I am officially stressing for my SAT II and AP tests, so I'm sorry that I'm not really going to be getting up any reviews today or tomorrow, perhaps Friday if I'm lucky. Sorry, sorry! I know I said I would be more active, especially with commenting, so please go ahead and kill me (unless I die through studying first). In the meantime, I'm just posting a trailer for Crossing by Andrew Xia Fukuda, which came out yesterday. The book is amazing, and I'll definitely post up my review soon.
Mistwood by Leah Cypess also came out yesterday, and the cover LOOKS EVEN PRETTIER IN PERSON. *drooled on it for an hour* I have a special feature with Leah planned next week, so stay tuned...
Happy Wednesday, and have an even happier Thursday! :D
The Development of "Reading on the Toilet"
I have a huge piano test coming up tomorrow, so my mind is sort of short-circuiting. Hence, we have come to this amazing, brain-stimulating wonder... *dum dum dum* READING ON THE TOILET.
There once lived a simple man named (simple name here). He had a loving family, a reasonablly successful business, (insert other signs of moderate fortune here) and a grudge against the world, for the world did not immediately acknowledge his inherent greatness and grand destiny. Determined to prove his self-worth, this simple man developed a strong fetish with time management and maximized productivity. In fact, he could cut the both hands' fingernails - simultaneously... while singing Britney Spears songs.
Yet, one day, he found he was lacking.
What was he lacking? Where was he lacking? How could he be lacking?
It all boiled down to... the toilet. *cue foreboding music* Day after day, he suffered through the monotnous experience of just sitting. Could he consider himself efficient if he did not make use of the precious time spent on this white, pristine throne?! NO! The Greater Ones that Be had finally sent him a test to earn the god-like worship he believed he so rightfully deserved. And would he bow down in the face of defiance? Would he succumb to the difficulty of the task? He endured. He pondered. He went to Home Depot to buy a magazine stand for his bathroom then added a subcription to Seventeen magazine. And so he conquered.
And that was the day reading on the toilet was invented.
[/dramatic story]
Having read that, you now know that I completely 110% fail at originality and story-telling. But that's okay! The story was just for your (hopefully) enjoyment at my embarassing expense. The main point is: reading on the toilet has been here for... who knows when? I admit that I DO IT. Not everyday, but reading does not stop because you enter the bathroom - or at least not for me. The sign of a good book is that if I absolutely have to go to the bathroom, then that book is coming with me. No "if"s, "and"s, or "but"s about it. Wait, there might actually be a "butt" about it after all... Haha, my weak attempt at a pun.
Though it seems I was unaware of the dangers of reading on the toilet. That I, in fact, was contributing to my hemorrhoid growth (link to esquire)...
Now that I've exposed both my private habit and horrible writing skills, I think it's your turn. How do you think reading on the toilet came about? What do you think of it? I would ask if you participate in it too, but that seems personal, lol. But I have no shame (sort of)!
I'm not entirely sure who to credit this to, sorry! From wordpress.
How did "reading on the toilet" come to be you ask? Well, this all started long, long, long ago...
[dramatic story]
There once lived a simple man named (simple name here). He had a loving family, a reasonablly successful business, (insert other signs of moderate fortune here) and a grudge against the world, for the world did not immediately acknowledge his inherent greatness and grand destiny. Determined to prove his self-worth, this simple man developed a strong fetish with time management and maximized productivity. In fact, he could cut the both hands' fingernails - simultaneously... while singing Britney Spears songs.
Yet, one day, he found he was lacking.
What was he lacking? Where was he lacking? How could he be lacking?
It all boiled down to... the toilet. *cue foreboding music* Day after day, he suffered through the monotnous experience of just sitting. Could he consider himself efficient if he did not make use of the precious time spent on this white, pristine throne?! NO! The Greater Ones that Be had finally sent him a test to earn the god-like worship he believed he so rightfully deserved. And would he bow down in the face of defiance? Would he succumb to the difficulty of the task? He endured. He pondered. He went to Home Depot to buy a magazine stand for his bathroom then added a subcription to Seventeen magazine. And so he conquered.
