For the Future (6)

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 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!

*Note: There are SO many new, awesome-looking books coming out in May, that this For the Future post is only going to be about May books.

The Princess and the Snowbird by Mette Ivie Harrison (May 4, 2010): A romantic and captivating fantasy about a girl who can transform into animals...need I say more?
Lost For Words by Alice Kuipers (May 11, 2010): Sophie wants to move on from the tragedy of her past and forget, but will she be able to?
Faithful by Janet Fox (May 13, 2010): Maggie's mother has disappeared and she and her dad move to a new state. She meets Tom and the wild romantic beauty of Yellowstone, Montana.



My Double Life by Janette Rallison (May 13, 2010): Alexia has been told that she looks just like pop star Kari Kingsley, and one day when Alexia’s photo filters through the Internet, she’s offered a job to be Kari’s double. This would seem like the opportunity of a lifetime...right?
Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George (May 25, 2010): Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest.
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly (May 25, 2010): "Alternately heartwarming and heartbreaking, this is a book about acceptance, exclusion, joy, pain, love, loss, and finding your way in a world that makes no sense to you. " -Ellen Hopkins



Compromised by Heidi Ayarbe (May 4, 2010): Maya's con-man dad winds up in prison, so she sets off in search for her long-lost aunt. But is the harrowing journey worth it?
Friend Is Not A Verb by Daniel Ehrenhaft (May 4, 2010): When your older sister disappears inexplicably, and your girlfriend dumps you, the logical answer to the craziness in your life is to become a rock star. This is the solution that Henry comes up with.
After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy (May 4, 2010): Becca's crushing on Alec; Camille shares a kiss with Alec. What will happen when these two girls' lives intertwine?



The Best and Hardest Thing by Pat Brisson (May 13, 2010): Molly has always been the good girl, but wants to get bad-boy Grady's attention. However, pregnant is not what she had in mind.
The View From the Top by Hillary Frank (May 13, 2010): With wry observations and quirky humor, Hillary Frank gives voice and depth to six unique characters whose stories intertwine to form a complete picture of one shared summer.
This Gorgeous Game by Donna Freitas (May 25, 2010): A chilling novel about the isolation of being stalked and the abuse of power.

Waiting On Wednesday: Restoring Harmony

This week's WoW book is Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony! It will be released on May 13, 2010.

Book Description:

The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities. Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they’re financially ruined and practically starving. What should’ve been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn’t, Molly’s only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there’s a handsome stranger who’s willing to help. Restoring Harmony is a riveting, fast-paced dystopian tale complete with adventure and romance that readers will devour.

I adore this cover, it's so pretty! I'll definitely be reading this book. It sounds interesting, and I always like a good end-of-the-world book. PUBLISHED ON MAY 13, 2010!

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Published: April 2009 by Dutton Juvenile

My Rating: 2.5 stars
Tags: YA | Fiction | Realistic | Self-Discovery
Includes: Profanity, Sensuality, Death

First Lines: Everyone thinks it was because of the snow. And in a way, I suppose that's true.

Mia has a wonderful life: extraordinary and loving family, a genuine boyfriend who loves her, an extreme talent at playing the cello, and a loyal best friend. But during a snowy morning, all that changes. She and her family experience a tragic car crash, and Mia is the only one left alive - just barely. Machines at the hospital are keeping her alive, but it will be her decision whether to keep or let go of life. In the course of exactly one day, Mia relives past memories with her loved ones, while hearing what they have to say to her while she's in a coma. It's a decision she'll have to make on her own.

Hmm...interesting book. It was told mostly in flashbacks, to show the significance of the friends and family that visited Mia in the hospital. The writing was alright - had difficulty sometimes visualizing what was going on. I liked the overall storyline, it was cool reading about Mia being stuck between life and death, but it wasn't screaming creativity. There were a couple funny statements in the book, but it felt out of place since the setting of the book was really depressing.

From page 35
They are yanking at my body. It's rough and messy work, nothing like that game Operation we used to play as kids where you had to be careful to not touch the sides as you removed a bone, or the buzzer would go off.

The basic theme of the story was well portrayed and it was interesting seeing how Mia changed through the course of one day. Her boyfriend goes to extreme measures in order to see her, which I thought was unrealistically sweet. However, even though the story is told in first person, the characters seemed sort of detached. I didn't fall in love with any particular character, or despise another; they seemed to mix in with one another, no one really leaving a mark on me.

