My Tea Time is Book Time

Review...The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

2011-12-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

Title: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Author: Kate DiCamillo

ISBN/Publisher: 9780763649425/Candlewick Press

Age Group/Genre: Children's Fiction

There's a rabbit named Edward Tulane and he belongs to a little girl whom loves him very much. However, Edward does not know what love is and soon goes on a journey without his little girl.

How will the China rabbit, Edward Tulane's journey end and will it leave us sad?

This is such a simple and easy book to read. Yet, there is more to the story that meets the on coming eyes. The readers will soon discover a story that deals with love, loss, hope, sadness, and even happiness.

I went into this story thinking that it will be an unemotional read and quite fast. However, I found myself thinking about my childhood and the toys I played with. How did I treat them? And where are they now? Then I thought more deeply about love. I am a single woman wondering if love will come my way and yet this book makes me realize how many different kinds of loves there are.

Kate DiCamillo does it again with a wonderful written story. I definitely recommend this book to everyone!

Favorite quotes...

"There's no point in going on if you feel that way. No point at all. You must be filled with expectancy. You must be awash in hope. You must wonder who will love you, whom you will love next." -Chapter 26

"Open you heart [...] Someone will come for you. But first you must open your heart." -Chapter 26

My Rating:

(This book was borrowed and downloaded through the San Diego County Library website)

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

I'm Baaack

2011-12-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

So everyone...

I am back and truly back because I have wireless internet with my laptop (my old one was an XP and was not compatible with the wireless that is in my big brother's home).
So here is to new reviews and meeting old and new book friends.

: )

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Wish List Wednesdays (03/23/2011)

2011-03-23T17:06:00.000-07:00

Wish List Wednesdays is hosted by Jenn-ay at My Tea Time is Book Time. It's a weekly feature and if you want to share, them feel free to leave a link to your list or leave it the comment box!!! I'm always looking for more books to add to my wish list (and all book lovers have one of those...right?).

Here are some of mine...

So, what's on your list???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage your prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Teaser Tuesdays (02/22/2011)

2011-03-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MiZB at Should Be Reading (make sure you check out this blog).

Here are her instructions:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser this week...
Tales of the MADMAN Underground by John Barnes page 83

"Wonder what's wrong with that there laddie, 'e's a weird one 'e is, eh, eh, eh? A weirdie you know. Eh?"

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage your prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Contests Around the Blogosphere...

2011-03-21T21:17:00.000-07:00

La Femme Readers: Happy St. Patrick's Day Giveaway (open to U.S. & Canada) and ends April 7th.(Click on image above)
A Good Addiction: Invincible Summer (open internationally) and ends April 6th.
All About {n}: Giveaway-Night Road

Seriously...I plan on being back blogging world

2011-03-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!!!

I moved back to Southern California and I am so enjoying myself. As much as I loved and enjoyed living in the Philippines, I missed my California lifestyle. So now that I am back and starting to get a routine down with reliable internet, I should be able to blog and also check out other blogs more often.

I appreciate everyone that stuck around with my...and I cannot wait to dive into all the books that you all recommend and talk about.

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings!!!***

P.S. I bought a nook the week I came back and I now have a library card to the library down the street from my neighborhood. So yay to more reading!!!

Thursday Cover Throwdown (02/03/2011)

2011-02-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

Thursdays will be the day that I compare book covers for one book and we decide which ones we like best. The books I choose to feature are usually the ones where there are multiple covers and I have a debate at the bookstore on which one to get. Or if I know there is another cover out there in the world...do I wait until I find the cover I like?

Here is one of those books...

I absolutely adore Deb Caletti and her books. I actually own this book and I have the one that is in the middle. Although when I look at all these covers, I think I prefer the one on the left. Hmmmm...

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Kari is our guest grab her preference of an iced caramel macchiato (or whatever beverage your prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Oh and I have a baby update on my sister...She gave birth to Andrew Cole on Wednesday, February 2nd at 1 in the afternoon. Mama and baby are doing awesome. My big sister had an all natural birth and she was a tough mama. Baby Andrew came into this world weighing 8 lbs 7 oz and just shy of being 21 inches long...yikes! He's adorable!!!

Wish List Wednesdays (02/02/2011)

2011-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

So, what's on your list???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Kari is our guest grab her preference of an iced caramel macchiato (or whatever beverage your prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Teaser Tuesday (02/01/2011)

2011-02-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MiZB at Should Be Reading (make sure you check out this blog).

Here are her instructions:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser this week...
Hate List: A Novel by Jennifer Brown page 157

"Tell us what to think, Valerie. Tell us how it really went down."

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Kari is our guest grab her preference of an iced caramel macchiato (or whatever beverage your prefer) and HAPPY readings***

P.S. I'm waiting for my sister to go to the hospital to bring a new addition to the family. Come on Baby Andrew...the world is waiting to meet you : )

Featured Blogger...Kari from A Good Addiction

2011-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

This week our featured blogger will end January 2011 with us and take us into February : )

This week we shall welcome Kari from A Good Addiction. So now lets learn a little bit about a fellow reader!!!

1. Why don't you tell us about yourself???

I’m 25 and work for a radiologist group in Dallas, but am also an aspiring writer. I wrote three manuscripts in 2010, the first of which I am doing the final revisions on to query, and working on tightening up the other two to send out to my beta readers. Other than that, I have a dog who I feature weekly in my IMM post and he’s a pain, but I love him… and that’s about it.

2. Tell us about your blog. When did you start it and why? Anything interesting for readers to expect or special features?

I started in September 2009 when a friend insisted I do it. We talked books constantly, and she had a blog, so I figured ehh why not. Like I said above, my awesome beagle/basset mix is featured in my IMM weekly, and I get a lot of comments of people coming just to look at him. I can't really blame them. He’s adorable. Monday’s I do my From the Boy Closet post, which is basically me gushing about a different hot boy from YA every week. Thursday’s I do my Ladies and Their Tramps feature, which is a couples mishmash, creating new couples I think would be awesome using a boy and a girl from two different books.

3. What type of books do you read?

Basically all YA, and mostly contemp at that. I just love contemp. It’s what I write as well. It’s so intense and emotional, and there is such an incredible range within it. From happy to sad to tear your heart out, there is honestly something for everything, and I don’t find the overlap within it that I do with paranormal/fantasy. Don’t get me wrong, I love those too, but I can't read them a lot at a time. With that kind of genre, there is expected overlap, and I have nothing against it, I just need a break from it. I also love dystopian… especially the ones that really make me think.

4. If you were stuck on an island and can only have 3 of your favorite books, what would they be and why?

Is it cheating if I say Vampire Academy, as in the series? No way I could pick just one of those, though it would be book 4 or 5 if I had to. I also completely adore Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala, and I think it’s one that would continually make me think with every reread. And for the times when I want good romance (though I guess if I’m stuck alone on an island I might not really want to see other’s happiness), I’d take Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles.

5. If you had to leave our world, but can live in any book, which one would it be? And why?

Hmm…. This is a hard one, but I think I would go with Paranormalcy. Not only would meeting Evie and Lend be awesome, but just the entire world is so well done, so intricate, and so original. Plus, I’d totally take my taser to the hags.

6. I find that many readers develop crushes while they read books. Do you have a crush on any book characters???

Adrian from Vampire Academy is without a doubt my favorite YA boy. He’s sweet and sexy, and the sardonic playboy does me in. Running a very close second is Will from Angelfire. I’d want to fight reapers just to watch him fight with his six foot sword, and hope the poor boy doesn’t get impaled…

7. Lots of YA books are being adapted into movies. Do you watch them and if you do, what’s your favorite adaptation? And which ones are you looking forward to watch?

I will watch them, just because it is interesting to see how someone else took what I read and how they saw it, and turned it into something visual. I really enjoyed how the Harry Potter films have been done and though I did dislike how they’ve handled a few things, overall, considering the actual content of those books and the size and scope of them, those movies really do tell the story. Definitely cannot wait for the last one of those, and it’s probably the one I am most waiting for. Although a screenwriter is about to start work on Firelight by Sophie Jordan, and that’s another one that I think would make a fantastic movie, so hopefully that one does come to fruition.

8. I love music. So I was wondering what you listen to since I’m always looking for new songs, what songs and/or artists are on you listening to right now on your ipod or CD player?

I’m a big fan of country music, and on a Matt Stillwell kick right now. Tim McGraw and Reba are my favorite singers, ever, though, so I do listen to both of them a lot. And yes, I own all of Tim’s CDs and almost all of Reba’s. On the rock/alternative side, I listen to a lot of Sick Puppies, Breaking Benjamin, Trust Company, and… plenty more.

9. Any last thoughts to share with us???

Thanks for having me, and check out my blog. From cute dogs to hot boys, I have a range. I also corun The {Teen} Book Scene, a site dedicated to setting up promotional blog tours for YA authors, so I have been able to work with and talk to a lot of awesome authors through that which is such a reward.

10. Oh, and before I forget, when you go to a Starbucks or Coffee Bean (or any coffee/tea serving place)…what do you order???

Iced caramel macchiato.

Great answers Kari!!! I'll let you take a series onto the island because it'll be too much of tease if you can only bring part of the series ; ) And I definitely like your choice of Perfect Chemistry (I heart this book). I enjoy learning so much about fellow bloggers and I hope you all did too. Thanks again Kari!!! Now everyone...go hop over to her blog and check it out : )

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Kari is our guest, grab her preference of an iced caramel macchiato (or whatever beverage your prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (01/27/2011)

2011-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

I actually don't own this book, but I really do want it because I want to finish the series. Or maybe I'll just borrow it from the library...hmmmm. However, if I do get some extra cash to own this book, then I choose the hardcover because I like how the crown is more dominant on the cover.

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Wish List Wednesdays (01/26/2011)

2011-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

So, what's on your list???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Teaser Tuesday (01/25/2011)

2011-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MiZB at Should Be Reading (make sure you check out this blog).

Here are her instructions:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser this week...
Kick by Walter Dean Myers and Ross Workman, page 30

All morning in school I felt eyes looking at me. Whenever I turned to look at someone who I felt was staring, we'd make eye contact for a brief second before they turned away quickly.

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage your prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Review: The Lying Game

2011-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Title: The Lying Game

Author: Sara Shepard

ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-186970-9/Harper Collins

Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Summary...

Emma is a teenager and she has been in foster care since she was a little girl because her mom took off one day. So Emma never really knew her family and until her foster brother shows her video of a girl that looks exactly like her...things change. Emma discovers that she is a twin and goes on a search for this look alike girl named Sutton. So she leaves the life that she knows and heads out to Arizona. This search leads to something weird because the reader knows that Sutton died. However, no one else knows...not Sutton's friends or family. While in Arizona, weird and threatening notes are given to Emma when she become suspicious about her twins disappearance. Will Emma find out what happened to Sutton???

Thoughts...

This was my first book by Ms. Shepard and so I went into it knowing that she was a popular author, but not realizing that this would be such a mystery. I'm not much of a mystery novel type of girl, but this book totally sucked me in.

I'll be honest, I was a little confused during the first few chapters because the narration was coming from Sutton and then we get Emma's story. So it took me a bit of getting used to, but it got easier to understand who was who. But I was really captivated by the mystery of the story and the want to figure out if Emma can help her sister (even if she'll never meet her). Then, we read about mean girls. Now living in a world of bullying, it was sometimes hard to read because I couldn't and didn't want to believe (even if it is fiction) that this could happen. So I really appreciated the end where Ms. Shepard recognizes that these were mean acts that she came up with and that they in no way should happen in real life.

This is book one of The Lying Game series and I really cannot wait for the rest of the series to come out. I want...no I NEED to know what will happen to the characters. I wish the book didn't end!

Go pick this one up if you're a fan of YA mysteries!!!

(This was an Advanced Readers E-Proof downloaded from NetGalley)

Rating

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Mariah is our guest, grab her preference of a salted caramel hot chocolate OR peppermint hot chocolate (or whatever beverage your prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (01/21/2011)

2011-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library or in your mailbox. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Holly Castellucci

Geektastic celebrates all things geeky, from Klingons and Jedi Knights to fan fiction, theater geeks, and cosplayers. Whether you're a former, current, or future geek, of if you just want to get in touch with your inner geek, Geektastic has something for everyone. Get your geek on!

(This book was bought from a store called Fully Booked.)

What did you find???