And that was the day reading on the toilet was invented.
[/dramatic story]
Having read that, you now know that I completely 110% fail at originality and story-telling. But that's okay! The story was just for your (hopefully) enjoyment at my embarassing expense. The main point is: reading on the toilet has been here for... who knows when? I admit that I DO IT. Not everyday, but reading does not stop because you enter the bathroom - or at least not for me. The sign of a good book is that if I absolutely have to go to the bathroom, then that book is coming with me. No "if"s, "and"s, or "but"s about it. Wait, there might actually be a "butt" about it after all... Haha, my weak attempt at a pun.
Though it seems I was unaware of the dangers of reading on the toilet. That I, in fact, was contributing to my hemorrhoid growth (link to esquire)...
Now that I've exposed both my private habit and horrible writing skills, I think it's your turn. How do you think reading on the toilet came about? What do you think of it? I would ask if you participate in it too, but that seems personal, lol. But I have no shame (sort of)!
Labels:
Thoughts
In My Mailbox (16)
I only recieved one book to review this week, so it's not much of a post, but...
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
I'm also thinking of redesigning my blog, though I'll stick with this one until I have a new one ready. If you have any suggestions for how you'd like my blog to look, let me know (ie. color scheme) and it just might happen! (Or you can have your eyes burned out by whatever I come up with. You've been warned.) The new layout probably won't be going up until sometime in May or June.
And that's it! What did you get this week? Leave me a link if you'd like, and I'll be sure to check it out. :)
I GOT SHADOW HILLS!!
...
*does my weird happy dance and hugs everyone around me*
Except the people around me happened to be my family, so they were staring at me like I'm insane. But it's worth it! I've been intently watching Shadow Hills I read Emilee's (Penultimate Page) review of it back in early December, so I'm excited that I don't have to die of waiting a few times before the July release. :)
*a thank you to Egmont and Anastasia
*a thank you to Egmont and Anastasia
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcusfrom {goodreads}
His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.
Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.
After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.
But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.
I'm also thinking of redesigning my blog, though I'll stick with this one until I have a new one ready. If you have any suggestions for how you'd like my blog to look, let me know (ie. color scheme) and it just might happen! (Or you can have your eyes burned out by whatever I come up with. You've been warned.) The new layout probably won't be going up until sometime in May or June.
And that's it! What did you get this week? Leave me a link if you'd like, and I'll be sure to check it out. :)
Labels:
In My Mailbox
The Saturday Network (15)
My mind is completely blank right now... This week has completely devoured my brain!! So, I'm glad it's finally the weekend (aka more AP and SAT studying time); happy Saturday! :)
This week's featured blogger is Stephanie (SN#17) from Curling Up by the Fire, who reads and reviews both young adult and adult fiction on her blog. Her layout is yet another greatly suited spring layout, and it makes me happy from just looking at it. Currently, she's holding a contest for Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs (yay! great series), so I encourage you to head over to her blog, check it out, and maybe enter for your chance to win!
And if you'd like to grab and post the button anywhere, you can find the code on the right side-bar, thanks!
This week's featured blogger is Stephanie (SN#17) from Curling Up by the Fire, who reads and reviews both young adult and adult fiction on her blog. Her layout is yet another greatly suited spring layout, and it makes me happy from just looking at it. Currently, she's holding a contest for Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs (yay! great series), so I encourage you to head over to her blog, check it out, and maybe enter for your chance to win!
