-"Going Too Far" by Jennifer Echols
-"Bones of Faerie" by Janni Lee Simner; and 15 postcards
-"Sea Change" by Aimee Friedman
-"Swoon" by Nina Malkin
-Two (2) copies of "Snowed In" by Rachel Hawthorne
-"Explorer X-Alpha" by L.M. Preston
-Signed copy of "Fairy Tale" by Cyn Balog
-"City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare; and 5 Mortal Instruments Posters
-Boxed set of The Mortal Instruments series (3 books)
-.PDF version for your e-reader of "Birthday Girl" by Diane Wright
-And TONS of swag including posters, magnets, buttons, bookmarks, post cards, stickers, etc. from books like "The Dark Divine", "Twenty Boy Summer", "Bones of Faerie", "Prophecy of the Sisters", and more!
*This list will continue to grow throughout the month as I get more books to put in the pile, or have authors donate.

How To Enter:
-To keep things organized, to simply enter just fill out the form at the bottom. Your information won't be shared with anyone, and deleted once the contest ends. Only fill in the form once for your first entry. For any additional entries, leave a comment on this blog post.

Additional Entries:
+2 Old follower (Before this contest was posted).
+1 New follower.
+2 Put on your sidebar, include link.
+3 Make a post only about this contest on your blog, include link.
+1 Tweet about this contest, include link. (Up to two times!)
+1 Each book review you comment on, and must actually be relevant to the post! Not just "Great review". - click to see list.

*Throughout the month I will have "Extra Entry Posts" that are either scavenger hunts, mini contests, games and activities, polls, etc that will have BIG extra entry points - we're talking over +10 at the minimum. This will really increase your chances at winning, so keep checking back for these posts! :)

Good luck everyone! And please be sure to read these rules closely, so you get your right amount of entries. Remember, to enter just fill out the form below. For additional entries, leave a comment with what you did.

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE FORM FOR YOUR FIRST ENTRY.