Thursday Cover Throwdown (01/20/2011)

2011-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas was one of those books that I HAD to read before I watched the movie. And I'll be honest...I did prefer the movie. However when it came to choosing which book ti buy it was an easy choice for me. I like the simplicity of the book on the left and that is the one that sits in my bookcase.

What about you...which one do you like???

Wish List Wednesdays (01/19/2011)

2011-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

So, what's on your list???

Teaser Tuesdays (01/18/2011)

2011-01-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MiZB at Should Be Reading (make sure you check out this blog).

Here are her instructions:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser this week...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, page 89

I often walked inside to find my mother crying.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"It's your sister," she said.

Featured Blogger...Mariah from A Reader's Adventure

2011-01-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Yay...we're into week three for the featured blogger : )

This week we shall welcome Mariah from A Reader's Adventure. So now lets learn a little bit about a fellow reader!!!

1. Why don't you tell us about yourself???

I am an 18 year old book lover! I have been reading everything I could get my hands on ever since I could read on my own. Because of this some people find it odd that I am planning to go to school to become a biomedical engineer. What can I say I love reading, writing, and science!

2. Tell us about your blog. When did you start it and why? Anything interesting for readers to expect or special features?

I originally started my blog to keep track of what books I was reading and what I thought of them. I am thinking about doing a new feature about kick-a** heroines so look out for that!

3. What type of books do you read?

I read YA fiction primarily, because I am a young adult I find these books to be the easiest to relate to. But once I am no longer a young adult I think I will continue to read YA because it is such a diverse and fun compilation of books that anyone can relate to. Also the authors are so nice!

4. If you were stuck on an island and can only have 3 of your favorite books, what would they be and why?

A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker this is the funniest book I have read in a long time!
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
And either the Lioness Rampant series by Tamora Pierce (unless that is cheating) or Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman
For all of these I would choose them because they all have amazing female characters that keep me entertained for hours!

5. If you had to leave our world, but can live in any book, which one would it be? And why?

Probably the world of Graceling, I mean it sounds so beautiful, I would not want to mess with the villain but the world itself would be amazing! And Po, Po, Po.

6. I find that many readers develop crushes while they read books. Do you have a crush on any book characters???

Well as you can see above I totally fell in love with Po. But there are many different love interests that I have really liked but some of my favorites are, Valek, from Poison Study, and Jonathan from the Alanna books.

7. Lots of YA books are being adapted into movies. Do you watch them and if you do, what’s your favorite adaptation? And which ones are you looking forward to watch?

I have only seen one or two and I did not really like them. I did like the Disney adaptation of Meg Cabot’s Avalon High even though they changed the ending. I am really excited for the Moral Instruments movie, and of course the Hunger Games!

8. I love music. So I was wondering what you listen to since I’m always looking for new songs, what songs and/or artists are on you listening to right now on your ipod or CD player?

I don’t really listen to music too often beyond classical.

9. Oh, and before I forget, when you go to a Starbucks or Coffee Bean (or any coffee/tea serving place)…what do you order???

During the winter I order peppermint hot chocolate, or my new favorite salted caramel hot chocolate.

Great answers Mariah!!! I need to go grab the Meg Cabot's Avalon High, then I need to check out the movie. I enjoy learning so much about fellow bloggers and I hope you all did too. Thanks again Mariah!!! Now everyone...go hop over to her blog and check it out : )

Friday Finds (01/14/2011)

2011-01-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

No books this week, but what did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Lanna is our guest, grab her preference of a mocha (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (01/13/2011)

2011-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Audrey, Wait! is one a favorite book of mine and is so much freaking fun to read. When I first saw this book, I didn't pick it up because I wanted to go home to see what other covers were available. The only one I found at the bookstores was the paperback version (the one on the right). And it's a good thing that was the one available because I like it best.

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Lanna is our guest, grab her preference of a mocha (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Wish List Wednesdays (01/12/2011)

2011-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

So, what's on your list???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Lanna is our guest, grab her preference of a mocha (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Teaser Tuesdays

2011-01-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MiZB at Should Be Reading (make sure you check out this blog).

Here are her instructions:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser this week...
The Lying Game by Sara Shepard, page 46

Emma's pulse began to slow, and her shoulders slowly fell from their crunched position be her ears. She pulled out her BlackBerry and stared at the screen.

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Lanna is our guest, grab her preference of a mocha (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Featured blogger...Lanna from Bloggers [heart] books

2011-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here is to week two for Featured Blogger.

This week we will be visiting with Lanna from [Bloggers [[heart]] Books]. (and yes, this blog was featured last week, but remember...it is shared by Julie and Lanna)...

1. Why don't you tell us about yourself?

I'm Alanna... I prefer to be called Lanna or Allie. I turned 22 at the end of October, but I only really act my age when the moment demands it (it's funny, Julie is technically younger than me but 80% of the time she is the more mature one). I live in Scotland. I ramble a lot. I love to read, but that's obvious. I love to write and draw, but I'm not particularly good at either. I hate talking about myself... =P

2. Tell us about your blog. When did you start it and why? Anything interesting for readers to expect or special features?

The blog history is kind of complicated. I used to ramble about books on my personal blog all the time, so I decided to make a separate blog for book reviews and I invited a whole bunch of friends to join it too (at one point, the blog had more than 10 members)... we didn't really take it seriously until a while after Julie joined and it was just the two of us reviewing. The blogs been around for a few years, but we only started properly book blogging a little over a year ago? Something like that. Julie probably explained better than I did, we have a blog history post on our blog.

3. What type of books do you read?

As long as it's YA with some romance in it, I'm not majorly fussy. I will read outside of the YA catagory and books without romance in them if the book sounds interesting enough, but that's my preference. I love reading contemporary, supernatural/fantasy/urban fantasy.

4. If you were stuck on an island and can only have 3 of your favorite books, what would they be and why?

Gone With the Wind... not sure if that's a favourite or not, I adore the movie but haven't read the book yet - as for the why? The book is massive, so it'd kill a lot of time reading it. And Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, because I love those.

5. If you had to leave our world, but can live in any book, which one would it be? And why?

Harry Potter world probably, so long as I was a witch instead of a muggle. The reason is pretty obvious, a world where magic exists? Awesome. If not that then maybe The Mortal Instruments world, if I could be a shadow hunter or something.

6. I find that many readers develop crushes while they read books. Do you have a crush on any book characters???

Oh, plenty. My literary crush list is almost as long as my favourite books list (Peeta from The Hunger Games, Jace from The Mortal Instruments, Jonah from Jellicoe Road, Marcus from the Jessica Darling series etc. I even have a girl crush on Alaska Young from Looking for Alaska).

7. Lots of YA books are being adapted into movies. Do you watch them and if you do, what’s your favorite adaptation? And which ones are you looking forward to watch?

I definitely watch them. My favourites are probably Speak (based on Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson) and the Harry Potter movies... those are the only ones I can think of right now. There are others that I enjoyed, but they're either adaptions that were so different from the book that they just became good movies in their own right while being technically bad adaptions or they aren't YA.

One that I really want to mention though: the movie Keith, it's awesome and it's based on the short story of the same name by Ron Carlson (found in the book The Hotel Eden Stories).

Ones I'm most looking forward to are The Hunger Games and City of Bones (more now than ever for City of Bones, because they've cast Lily Collins as Clary who was actually one of my dreamcast picks for Clary).

8. I love music. So I was wondering what you listen to since I’m always looking for new songs, what songs and/or artists are on you listening to right now on your ipod or CD player?

I love music, I listen to every genre (but I go through phases where I'll favour one genre more than the rest). The music I like changes with my mood. My favourite songs today (which could change within a few hours); Wolves at Night by Manchester Orchestra, On Your Porch by The Format, Jessica by Jakil, Keep Me In Mind by Little Joy, Steer by Missy Higgins, Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons, Fireflies by Ron Pope, Where Are You Now by The Summer Set ft. Dia Frampton, Hazelton by Bon Iver, The Horror of Our Love by Ludo (mostly in an indie phase right now, obviously).

9. Any last thoughts to share with us???

Um... seeing as this is a book blog thing, last thoughts: go read Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta, The sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, Stolen by Lucy Christopher and anything by John Green. /BookRecs.

10. Oh, and before I forget, when you go to a Starbucks or Coffee Bean (or any coffee/tea serving place)…what do you order???

Confession: I have never been to Starbucks (in my defence, they don't have one where I live and I'm not sure if they have Coffee Bean in Scotland). I don't really like coffee/tea much, I fail at being British. If I did go somewhere like that and I had to choose a coffee/tea type thing, then I'd probably get mocha though.

Thank you so much Lanna for taking the time to answer these questions. And everyone else...thank you for stopping by. Now hop over to Lanna's blog or start to look up some music like I did. Thanks for sharing again Lanna : )
P.S. Now I want to finish The Mortal Instruments series because I remember Jace now : )

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Lanna is our guest, grab her preference of a mocha (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Review: Impulse

2011-01-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

Title: Impulse

Author: Ellen Hopkins

ISBN/Publisher: 978-1-4169-0357-4/Simon Pulse (part of Simon & Schuster)

Age Group: Young Adult

Summary...

Connor, Tony, and Vanessa are three teenagers that have each attempted suicide and now have been brought to the Aspen Springs Psychiatric Hospital. Connor is the rich kid, but fell in love with a person older than him. Tony went to jail after an incident with his mother's abusive boyfriend, and Vanessa is a cutter who struggles with mood changes...just like her bipolar mom. The three teens meet and even become friends. But will their friendships help them get through this part of their lives???

Thoughts...

This was my first book by Ellen Hopkins and it will definitely not be my last. Impulse is such a raw and honest story that tells the lives of three teens. And as sad as the story can get, the writing of Ms. Hopkins' is wonderful with the free verse. Each teen has their own tone and it is very notable which makes the individual narrators more real.

Connor, Tony, and Vanessa are teenagers that can be found everywhere in the world and it is important that their stories are heard in today's society. Impulse brings attention to topics such as depression and the situations that lead to depressed teens. This is a VERY important book that I suggest parents, teachers, and councilors take notice of. As an adult reading this, I find that other adults can learn from the three main characters and find ways to talk to their students/children. I also find that this book can be helpful to the teenagers out there as well. This will help teens understand that they're not alone in the world and people are out there that want to help even when it feels like the world is out to get you. And for teens who aren't going through similar situations as Connor, Tony, and Vanessa...they'll still learn something. I learned a lot and I even have a better understanding about what goes on in these situations.

Impulse is one of those stories where I felt sick reading about what happened to these teens. I cringed at the idea of cutting and the thoughts about sex with minors, but at the same time I found myself wanting to jump into the book to be there for the characters. And when I invest so much time and care for characters of a book...you know it's a must read!

Favorite Quotes...

I wonder if they give everyone Prozac on their twice daily med deliveries. Do they actually try to diagnose first, or do they think everyone is depressed, just by virtue of being here? pg. 20

Stories about Daddy are the stuff movies are made of. pg. 272

Everyone's afraid of everybody else...maybe because we're all afraid of ourselves. pg. 468

"Sometimes loving someone means letting them go."[...] Love means holding on to someone just as hard as you can because if you don't, one blink and they might disappear forever. pg. 596
She's incredible, not that she's perfect. But you once said imperfections create character. She's got character all right. pg. 607

Impulse is a great book! So don't be like me and let it sit in your to be read pile. Pick it up now and read!!!

(This book was bought at a store called FullyBooked)

Rating

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Julie is our guest from Bloggers [heart] Books, grab her fave hot chocolate (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (01/07/2011)

2011-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

From the back cover of The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Chloe Saunders used to have a pretty normal life. But that changed on the day she met her first ghost. Locked up in Lyle House, a group home for troubled teens, she finds out that there's more to the home's teen residents than meets the eye. Will Chloe be able to uncover the dangerous secrets of Lyle House...or will its skeletons come back to haunt her?

(This book was bought from a store called Fully Booked.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Julie is our guest from Bloggers [heart] Books, grab her fave hot chocolate (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Around the Blogosphere...Contests!!!

2011-01-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

BloodyBookaholic: Good Bye 2010 Contest and 3 winners will be chosen. Open internationally and ends February 1st.