For Bloggers:
1. Comment with a link to your log and a one or two-sentence description.
2. Head on over to the blog of the blogger that commented right before you.
3. Click on any post on that blog, preferably a recent one, and comment! (Thoughtful comments are appreciated.)
4. That's it! If you'd like, feel free to comment again and repeat the process, including the link to your blog. You don't need to give a description again, just please wait until at least one person comments after you to comment again. :)
For Non-bloggers:
1. Don't worry, you can still participate! Just look for any blog that you like and head on over.
2. Click on any post on that blog, preferably a recent one, and comment! Thoughtful comments are appreciated.
3. Come back and look for another great blog!
Commenting here will be closed on Sunday at 9:00PM EST. I hope you discover some awesome blogs in the process and, most importantly, have fun! :D
And if you'd like to grab and post the button anywhere, you can find the code on the right side-bar, thanks!
Labels:
Double-the-trouble
Review: Albatross by Josie Bloss
Albatross by Josie BlossPaperback: 240 pages
Summary: from {goodreads}
What's so cool about nice guys?
Everyone at Tess's new school warns her that Micah is bad news—a heartbreaker. But she can't ignore her attraction to this brooding, brilliant, friendless emo hottie who can turn on the charm—or heart-shredding scorn—at a moment's notice. Starting over in a new town after her parents' split isn't easy for Tess, and Micah feels like her first real connection. But what happens when their bond suddenly feels like shackles? And Micah starts to remind Tess of her freakishly controlling father?
With Albatross, Josie Bloss takes her storytelling in a new direction by exploring the dark side of relationships.
Rating: View my rating system.
My Thoughts: I WANT TO SLAP MICAH SO BAD. Think jerk, think Micah. He epitomes all things high school, aka horrible, always degrading Tess, being prejudiced against others, and... UGH. But I suppose that annoyance - or hatred, even? - attests to the high quality of this book in that a guy like Micah is exactly what Josie Bloss wants. Especially now, when there are so many stirrings in the blogosphere regarding abusive and obsessive relationships, Micah fits right in with his intelligent-coffee-shop (the kind with the black notebook, mussed up hair, and glasses) appearance and condescending, egotistic, cocky, malevolent... you get the idea, rotting interior. Kudos to Josie Bloss, though I came this close to slapping the book a few times. Sorry, my beautiful Albatross for tapping you so hard in frustration.
... Now if Micah would get off that Godzilla-height high horse.
... *sends fierce hate through ESP*
ANYWAYS, as much as I dislike Micah, I actually have to attribute part of that frustration with Tess. She realizes that Micah isn't quite the guy he appears to be early on but decides to brush it all aside. In fact, even later when Micah bites her, it takes Tess time to realize that, maybe, oh! Biting isn't right?! Ultimately, I don't know whether my aggrivation should be counted as a success or flaw on Josie Bloss's part, but the fact remains that both of the two main characters were annoying, one intentially so. Micah is the typical guy you throw out with the trash, but as for Tess... I just don't know. Her past situation with her controlling father makes it more understandable, but, please, instead of bottling up your anger, say something.
On the other hand, when Tess finally does find that special "voice" telling her that Micah is, yes, a jerk, I cheered for her. Josie Bloss definitely addresses the serious issue of mental abbuse, which is often overlooked for the more evident physical abuse. She cuts to the chase and depicts with disturbing clarity the possibility of this horrible abuse occuring right under the nose of other oblivious persons: at school, at home, anywhere. As long as there is a an abuser and a victim, Daisy and Tess, abuse happens. Abuse isn't just in underprivileged families and the abusers aren't just middle-aged married men. Tess's submissiveness and self-degradation to please Micah can come off as annoying and weak, but unfortuantely, that desire to "measure up" can be all to true. Tess has been told off so much by her father, I feel that when Micah emphasized her inferiority, there's a portion of Tess that believes him - and that breaks my heart. So although no particular aspect packed a "wow" factor for me, I admire Bloss's clarity in conveying and stressing her point.