I think there was a lot of missing substance in the book, it needed more "meat". Mia's whole family is DEAD...she's a freakin orphan - yet she barely even lets that faze her. She's too concerned with other thoughts involving her boyfriend or bestfriend, etc. I think the story would have been more realistic and heart-wrenching if the author had actually spent time showing Mia's heartache or breakdown of her terrible loss. There was almost no emotion.

One thing I did love about the book though, was how the author incorporated music in it. Mia's punk-rock and quirky parents were what I enjoyed reading about, and I recognized some of the classical pieces that Mia plays on her cello. Overall, it was a quick and semi-enjoyable read. It wasn't dreadful, but definitely not a favorite either.

Cover Thoughts: I really like the simplicity of this cover, and the light blue color with the red contrast of the flower. I personally think that it has hidden meaning behind it - like the blood that was shed in the book. Also, the texture felt right in my hands as I read.

Book Supplied by: Secret Santa present.

Saturday Spotlight - The Fiction Enthusiast

Saturday Spotlight is where I feature another book blogger, for you to check out! You should take a look at their site and leave a comment. (: [I got this meme from Kristen.]

Name: Christie
Age: 30
Blog Name: The Fiction Enthusiast
URL: http://thefictionenthusiast.blogspot.com/

Share a little bit about yourself:

I’m a stay at home mom of three (super cute) kids and my (fantastic) husband is in the Air Force. I grew up in Virginia but now I move at the whims of the U.S Government. We’ve lived in Alaska, Tennessee, Germany and now Louisiana. I love reading, photography, yoga, jogging, The Sims and baking.

How long have you been blogging and what made you want to start?

I started blogging about 2 months ago. We recently relocated to a very small town in the middle of nowhere. Everyone advised me to find a hobby to help keep my sanity. I had been toying with the idea of starting a book blog for about a year but wasn’t sure how to begin. One day I started scouring the web for info on starting a new blog and now here we are. I’m so glad I did! I am having a great time and regret not starting sooner.

What does your site have?

I read and review mainly books that have some type of paranormal element in the plot but I occasionally step outside of my comfort zone and read/review other genres.

What is your favorite thing about book blogging?
I love meeting others who share my love of reading. Most of my family and friends aren’t readers so it is great to have an outlet to discuss books I love.

What are your favorite books and/or authors? What about genre in general?
I absolutely love The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, Anything by Patricia Briggs, Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost or Richelle Mead. My favorite genres are Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy (Adult and Young Adult). I also have a newfound love for post-apocalyptic fiction and books with zombies. I <3>

Now for the random questions!

What's your favorite ice cream topping?
Caramel! Stick a gooey chocolate brownie on the bottom and you have a very happy girl :)

Scariest horror movie you've ever seen?
Saw. I couldn’t even finish watching it because I was so disturbed.

What's something you really want to do before you die?
Cruise the British Isles.

Thank you so much for interviewing me!
I hope you’re having a fabulous day!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! Any of you who aren't followers of Caitlin's site yet - what are you waiting for!?

If you would like to be featured on a Saturday Spotlight post, shoot me an email at booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

It doesn't matter how long you've been blogging - I'll interview anyone!

Today is the 24th!

I didn't want to say anything at first but....

TODAY IS MY BLOGOVERSARY!

Books Obsession is now exactly one year old, awwh it's growing up so fast. :)
I won't be posting any more contests, but they are all still open. Some end on April 30; others at the beginning of May. So enter, enter, enter! (Top left sidebar).

Stats: I reviewed 33 books, which is like practically nothing. I'm almost embarrassed to admit how slow I read. I hope to review at least 50 for my second year of blogging. I wrote 266 posts, which is a fair amount I think... that's like a post a day or every other day! :)

And thanks so much to all of you who have been dedicated readers/followers of my blog. I couldn't have lasted a year without you guys.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Title: Wings
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Published: May 2009 by HarperTeen

My Rating: 4 stars
Tags: YA | Fiction | Romance | Fantasy | Faeries
Includes: Violence, Sensuality, Brief Profanity

First Lines: Laurel's shoes flipped a cheerful rhythm that defied her dark mood. As she walked through the halls of Del Norte High, people watched her pass with curious eyes.

