quotes Elisquared likes


"Saying 'I notice you're a nerd' is like saying, 'Hey, I notice that you'd rather be intelligent than be stupid, that you'd rather be thoughtful than be vapid, that you believe that there are things that matter more than the arrest record of Lindsay Lohan. Why is that?' In fact, it seems to me that most contemporary insults are pretty lame. Even 'lame' is kind of lame. Saying 'You're lame' is like saying 'You walk with a limp.' Yeah, whatever, so does 50 Cent, and he's done all right for himself."— John Green

10.19.2012

The Last Little Blue Envelope

TitleThe Last Little Blue Envelope
Author(s)Maureen Johnson
Edition: Hardcover, 282 pages
PublisherHarperTeen
Publication Date: April 26, 2011
Source: Borrowed from library













The Summary
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Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack--and the last little blue envelope inside--she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure--one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.
My Opinion
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I loved 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson so much, and I was sad to think that we would never find out what happened to the last little blue envelope. Luckily, Johnson anticipated this need and wrote a sequel, The Last Little Blue Envelope. Just like the first, it is a fast and fun read, but the characters have grown, giving it a more mature feeling than before.

Ginny has grown up due to the events last summer and because of that she is more secure in her new journey. I really like Ginny. I think in high school we could’ve been friends. She is just a naturally nice, funny person. That’s why when she gets blackmailed at the beginning of the story by Oliver, the guy who found her envelope, and screwed over by Keith, her boyfriend from the first book, I started a little “She-Woman, Man-Haters Club”. But fortunately for Ginny, both of these situations lead to something better.

Speaking of “She-Woman, Man-Haters Club”, Keith was the biggest douchebag ever! I loved him so much in 13LBE, but he became a huge jerk! The biggest problem is he thinks what he’s doing is right, and that he’s protecting Ginny! What a bunch of bollocks! At times you could see the old Keith peeking through, which gave me hope, but ultimately they were dashed upon the rocks of douchiness. Of course this turned me more towards Oliver, who, may I remind you, was blackmailing Ginny! I mean it’s really bad when I liked the blackmailer over Keith!

Character creation is one of the things Johnson does best, but she also takes you on this great journey through Europe once again. This is one of the reasons I liked 13LBE, and now this book, so much. I’ve never been outside of the United States, and barely outside of Florida, so being able to experience Ginny’s adventures was great! And what adventures; she breaks into a cafe in Paris, hunts down a pink houseboat in Amsterdam, and visits a special hidey-hole in Ireland. Each place added another layer to the extraordinary journey Ginny was on with her Aunt Peg.

The Last Little Blue Envelope tied up Ginny’s story nicely. Both she and the reader get the answers left over from 13LBE, get to visit some new and familiar places, and discover that all anyone needs is to trust in themselves. This duet should not be missed; if you haven’t read 13 Little Blue Envelopes or The Last Little Blue Envelope you need to pronto!
Extras
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Book Trailer


Final Rating
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Book Cover: 3/5
Book Title: 5/5
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 46/50: A-

10.18.2012

Fairy Bad Day (Review)

TitleFairy Bad Day
Author(s)Amanda Ashby
Edition: Paperback, 336 pages
PublisherSpeak
Publication Date: June 9, 2011
Source: Bought from Barnes & N0ble














The Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. 

She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy and it's invisible to everyone but her! 

If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?
My Opinion
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Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby was a fairy good book (....yeah I know, I’m lame). But in all seriousness, it was excellent. The dialogue was really smart and quippy, there was a cool premise, the heroine was kick-ass, and just enough romance peeked through the action! I read through it super fast because the plot kept pushing me along to find out what happened next!

Emma Jones is our leading lady, a 15 year old slayer who is the daughter of one of the best dragon slayers in history. Emma fully expects to follow in her mother’s illustrious footsteps, but when she is designated to fairies, Emma doesn't accept her fate gracefully. With this flaw in place, Emma is made my favorite character. I hate when protagonists are all powerful and perfect. Emma, while obviously charged with a great responsibility, is still only 15 and acts like it. She tries to argue, to scheme, and out right beg for the dragon designation, but all that does is land her right in detention with the threat of expulsion.

There are some really great supporting characters as well. Loni and Tyler, Emma’s two best friends, are very quirky and super lovable. Loni is very into zodiacs and astrology, predicting what will happen and acting accordingly; Tyler places bets against anything and everything, usually involving his 5-legged pet cockroach. They never doubt Emma, even when she’s yelling about invisible dragons; true friends indeed. But let’s not forget about the love interest in the form of Curtis, the unfortunate boy to have snatched Emma’s beloved dragons away from her. Needless to say the “romance” takes a little while to build. Of course Emma’s attitude never really deters Curtis, which I liked a lot.

But the best part, hands down, of the whole book were the fairies and the weird ways Emma had to “slay” them. First of all, the fairies are mini hipsters, drinking Starbucks and being really unimpressed with everything. Of course they end of being helpful, but I definitely can’t look at Sour Skittles the same way (read to find out more).