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Julie is our guest from Bloggers [heart] Books, grab her fave hot chocolate (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (01/06/2011)

2011-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Speak is one of my favorite books. Heck, I even did a final class assignment on this book for college (I planned a whole lesson plan for this book). When I first saw this book, I really went back and forth on which cover I like best. And the one on the left won for me (actually the way the pages looked from the side is what won for me). But when I'm a teacher, I'll probably buy each cover I find of this book and put it in my classroom library. I'll fight for this book to be in my classroom if there are any book banners out there : )

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Julie is our guest from Bloggers [heart] Books, grab her fave hot chocolate (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Wish List Wednesdays (01/05/2010)

2011-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

So, what's on your list???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Julie is our guest from Bloggers [heart] Books, grab her fave hot chocolate (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Teaser Tuesdays (01/04/2011)

2011-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MiZB at Should Be Reading (make sure you check out this blog).

Here are her instructions:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser this week...
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins, page 323

Gack! Disgusting. What is it with these people?

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Julie is our guest from Bloggers [heart] Books, grab her fave hot chocolate (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Featured blogger...Julie from Bloggers [heart] books

2011-01-03T16:15:00.000-08:00

It is a new year and a new blogging quest for me. One of the new things I am going to try is to feature a blog a week here at My Tea Time is Book Time. For this feature I will have a little Q&A with the blogger. (So check your emails or email me if you want to be featured here).

This week we will be visiting with Julie from [Bloggers [[heart]] Books].

1. Why don't you tell us about yourself?

My name is Julie (well, it's actually something else very similar but I GO by Julie), I'm 16 years old and live in New York. I have three siblings, one of them who's currently hopping around the living room and I must kind of hate myself with all the work I take on and the constant procrastination!

2. Tell us about your blog. When did you start it and why? Anything interesting for readers to expect or special features?

The blog was started by Lanna, my co-blogger, and some of her friends to be a place where anyone could write reviews. In February 2009 I was invited to the blog and I posted casually, not really taking it seriously. In November 2009 Lanna and I were wrapping up NaNoWriMo when I started finding a bunch of YA blogs and was inspired to get serious about blogging. A couple other girls got serious with us at the time. At this point, Lanna and I are the only ones on the blog. We've done a couple features like Historic Saturday (which I now never keep up with) and we did a series called What We Wish We Knew which was full of things bloggers wish they knew before they started blogging back in May.

3. What type of books do you read?

I read YA, almost any kind. My favorite genres in YA is historical fiction and dystopian. I also read a lot of paranormal and I'm starting to read a lot more contemporary.

4. If you were stuck on an island and can only have 3 of your favorite books, what would they be and why?

Definitely a copy of Pride and Prejudice. My copy is falling a part, so I'd probably jack someone else's copy. Then I would probably bring The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray because I've been wanting to reread that series lately and that book is effing BIG. Then probably Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg as my contemporary read because just...so much love. And it'll be a good replacement when I've worn out Pride and Prejudice.

5. If you had to leave our world, but can live in any book, which one would it be? And why?

Hmmm, tough question. I think it might be the world in The Season by Sarah MacLean. Mostly because I REALLY want more of that world but can't get any. My second option would be the world in Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble. Because I have so much Dimitri love.

6. I find that many readers develop crushes while they read books. Do you have a crush on any book characters???

I have SO many literary crushes. Obviously Darcy and any form of Darcy in a Pride and Prejudice reimagining. Stefne Miller writes some amazing boys, one is Riley from Salvaged and one I can't talk about. Heidi Kling also wrote an amazing boy in Deni in Sea. St. Claire from Anna and the French Kiss would also make the list if he's grow a few inches! I admit to needing some height on my boys! I'm 5'7" and feel like a giant most times which means I require someone to make me feel less like a giant.

7. Lots of YA books are being adapted into movies. Do you watch them and if you do, what’s your favorite adaptation? And which ones are you looking forward to watch?

I do watch some, though not all. I try to wait until I've read the book first. One I'm really looking forward to is Beastly. Beastly's a brilliant book and I don't mind staring at a hideous guy if said hideous guy is Alex!

8. I love music. So I was wondering what you listen to since I’m always looking for new songs, what songs and/or artists are on you listening to right now on your ipod or CD player?

Well, I'm a major Gleek first and foremost. Otherwise, I love Marianas Trench and Between the Trees. Between the Trees is mostly in the south and Marianas Trench is mostly in Canada, so nobody really knows the where I am. Floral Terrace is an awesome band local to me. More well known, I love Pink and Michael Buble. For so many reasons. And I'm currently a huge fan of Animal by Neon Trees and Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars.

9. Any last thoughts to share with us???

Thank you for having me! I've never been interviewed before (nor do I see a reason anyone would WANT to interview me) so go you for daring to get me going!

10. Oh, and before I forget, when you go to a Starbucks or Coffee Bean (or any coffee/tea serving place)…what do you order???

I actually don't drink coffee or tea. Shocks many people. But my caffeine of choice is hot chocolate. I've ordered it once from Starbucks and it had too much chocolate! Horribly disappointing.

Thank you so much Julie for taking the time to answer some questions. And everyone else...thank you for stopping by. Now go over to Julie's blog and check out all the cool thoughts they have on books. Oh and Julie...I'm excited for Beastly to come out in theaters, too : )

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because Julie is our guest, grab her fave: hot chocolate (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Around the Blogosphere...Contests!!!

2011-01-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm: Giving Thanks Contest is open internationally as long as Book Depository delivers to you. She is giving away 3 books to 1 winner. Ends January 1st.
Escape In A Book: International 500 followers giveaway. There will be two winners and ends January 5th.
Words on Paper: [Contest] the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. This is open internationally and ends January 13th.

***Now go and grab your favorite cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

It's officially the New Year : )

2011-01-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

Hi again book friends!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe New Year celebration. Mine was so cool because the new house was surrounded by fireworks coming from the different towns that are all around us. It was so cool to see.

Anyways, this year I started the new year reading Impulse by Ellen Hopkins. And now I'm going to hop around to visit other blogs since the Saturday book blogging hop is on break.

So maybe I'll see you around on your blog ; )

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

It's a New Year (well really soon)...

2010-12-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!!!

I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Mine was very relaxing with lots of golf golf and more golf (and some reading and studying in between).

But the New Year is coming up and I have a few new goals. First...I definitely want to work on my blog way more. And now with my Internet being a bit stronger here in the new home, I think it will be possible. Second goal...get better at golf. Reading and golf are two of my favorite things to do in the world, so it makes sense to have them as my two goals this 2011.

So please stay tuned to my blog posts. I'll try my best (depending on Internet connection) to post a few times a week.

Thanks again book friends!!!

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Book Blogging Hop (11/06/2010)

2010-11-06T23:46:00.000-07:00

Crazy for Books host this blog hopping event and I wanted to try it out again. I think I did a little twist on it before, but life got kind of hectic. So I'll try this one instead.

The question this week is...What are your feeling on losing followers? Have you ever stopped following a blog?

It sucks when I lose followers, but I don't get very upset. Usually (especially recently) I have lost a lot of followers. Not so many people are leaving comments and I blame myself. I stopped blogging on a regular basis (partly because the internet connection at the new house sucks). So it was pretty much expected that my followers would stop checking out my blog. Although I hope people come back : )

As far as me and not following blogs...it happens. I try to go through my list of blogs on my dashboard and visit a few a week. But life gets busy so I may not be checking out everyone's blogs on a daily basis. I usually stop following a blog if I notice that they have been absent for a month or longer. But if I see them around again, then I'll re-follow them.

Having followers is great, but I understand that some people will stop following me. Hopefully, I can gain more followers again and get some traffic on my blog...

HAPPY blogging everyone and...

**Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maria V. Snyder's fave: Mocha with Whipped Cream (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (11/05/2010)

2010-11-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Laurel's life is the very definition of normal...until the morning when she wakes up to discover a flower blooming from her back. As it turns out, nothing in Laurel's life is what it seems. Now, with the help of an alluring faerie sentry who holds the key to her true past, Laurel must race to save her human family from the centuries-old faerie enemies who walk among them.

(This book was bought from a store called Fully Booked.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maria V. Snyder's fave: Mocha with Whipped Cream (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Review: Delirium

2010-11-02T05:17:00.000-07:00

Title: Delirium
Author: Lauren Oliver
ISBN/Publisher: 9780061726828/Harper Teen (part of Harper Collins)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Lena, the main character is getting ready to turn eighteen. In our society, turning eighteen means becoming an adult, having the ability to vote, and for most of us, it’s preparation for college. In Lena’s world, turning eighteen means being cured from amor deliria nervosa.

Now, what the heck is amor deliria nervosa? It’s a disease in Lena’s world and basically it’s the feeling of falling in love and/or being in love. So turning eighteen is a big deal for her because she doesn’t have to deal with the sweaty palms, the nervous feelings, all the other side effects of love, and also the fear that she’ll end up like her mom.

Lena’s best friend Hana is not looking forward to turning eighteen. Hana wonder’s about happiness and if love gives a person the happiness they should want. She starts to question her society and even listens to music and the propaganda that is not allowed in Portland. (BTW, everything is controlled in this society. The place they get their music/movies online is called LAMM…Library of Authorized Music and Movies. And their library is called LAB…Library of Approved Books. Now where are all the authors and musicians fighting for all the banned books in this society? Lena and her friends are surly missing out on some great books.) Hana starts to go to parties that are not allowed and tries ever so hard to see if rule following Lena will join her. Will Lena be willing to get caught at these places past the nine o’clock curfew?

But the worst part or maybe it’s the best part that happens to Lena is when she meets a “cured” boy, Alex. Alex makes Lena feel all funny, a feeling she wants to fight. No she has to fight because love or the feelings of love is so not allowed. But does she fight with amor deliria nervosa? Will she be cured or does she follow her heart for happiness?

Oh my goodness…I wanted to read Delirium the second I found out that Lauren Oliver wrote another book. You see, I am a huge fan of her debut book, Before I Fall and now, I’m a HUGE fan of Ms. Oliver.

Oliver’s tone in the story is touching and heartfelt. She gives the narrator, Lena, such a strong voice that the reader can’t help but feel for her. The story makes the reader think about a world where love is not allowed. But it also reminds readers that have fallen in love what those first feelings are like. Seriously, I felt like I was experiencing what Lena was when she discovered love. Then there’s the battle of whether or not she should follow her heart or follow what she has been taught and told about it.

Throughout the whole novel, Lauren Oliver’s writing had my emotions on a serious rollercoaster because I cared so much for the characters. I loved and cared for Lena and Alex. I cared for and felt sympathetic for Hana. I felt sorry for other characters and protective of certain characters also. I found myself screaming at my laptop when I got upset, gasping in horror or surprise, and smiling when I felt giddy for the characters.

Not only was the writing great, but there were many quotations that I fell in love with. I’ll be honest with you, I was upset after I read the book and even stormed out of my bedroom because I didn’t want to be near my laptop. However, a few hours later (away from my room, but at the same time thinking of the novel), I realized I was okay with it. I came to the conclusion that it was a sweet story and I absolutely loved the last paragraph. I would say it was a bittersweet ending for me and it’s a book I will be buying when it is finally released.

Favorite lines...
There are way too many to put on here, but you'll enjoy them too. There are so many within the chapters, but also the ones that begin each chapter are great. And don't forget that I absolutely loved the last paragraph of the whole novel.

Go and get the book...when it comes out February 2011!!!

My Rating...

(the book was downloaded through NetGalley for review)

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maria V. Snyder's fave: Mocha with Whipped Cream (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Author Spotlight...Maria V. Snyder

2010-11-01T03:59:00.000-07:00

Last month, I read Poison Study and I absolutely loved it. Earlier this year I read Inside Out and also enjoyed it. So it is about time that I dedicate a month to Ms. Snyder and here it is. I'm totally excited to read the rest of the Study series this month and hopefully I'll find her other books. Maria V. Snyder is a very talented writer and I hope you all read her books and think so too.

Just a little bio...
Maria V. Snyder grew up in Philadelphia, PA and went to Penn State University where she studied to be a meteorologist. Too bad for the weather reports because Ms. Snyder found herself not so much into it and later switched to becoming an air quality scientist. This is the time where she found herself writing and soon Poison Study was written. Ms. Snyder also earned a Master of Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. When she is not writing, she is spending time with her husband and children inM Pennsylvania and she enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, scrapbooking, and reading.
*info taken from the author's website*

M.V.S's Y.A. books...
Poison Study (2004)
Magic Study (2006)
Fire Study (2008)
Storm Glass (2009)
Sword Story a short story from the book The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire (2009)
Sea Glass (2009)
Inside Out (2010)
Spy Glass (2010)
Outside In (March 1, 2011)

Where to find Maria V. Snyder...
Website
Blog
Facebook
Myspace
Goodreads

I also did an interview with Ms. Snyder when Inside Out came out. If you're interested be sure to check it out.
Q&A

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maria V. Snyder's fave: Mocha with Whipped Cream (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (10/29/2010)

2010-10-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

In Mary's world, there are simple truths.
The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.
And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.
But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.
Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?