Laurel, a sheltered homeschooler, is suddenly forced into a public high school once her family moves into a new house. She makes friends with the caring and supportive David, who wants to be more than just friends. Laurel has always been different. She's a strict vegan, never gets cold, craves sunlight, and still hasn't gotten her period - at age fifteen. Over time, a blossom sprouts from her back and after testing the tissue with David's microscope, they come to the conclusion that she's not human, but a plant...more precisely, a faerie! Then comes along Tamani: witty, arrogant, but charming. A faerie just like Laurel. He brings her news that will send her on a mission, and Laurel might not come out alive.

First faerie book I've ever read, and I gotta say: it's not just a cute and feminine topic of writing. This book was great! It was a mix of genres: fantasy, romance, some suspense, the list continues. The story actually starts out pretty slow, but once Laurel blossoms on her back, it begins to pick up. And after she realizes she's a faerie? Man, I was literally ripping through the pages to see what was going to happen next.

Ahhh the ever-famous love triangle; authors really do know how to bring in their readers. On one side of the ring we have David: sweet and friendly, but kind of too much to a point where it's annoying. On the other side there is Tamani: the handsome and cunning faerie, but a little too conceited. What can I say other than I had no idea, even during the last chapter of the book, which boy Laurel would choose. I liked them both for different reasons, and we'll have to wait and see where this love triangle will go during the sequel (Spells).

From page 289
His arms wound around her and their bodies melded with a rightness she didn't bother to question. And for a moment, she felt like part of him. As if their kiss bridged the gap between two worlds, even if only for that one brief, sparkling moment.

I liked the mystique weaved between the pages of the book and the air of mystery that surrounded it all. I never knew what was going to happen, it was an unpredictable book. The climax was suspenseful and left an open door leading into the sequel. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of it! If you're on the fence about this one, I suggest you give it a try. It really kept up my attention for the most part and the only reason I gave it four stars, and not five, was because of the bland beginning and I wish more than anything that it was in first person!

Cover Thoughts: Love it. The colors are beautiful and the wings/flower are very appropriate for the cover.

Book Supplied by: Secret Santa present.

Waiting On Wednesday: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

This week's WoW book is Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson! It will be released on May 4, 2010.

Book Description:

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

First of all, LOVE this cover! This looks like a cute and enjoyable read, I love reading books about road trips. I'll definitely be getting my hands on a copy of this one. PUBLISHED ON MAY 4, 2010!

Win: An Assortment of Awesome Swag!

CONTEST IS CLOSED.

To celebrate my blogoversary (I can't believe I've been blogging for a year!), I'm having many different contests and giveaways that will be posted until April 24th - my blogoversary date!

Awesome SWAG from YA authors/books!

• The Body Finder poster signed by Kimberly
  
• The Body Finder tote bag
• Boy Toy postcard
  
• Twenty Boy Summer bookmark
• Rampant bookmark signed by Diana Peterfreund
• Prophecy of the Sisters magnet
  
• Bones of Faerie postcard
• Strangely Beautiful mini-button
• Chasing Brooklyn bookmark signed by Lisa Schroeder
  
• The Dark Divine nail polish (just like the one in the cover!)
  

Open Internationally! Giveaway ends on May 5. The winner will be randomly selected and emailed the next day.

If you want to enter, click here and fill out the form.

P.S. You don't have to, but comments are loved even though they won't get you an entry. Good luck! (:

Bad book review = No one reads it???

Okay lately on some of my book reviews (cough Life of Pi) I've gotten so many comments saying something along the lines of: "Thanks for the honest review, I won't be reading this book now" or "I almost got this book to read but now I won't" etc.

I just want to say that just because ONE person didn't like a book, it doesn't mean that NO ONE will. Everyone has their own opinion, and different taste in books. Reading a book is very personal - someone can't force you to like it or hate it, or choose how you react to the writing. It all depends on the person.

So even though I'm happy that many of you are respecting my sometimes negative book reviews, you don't have to necessarily shun the books! Hah, it's all simply opinion - who knows, I might HATE a book while you LOVE it. Just wanted to make a point here, and have you think on it before you cross off a book from your "to-read" list just because someone didn't enjoy it.

Win: Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison (Signed ARC) + Swag

CONTEST IS CLOSED.

To celebrate my blogoversary (I can't believe I've been blogging for a year!), I'm having many different contests and giveaways that will be posted until April 24th - my blogoversary date!

Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison SIGNED
(Gently Used ARC - I LOVED this book)

Beth has always been “The Beast”—that’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever. When Beth’s choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek’s untethered passion—for music, and for Beth—leaves her breathless. Because in Derek’s eyes? She’s not The Beast, she’s The Beauty. When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek? The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek’s been hiding a dark secret from her …one that could shatter everything.

