Past. Present. Future. (27)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:
Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon - I received this book for review, and I'm so excited I did!  It's a really interesting look at a possible Earth future, and the veterinarian part in it, being an exoveterinarian dealing with alien lifeforms, is really cool.  The world that Schoon built is so all-encompassing that I think he could expand books beyond Zenn one day!    I really loved it; while it was slower, I thought the pace set up the coming action nicely!  Check out my review and my author post for the blog tour!

Brain Camp by Susan Kim, Laurence Klavan, & Faith Erin Hicks - I've been on a big graphic novel kick lately, and just randomly been picking ones from the library.  This is an excellent one!  the premise is super creepy and sci-fi while being set at a seemingly normal summer camp.  The points about love and companionship are poignant   I wish there was a sequel, but I didn't find one anywhere!  Really great read for the summer!




PRESENT:

The Magicians by Lev Grossman - This has been on my TBR list for a while! I saw so many endorsements and comparisons to Harry Potter that I had to pick up. Now that I'm reading it, I don't really see the connection to Harry Potter except that there are schools of magic in both. But it is still super good! A lot darker and more adult; I can't wait to finish it and move on to the second book!

FUTURE:

Requiem by Lauren Oliver - UH I NEED TO READ THIS!  I love this trilogy so much, and I have to find out what happens!  I can't believe I'm waiting this long since I got it the day it came out!  I'm (hopefully) going to see Lauren Oliver in May down in Miami!  I'll just pass out from the awesome in the room if that's the case!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. (24)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig - This was such an amazing mix of Gossip Girl and Robin Hood; back-stabbing and robberies galore!  Willa is my kind of girl, the thief with a heart of gold!  Of course there was much more going on then meets the eye, and I can't wait to find out what in Pretty Sly, the second book in the series!  Fun, glitzy and dangerous, this was so good!

The Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie - This is a graphic novel, very much in the style of Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, with inserts of drawings interspersed through the text. The images added additional details to the events being chronicled, and I loved the layer of humor as well. This was a very cute story, with a simple "growing up" tale; good for the younger crowd.

PRESENT:

Natural Born Angel by Scott Speer - I am so excited to dive into this book (due out April 23)! Scott Speer's first novel, Immortal City, was action packed, and left the reader on such a cliff-hanger! This world is definitely an interesting place, filled with Angels as celebrities, the A! network (instead of E!; cute right?), and different Angel "Teams" (ala Jacob & Edward). So far it is as action packed and fast paced as the first book, and I'm loving it!





FUTURE:

The Ultra Violets by Sophie Bell - This looks to be a super cute middle grade!  It reminds me of the Powerpuff Girls cartoon, which I loved.  I'm excited to read this ARC (the book is due out April 9th) because the story sounds really empowering and fun!  Books like this are so great for young girls to read, and the illustrations are awesomely anime in style!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Past. Present. Future. (23)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:

Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge - This was a an amazing graphic novel!  It reminded a lot of Blankets by Craig Thompson.  the art was gorgeous, and really expressive.  the way it told the story without the need for much text was mind-blowing!  As a writer, I'm always jealous of artists, in the way they can make a statement with a drawing.  Really great coming-of-age story, and I think a needed addition to any graphic novel collection!

PRESENT:

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig - Robin Hood mixed with Gossip Girl? Count me in! I want something that's really fun, and this sounds like just the ticket! I love the story of Robin Hood, and to find it in a modern setting with a female at the helm makes me so happy. This is also one of the books on my 2013 TBR Pile reading Challenge, so it gives me extra motivation to dig in, and so far I'm not disappointed!

The Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie - This is a graphic novel/actual novel, very much in the style of Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, with inserts of drawings interspersed through the text.  The images add additional details to the events being chronicled, and I love the layer of humor as well.  This is a very cute story.  It is a simple coming-of-age, figuring out my place, growing up tale; good for the younger crowd.

FUTURE:

Natural Born Angel by Scott Speer - I am so excited to dive into this book! Scott Speer's first novel, Immortal City, was action packed, and left the reader on such a cliff-hanger! This world is definitely an interesting place, filled with Angels as celebrities, the A! network (instead of E!; cute right?), and different Angel "Teams" (ala Jacob & Edward).  I was so lucky to get an ARC of this, and I need to know what happens ASAP!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Teaser Tuesday (61)

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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Pretty Crooked
by Elisa Ludwig

Publication Date: March 13, 2012

        Still, I kept moving, breathing hard, and leaning forward to urge my old bike on. The wind whipped against my hoodie, taunting me with its ease. Coyotes called to each other in the distance, their high-pitched whimpering like balloons loosing air. Or was that the sound of fate catching up to me?
        I am so completely dead, I thought.

(Pg. 1)

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I got this books last year in a giveaway, and it's been sitting on my shelf ever since.  so in light of my 2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge, I've decided to pick it up.  And it was a very good decision because this book is filled with humor and awesome pop culture references.  Willa is such a fun protagonist to follow, and I can't wait to learn more about her "robin hood" escapades.  Valley Prep is just like those schools you hear about from TV, rich and discriminating, but Willa is working to change all that!  Fun and quick, I think you should all check out Pretty Crooked!