(This book was bought from a store called Fully Booked.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Upate...1st in a Series Challenge

2010-10-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Update...I went into the year just wanting to make it to the fascinated level. But today while I was going through all the books I read, I discovered I read more 1st in a series book. So here is the continuation of what I read and it looks like I'm just a little past the level of addicted.

~~1. How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles~~
2.~~The Giver by Lois Lowry~~
~~3. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater~~
~~4. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick~~
~~5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins~~
~~6. Rampant by Diana Peterfreund~~
~~7. Inside Out by Mara V. Snyder~~
~~8. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson~~
~~9. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson~~
~~10. Evermore by Alyson Noel~~
~~11. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles~~
~~12. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder~~
~~13. Tithe by Holly Black~~
14. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

****And HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY 31st birthday to my awesome brother-in-law****

Review: Wintergirls

2010-10-25T19:33:00.001-07:00

Title: Wintergirls
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-14-241557-3/Speak (part of Penguin)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Lia and Cassie were best friends growing up. They even made a pact, a sort of competition, to be the skinniest girls around school. Well for five feet five inches Lia this becomes dangerous. It also becomes deadly for her friend Cassie.

Cassie is found dead in a motel room and Lia lives with Cassie's ghost now because no one but Lia knows that Cassie called her 33 times on the day of her death. Lia who has already been forced into two hospital treatments is retreating back to her old habits. She hits it even harder now that Cassie is dead.

Lia is dealing with her family problems and at the same time trying to trick her mom, dad, step-mom, and half sister that she's doing just fine with her anorexia. Except we see that she's not. Cassie's ghost is cheering her on to join her on the other side and to become super skinny. Lia is far from being healthy. In fact she is become further away from 100 pounds.

Lia forces a tough decision of whether she should be alive with the rest of the world or frozen as a wintergirl. Or even worse...Will Lia follow Cassie to the "other side"???

Laurie Halse Anderson does it again with this book. She portrays an emotional story through the eyes of a sick teenage girl. This is a disease that she writes with such honesty and realism. There are times when it is hard to read, but that is what makes Anderson's book so wonderful. This story seems real and I believe that because of the tone of the story many teenagers will wake up and seek help from their eating disorders.

I definitely recommend this book to young adults in high school and college. I would love for the high school students to read this because of the subject dealing with eating disorders. These days I feel that there are too many teenagers suffering with eating problems that books like Wintergirls will help bring the topic to a speakable recognition. I also believe parents, teachers, and counselors should take interest in this book and discuss it with their students when they see one reading it. This book can lead to many informative discussions and can possibly help those suffering from anorexia and bulimia.

My Rating

(This book was bought from a store called National Books).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (10/22/2010)

2010-10-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

Talia fell under a spell....Jack broke the curse.

I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic....

I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind.

I awakened in the same place but in another time---to a stranger's soft kiss.

I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen.

Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner!

Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels....The good news: My parents will freak!

Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all---even time?

(This book was bought from a store called Fully Booked.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (10/15/2010)

2010-10-15T19:08:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and is determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

(This book was bought from a store called National Book Store.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Around the blogosphere...Contests!!!

2010-10-11T23:54:00.000-07:00

Alaine-Queen of Happy Endings: October Competition. Contest ends October 31st and is open internationally.
All About {n}: Reckless giveaway. Contest ends October 16th and is open internationally.

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...wrap up

2010-10-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Here's the End of Event Meme Time.

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?

It was hour 17 on. My mom received a surprise phone call from my Auntie and Uncle. They flew in and wanted to visit. So that kind of put a damper on my final hours of the read-a-thon.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

I don't really know. I suppose it depends on your favorite genre. But it really helped me that I did a re-read of one of my faves. I also wished I had some of my childhood favorite books to read (especially after doing the mini challenge about childhood books).

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

No suggestions. I thought it ran great and I definitely felt the lurve from the cheerleaders this year : )

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?

The cheerleaders seemed way organized.

5. How many books did you read?

I only read 1 1/2 : (

6. What were the names of the books you read?

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks and Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

7. Which book did you enjoy most?

I enjoyed both. AWTR is one of my all time favorite books. And PS is now a new fave : )

8. Which did you enjoy least?

This question is definitely not relevant for me.

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?

n/a

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?

Oh, I'll definitely participate again. This was my 3rd one and I'll do plenty more...yay!!! I would love to be a cheerleader again...maybe I'll be a cheerleader/reader for the April read-a-thons and just a reader for the October ones...hmmmm...we'll see : )

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY reading***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...hour 17

2010-10-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

I had a yummy lunch...black bean & vegetable enchilada...thank you Amy's Kitchen frozen foods : ) And of course I couldn't put my book down while I ate...

Hour 17 updates...
Currently reading...Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Books read...
1. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Pages read since last update...48 pages

Running total of pages read since you started...410 pages

Amount of time spent reading since last update...60 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started...352 minutes

Mini-challenges completed
*Hour 1: introduction
*Hour 2: Back-in-the-Day Children’s Book Challenge
*Hour 10: Pets Pics (I wanted to do this one, even though I can't win the prize)
*Hour 12: Mid-event challenge
*Hour 13: Title Word Scramble

Other participants you’ve visited...
*Life as List
*Sweet Reads
*Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe
*Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm
*The Brain Lair
*YA Enthusiast

I'm going to run a few errands with my mom and the maid, but I'll have a book with me...

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY reading***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...Hour 16

2010-10-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hour 16 updates...
Currently reading...Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Books read...
1. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Pages read since last update...26 pages

Running total of pages read since you started...362 pages

Amount of time spent reading since last update...22 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started...292 minutes

Mini-challenges completed
*Hour 1: introduction
*Hour 2: Back-in-the-Day Children’s Book Challenge
*Hour 10: Pets Pics (I wanted to do this one, even though I can't win the prize)
*Hour 12: Mid-event challenge
*Hour 13: Title Word Scramble

Other participants you’ve visited...
*Life as List
*Sweet Reads
*Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe
*Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm
*The Brain Lair
*YA Enthusiast

Time to go eat some lunch...by tummy is grumbling...

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY reading***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...Hour 15

2010-10-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

Yay...this read-a-thon seems more relaxed to me this time...Thanks for cheering me on everyone.

Hour 15 updates...
Currently reading...Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Books read...
1. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Pages read since last update...41 pages

Running total of pages read since you started...336 pages

Amount of time spent reading since last update...35 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started...270 minutes

Mini-challenges completed
*Hour 1: introduction
*Hour 2: Back-in-the-Day Children’s Book Challenge
*Hour 10: Pets Pics (I wanted to do this one, even though I can't win the prize)
*Hour 12: Mid-event challenge
*Hour 13: Title Word Scramble

Other participants you’ve visited...
*Life as List
*Sweet Reads
*Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe
*Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY reading***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon Hour 13

2010-10-09T17:48:00.001-07:00

Oh how I lurve Gilmore Girls. Rory and Lorelai...two of my all time fave tv characters. Darn it...I still need the DVD collection *sigh*

Mini-Challenge: Title Scramble
1.yfferil enal
firefly lane

2.aste fo eend
East of Eden

3. retwa orf pntshleea
Water for Elephants

4.ot lkli a ckomgnrbdii
To Kill a Mockingbird

5. het gtaer ysbtag
The Great Gatsby

6. yrhra tetrpo dna eth lyhdtea wollsah
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

7. ht e rat fo nrgcai ni eht nair
The Art of Racing in the Rain

8.eth mite reslveart efwi
The Time Travelers Wife

9. eht rlig ithw eht gnodar ooattt
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

10.ydira fo a mypiw idk
Diary of a Wimpy Kid

11.a kwrlnei ni emit
A Wrinkle in Time

12. het rpoal sxprese
The Polar Express

13.vole dewlak ni
Love Walked in

14.reehw eth dwli hingts rea
There the Wild Things Are

15.eht ginnhsi
The Shining

16.dnohogigt oonm
Goodnight Moon

17. vwtienrie hwti a pvmarie
Interview with a Vampire

18. eht cretse file fo eesb
The Secret Life of Bees

19. eht raesch
The Search

20. het pelh
The Help

Hour 13 updates...
Currently reading...Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Books read...
1. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Pages read since last update...32 pages

Running total of pages read since you started...295 pages

Amount of time spent reading since last update...50 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started...235 minutes

Mini-challenges completed
*Hour 1: introduction
*Hour 2: Back-in-the-Day Children’s Book Challenge
*Hour 10: Pets Pics (I wanted to do this one, even though I can't win the prize)
*Hour 12: Mid-event challenge

Other participants you’ve visited...
*Life as List
*Sweet Reads
*Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe
*Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm

Now I'm going to take a mini break and visit with family...

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY reading***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...Hour 12

2010-10-09T16:43:00.001-07:00

Hour 12...the mid-way point...woot woot!!! And how I LURVE The All-American Rejects!!!

Now time for the little Q&A...

1. What are you reading right now?
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

2. How many books have you read so far?
Just one : (

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
Well, I've been looking forward to the book I'm reading now. It's been on my TBR pile for too long.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
Nope. Although I kind of forgot the read-a-thon was today. So it's a good thing I had no plans this weekend other than to watch the Phillies game...and thankfully they're not playing today : )

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
No interruptions...yay!!!

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How many people are cheering me on. Last time, I was a cheerleader and not many people stopped by my blog. But this time...I feel the lurve!!!

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
I have no complaints...things seem to go smoothly...keep it up Dewey crew!!!

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
I'll definitely make sure I mark it on my white board so I don't forget.

9. Are you getting tired yet?
I'm not tired anymore...I woke up an hour ago...I'm feeling grrreat!!!

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?
I have no huge tips...just do your own thing and take your time. Don't feel rushed to finish a certain amount of books. You're doing fine as long as your reading and enjoying yourself!

Currently reading...Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Books read...
1. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Pages read since last update...53 pages

Running total of pages read since you started...263 pages

Amount of time spent reading since last update...42 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started...185 minutes

Mini-challenges completed
*Hour 1: introduction
*Hour 2: Back-in-the-Day Children’s Book Challenge
*Hour 10: Pets Pics (I wanted to do this one, even though I can't win the prize)
*Hour 12: Mid-event challenge

Other participants you’ve visited...
*Life as List
*Sweet Reads
*Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY reading***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...Hour 11

2010-10-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well it's hour 11 and I finally woke up to the read a thon!!! Yes, it's time for breakfast so I'll bring my book downstairs with me to eat and read...
I missed hour ten, but still wanted to do the mini-challenge...I heart my doggy that my auntie is taking care of because I moved. Her name is Cysco (my brother named her)
The first book that came to mind about animals was the Clifford series. I lurved this book as a little kid and actually buy this book for my nephews sometimes. I remember sitting at the book store staring at the books until my mom or dad bought me a new Clifford book.

Here's my sentence...Clifford cleverly cleans closets carefully.

Anyways...here's my summary for the read-a-thon...

Going to read...Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Books read...
1. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Pages read since last update...43 pages

Running total of pages read since you started...210 pages

Amount of time spent reading since last update...24 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started...143 minutes

Mini-challenges completed
*Hour 1: introduction
*Hour 2: Back-in-the-Day Children’s Book Challenge
*Hour 10: Pets Pics (I wanted to do this one, even though I can't win the prize)

Other participants you’ve visited...
*Life as List
*Sweet Reads
*Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY reading***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...Hour 5

2010-10-09T09:23:00.001-07:00

Well it's hour 5 and I finished my first book of the read a thon!!! Yes, it was a re-read of one of my fave books A Walk to Remember. And I'm super surprised that I didn't cry (first time ever and I have read this book multiple, multiple times since I was a sophomore in high school...nine years ago...wow!)

I also want to answer this hour's question about changing positions during the read-a-thon. So far, I sit somewhere different every hour. The first hour I stayed in my chair that is stationed at my computer. The second hour, I laid on my bed. Third hour, I sat in my comfy reading chair. And the fourth and fifth hour, I moved back to my bed. Here are some pictures of my reading areas...

Anyways...here's my summary for the read-a-thon...