I'll also put some swag in, hidden between the pages of the book! :)
Including: "Twenty Boy Summer" bookmark, Signed Lisa Schroeder bookmark, "Bones of Faerie" postcard, "TMI" bookmark, and "The Dark Divine" sticker.

Open Internationally! I love this book and want it to be available to win for anyone. Giveaway ends on May 5. The winner will be randomly selected and emailed the next day.

If you want to enter, click here and fill out the form.

P.S. You don't have to, but comments are loved even though they won't get you an entry. Good luck! (:

On My Bookshelf (16)

(Originally by The Story Siren, as "In My Mailbox.") On My Bookshelf is used to share what books I bought, won, traded, 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:

Gone by Michael Grant

WON FROM CONTESTS:

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten
The Lighter Side of Life and Death by C.K. Kelly Martin ARC

RECEIVED FOR REVIEW:

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison

RECEIVED FROM TRADING:

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

KINDLE:

Perfect (Pretty Little Liars #3) by Sara Shepard

Saturday Spotlight - The Hidden Haven

Saturday Spotlight is where I feature another book blogger, for you to check out! You should take a look at their site and leave a comment. (: [I got this meme from Kristen.]

Name: Caitlin Usignol
Age: 23
Blog Name: The Hidden Haven
URL: http://thisandthat-cait045.blogspot.com

Share a little bit about yourself:

I am 23 living at home while I finish going to school to become a veterinarian technician. I love working with all kinds of animals, even snakes and lizards now. I only have one dog but she is my shadow. She loves curling up with me when I read on the bed.

How long have you been blogging and what made you want to start?

I only started in September so I am still pretty new at the whole thing. I have been reading other peoples blogs and just wanted to be apart of the blogoshere. I wanted to feel like I was giving back not just taking.

What does your site have?

Basically, right now just reviews, cover love posts, releases coming out that month, and author signings in the New Jersey/Philly Area because thats where I am from. I have done a few giveaways but not many people entered, I will do better next time.

What is your favorite thing about book blogging?

I like feeling statisfied that I am giving back and I really like meeting other people who love losing themselves in book as much as I do. My family doesn't understand so I like finding kindred spirits.

What are your favorite books and/or authors? What about genre in general?

Some of my favorites are Nalini Singh, Kelley Armstrong, Cassandra Clare, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Eileen Wilks, and Patricia Briggs is just a few. I love series in paranormal romances, urban fantasy, and I do like historical romances.

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

What's your favorite cartoon character?

Pebbles from the Flinstones. I was her for halloween one year.

What kind of music do you listen to, or favorite bands?

I really like country. Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Dixie Chicks and Lady Antebellum. I love listening to a lot of others if people point them out, I am not good at finding good music on my own.

Do you play any instruments, or want to?

No, I don't but would love to play piano. I always thought it would be cool.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! Any of you who aren't followers of Caitlin's site yet - what are you waiting for!?

If you would like to be featured on a Saturday Spotlight post, shoot me an email at booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

It doesn't matter how long you've been blogging - I'll interview anyone!

Win: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (ARC)

CONTEST IS CLOSED.

To celebrate my blogoversary (I can't believe I've been blogging for a year!), I'm having many different contests and giveaways that will be posted until April 24th - my blogoversary date!

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
(2 Winners | ARC)

While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all. (Will be published in October 2010!)

This one is open to the U.S. only. It will end on May 3. Two (2) winners will be randomly selected and emailed. Thanks to Shanta from Penguin for donating!

If you want to enter, click here and fill out the form.

P.S. You don't have to, but comments are loved even though they won't get you an entry. Good luck! (:

Win: Incarceron by Catherine Fisher (ARC)

CONTEST CLOSED!

To celebrate my blogoversary (I can't believe I've been blogging for a year!), I'm having many different contests and giveaways that will be posted until April 24th - my blogoversary date!

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
(2 Winners | ARC)

Incarceron is a prison so vast that it contains not only cells, but also metal forests, dilapidated cities, and vast wilderness. Finn, a seventeen-year-old prisoner, has no memory of his childhood and is sure that he came from Outside Incarceron. Very few prisoners believe that there is an Outside, however, which makes escape seem impossible. And then Finn finds a crystal key that allows him to communicate with a girl named Claudia. She claims to live Outside- she is the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, and doomed to an arranged marriage. Finn is determined to escape the prison, and Claudia believes she can help him. But they don't realize that there is more to Incarceron than meets the eye. Escape will take their greatest courage and cost more than they know.