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Past. Present. Future. (22)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:

Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby - What a fun and funny book.  Ashby has a way with humor that is very realistic.  I always feel as if her characters are real teenagers.  Her take on the zombie trope wad hilarious (anyone smell chicken?), and with the romance thrown in makes it a very tasty bite of book!

The Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker - I read this for my 2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge, but I can't believe I didn't pick it up sooner!  The premise was great; Kate's best friend, who tragically died, is sending her messages pointing to clues about what really happened!    And believe me, it is intense!  An amazing start to a really great series!

The Lies that Bind by Lisa & Laura Roecker - Another part of my 2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge, but also a book I needed to read at the end of the 1st!  This picks up right where The Liar Society ends, but the lies, schemes, and danger are hyped up!  Kate is pulled even further into the secret societies, and it is a crazy ride.  Can't wait for the 3rd book!






PRESENT:

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig - Robin Hood mixed with Gossip Girl?  Count me in!  I want something that's really fun, and this sounds like just the ticket!  I love the story of Robin Hood, and to find it in a modern setting with a female at the helm makes me so happy.  This is also one of the books on my 2013 TBR Pile reading Challenge, so it gives me extra motivation to dig in, and so far I'm not disappointed!





FUTURE:

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman - I've heard so many amazing things about this book!  I've been in the mood for a real fantasy lately, and I think this will serve nicely.  I'm intrigued by the main character's predicament  and being torn between two sides.  I can't wait to read what happens!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Teaser Tuesday (60)

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!

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

The Liar Society
by Lisa & Laura Roecker

Publication Date: March 1, 2011

The words blurred on the screen, and my hand went limp.  My phone clattered to the hardwood floor, the battery popping off and sliding beneath my bed.
          Dead best friends didn't send emails.

(Pg. 2)

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I've been wanting to read this book for a while, and it came on sale (along with the next book in the series Lies that Bind) recently, so I snatched it up for my Nook!  I'm so glad I did, because it is a really fun book to read.  Full of mystery, murder, and mayhem, following Kate as she tries to find out the truth behind her best friend's death is a great ride!  Can't wait to find out what happens!

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Past. Present. Future. (21)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:
Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier - I lovedlovedloved Ruby Red, the first book of this wonderful trilogy, and I lovedlovedloved this book just as much! I'm so happy that this was translated from it's original German so I could enjoy it; it is such a great take on time-travel, as well as having interesting theories using jewels and powers and just ah! Too awesome to explain! I think everyone should read this because it is just too good.




PRESENT:

Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby - What a fun and funny book.  Ashby has a way with humor that is very realistic.  I always feel as if her characters are living teenagers.  Her take on the zombie trope is hilarious (anyone smell chicken?), and there is a little bit of romance thrown in as well.  A very tasty bite of book!

The Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker - I'm reading this for my 2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge, but I can't believe I didn't pick it up sooner!  The premise is great; Kate's best friend, who recently passed, is sending her messages pointing to clues about what really happened!  And I love that it's part of a series, with two more books to dive into.  really loving it so far!





FUTURE:

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig - Robin Hood mixed with Gossip Girl?  Count me in!  I want something that's really fun, and this sounds like just the ticket!  I love the story of Robin Hood, and to find it in a modern setting with a female at the helm makes me so happy.  I also have a serious addiction to Gossip Girl, so I'm all for something similar!  This is also one of the books on my 2013 TBR Pile reading Challenge, so it gives me extra motivation to dig in!

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman - I've heard so many amazing things about this book!  I've been in the mood for a real fantasy lately, and I think this will serve nicely.  I'm intrigued by the main character's predicament  and being torn between two sides.  I can't wait to read what happens!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Top Ten Tuesday (34)

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 their post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share.  If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

The topic this week is: 

Top Ten 2013 Reading Goals

1. Finish my 2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge
2. Read 100 books overall
3. Re-read 2 books I didn't finish/didn't like originally
4. Read the Matched Trilogy
5. Read at least 10 Dystopias
6. Read at least 10 Fantasies
7. Read at least 10 Contemporaries
8. Read at least 10 Supernaturals
9. Read the last two Mortal Instruments books
10. Read at least 5 stand alone books

I think I can complete these goals.  Luckily, I made sure they intermixed with each other, so that they would be manageable   What are your reading goals for 2013?  Leave me a comment below letting me know, and Happy Reading!

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2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge!

I am changing it up this year, and instead of doing the Debut Author Challenge, I am doing the TBR Pile Reading Challenge as I have a TON of books waiting to be read!  Below I'm listing the rules and the list of books I'm hoping to read this year!  Go sign up and join the fun; there'll be prizes, mini-challenges, and wrap-up posts through the whole year!

Check out the rules overview from Evie @ Bookish!

I'm planning on reading at the "A Friendly Hug" level this year, which is 11-20 book!  I'm really hoping I make that since I've read 85 books this past year.

Here are the books I'm going to read:
(Books I've finished are highlighted in yellow; Books I'm reading are in green)

1. Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby
2. The Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker
3. The Lies that Bind by Lisa & Laura Roecker
4. Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
5. Fever by Lauren Destefano
6. As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
7. Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
8. The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
9. The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
10. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
11. The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
12. Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough 
13. Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
14. Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
15. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
16. Dark Passage by M.J. Putney
17. Knightly Academy by Violet Haberdasher

More may be added, some may be changed out, but hopefully at least 17 will be read!

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