Going to read...Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Books read...
1. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Pages read since last update...43 pages

Running total of pages read since you started...210 pages

Amount of time spent reading since last update...24 minutes

Running total of time spent reading since you started...143 minutes

Mini-challenges completed
*Hour 1: introduction
*Hour 2: Back-in-the-Day Children’s Book Challenge

Other participants you’ve visited...
*Life as List
*Sweet Reads
*Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe

BTW...I'll be MIA for a bit...time to get some shut eye since it's way past midnight. But I shall be back : )

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...hours 3 & 4

2010-10-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hours 3 & 4

Currently reading...

Pages read so far from A Walk to Remember...168

Total number of pages today...168

Total time spent reading...119 minutes

Mini-challenges completed...
*Hour 2: Back-in-the-Day Children’s Book Challenge

Other read-a-thoners visited...
*Life as List
*Sweet Reads

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...hour 2

2010-10-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hour 2...

Mini-Challenge...Back in the Day Children's Book

The first series that pops into mind are the books from Anne of Green Gables. Oh I lurved this series. I actually found a picture of me opening these books as a Christmas present when I was in second grade. My big sister bought me the series and I cherished them for so long. Unfortunately, they got lost during a move in high school, but I did buy a new set. I can never not have them in my own personal library.

Then, there's the fave author Maurice Sendak. Of course I heart Where the Wild Things Are. A book that I read all the time to my nephews. But the book I hearted more when I was in kindergarten was Chicken Soup with Rice.

There are many other great books, but these were my absolute faves!!!

Currently reading...

Pages read so far from A Walk to Remember...53

Total number of pages today...53

Total time spent reading...50 minutes

Mini-challenges completed...Hour 2 (see above)

Other read-a-thoners visited...
*Life as List
*Sweet Reads

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Dewey's Read-a-Thon...Hour 1

2010-10-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. And I'm super excited to participate in this one. It will be my third Dewey Read-a-Thon!!!

It is hour one and here is my summary so far...

Book I'm reading (or more like re-reading)...

A Walk to Remember

Hour 1 meme...

Where are you reading from today? The new home in the Philippines...in my bedroom. (The last two read-a-thons, I read at the old place)

3 facts about me …1. I'm a student. 2. I'm double majoring in education and english. 3. I'm a native Californian and just living in the Philippines for a bit.

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? No particular number. I'm just going to get through as many books as I can.

Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)? No goal this time. I just want to enjoy it. Usually when I have a specific number of books to read, I feel pressed for time and more stressed. So I'm going to take it hour by hour this time : )

If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time?
Enjoy your books and don't worry so much about how many books NEED to be read. This is an individual thing. So have fun with it!!!

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Around the blogosphere...Contests!!!

2010-10-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

Sparkling Reviews is giving away a kindle. She must reach 500 followers...so go & enter!!! It's open internationally!!!
Windowpane Memories is having an Angela Morrison giveaway. It ends October 15th, open internationally!

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (10/08/2010)

2010-10-08T00:52:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

LOST AND ALONE...DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE.

Alice thought she knew
what solitude was:
Her mother---gone.
Her father---remarried with a newborn
daughter.

Now...
Trapped
in the icy embrace
of a deadly snowstorm,
Alice faces the true meaning of loneliness.

But hope
may not be as far away
as she thinks...

(This book was bought from a store called Fullybooked.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

***And don't forget the Dewey Read-a-Thon is tomorrow...see you there***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (10/07/2010)

2010-10-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

vs.

Woot woot...Mockingjay came out a couple of months ago and I know I just started reading this week. So I decided to go ahead and look if there were other covers than the one I bought. And there was one other one. I bought the one on the left and I definitely prefer this one. I really like the color and it just seems more appealing to me. And it also goes with the other books from the series that I own. But that's my opinion...

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (10/01/2010)

2010-10-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Dear Dr. Fujiyama,

By now, you have probably heard that I'm dead. This means I won't be attending this year's regional science fair, which is a great disappointment to me as I'm sure it also is for you. At the time I died, I felt I was starting to make real progress with those earthworms.

I really enjoyed your class and continue to follow along from the place where ~~I'm now living~~ I now find myself. Dissecting the pig looked pretty interesting, and I thought I might try it. Unfortunately, there aren't any dead pigs here for me to dissect.

I was disappointed not to see you at the funeral as you were my favorite teacher, even including middle and elementary school. Not to give you a hard time or anything, Dr. F : )

Yours,
Elizabeth Marie Hall, 5th Period Biology

How can fifteen-year-old Liz let go of the only life she has ever known and embrace a new one? Is it possible that a life lived in reverse is no different from a life lived forward?

(This book was bought from a store called Powerbooks.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (09/24/2010)

2010-09-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Luna by Julie Anne Peters

"Luna," she repeated softly, more to herself than me. "Appropriate, wouldn't you say? A girl who can only be seen by moonlight?"

Rolling over, I muttered, "You're such a freakshow."

Her hair splayed across my pillow, tickling my face. "I know," she murmured in my ear. "But you love me, don't you?"

Yeah, I loved her. I couldn't help it. She was my brother.

(This book was bought from a store called FullyBooked.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (09/17/2010)

2010-09-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

What happens when the person who damaged you for life...becomes the person you trust the most?
Caleb Becker spent the past year in juvenile detention.
Maggie Armstrong spent the past year in hospitals and physical therapy.
Two teens who were scarred one fateful night are going to have to face their greatest challenge yet---meeting up with each other again.

(This book was bought from a store called FullyBooked.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (09/16/2010)

2010-09-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

vs.vs.vs.

I'm going to take back to the classics right now and I wanted to know what other covers were out there because there are so many different ones. I know there are more, but these are just the few that I decided to share from Goodreads. I bought the last one and I definitely prefer the one I bought. I really like the color and it just seems more appealing to me. It doesn't remind me of a book that my high school teacher would make me read. But that's my opinion...

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (09/10/2010)

2010-09-10T01:54:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Kristina is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. Then she meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild ride turns into a struggle for her mind, her soul---her life.

(This book was bought from a store called FullyBooked.)

From the back cover of Impulse by Ellen Hopkins.

Tony's painful childhood memories can be quelled only through pills. Vanessa has a secret that keeps her coming back to the blade. And Connor seems to have the perfect life on the outside, but his inward battle with his parents, his peers, and himself give him one last choice---to pull the trigger.

These are three lives that would have been cut short if not for the hasty intervention by loved ones. Or fate. Now they are given a second chance at a better life---but only if they help one another, and if they find the strength to let go of their inner demons. For good.

(This book bought at a store called FullyBooked.)

From the back cover of Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun---the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom---is a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life---because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive.

(This book was a gift from my FullyBooked.)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (09/09/2010)

2010-09-09T01:49:00.000-07:00

vs.

I'm reading this book right now and I wanted to know what other covers were out there. I bought the one on the left and I definitely prefer the one I bought. I really like the color (green is my fave color) and it goes nicely with Shiver. But that's my opinion...

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

I NEED to vent...

2010-09-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

On my Monday (in the Philippines)/my families Sunday (in California), I found out that my cousin A.J. died. He didn't just die...he was shot 8 times. I'm incredibly sad about this and angry. Part of me is mad at myself because I wasn't close to my cousin at all. I stopped talking to that side of the family years ago when my parents and them had a falling out. Then it definitely became an extremely distant relationship after my dad died. But A.J. was still my cousin, we share the same last name, and we will always have a connection.

I remember him as a sweet kid. He was always quiet and nice. Even last year when I saw him at my brother's wedding, he was the sweet guy watching over the nieces and nephews while they ran around.

A.J. was taken from his family way too soon and three days shy of his 21st birthday. Today would have been his 21st...today his friends and cousins should be taken him to bars to get his first legal drink. Instead, A.J. is getting used to those new angel wings.

My heart and prayers go out to my Uncle, Auntie, and little cousins. I hope and pray they catch those stupid...STUPID boys that thought it was okay to walk up to a young man standing outside a house party and shoot him. Then runaway shouting gang language. To my knowledge, A.J. was not part of a gang...he was just at the wrong place during the wrong time. You murderers need to be caught and be brought to justice.

A.J., I want you to know that I do believe you are watching over your family and that you are an angel with my dad up in heaven.

And to my book friends...please keep my family in your prayers...and hope with us that the cowardly bastards who did this get caught.

RIP A.J.

Friday Finds (09/03/2010)

2010-09-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the inside flap of Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

the longing.
Once Grace and Sam have found each other, they know they must fight to stay together. For Sam, this means a reckoning with his werewolf past. For Grace, it means facing a future that is less and less certain.
the loss.
Into their world comes a new wolf named Cole, whose past is full of hurt and danger. He is wrestling with his own demons, embracing the life of a wolf while denying the ties of being human.
the linger.
For Grace, Sam, and Cole, life is a constant struggle between two forces---wolf and human---with love baring its two sides as well. It is harrowing and euphoric, freeing and entrapping, enticing and alarming. As their world falls apart, love is what lingers. But will it be enough?

(This book was bought from a store called Powerbooks.)

From the inside flap of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid out plans---except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay---no matter what the personal cost.

(This book bought at a store called Powerbooks.)

From the back cover of Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Murder, mayhem and magic...

Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die---but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster---chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned---has died. And by law, the net prisoner who is scheduled to be executed---me---must be offered the position.

(This book was a gift from my Godmother).

From the back cover of Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

A lesson in loyalty---a master class in intrigue.

So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster. I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities---powers forbidden in Ixia---has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace.

But Sitia is unfamiliar. I'm treated like an enemy---even by my own brother. Plus I can't control my powers. I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time. A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim.

Will my magical abilities save me...or be my downfall?

(This book was a gift from my Godmother).

From the back cover of Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder---able to capture and release souls---spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before...

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself---and save the land she holds dear.

(This book was a gift from my Godmother).

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (09/02/2010)

2010-09-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

vs.vs.

vs.

Well, I finished this book earlier this week and I wanted to know what other covers were out there for this one. I bought the one on the left, but I prefer the one in the middle. I like the color of the rose on this one and the background better. I've never really been one to like the color purple. The last one I believe is the Brazilian cover and is my second fave.

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

I'm baaaaaack!!!

2010-09-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Woot woot...

I'm so back and I'm settled in the new home. I feel healthy and I'm ready to start book blogging again. So come back my book blogging friends and I'll be sure to go check out all the other wonderful sites out there.

I do miss you friends!!!

MIA...again

2010-06-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hey book friends,

I feel so bad because I haven't been blogging, or even visiting blogs lately.

First, I was helping my mom prepare for the move that should be taking place in the next few weeks. Then (most recently) I got sick. We thought it was dehydration at first because its been so freaking hot here. But now we're thinking that it may be some disease that may be related to a rare syndrome that I was diagnosed with five years ago. But as soon as I feel better (I'm hoping soon), I'll get back on track.

Thanks for your understanding,
Jenn-ay

Review: By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead

2010-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Title: By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead
Author: Julie Anne Peters
ISBN/Publisher: 978-14231618-9/Hyperion (part of Disney Book Group)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Daelyn's in high school and she wants to die. And she's had suicidal thoughts since she was ten years old. She has always been the fat kid that was bullied by all the people around her. And to make it worse, her parents don't seem to understand. Right now, she is no longer fat (but she still feels fat) because of her last attempt at suicide. The last try left her in a neck brace and unable to talk. Oh, she also has to blend up her food so she can "eat".

This time, Daelyn wants to end her life right. She doesn't want to have another failed attempt. She happens to find a website called Through the Light. Here she picks the date that will be her last day on Earth and spends her time writing on the message boards about all the bullying she has endured.

Daelyn spends her last few weeks on Earth planning her distancing from classes and parents. But then she meets this boy that is persistent on hanging out with her. He just sits on the bench when she gets out of school. Daelyn wants to avoid Santana, but at the same time is curious about him. And boy is this wrong timing for her since her last day is almost planned out or is it good timing?

Will Daelyn follow the light???

Wow, this book was a good read. I'll admit, there were times when it was hard to read, but never the less, a good book. Daelyn is so deeply hurt and possibly damaged that I didn't know what to expect in the end for her. I wanted so bad for Santana to be the person that saves her because as much as I wanted the parents to wake up and realize their daughter is drowning, they seemed like the total clueless parental figures.

I definitely recommend this book to the mature young adults in high school and college. I would love for the high school students to read this because of the subject dealing with school bullies. These days, bullying is becoming more common because of the usage of the Internet and cell phones. Rumors and mean acts are more easily spread and this book really shows the affects that it has on the person receiving the bullying. I believe parents, teachers, and counselors should take interest in this book and discuss it with their students when they see one reading it. This book can lead to many informative discussions and can possibly help those victims of bullies and teach everyone to not tolerate bullying.