Fairy Bad Day was really fun, and a great one day book. There were some plot gaps, but not enough to mess with the story, and I just glossed over them while reading. I am sad to say that it is a stand-alone, so there isn't another book. But there is potential there in case Amanda Ashby ever wanted to write more; I know I’d eat it right up!
Extras
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Check out Amanda Ashby's Other YA Books!


Final Rating
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Cover: 5/5
Book Title: 5/5
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 8/10
Overall: 46/50: A-

10.16.2012

Once a Witch (Review)

TitleOnce a Witch
Author(s)Carolyn MacCullough
Edition: Paperback, 292 pages
PublisherGraphia
Publication Date: September 14, 2009
Source: Bought from Barnes & N0ble












The Summary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. 

But Tamsin's magic never showed up. 

Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. 

The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. 

This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant
My Opinion
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This book was grab-the-seat-of-your-pants-we’re-going-on-a-ride fast! I loved it, and couldn’t put it down until I was finished. There was action, romance, and witchcraft! Personally, I’ve missed straightforward witch stories (there always seems to be another supernatural creature thrown in), so Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough was a breath of fresh air.

Tamsin is the only non-Talented person in her family of very Talented people.  And if that wasn’t the worst part, she was predicted at birth to be the strongest of them all.  Now, she spends her time trying to distance herself from the constant ache of not being Talented by going to boarding school in New York City. Unfortunately, she has to spend summers at the old homestead, and this summer she gets herself in a little bit of a situation.

One of my favorite things about this book is the writing; it is excellent! It flows well, makes great use of dialogue, and paints a perfect picture of the setting. Even during the small downtime between action scenes I wasn’t bored because MacCullough would use that opportunity to give explanation or backstory. It was a nice balance, one which didn’t exhaust the reader or let them wander. MacCullough also made the deliberate choice of setting up the “problem” of the story right away. This made the pace of the book even without it all crammed in at the end.

Of course it wasn’t all go-go-go, there was a little romance and a little drama going on. Tamsin and Gabriel were such great characters and interacted so well together, offering snark back & forth mixed with genuine affection. It obvious that they care for each other in a very real way, and I can’t wait to find out how their relationship develops. Tamsin’s family was also very normal (well as normal as a family of witches can be). There was the sibling arguments, the overprotective parents and the annoying cousins. All together is created a traditional family and a safe haven for Tamsin in the midst of her battle.

I loved
 reading this book; it was so good! Luckily, I don’t have to wait to read what happens next, as the sequel, Always a Witch, is already out! If you are looking for a fast-paced, action-packed magical adventure, then you really need to read Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough!
Extras
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Trailer

Final Rating
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Book Cover: 5/5
Book Title: 5/5
Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 47/50: A

10.10.2012

Sneak Peak of The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens

This is book two in The Books of Beginning series; the first being The Emerald Atlas!

Waiting On Wednesday (64)


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we seriously can’t wait for.

 Here's my pick for the week, that I seriously can't wait for:


by Rainbow Rowell
Publication Date: March 5, 2013
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"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be." 
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under
------------------------------------------------
This just sounds so Freaks & Geeks, I can't stand it!  I love books and shows like that, focusing on the misfits and the outcasts.  It plummets me right back into high school in the best way possible.  High school was all about firsts, and being able to read quirky books that remind me of my friends and my experiences is a treasure.  Can't wait to get my hands on this!

What book are you waiting for?

10.09.2012

September Recommendations!




Where I talk about the books, movies, tv, music, and little extras 
that I was loving in September and recommend to all of you!



Let me know your recommendations in the comments!
-----
Books!

Movies!

Tv!

Music!

Etc!





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Song: Incoherent by Josh Woodward
Check out the full length versions: http://bit.ly/tGneIs
---------------
FTC Disclaimer:
All the items shown I have either bought or gotten as a gift.  None of the companies/producers/brands mentioned are paying me for this video or even know their items may be shown.  All opinions are my own and this is a 100% non-sponsored video.

Teaser Tuesday (52)


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following!
  • Grab your current read.
  • Open to a random page.
  • Share a few teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.
  • MAKE SURE NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (you don't want to give too much away and ruin the book for other readers)
Share the title and author too, so that other readers can add your book to their TBR list if they like your teaser!
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Every Day
by David Levithan
Publication Date: August  28, 2012


         Every day I am someone else.  I am myself–I know I am myself–but I am also someone else.
         It has always been like this.
(Pg. 1)











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This book is one of David Levithan's best.  It is lyrical and haunting.  It explores what it means to be human and what it means to love.  Existence is caught in the middle, and I can't believe I get to read something so powerful.  It literally knocks the breath out of me.

10.03.2012

Banned Books Week: My Favorite YA Banned Books!

Copyright: American Library Association


These are 9 of my favorite banned books!

Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Looking for Alaska by John Green
The Earth, My Butt & Other Big Round Things by Carolyn MAckler
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Speak by Laurei Halse Anderson
Paint Me Like I Am by the WritersCorp
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

What are your favorites?

Also don't forget to check out the Banned Books Week Hop, and enter to win some great prizes!

Waiting on Wednesday (63)



Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we seriously can’t wait for.

 Here's my pick for the week, that I seriously can't wait for:


by Andrea Cramer & David Levithan
Publication Date: May 13, 2013
-------------------------------------------------
Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.
------------------------------------------------
Oh my god, do I want to read this book!  I adore David Levithan so very much, and I'm intrigued to see how he writes with Andrea Cremer, who I don't enjoy as much.  I hope the dynamic is good; I'm sure the story will be great because, hello, a boy who has been invisible due to a curse and the only girl who can see him makes for some delicious prose!  

I'm super excited and really really hate that I have to wait until next year!

What book are you waiting for?

10.02.2012

Top Ten Tuesday (28)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!
Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.
The topic this week is: 

Top Ten"Older" Books You Don't Want People to Forget About!

Banned Books Week: The Videos!

Copyright: American Library Association

As Banned Books Week continues, I have seen some really awesome videos by people supporting freedom to read and fighting against censorship.  The videos below are some of my favorites so far!  As the week goes on, I may post even more awesome videos, and if you know of any, leave a link in the comments below!

Also don't forget to check out the Banned Books Week Hop, and enter to win some great prizes!






10.01.2012

Recommend A... (13)



Welcome to "Recommend A...", a fun new meme created by Shanyn over at Chick Loves Lit. Shanyn will post a new prompt each week, and anyone interested in participating will post a book recommendation that follows the prompt. A fun and different way to get recommendations!

This week's prompt is: Recommend a Book with an Animal on the Cover

Today I'm bringing you a book that I have loved since I was a child.  This was one of the first books I can remember really making me think about right and wrong, heroes and villians, and what makes a person, a person (deep right?).  But seriously, this is one of those books that I still cuddle up with when I want something familiar, yet exciting to read.  I hope that you'll give this amazing series a chance, starting with....   


Brian Jacques
Published in 1987

As the inhabitants of Redwall Abbey bask in the glorious Summer of the Late Rose, all is quiet and peaceful. But things are not as they seem. Cluny the Scourge, the evil one-eyed rat warlord, is hell-bent on destroying the tranquility as he prepares to fight a bloody battle for the ownership of Redwall.

What can the peace-loving mice do to defend themselves against Cluny and his army of rats? If only they had the lost sword of Martin the Warrior, they might have a chance. But the legendary weapon has long been forgotten -- except, that is, by the bumbling young mouse apprentice Matthias (formerly Redwall's most awkward novice) who, in the course of his quest, forges strong ties with various local animals and becomes the unlikeliest of heroes.

Banned Books Week: The Quotes!


In honor of Banned Books Week and the fight against censorship, here are some of my favorite author quotes about reading, censorship, and books.
Let me know what your favorites are and leave them in the comments!

Also don't forget to check out the Banned Books Week Hop, and enter to win some great prizes!

“And on the subject of burning books: I want to congratulate librarians, not famous for their physical strength or their powerful political connections or their great wealth, who, all over this country, have staunchly resisted anti-democratic bullies who have tried to remove certain books from their shelves, and have refused to reveal to thought police the names of persons who have checked out those titles.

So the America I loved still exists, if not in the White House or the Supreme Court or the Senate or the House of Representatives or the media. The America I love still exists at the front desks of our public libraries.”  
― Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country

“There is no remedy so easy as books, which if they do not give cheerfulness, at least restore quiet to the most troubled mind.” ― Mary Wortley Montagu

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”  ― Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

"[D]on’t ever apologize to an author for buying something in paperback, or taking it out from a library (that’s what they’re there for. Use your library). Don’t apologize to this author for buying books second hand, or getting them from bookcrossing or borrowing a friend’s copy. What’s important to me is that people read the books and enjoy them, and that, at some point in there, the book was bought by someone. And that people who like things, tell other people. The most important thing is that people read… ”  ― Neil Gaiman

“Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry.” 

 ― Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Angel
“My grandma always said that God made libraries so that people didn’t have any excuse to be stupid.”  ― Joan Bauer, Rules of the Road

“Don’t join the book burners. Don’t think you’re going to conceal faults by concealing evidence that they ever existed. Don’t be afraid to go in your library and read every book…”
 ― Dwight D. Eisenhower

And finally, from the classic literary standard on book burning and book censorship,
“The books are to remind us what asses and fool we are. They’re Caesar’s praetorian guard, whispering as the parade roars down the avenue, “Remember, Caesar, thou art mortal.” Most of us can’t rush around, talking to everyone, know all the cities of the world, we haven’t time, money or that many friends. The things you’re looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine per cent of them is in a book. Don’t ask for guarantees. And don’t look to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore.”  ― Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451


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