The progression of the storyline was fairly standard, and what I more enjoyed was seeing how Micah and Tess's particular relationship played out. It was a quite repetitive, but that was mostly due to the cyclical nature of abuse: the insults, the break-up, the endearing make-up, the insults, etc. and there are different people and events thrown here and there to spice things up. Though there is a semi-unexpected twist at the end that I probably should have been expecting since "idiots now, idiots tomorrow, idiots forever!"* Given the subject matter, I found the ending satisfactory and sweet without being overly gushy or "happy." Life is hard and there's not always that happily ever after, but you're in control of your life and you're the one who can make it better. And that's what Tess proves.
Romance: Abusive. Not much to say here.
Cover: 2.5 -- It's pretty, but a it just doesn't hold any special appeal. The main girl also isn't quite how envisioned the semi-reserved, laid-back Tess that isn't very concerned with her appearance most days...
Writing: 3.0
Characters: 4.0
Plot: 4.0
Bottom Line: Albatross is a clear portrayal of the gross and demented nature of mental abuse and teaches solid lessons about independence and self-identity that all girls, and boys, should know. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a non-graphic depiction of the cruelty and manipulation involved in abuse and, overall, a fairly quick read with some substance. In honor of Shakespeare's birthday, I part with these wise words for Micah, "I scorn you, scurvy companion. What, you poor, base, rascally, cheating, lack-linen mate! Away, you mouldy rogue, away!" (Shakespeare, Henry IV Part 2, 2.4)
*note on "idiots today, idiots...!" - Sorry about that, agh! I've been studying too much AP U.S. History and George Wallace's segregation spiel!!! *knocks useless history information out of my head*
Labels:
Abuse,
Family,
High School,
Self-identity
(Contest) Just Because You're Special...
credit to fanpop.com
Mini-prize: $10 AMAZON.com GIFT CARD
Details:
· Open to anyone (but please know that amazon.com is not the same as amazon.ca, for example)
· To enter, fill out the form below. As much as they are appreciated, comments do not count as an entry!
· Ends Thursday, May 6th, 11:59 EST
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me anytime. I'll be emailing the winner with the online code for the gift card, so please make sure you leave a valid email address; thanks!
And because I've neglected my lovely affiliates, the only way to enter is to follow at least one of them, though you don't have to follow me. Easy-peasy, right? Don't worry, they're all amazing, so take a look around. I promise you won't regret it. :D
Labels:
Contest
Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder
Inside Out by Maria V. SnyderPaperback: 320 pages
Summary: from {goodreads}
I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? Not like it's all that dangerous - the only neck I risk is my own. Until I accidently start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution. I should have just said no...
Rating: View my rating system.
My Thoughts: I absolutely loved The Study series by Maria V. Snyder - and I mean loved, loved, loved. I can't exactly say why I enjoyed the series so much, but the fact remains that it was captivating and got me addicted from book one. (So considering my adoration for
Anyways, onto the real review... the above summary, which is also the back-cover summary, comes straight-out stating the interesting premise. And I quote "I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. I'm nobody." etc. In a way, it's accurate in that it concisely captures the gist of Trella's sentiments regarding her situation; she's a scrub, she's insignificant. Or rather, that's Trella's view of herself. Her negative attitude, which I feel is simply her being pessimistic as opposed to being cynical or a pragmatic, annoyed me a little at first because it made her isolation seem self-imposed. Trella's the only one degrading herself and other "despicable" scrubs when she bemoans her lowly station, yet her closest and only friend Cogon is somehow still able to remain cheerful and popular with everyone - how? I'd chalk it up to making the best of the situation, but no, alas, to Trella this jovial attitude is a miraculous, mystifying mystery. I can fully understand discontent but cannot fully justify Trella's prejudices regarding others.