My Rating

(This book was bought from a store called FullyBooked).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (06/11/10)

2010-06-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the inside flap of The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer

Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superguman relfexes, and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood...life before she became a vampire.
All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself, and above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.
Then Bree finds an unexpecte friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as her. As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth?

(This book was bought from a store called FullyBooked.)

From the back cover of Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson.

Meet Kate Malone---straight-A science and math geek, minister's daughter, ace long-distance runner, new girlfriend (to Mitchell "Early Decision Harvard" Pangborn III), unwilling family caretaker, and emotional avoidance champion. Kate manages her life by organizing it, as logically as the periodic table. She can handle it all---or so she thinks. Then, things happen like a string of chemical reactions: first, the Malones' neighbors get burned out of their own home and move in. Kate has to share her room with her nemesis, Teri Litch, and Teri's little brother. The days are ticking by and she's still waiting to hear from the ONLY college where she's applied: MIT. Kate feels that her life is spinning out of control---and then, something occurs that truly blows it all apart. Set in the same community as the remarkable Speak, Catalyst is a novel that will change the way you look at the world.

(This book was a gift from my Godmother)

From the inside flap of Hate List by Jennifer Brown

What if you wished someone would die and then it happened?

What if the killer was someone you loved?

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends, and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

(This book was a gift from my Godmother).

From the back cover of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago, everyone knows that south siders and north siders aren't exactly compatible elements. So when head cheerleader Brittany Ellis and gang member Alex Fuentes are forced to be lab partners in chemistry class, the results are bound to be explosive. But neither teen is prepared for the most surprising chemical reaction of all---love. can they break through the stereotypes and misconceptions that threaten to keep them apart?

(This book was a gift from my Godmother).

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Review: Fire

2010-06-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Fire
Author: Kristin Cashore
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-575--08512-1/Orion Books
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult
Okay Graceling fans...you should know (just in case you don't know right now) that this is the prequel-ish novel to Graceling. Oh, and know that it does not involve Katsa or Po because the novel Fire is a story that takes place long before Katsa's birth and in a nearby kingdom that doesn't have Gracelings, but rather monsters.

Monsters in the Dells are similar to regular animals, but they have gorgeous coloration to them. And Fire, the main character, is the last human monster and the reason she is named Fire is because of the color of her hair. Fire is a beautiful young lady and is too beautiful to the point that she has to hide from other monster creatures and even humans because they will attack and harm her.

Fire doesn't just have her beauty, but she can also read minds along with controlling them. She lives in her father's home (and he is also a monster, but used his powers in a bad way) near her dear friend Archer's home. Fire is scared that her powers will be used just like her father used his and also tries to leave his shadow (even after his death).

Her powers are needed though when control over the kingdom is in danger. Fire, Archer, Prince Brigan, and the other royal family members need to fight for the kingdom. But how does Fire handle the usage of her power?

I wish I could say that I loved this book just like I loved Graceling, but I thought this book was a bit slow in the beginning. Things didn't pick up for me until the middle of the book when I started to get interested with the romantic relationships and their complications. I wanted to know more about Prince Brigan (and I was so rooting for him), but also felt sorry for the player, Archer.

Fire seemed a bit annoying at first because it seemed as if her beauty was something incredibly horrible. However, once I understood her character more, I also understood why her beauty could be something to see as negative. Once I got over this fact, I learned to enjoy her character and see past her beauty and more into her personality. Also, when I thought about the choices Fire had to make and leaving the shadow of a parent, I tended to enjoy the novel more.

I do recommend this book, but you'll need to know that this is meant more for the mature young adults because of the romantic relationships in this book.

Favorite lines...

Are you determined to leave me in this world to live without my heart? Archer, page 80
There's a great passage on page 161 about choices. You'll have to read it yourself because it's too much to type out. (go read the book!)

My rating

(This book was bought from a store called FullyBooked).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (06/10/10)

2010-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

vs.vs.

This one is hardcover vs. paperback vs. paperback. I like the one in the middle. The simple hands with gloves and stuff. But I actually own the one on the right, which isn't bad at all.

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Review: Nature of Jade

2010-06-06T11:02:00.001-07:00

Title: The Nature of Jade
Author: Deb Caletti
ISBN/Publisher: 978-1-4169-1006-0/Simon Pulse (part of Simon & Schuster)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Seventeen year old Jade DeLuna is a senior in high school struggling with her family's relationships (a sports loving father who goes to the basement while he's home; a mom who is more involved with Jade's high school than she is...for goodness sakes, this woman goes to prom and Jade doesn't even plan on going), friendships distancing, and above all...panic disorder. Panic disorder took over her life and she even goes to a psychiatrist and psychologist to help. But the things that seem to calm her down are the elephants at the local zoo. Jade visits them and when she can't, she watches them on the web cam.

And through her observations of these wonderful creatures, she finds a guy watching the animals too. This mysterious guy sometimes goes by himself and sometimes with a little boy. Jade wants to find this boy and in the process, she also gets a volunteering job at the elephant house.

It turns out, Jade does run into the mystery guy named Sebastian and they do hit it off. But there is still something mysterious about this Sebastian who is raising his son with the help of his grandma. Jade's panic disorder lessens when she's around Sebastian, but how does Jade deal with the other relationships in her life?

I read a few of Ms. Caletti's books and I enjoyed them all. So I was super stoked to start this one and I loved this one as well. The elephants do play a major part in this novel and each chapter starts off with a quote about animal behavior, which makes us think about how animals and humans are alike. Thus, how the nature of animals lead to the nature of Jade.

Jade does have a condition that is affecting her life. She fears many things and Caletti does such a good job of making this type of disorder realistic. I can say this from experience. The thoughts that Jade had and the feelings she felt while expressing her anxiety were things I felt and sometimes still do. Sometimes, this made it a little hard to read because it hit so close to home. But the book gives hope that this type of panic disorder can be healed.

This book incorporates so many different types of relationships...parents/children; friendships; husband/wife; boyfriend/girlfriends; animals/humans. And together in this book, it worked. As the reader, we pull for Jade and we want the best for her and her family. We want to get to the bottom of what her family issues are. But also, we fall for the elephants she cares for and the people that care for these animals (including Jade).

The Nature of Jade is story that I do recommend to young adults and even to adults that are fans of Sarah Dessen and of course Ms. Deb Caletti. I loved this book and can't wait to read more books by Deb!!!

Favorite lines...

Your sibling, after all, is the only other person in the world who understands how fucked up your parents made you. page 27

Well, if you don't feel secure, safe, you'll never feel free. If you're not free, you can't be secure. page. 93

Fear causes the greatest changes, when you think about it. Fear is a monumental force. page 188

My Rating

(This books was bought from a store called FullyBooked).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Around the blogosphere...Contests!!!

2010-06-06T00:21:00.000-07:00

La Femme Readers is giving away Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler. The contest ends July 7th.
Alaine - Queen of Happy Endings is having her monthly giveaway. You get to choose 1 of the 3 books including The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C W Gortner; The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer; or The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain. The contest ends June 30th.
All About {n} is giving away one of the four books in The Immortals series by Alyson Noel. And it'll be an autographed copy. The contest ends on June 21st.

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Saturday's 6 Degrees of Blogging Separation

2010-06-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is a new thing that I want to try out. I saw this on Simply Stacie's blog. Basically you click on one of the blog buttons on your blog and continue until you get to your sixth place and have your 6 degrees of blogging. Usually my small feature will include a little interview with that particular blogger, but not this week...sorry friends.
Here we go...

And the 6th blog I stumbled upon belongs to Casey from A Passion for Books. She has a very informative blog and a super pretty banner. I think you all should check the blog out.

And be on the lookout, I may stumble upon your blog in the future for this 6 Degrees of Blogging Separation.

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Q&A with author Deb Caletti

2010-06-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Deb Caletti is the author of many wonderful YA books. They include The Queen of Everything, Wild Roses, many more, and most recently, Six Rules of Maybe. This month I am featuring Ms. Caletti on my author spotlight. She was kind enough to provide me with a Q&A for my blog. So thank you Deb and her publicist, Taryn.

Q: Your main character, Scarlet, is deeply involved with everyone around her--her mother, her sister, her brother-in-law, and her neighbors. She says, “I thought it had worked for me, looking after everyone else. But it didn’t. Not anymore.” In your opinion, what is it about being a young adult that causes them to put others before their own wants and needs?
A:

I think it isn’t so much a “young adult” thing as a human being one. Some of us just come with the “giver” gene, or else we develop it for a million complicated reasons. Scarlet, like most of us, starts this behavior waaay early. She’s the one who always gets paired up with the bad kid, and she’s the one who walks the sick girl to the office when no one else wants to. Sometimes it’s all about being kindhearted, but it can also spill over into being unassertive about what’s right for us. It’s an important balance--how much of our life is “other” and how much of our life is “self.” Often, too, the folks who are mostly takers are magnetically drawn to givers (huh, no wonder, right?). Givers don’t think too much about this until they are resentful and exhausted, as Scarlet finally becomes in SIX RULES.

Q: Scarlet discovers what she believes are The Five Rules of Maybe. It isn’t until later that she realizes there are actually Six Rules of Maybe. The sixth rule catches her off guard: “Most importantly, know when you’ve reached an end. Quit, give up, do it with courage. Giving up is not failing – it’s the chance to begin again.” Why is this an important rule or lesson?
A:

I think giving up is a hugely important lesson, and an overlooked one. We’re so into the rah rah ideas that YOU CAN DO ANYTHING! YOU CAN BE ANYONE! That we forget that it’s often not true. Sometimes we can’t. I don’t think that’s bad news. Not at all. I think it’s important news. I worry that lately we’ve forgotten how critical it is to see ourselves realistically. Quitting, moving forward, being resilient about failure--those are all things that haven’t gotten much air time lately. And yet, this is perhaps the most important rule of all. It’s the way we can ride out the bumps without crashing.

Q: A common theme of self-discovery develops for all of the characters as they consider what they really want for their future. Did you draw upon any of your own experiences to create these realistic journeys?
A:

Self-discovery, finding “home”, dealing with being a mostly good-hearted but flawed person in a complicated world--yep, those are all repeating themes in my work. And, yes, absolutely--I draw on my experiences for all of my books. I have never stolen an old lady from a rest home (like in Honey), or been given an enormous sum of money from a stranger (like in Indigo). But I HAVE lost faith in love and have felt my world turn upside down and have had to rethink and rethink my future. Writing is always my therapy, the attempt to work out particular events and questions I’m trying to understand. (Too bad no one actually gave me that fat sum of money, though.)

Q: Why do you write for young adults?
A:

Becoming a YA author was actually a lucky accident. The first book that I published, The Queen of Everything, was written as an adult book. I thought it was an adult book, anyway. When it was picked up by Simon & Schuster for the young adult market, I found myself here. This is the route for many YA writers, but I think most of us will agree that it is a happy and fortunate detour. I found myself in a great place, with these readers I love for their honesty and true passion for books. Fate plucked me up, I’m sure, and set me down where I belonged. What’s cool, too, is that because I didn’t (and still don’t) know how to write a “young adult book” (whatever that is), I have an audience that varies in age from 11 to 91. I hope my readers can also feel that I don’t treat them as “teens” (a word that too often is used in some weird kind of quotation marks), but just as the fine people and kindred book lovers that they are to me.

Q: What were some of your favorite books growing up?
A:

I was as much a book addict then as I am now. I think I’ve spent a great deal of my life so far lugging huge, unwieldy stacks of books home from the library. How to even choose favorites, you know? I loved Ramona the Pest. I loved Little Bear. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. The Incredible Journey. The Chronicles of Narnia. Okay, I’ll stop there.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?
A:

Always. Since I was about seven years old. Except for that brief period of time when I wanted to be Nancy Drew.

I hope you all decide to pick up some of her books. I know for sure that I enjoy reading her novels and I'll be picking up the most recent one later this month.

Thanks again Ms. Deb Caletti for the quick responses to my e-mails and this Q&A time : )

Where to find Deb Caletti...
Website
Facebook

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (06/04/10)

2010-06-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the inside flap of Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan

It's not that far from Evanston to Naperville, but Chicago suberbanites Will Grayson and Will Grayson might as well live on different planets. When fate delivers them both to the same surprising crossroads, the Will Graysons find their lives overlapping and hurtling in new and unexpected directions. With a push from friends new and old---including the massive, and massively fabulous, Tiny Cooper, offensive lineman and musical theater auteur extraordinaire---Will and Will begin building toward respective romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history's most awesome high school musical.