This one is open to the U.S. only. It will end on April 30. Two (2) winners will be randomly selected and emailed within the next few days. Thanks to Shanta from Penguin for donating!

If you want to enter, click here and fill out the form.

P.S. You don't have to, but comments are loved even though they won't get you an entry. (:

Waiting On Wednesday: Thief Eyes

This week's WoW book is Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simner! It will be released on April 27, 2010.

Book Description:

After her mother mysteriously disappears, sixteen-year-old Haley convinces her father to take her to Iceland, where her mother was last seen. There, amidst the ancient fissures and crevices of that volcanic island, Haley meets gorgeous Ari, a boy with a dangerous side who appoints himself her protector. When Haley picks up a silver coin that entangles her in a spell cast by her ancestor Hallgerd, she discovers that Hallgerd's spell and her mother's disappearance are connected to a chain of events that could unleash terrifying powers and consume the world. Haley must find a way to contain the growing fires of the spell—and her growing attraction to Ari.

I really want to read this one! I haven't read one of Janni's books yet, but the summary is really intriguing. PUBLISHED ON APRIL 27, 2010!

Win: Local Girls by Jenny O'Connell

CONTEST CLOSED!

To celebrate my blogoversary (I can't believe I've been blogging for a year!), I'm having many different contests and giveaways that will be posted until April 24th - my blogoversary date!

Local Girls by Jenny O'Connell

Kendra and Mona are best friends, local girls who spend their summers catering to rich tourists and the rest of the year chafing against small-town life. Then Mona's mom marries one of the island's rich summer visitors, and Mona joins the world of the Boston elite, leaving Kendra and Martha's Vineyard behind. When Mona returns the following summer, everything is different. Now Mona spends her days sunbathing with her private-school friends, while Kendra works at The Willow Inn -- a job she and Mona once hoped to do together. Unlike his sister, Mona's twin brother Henry hasn't changed. He's spending his summer the way he always has: with long, quiet hours fishing. Early mornings before work become special for Kendra as she starts sharing them with Henry, hoping he can help her figure Mona out. Then Kendra hatches a plan to prove she's Mona's one true friend. She'll uncover the identity of the twins' birth father, a question that has always obsessed Mona. And so she sets out to unravel the seventeen-year-old mystery of the summer boy who charmed Mona's mother. But are some secrets better off staying buried?

This one is open to the U.S. only...sorry International readers! It will end on April 30. Winner will be randomly selected and emailed within the next few days. Thanks to Jenny O'Connell for donating!

If you want to enter, click here and fill out the form.

P.S. You don't have to, but comments are loved even though they won't get you an entry. ;)

Win: TMI by Sarah Quigley

CONTEST CLOSED!

To celebrate my blogoversary (I can't believe I've been blogging for a year!), I'm having many different contests and giveaways that will be posted until April 24th - my blogoversary date!

TMI by Sarah Quigley

Friends call Becca the Overshare Queen, but her tendency for TMI never seemed like a problem to her until she blabs about her sweet band-geek boyfriend’s sloppy kisses—and gets dumped! Realizing it may be better to resist the temptation to overshare face-to-face, Becca decides to blog anonymously about everything instead. On her blog, Too Much Information, Becca unleashes her alter ego, Bella. Bella tells it like it is . . . though perhaps with a bit more drama. After all, no one’s going to read it, right???

This one is open to the U.S. only, sorry Martians! It will end on April 30. Winner will be randomly selected and emailed within the next few days. Thanks to Sarah Quigley for donating!

If you want to enter, click here and fill out the form.

P.S. You don't have to, but comments are loved even though they won't get you an entry. ;)

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Title: Life of Pi
Author: Yann Martel
Published: May 2003 by Mariner Books

My Rating: 2 stars
Tags: Fiction | Religion | Survival
Includes: Violence, Disturbing Scenes

First Lines: My suffering left me sad and gloomy. Academic study and the steady, mindful practice of religion slowly brought me back to life.

Piscine Molitor Patel aka Pi, is the son of a zookeeper. His family moves from India to North America via a Japanese cargo ship... that sinks. Pi is the only human survivor, and manages to escape the sinking ship on a lifeboat, with a few other animals on board: an injured zebra, orangutan, hyena, and Bengal tiger. After the tiger, Richard Parker, kills all of the other animals, it's just him and Pi on the lifeboat for 227 days until their rescue. They have a memorable experience together, and with Pi's elaborate knowledge of animal behavior, are able to survive and tell their story. But will anyone believe it?