Ironically, the book is more enjoyable because the summary is not entirely accurate. Trella definitely does not say anything along the lines of a "go-to girl," and the "so what if...?" gives the impression of an immature, rebellious teenager. There's no doubt in my mind that Trella has a defiant, rebellious streak, but she displays an admirable level of maturity and restraint, especially considering the extremely hard choices she has to make throughout the book. I'm not even sure if I'd be as willing to sacrifice myself as Trella is for the good of cause, even if that "cause" contains the promise of ice cream, pizza, or perhaps freedom. She's also determined to the level of being obstinate, but I enjoyed being able to see an actually no-nonsense heroine that's willing to do anything to achieve her goal and doesn't just retreat in the face of the swoon-and-catch-me guy. As a matter-of-fact, Trella wears the pants completely pulled-up, and may I add firmly buttoned, in the relationship between her and Riley. As for Riley, if you've read The Study series, think Valek (and I'm not exactly complaining here). Black hair, blue eyes, sweet, and seriously kick ass. Maria V. Snyder has quite a knack for creating sensitive, caring guys that somehow manage to maintain their manliness while constantly supporting their more independent, domineering female half, and all I can do is sigh and "aw" at opportune moments.
I know I focused two long, rambling paragraphs on the summary, but it basically sums up all my thoughts on Trella. She has some admirable traits, but she's also a bit too rebellious and too courageous, if that makes sense. Trella is almost an ideal rather than a real person and, in that way, falls a bit flat, as do all of the other characters to me. The characters are pleasant enough and enjoyable enough, but they just lack that intangible extra push that's hard to describe through words but you know it's there. The push that makes you cry with the characters and cheer for them in joy, especially during the Inside Out's many plot ups-and-downs. Plot-wise, the action and unraveling of the Inside were non-stop and unrelenting. It's action, action, action 24/7, and it helped me overlook many low points. Concept-wise, I can definitely see Maria V. Snyder going somewhere with her fairly original idea of "Inside" versus "Outside."
Ultimately, what made me give Inside Out a 3.5-star rating were not the flaws, but my simple opinion that the book just wasn't memorable for any reason, other than the general premise. I don't know what else to say; Inside Out was a solid, enjoyable read, but it just didn't make me deeply empathize with or relate to the characters or completely suck me into the story.
Romance: Very sweet and promotes independence. I mentioned earlier that Riley is sweet, and he is. What else can you say about a boy who's willing to get arrested just to see you? And I liked how Trella isn't absolutely commitment-phobic, but she doesn't immediately consent to Riley's proposal nor gush on for pages about his looks.
Cover: 3.5. Simple, but well-suited and effective.
Writing: 3.0
Characters: 3.0
Plot: 4.0
Bottom Line: Inside Out is an original, slightly dystopian tale that, with the light seasoning of romance, can be devoured quickly and leave you musing about what will happen next. It's a fairly solid recommendation for those that are just starting to go into dystopian novels or are just looking for a fast, enjoyable action-packed read with a sweet guy and from the POV of a brave heroine.
The Saturday Network (14)
**Please, please don't comment if you are NOT participating. If you have questions or comment, feel free to email me!**
Eep, I feel like I'm just apologizing all the time now. This month is really busy for me with all the AP/SAT/piano tests coming up, and I'm really falling behind, sorry! It'll be a lot better in May, but for the meantime, please stick with me. (I'll probably have a quick little contest in a bit just to say I'm sorry, whoops.) As for now, I will prevail - at least I hope - and dig up a few posts for you guys. I solemnly swear on my bookshelf, and in case you can't tell, that is serious biznz.
And if you'd like to grab and post the button anywhere, you can find the code on the right side-bar, thanks!
Eep, I feel like I'm just apologizing all the time now. This month is really busy for me with all the AP/SAT/piano tests coming up, and I'm really falling behind, sorry! It'll be a lot better in May, but for the meantime, please stick with me. (I'll probably have a quick little contest in a bit just to say I'm sorry, whoops.) As for now, I will prevail - at least I hope - and dig up a few posts for you guys. I solemnly swear on my bookshelf, and in case you can't tell, that is serious biznz.