(This book was bought from a store called National Books).

From the back cover of Evermore by Alyson Noel

After a horrible accident claims the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom can see people's auras, hear their thoughts, and know someone's entire life story by touching them. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities, she has been branded a freak at her new high school---but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste.

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

(This book was bought from a store called FullyBooked)

From the back cover of Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated. A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone. How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad's obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany's lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?

A fresh, funny, utterly compelling fiction debut, Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica's predicament as she embarks on another year of teenage torment---from the dark days of Hope's departure through her months as a type-A personality turned insomniac to her completely mixed-up feelings about Marcus Flutie, the intelligent and mysterious "Dreg" who works his way into her heart.

(This book was bought from a store called PowerBooks)

What did you find???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Special Weekend Spotlight...Pretty Little Liars

2010-06-04T09:44:00.001-07:00

Pretty Little Liars is going to be a series premiering on ABC family next week. And if you didn't know, it is based on the popular book series by Sara Shepard. I was lucky enough to be one of the bloggers that received a little e-mail containing a Q&A with Ms. Shepard. So here it is (not in its entirety) ...

Moderator:
I was wondering how much influence did you have in the casting process?

S. Shepard:

I did not have input into the casting process. That was all done on the other side of the country, so I didn’t know who they were going to cast, but when they did cast the girls I was very excited to see who they chose to be Ali, who they chose to be Aria, and Spencer and all of the rest. They don’t necessarily look like the girls that I described in the books but I think that’s okay because they really embody each of the characters and they do a great job playing. Spencer is a great Spencer; Emily is a great Emily; they might not look precisely like the dolls on the cover but they’re great representations of the girls.

Moderator:
How does it feel as an author to have your book come to life on screen?

S. Shepard:

It’s pretty crazy. I’ve seen the pilot, that’s the only – I know they’re shooting more episodes but the pilot is the only one that I’ve seen and it is really, really close to the first book; so many little details like Aria’s pet pig Petunia makes an appearance which is in the book which is based on something in my life. Aria comes back from Iceland.
All of the scenes are what I wrote so it was really – I just kind of kept giggling the whole time that I saw it because it was surreal, but really amazing. I almost couldn’t comprehend what I was seeing that this thing that I thought of is now on TV. It’s pretty great.

Moderator:
I just wanted to know if right now you have any sort of end game for the books. There are sort of a lot of ends so far but what – will there always be an A, et cetera. I know you can’t tell me all of that but –

S. Shepard:

No, no. The final book Wanted comes out the same day that the show is premiering and it is the conclusion to the series so A will be revealed and a lot of the mysteries will be solved. It is left – it’s left a little creepy and open-ended, but there is an end to the series. I wanted, and I am very happy that my publishers agreed, that we sort of wanted to go out kind of on a high note and not just drag things out and make everything make sense. Yes, the thrilling conclusion which is coming out June 8th and it will be really fun that readers who have hung on from the very beginning will be able to read the very last book and then go right into watching it on TV. I’m very excited for that.

Moderator:
From a writer’s standpoint, what’s more dangerous: a pretty girl with secrets or an average-looking girl who knows your secrets?

S. Shepard:

Hm…I always think it’s the girl that knows the secret, personally. Well, it depends on what she does with it. In Pretty Little Liars there is a somewhat average looking girl who knows some secrets who – I don’t want to give too much away, but she definitely uses them in ways that aren’t great. I would say knowing someone else’s secret is always a little scarier, at least in Pretty Little Liars world.

Moderator:
Are you involved in the screenplay writing or do you oversee that process?

S. Shepard:

No, I am not involved in the screenplay writing. Some of the people that I’ve worked with developing Pretty Little Liars, they are very involved so I feel comfortable that it’s not going to go in this like kind of crazy direction that I wouldn’t be happy with because some of these editors and producers I’ve known for a long time.
I did get to read the screenplay pretty early on and I was pretty happy with it. I think it had been through a lot of revisions by then but it was pretty true to the pilot so for me it was like, well, this is just like the book, so of course I’m happy with it. I am not a screenwriter so I did not have a part in that but I think Marlene King, who is the main screenwriter, I think she’s done a great job.

Moderator:
Hi. I know that a lot of authors think about what if their books became a movie, but in the aspect of having a series how do you think this will work better for TV since it is like you have a lot of books in the series instead of having just movies?

S. Shepard:

I think it will work really well for a series because there is just so much material. I think – every author wants their book to be a movie and they think about it and I’m guilty of that, too. There is so much going on in the mystery and the back story of all this, it’s so deep that I think it’s perfect for TV because there is a chance to develop all of that. You really wouldn’t have that opportunity in a 90 minute movie unless they did sequel after sequel which would be pretty ridiculous. I think it’s great for TV.

Moderator:
Which pretty little liar are you most like do you think?

S. Shepard:

I am most like Aria. I mean I think I’m like all of them. When I wrote them, there is a little bit of me in all of them. As far as what I was like in high school, I didn’t have an affair with a teacher, but Aria is kind of artsy. She’s not really interested in being popular and she just wants to be herself. I think at least the last couple of years I high school I was a lot like that.
I identified with her with how all she really wants is just to get out of this little town and the people are all the same. They’re just so perfect and she – that drives a lot of her story and that’s kind of why she falls for someone older and interesting and not like a lacrosse player.
I was very much like that so she is very close to my heart, but all of them really are. I have—I share things with all of them and I think that’s what helped me write about them because I could easily identify with where they were coming from.

Moderator:
I’m sure you’re asked this all the time, but I want to know what was the inspiration for the Pretty Little Liars book series, particularly like the mystery elements and those kinds of things?

S. Shepard:

I am asked that a lot. It’s always kind of a hard question to answer because in some ways I’m not – it didn’t come together in like a day. I knew that I wanted to write a mystery series and I had some great editors that I was working with and we sort of kicked around ideas and we sort of thought up well, what happens – text messaging – this is five years ago and text messaging was sort of becoming bigger and bigger and what happens if some girls start getting weird texts? Then for the piece of like, oh maybe it was the lost friend. Then I started to develop what this friend could be like and the secrets that she would have on them. It all kind of came together pretty slowly. I did think about the characters a lot right away and their secrets and things like that. As far as what the series has become I mean, I don’t think I knew from the start that it would be such a mystery with such a back story and so much tragedy. I love what it’s become because I love writing about mysteries; I love reading them. I also love the part in Pretty Little Liars about sort of the perfect town that’s turned inside out by this kind of stuff. There is a lot in the books about how the media just hounds the girls and how everybody is talking about them and I loved writing about that and that’s just right up my alley. It was sort of a long process of thinking it out, but I’m happy with the series as a whole.

This was a great Q&A that was hosted. Thanks to Meg for e-mailing me and stay tuned for more PLL posts. Now, I hope everyone gets to watch Pretty Little Liars when it debuts on ABC Family on June 8th at 8/7 central.

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month here, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (06/03/10)

2010-06-03T11:07:00.001-07:00

vs.

I prefer the one on the left and it's also the one that I own. I like the striped pattern on it.

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's month, grab her fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Author Spotlight: Deb Caletti

2010-06-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

I wanted Deb Caletti to be my A.S. for May, but that month was a horrible blogging month for me. So June will be dedicated to Ms. Caletti. I read a few of her books already and really, really, really lurved them. So I hope you pick her books as well and enjoy them just as much.

A little bio...
Deb was born in San Raphael, CA. At a young age, she was very much a bookworm and a little sister (I can totally relate to those facts...yay little sisters). Around eleven years old, Deb and her family moved to Washington. In college, she studied to be a journalist, but she also worked in the writing lab where she met many of her writing supporters. However, it wasn't until after the University of Washington, marriage, and kids, that she started to pursue her dream of being a writer. When she's not writing her books, she is reading books, painting, writing lyrics, and speaking about writing books.
*information was found on her website*

Here are her YA books...
The Queen of Everything (2002)
Honey, Baby, Sweetheart (2004)
Wild Roses (2005)
The Nature of Jade (2007)
The Fortunes of Indigo Skye (2008)
The Secret Life of Prince Charming (2009)
The Six Rules of Maybe (2010)

Where to find Deb Caletti...
Website
Facebook

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Deb Caletti's fave: coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Month End Author Spotlight...Maureen Johnson

2010-05-24T07:48:00.000-07:00

Ooops, this is way late. Sorry about that book friends : /
It has been another crazy few weeks or shall I say month. But I'm trying to get back on track and I definitely wanted to finalize my Maureen Johnson month. So here it is...

Just a little bio...
Maureen Johnson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is an only child, so she mentions that she knows how to play Candyland by herself. She went to an all-girls Catholic high school (although, she's not Catholic) and met many of her closest friends there. Maureen went off and graduated from the University of Delaware with a writing major. After this, she had a few jobs, but eventually moved to New York to study theatrical dramaturgy at the Columbia University School of the Arts. She had other jobs during and after school. But now she is a writer, with many books out. ***want more info...check out her website***M.J.'s

Books...
The Key to the Golden Firebird (2004)
The Bermudez Triangle (2005)
13 Little Blue Envelop es (2005)
Devilish (2006) Girl at Sea (2007)
Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances (2008) (written with John Green & Lauren Myracle)
Suite Scarlett (2008)
Vacations From Hell (2009) (short stories with other authors)
Scarlett Fever (2010)
Zombies vs. Unicorns (2010) (short stories with other authors)
The Last Little Blue Envelope (2011)
***and a new series is set to come out in 2011***

Overall Rating:
.75

Where to find Maureen Johnson...
Website
Twitter
Blog
Ning

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Upate...1st in a Series Challenge

2010-05-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Here's my update on this challenge. I changed the list a little...but most importantly, I'm finished!!!Remember I went for the fascinated level : )

~~1. How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles~~
2.~~The Giver by Lois Lowry~~
~~3. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater~~
~~4. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick~~
~~5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins~~
~~6. Rampant by Diana Peterfreund~~

Totally struggling...

2010-05-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I've been really bad this month with my blogging. It's one of those months, but I think I'll have more time soon to keep up with my weekly features and then get my butt back in track with my author spotlights. I thought I posted my Deb Caletti post, but apparently it's lost. So I'll push her month to June and hopefully I'll have a mini Q&A to add to it.

crossing my fingers that I can spend more time on my blog...*sigh*

HAPPY readings!!!

Thursday Cover Throwdown (05/06/10)

2010-05-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

vs.

I prefer the one on the left and it's also the one that I own. It's the black and white photo that I like and the polk-a-dots.

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Time for an Award...

2010-05-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

Prolific Blogger Award
(Thanks to Whitney at She Is Too Fond of Books)

Here is what a prolific blogger is...one who is intellectually productive, keeping up an active blog with enjoyable content.
***(something that I have been lacking on lately, sorry, but I'm going to get my but back into blogging shape).***

After accepting this award recipients are asked to pay it forward to seven other deserving blogs.

1. The Story Siren
2. Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
3. Book Rat
4. Cornucopia of Reviews
5. Good Books and Good Wine
6. The Bookologist
7. Shut Up! I'm Reading

Be sure to check out all these blogs if you don't already follow them!!!

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (04/23/10)

2010-04-23T21:14:00.001-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a weekly feature here at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and I encourage you let me know what you find. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the back cover of Messenger by Lois Lowry

For the past six years, Matty has lived in Village and flourished under the guidance of Seer, a blind man known for his special sight. Once, Village was a place that welcomed newcomers and offered hope and homes to people fleeing poverty and cruelty. But something sinister has seeped into Village, and the people have voted to close it to outsiders. All along, Matty has been invaluable as a messenger between Village and other communities. He hopes someday to earn the name of Messenger. Now he must make one last journey through the treacherous Forest to spread the message of Village's closing and convince Kira, Seer's daughter, to return with him. Matty's only weapon against his increasingly dangerous surroundings is a secret power he unexpectedly discovers within himself. He wants to heal the people who have nourished his body and spirit and is willing to offer the greatest gift and pay the ultimate price.