I had high expectations for this particular book and had been dying to read it. The intense summary really got me hooked and I had read an endless number of awesome reviews for it on Amazon. However, I was very disappointed. The book is split into three parts: before, during, and after Pi's survival at sea. And I have to say: the first 93 pages of the book (the entire Part 1) droned on and on. I was falling asleep, daydreaming...it just couldn't hold my attention. Here I was, expecting a great survival story and all it was was religion! Pi has 3 religions, which I find ridiculous, especially since they are all completely different. He obviously doesn't understand correctly, but the author makes it sound like a great thing.

I think the actual idea for the book was fantastic and really creative. Just a boy and a 450-pound Bengal tiger living together on a lifeboat for almost a year at sea? I enjoyed reading about all of the encounters that happened to them, but still something kept me from really digging into this book. After much thought, I realized it was the author's writing style. He wrote the story filled to the brim with facts and information about animals and botany. Even though they were interesting, it made it feel like I was just reading a textbook at times. He obviously did a fair amount of research which I give credit to him for. But there wasn't emotion in the book or any of Pi's deep feelings included in the writing.

It was also interesting seeing how Pi's survival instincts kicked in and how he transformed throughout the story. At first, he's in denial of what happened to him, then he feels depressed, then hopeful, etc.

From page 113
I was certain I wasn't alone. We would be rescued soon. A ship would appear on the horizon. I would climb aboard and be greeted by my family. I only had to ensure my survival for the next few hours until this rescue ship came.

There was a lot of controversy I noticed while reading reviews for this book, about the ending. I won't spoil it, but let's just say that it was not expected. I actually liked the ending and the sort of philosophical message that was sneakily implied. But overall, after finally finishing this book, it seriously felt like a burden was lifted off my shoulders. I don't even know why - but I just found the writing so bland and boring! Give it a try, if you want. I'd recommend it to older and mature people, particularly adults, who would most likely enjoy it more.

Book Supplied by: Bought at a used bookstore.

Waiting On Wednesday: Whisper

This week's WoW book is Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis! It will be released on April 27, 2010.

Book Description:

Joy is used to Hearing Whispers. She's used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people's deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good—to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people's lives—especially Joy's—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears Jessica Whisper I want to kill my Hearing dead, and kill me too if that's what it takes, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car, and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own.

Oh my goodness this one looks intense and wonderful. I can't wait to read this! PUBLISHED ON APRIL 27, 2010!

Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison

Title: Sing Me to Sleep
Author: Angela Morrison
Published: March 2010 by Razorbill

My Rating: 4.5 stars
Tags: YA | Romance
Includes: Brief Profanity

First Lines: Crap. There's a naked freshman chained to my locker. No. Not naked. Briefs. Not a good look, kid. Spindly white legs, wimpy chest, shaking arms. Black socks.

Beth has always been "The Beast". With her frizzy hair, thick glasses, awkward height, and acne scars, the only person that will be her friend is Scott. But when Beth becomes the soloist in her girls' choir, she receives the ultimate makeover - a total transformation. Suddenly she's beautiful. The choir takes a trip to Switzerland to compete in the Choral Olympics competition; and it's there that Beth meets Derek. Mysterious, handsome, and secretive Derek. They quickly fall in love but it's obvious that he's keeping a secret from her. He becomes distant at times and avoids her questions. Then when he finally opens up to her, he risks ruining their entire relationship.

This was such a sweet and emotional book. I loved Beth's honest character and watching her change throughout the story. Beth's cruel bullying at school felt so real, even if it was over-the-top; I could practically feel her pain.

From page 36
He shoves something cold and rubbery at me. A green witch mask with hairy warts and cracked lips lies at my feet. I run toward the girls' restroom - crash into a wall of people watching. Laughter. A hand grabs my butt. I rip the mask off, grab my glasses, and let it fall. Head down, arms wrapped around myself as if that will keep me from falling apart, I scuttle down the hall.

The author's writing style was so raw and original, I could visualize what was going on in the story so well. She transported me to another world. Angela Morrison was also spectacular at writing song lyrics. She includes them in each chapter, since Beth writes lyrics in her spare time. They were beautiful and portrayed what Beth was going through.