ANYWAYS, on to happier news; it's finally getting warm over here! Hope you're feeling the spring where you live too. This week's featured blogger is Audrey (SN#20) from Holes in My Brain, whose clean and fresh layout matches the season perfectly. She's a YA reviewer in addition to a seperate blog where she discusses movies (though I can barely keep one, how does she manage to keep two?!).
For Bloggers:
1. Comment with a link to your log and a one or two-sentence description.
2. Head on over to the blog of the blogger that commented right before you.
3. Click on any post on that blog, preferably a recent one, and comment! (Thoughtful comments are appreciated.)
4. That's it! If you'd like, feel free to comment again and repeat the process, including the link to your blog. You don't need to give a description again, just please wait until at least one person comments after you to comment again. :)
For Non-bloggers:
1. Don't worry, you can still participate! Just look for any blog that you like and head on over.
2. Click on any post on that blog, preferably a recent one, and comment! Thoughtful comments are appreciated.
3. Come back and look for another great blog!
Commenting here will be closed on Sunday at 9:00PM EST. I hope you discover some awesome blogs in the process and, most importantly, have fun! :D
And if you'd like to grab and post the button anywhere, you can find the code on the right side-bar, thanks!
Labels:
The Saturday Network
Winner: 500 Followers Contest
Alex (Tales of a Teenage Book Lover)
Congrats! I'll email you soon, though if you see this post first, feel free to email me. Thank you again to everyone who entered, and I'll be hosting more contests soon. :)
The Saturday Network (13)
**Please, please don't comment if you are NOT participating. If you have questions or comment, feel free to email me!**
No feature for today because it's been two weeks, but I'll do another feature in next week's The Saturday Network. :)
For Non-bloggers:
1. Don't worry, you can still participate! Just look for any blog that you like and head on over.
2. Click on any post on that blog, preferably a recent one, and comment! Thoughtful comments are appreciated.
3. Come back and look for another great blog!
Commenting here will be closed on Sunday at 9:00PM EST. I hope you discover some awesome blogs in the process and, most importantly, have fun! :D
And if you'd like to grab and post the button anywhere, you can find the code on the right side-bar, thanks!
No feature for today because it's been two weeks, but I'll do another feature in next week's The Saturday Network. :)
For Bloggers:
1. Comment with a link to your log and a one or two-sentence description.
2. Head on over to the blog of the blogger that commented right before you.
3. Click on any post on that blog, preferably a recent one, and comment! (Thoughtful comments are appreciated.)
4. That's it! If you'd like, feel free to comment again and repeat the process, including the link to your blog. You don't need to give a description again, just please wait until at least one person comments after you to comment again. :)
For Non-bloggers:
1. Don't worry, you can still participate! Just look for any blog that you like and head on over.
2. Click on any post on that blog, preferably a recent one, and comment! Thoughtful comments are appreciated.
3. Come back and look for another great blog!
Commenting here will be closed on Sunday at 9:00PM EST. I hope you discover some awesome blogs in the process and, most importantly, have fun! :D
And if you'd like to grab and post the button anywhere, you can find the code on the right side-bar, thanks!
Labels:
The Saturday Network
Out of Hiding + Contest Reminder!
I'm back out of hiding! After a much-needed vacation, I came back to computer and internet problems - joy. Not. But now it's all resolved and I can get back on track with all my reviews and memes, so thank you everyone for sticking with me. As for the Inside Out post, I actually scheduled it for about a week ago, but it never went up...? Sorry for it being late, but it's up now. Come next week, I'll be posting a review of Inside Out soon along with some reviews of books in the Evernight series by Claudia Gray. I also took some pictures at Disney World, though I think only one of me (I hate taking pictures), so I'll post those sometime, maybe this weekend, too. :)
I also just wanted to use the opportunity to remind you to enter my 500 followers contest, which ends tonight.
I hope everyone's enjoying some cheery spring weather, and I'll get caught up soon - I promise!
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