From the back cover of Burned by Ellen Hopkins

Raised in a religious---yet abusive---family, Pattyn Von Stratten starts asking questions---about God, a woman's role, sex, love. She experiences the first stirrings of passion, but when her father catches her in a compromising position, events spiral out of control. Pattyn is sent to live with an aunt in the wilds of Nevada to find salvation and redemption. What she finds instead is love and acceptance---until she realizes that her old demons will not let her go.

What did you find???

(These books were bought from a store called FullyBooked).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown (04/22/10)

2010-04-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that I've seen something like this on other blogs (so if you can direct me to the one that is hosting it, I would be really happy). But anyways Thursdays will be the day that I compare book covers for one book and we decide which ones we like best.

Yes, I'm a day late. Electricity was out most of the day so I couldn't get online. Here we go...

Because it is April and Maureen Johnson's month on my blog, lets look at her books....

vs. vs.

This is actually hardcover vs. paperback vs. French cover. I prefer the one in the middle (the paperback) and it's also the one that I own. I like its simplicity and the New York skyline on the key. A quick glance of the hardcover, I think Scarlet Johansson. And the French cover has too much going on for my taste.

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Review: Forget-Her-Nots

2010-04-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

Title: Forget-Her-Nots
Author: Amy Brecount White
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-167298-9/Greenwillow (part of Harper Collins)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Fourteen year old Laurel is understandably grieving her mother's death from cancer and leaves home to attend a boarding school called Avondale. It just so happens that Avondale is the school that many of the females on her maternal side attended. And the family history with the school seems to involve the magical powers they have with flowers.

Here at Avondale, Laurel starts off as the loner student, but things quickly change after she does a report on Victorian flower lore for her English class. The bouquets she made (better known as tussie-mussies) seem to have a magical affect on the people she gives it to. First she gives one to her fave English teacher to find love and when others notice the specialness of Laurel's flowers everyone wants them.

Laurel uses The Language of Flowers book to look up meanings of flowers and to arrange them in tussie mussies. Then when she says her special mantra for the flowers and their recipients, the magic seems to happen. Poor Laurel uses her special abilities to help the girls in her school get dates, to avoid boys, and even for their schoolwork. But is she truly understanding the gift that she has and what happens when the flowers get in the hands of the wrong people? Who will help guide Laurel?

I've been wanting to read this book since I saw it around the blogosphere on other peoples Waiting on Wednesday memes. The cover is just beautiful and has this beautiful feel to it. And I have to say...it really is a beautiful and sweet story.

This novel just isn't about flowers. We also get the fun (and sometimes not so much fun) high school life. The high school dramas of dating, school work, and sports tryouts are in here. It's interesting to read how Laurel will use her powers to work into the high school lifestyle and how she can use it to the advantage for teenagers. But I do need to say that Laurel had a few "diva" like moments that did get annoying. However, when I really thought about it, every girl has these moments in high school and it made it a little bit more realistic and relatable.
This is such a sweet book and the idea of flowers and their meanings really stayed with me days after reading this novel. Laurel also references a few of my favorite childhood books (Anne of Green Gables is just one) and I love it when book characters reference such great books.

I totally want to go out and buy some flowers and make my own floral arrangements ASAP. I recommend this book to everyone...it is a great read and I'll even buy my own copy soon.

Favorite lines...

All of us have gifts we are meant to share, but you have to discover what yours are. Nurture your gifts, because only then will you bloom fully. Share your gifts, and love will flower like a meadow around you. page 33

What is a ghost but the presence of a strong memory? page 254
No one we truly love ever leaves us completely. page 254

Anybody can be a bitch. That takes no skill at all It's all about self-control. Do you have any idea how many times a day I hold my tongue? It's not easy. page 336

My Rating

(This book is part of the International Book Tours).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Review: Because of Winn-Dixie

2010-04-19T09:41:00.001-07:00

Title: Because of Winn-Dixie
Author: Kate DiCamillo
ISBN/Publisher: 0-7445-7829-9/Walker Books
Age Group/Genre: 8 years old +/Children's

Ten year old India Opal Buloni, goes by the name of Opal. She brings home a dog she found and kind of saved from the Winn-Dixie store and quickly names him Winn-Dixie. Opal brings Winn-Dixie home to her Daddy and the two of them convince him that Winn-Dixie should stay with them.

Opal feels lonely because her mom left her when she was little. Opal can't really remember her mom, but asks her dad to remind her. And because Opal just moved to a new town in Florida, she has no friends. However, with Winn-Dixie, Opal meets people, those older than her, her age, and younger than her. She befriends old Gloria Dump, who is just about blind and known as a witch to the kids in the neighborhood. Then there's the librarian, who shares with Opal the stories of the town. But most of all, Winn Dixie and Opal, meet the other kids and the sense of community is found. Will this be enough for Opal? Will her new friends and daddy be enough for Opal to realize that she isn't alone in the world, even without a mom?

First off, the opening line to this book has to be one of my favorite starters, "My name is India Opal Buloni, and last summer my daddy, the preacher, sent me to the store for a box of macaroni-and-cheese, some white rice, and two tomatoes, and I came back with a dog." This really sets the stage and is something that I seem to not forget. Which has to be great writing.

Secondly, this is meant to be a kids book and I'm just about in my mid-20's (eek). But I lurved the book so much. This is the second DiCamillo book for me and she has yet to disappoint. Opal is a child that I wish I hung out with when I was a child and a kid that seems like fun. She has a great voice for this book. Also, the adults in this book are fun to read about too. All the characters are memorable.
I heart the fact that we see her grow as a child that has been through some tough times. And the moral of the story is beautiful. I can't wait to read Kate's other books and I think I want the movie version of this book.

I hope you read it (even if you are an adult) and I also hope you give this to a kid you lurve.
Favorite lines (besides the opener)...

Other people's tragedies should not be the subject of idle conversation. page 125

There ain't no way you can hold on to something that wants to go, you understand? You can ony love what you got while you got it. page 159

My Rating

(This books was bought from a store called FullyBooked).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Winner...Inside Out Contest

2010-04-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

The contest for the signed copy of Maria V. Snyder's Inside Out has ended. I used random.org to pick the winner. And the winner is...

Candice

I sent an e-mail out to Candice and she has until Friday to contact me. If she doesn't, I shall pick another winner.

Thanks everyone for entering and most importantly, THANK YOU to Maria for providing us with this contest opportunity : )

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Friday Finds (04/16/10)

2010-04-16T09:17:00.001-07:00

Friday Finds at the Store is a meme hosted by Jennay at My Tea Time is Book Time. It is totally easy and everyone can join. Basically just post the books you found at the bookstore or library. Now others can see the great finds you had and maybe they will pick it up on their next bookstore/library run. HAPPY readings!!!

From the inside flap of Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer art and adaptation by Young Kim

I'd never given much thought to how I would die---though I'd had reason enough in the last few months...
Surely it was a good way to die...in the place of someone else, someone I loved.
When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret...
Beautifully rendered, this first installment of Twilight: The Graphic Novel is a must-have for any collector's library.

From the inside flap of By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters

Daelyn Rice is broken beyond repair, and after a string of botched suicide attempts, she's determined to get her death right. She stars visiting a Web site for "completers"--- www.through-the-light.com

On the site, Daelyn blogs about her life, revealing a history of bullying that goes back to kindergarten. When she's not on the Web, Daelyn's at her private girls' school, where she's known as the freak who doesn't talk.

Then, a boy named Santana begins to sit with her after school while she's waiting for her parents to pick her up. Even though she's made it clear that she wants to be left alone, Santana won't give up. It's too late for Daelyn to be letting people into her life...isn't it?

National Book Award finalist Julie Anne Peters shines a light on how bullying can push young people to the very edge.

From the back cover of Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Since the dawn of time, the Faerie have taken....

Seventeen-year-old actress Kelley Winslow always thought faeries were just something from childhood stories. Then she meets Sonny Flannery. He's a changeling---a mortal taken as an infant and raised among Faerie---and within short order he's turned Kelley's heart inside out and her life upside down.

For Kelley's beloved Central Park isn't just a park---it's a gateway between her ordinary city and the Faerie's dangerous, bewitching Otherworld. Now Kelley's eyes are opening not just to the Faerie that surround her, but to the heritage that waits her...a destiny both wondrous and strange.

What did you find???

(Twilight was bought at a store called National Book Store and the other two books were bought from a store called FullyBooked).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Review: If You Come Softly

2010-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Title: If You Come Softly
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
ISBN/Publisher: 0-14-240601-5/Speak (part of Penguin)
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

Ellie and Jeremiah are both fifteen, are having a difficult time with their families, and are both at a new prep school in New York. Ellie is white, the youngest in her family, and lives with her parents. She has a strained relationship with her mother since her mom has left the family twice, but still returned back to them. Jeremiah is black, an only child of a famous movie director and author. Except, his parents are now divorced and Dad lives across the street with his new girlfriend.

By chance, Ellie and Jeremiah meet at the high school by bumping into each other in the hallway and it is love at first sight. They truly care for each other, but the world around them is having a hard time accepting their relationship. Ellie finds it even more astonishing that her favorite sister isn't fully supportive of the whole relationship.

How will their relationship survive in a society that is not welcoming to interracial relationships?

From the first few pages, you automatically get the feel for heartache to come. And even with this feeling, the story still makes your heart ache and the ending really took me by surprise. However, Ellie and Jeremiah really do care for each other and their first love is so sweet to read about. At the same time, this powerful novel really gets the readers thinking about how race still plays a card in society.

The novel is a short one and very easy to read. I actually finished it in a couple of hours. I couldn't put the book down because the main characters have this great relationship and they feel so real. It's not just Ellie's and Jeremiah's relationship together that made me want to read. But their relationships with their parents. The strain between Ellie and her mom really drove me through the book. It is interesting to read about the strained relationships that parents and children have. Its a truth that lies out there in the world and it was nice to read how these relationships affect others.

This book is a definite recommendation to you all, especially high school students. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Woodson's books.

Favorite lines...

If you come as softly/as the wind within the trees /You may hear what I hear/See what sorrow sees.

Change is a good thing [...] Think of it like seasons. You don't want to stay one way all your life and ahve moss grow under your toes. page 65

My Rating

(This book was bought from a store called FullyBooked).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Thursday Cover Throwdown

2010-04-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that I've seen something like this on other blogs (so if you can direct me to the one that is hosting it, I would be really happy). But anyways Thursdays will be the day that I compare book covers for one book and we decide which ones we like best. So here we go...

Because it is April and Maureen Johnson's month on my blog, lets look at her books....

vs.

This is actually hardcover vs. paperback. And I like the hardcover version better. I prefer the font on the left cover and I like the white background better.

What about you...which one do you like???

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***

Review: Coraline

2010-04-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

Title: Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-06-113937-6/Harper Perennial (part of Harper Collins)
Age Group/Genre: Kids + (I would say 10 and older)

Coraline and her family moved to a new building with neighbors that just don't get her name. The guy upstairs who plays with mice and the ladies downstairs who still are living in their acting days call her Caroline. Oh, and her parents are always busy...working and never having time for little Coraline. So Coraline has to find ways to entertain herself in this weird building and its raining outside.

Coraline's dad suggests that she go explore the place and count all the doors and windows in their new home. The thing is, she finds this one mysterious door that is locked and her mom says its nothing but a brick wall behind it. But curiosity gets the better of Coraline and she unlocks it to find an odd, different world. Here she finds her "other" parents that want to entertain her and feed her everything that she loves.

At first, it seems perfect, but when she wants to return back to her real home and parents, the "other" mother doesn't want her to. Will Coraline escape this "other" world?

I'm not quite sure if I had more expectations for this book or if it's too much of a children's book. But I felt as if this one was an okay book (maybe I shouldn't have bought it). However, I'm sure I can pass it on to my nephews when they're a little bit older because it seems like the kind of a book boys would like to read (even if the main character is a girl). I think it's because this book has that scary edge to it. And even good lessons about appreciating your parents.

But for me, I think the book could have had better character development (that could just be the fact that I love character based books). The weird neighbors were interesting, but I liked the children in the "other" world. Their story was the most interesting for me and I wished it was more developed. On the bright side, the descriptions were wonderful and the theater scenes were fun to imagine.

This is a book that elementary teachers can definitely recommend to their young students. But as an adult, I found parts of it kind of creepy and too weird for me.

Get this book for your favorite kid or I would recommend you to just borrow it.

Favorite lines...

"Because," she said, "when you're scared but you still do it anyway, that's brave." page 59

"You really don't understand, do you?" she said. "I don't want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted?" page 120

My Rating

(This book was bought from a store called FullyBooked).

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***