Oh man, the romance was just gushing out of this book. Beth is torn between choosing bestfriend Scott, who has stuck by her side through all the teasing and tormenting - he loves her for exactly who she is, ugly or beautiful. Or Derek: the heart-melting, tall, dark, and mysterious Canadian choir boy. I have to admit, I liked both guys. They each had separate personalities and special things that I liked about them. I didn't really have a preference for which one she chose in the end.

The end? Ahhhh such a tear-jerker. If you choose to read this book (which I highly recommend you do), come prepared with a box of tissues. I wasn't expecting those final chapters when Derek finally revealed his secret. Overall, this book was an emotional journey for Beth to find her true identity and her true love.

Book Supplied by: Publisher for review.

Cover Look-alike (1)

What I Wore To Save the World by Maryrose Wood
or
Taurus Eyes by Bonnie Hill?

Same exact model, but I like the first cover better. I like how they incorporated illustration with photography - and the effects are awesome. However, now that I'm aware that her hand is not really her own hand, I realize how awkward it looks on the cover. It's not even the same shade of her skin tone! But I still like the first cover more since it's colorful and fun.

Opinions, anyone?

On My Bookshelf (15)

(Originally by The Story Siren, as "In My Mailbox.") On My Bookshelf is used to share what books I bought, won, traded, 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:

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters: All over the country, a strange phenomenon is occurring. Some teenagers who die aren't staying dead. But when they come back to life, they are no longer the same. Feared and misunderstood, they are doing their best to blend into a society that doesn't want them. The administration at Oakvale High attempts to be more welcoming of the "differently biotic." But the students don't want to take classes or eat in the cafeteria next to someone who isn't breathing. And there are no laws that exist to protect the "living impaired" from the people who want them to disappear--for good. When Phoebe falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids, no one can believe it; not her best friend, Margi, and especially not her neighbor, Adam, the star of the football team. Adam has feelings for Phoebe that run much deeper than just friendship; he would do anything for her. But what if protecting Tommy is the one thing that would make her happy?

On Writing by Stephen King: Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported near-fatal accident in 1999 -- and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it -- fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.

WON FROM CONTESTS:

The Dresskeeper by Mary Naylus: When 13-year-old Picky's Mum forces her to look after Gran, who has dementia, she is accidentally locked in Gran's dusty old attic. There she finds a chest full of old clothes, and tomboy Picky is forced to don what appears to be a ball-gown when the freezing night temperatures hit. As soon as the dress is pinned together, Picky is transported back to the year 1700, where a man who appears to know her as Amelia is trying to kill her. Managing to get the dress off just in time, Picky returns to the present with the dress covered in blood. Did the man kill the girl called Amelia? Will wearing the other dresses in the chest take her back in time too? And will she be in danger again should she try it?

Dream Life by Lauren Mechling: Claire Voyante's first semester at Henry Hudson High School was eventful, to say the least. As she heads into her second semester, things are calming down a bit. But Claire has a few secrets that are getting harder to keep. Her biggest secret of all? The onyx and ivory cameo necklace her grandmother gave her for her 15th birthday. Ever since she started wearing it, her dreams have been coming to her in black and white and turning out to be oddly prophetic. Becca’s been hanging out with her old prep school friends and never seems to have time for Claire anymore. And soon, Claire discovers why—there’s a secret group of society girls with a mysterious identity. And, turns out, a mysterious enemy who’s out to get them. The second she sniffs out trouble, Claire jumps on the case. But is it someone close to Claire who’s in danger again—or could it be Claire herself whose life is at stake?

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan: Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

RECEIVED FOR REVIEW:

Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien: In the Enclave, your scars set you apart, and the newly born will change the future. Sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone and her mother faithfully deliver their quota of three infants every month. But when Gaia’s mother is brutally taken away by the very people she serves, Gaia must question whether the Enclave deserves such loyalty. A stunning adventure brought to life by a memorable heroine, this dystopian debut will have readers racing all the way to the dramatic finish.

Bad news...

Alright so I've had my site for almost a year now, and it's been so much fun. I've learned a lot and found out about so many books that I had never known before. But unfortunately, I think it's time to stop the site. :/ I've just been really busy lately and never have time to get on anymore. Blogging takes up so much free time and so I'm going to stop with Books Obsession. It's been a fun ride and I want to thank all of you who were dedicated followers and readers! Oh and one other thing..April Fool's. ;)