"1983"-Neon Trees,
Reading Goal Updates and Cozy Vibes
13 minutes ago
Yurp, I stared in awe for a few minutes before gaining my composure. I then ran to the nearest phone, called Staysi {of Lost in Ink fame*} and basically fangirled with her for a good half hour. Yes, I LOVED that book. Anyway, the cover is gorgeous and I had to share. Without further adieu the Desires of the Dead cover:
Isn't it pretty? I love that it's very similar to the TBF cover, without being idential. I also love that Kimberly Derting's name is at the top of the book against the black. Authors work friggin' hard on their books and should have their names very visible! I can't wait for this book and am very curious as to what Violet and Jay are going to be up to in the next installment. If you haven't read The Body Finder yet, I highly encourage you to. This is me virtually shoving you out the door to go get it. Seriously, you won't regret it!
"So Much Love"-The Rocket Summer,
I'm currently re-reading City of Glass, and simultaneously re-discovering how much I love Cassandra Clare's world. It's amazing how even though I know what will happen I'm still worried for everyone! These books are brilliant and I highly recommend to anyone who hasn't read them. Plus, then you can stare at this yummy cover all day. (;"The red-tinged air was full of the smell of burning, the night split by shrieks and screams. Doors opened all up and down the rows of houses-people were darting out of them, then stopping dead as they saw the streets filled with monsters."
-City of Glass- Cassandra Clare; pg. 227
"Vuvuzelas"-The People of the World Cup,
A) Despise my blog name. I literally could not think of one thing. I didn't even know what I would be reviewing when I made my blog!
B) I still can't think of anything to change my name to. This poses a problem...
C) I already have a separate e-mail account and all that jazz set up for this name. It's not a big deal to make new stuff, but a lot of people I've contacted only know me by that name.
So you see my dilemma. Do I change my blog name? If so, what the hell do I change it to?! I've been brainstorming* and have come up with a few ideas if I do decide to change my name. They are *drum roll*:
1) The Cara Chronicles {I really just love the word 'chronicles'...and also alliteration.}Now, dear followers, I turn to you. First question: Do I change my name at all? If you say yes to that: What should I change it to? Any of the ones I've come up with, or maybe something you've thought up but haven't gotten to use? Any help is much appreciated!
2) Across the Page {I got this from the T.E. Lawrence quote: "I loved you, so I wrote my will across the sky in stars." Get it? Across the PAGE, page makes it bookish. Yeah? Alright, moving on.}
3) Chasing Words {I don't really know what's going on with this one, but I like it.}
*Also known as staring blankly at my computer screen hoping some brilliant idea just pops into my head. It's not a very reliable method...
"Spotlight"-Mutemath,
Behind the Blog is for all intents and purposes simply interviews with some fellow book bloggers. I interview blog owners and figure out what's "behind the blog." *wink wink, nudge* Also, I like alliteration and couldn't think of a better title. Enjoy!
For my first Behind the Blog 'segment' thing, I've asked three bloggers the same questions. Mostly generic ones, some random. It's, in my opinion, always interesting to see how people's answers of the same questions differ. First up is Jessica from A Fanatic's Book Blog!
Okay, first why don't you introduce yourself and your blog?
Hi everyone! My name is Jessica and I run A Fanatic's Book Blog. It's a modge-podge blog that covers all kind of books from pretty much all across the spectrum! What can I say? I'm a bibliophile at heart, and that means no good book goes unread.
{I love that word, modge-podge. Modge-podge modge-podge modge-podge.}
Why did you start blogging in the first place and what do you hope to accomplish from blogging?
I first started blogging in general to gripe. Oh come on, am I the only one? Blogging is a great way to get out frustration! Then I stumbled upon book blogging and completely fell in love. A place to share my love of books? HUZZAH! From this blog I hope to accomplish spreading the book love! Oh and if someone stumbled upon me who'd like me to review for them as a living, I'd love that too ;).
{I like how you snuck that last part in there. (:}
Were you always a reader?
Ever since I was old enough to understand the words on the page, yes indeed!
Was there ever any book that sparked your interest in reading?
I wouldn't say there was any one book persay. My mom would buy us those Scholastic Summer Reading Packs while we were on break and I read through them (and everything else I could get my hands on) like crazy.
I do remember that the first book I completely fell in love with was The Phantom Tollbooth. A land where people literally eat their words? Amazing. I still love that book! Sadly I lent my copy out a long time ago and it is lost, but I'm still determined to get a new one to replace it so I can dive back in.
What's your favorite part of being a book blogger?
Definitely having the power of opinion. Sure, I can share my love of a certain book with a friend, but blogging allows such a wider range! If I love a book, I can sing its praises and more than just my immediate friends will hear it. It's amazing.
Can you tell us three random facts about yourself?
- Hmmm.....I'm terrified of the outside dark (inside is fine). {I'm the opposite!}
- Every year in July I go to YMCA camp as a counselor and love it!
- People say I have a separate stomach for sweets. I can be completely full at dinner and then someone offers me ice cream and...well...I must eat it!
Okay, now the necessary stranded island question: One book, which is it?
Only one? Okay then I choose Phantom Tollbooth! Wait...were's my copy? DANG IT! Okay, I choose The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. My love for that book is only surpassed by my love of chocolate.
Now it's time for the random questions! *blows vuvuzela*
YES! I love random. Shoot.
Guilty pleasure?
Cartoons. Love 'em. Yes, yes I know I'm 25 years old. So? I use the excuse that I work with kids and it helps me bond with them. Yeah, we'll go with that.
Favorite movie?
The Emperor's New Groove! I've watched it more times than I can count and my boyfriend groans out loud every time I pull it off the shelf. Llama FACE!
Favorite cartoon character?
Definitely Patrick Star. If only we could all flit through life so blissfully unaware. Plus sometimes I do feel like I live under a rock!
The most important of all: Favorite superhero?
Batman! He has the coolest gadgets ever. Besides, who wouldn't want to ride around in the Batmobile?
{Nice choice! I sometimes wonder why other superheroes even exist.}
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, any last words?
Haunch...oh and flippant.
Just teasing! I'm in a crazy mood. Thanks for having me Cara!
Thanks once again to Jessica! I'll be putting the next Behind the Blog up sometime next week in which I interview Shalena from Writer Quirk!
"One"-Vampire Weekend,
Overall Rating: 4.7Characters: 5Plot: 4.1Cover Art: 1.5Originality: 3.6Concept: 4.5
Favorite Line(s):Lexicon:"I feel I should warn you,' he said after a moment. 'I may be about to get sick or pass out.''Uh,' said Mae. 'Sexy.'"-Nick to Mae. (BTW, Team Nick!)Covenant:"'Hey Jamie,' said Seb. 'Want a lift?''Hey Seb,' Jamie responded without missing a beat. 'Drop dead.'"- Just one of the many lines that make me love Jamie."'No,' Nick said, his voice harsh. 'Because I'd let them hurt me.'"- Oh dear God, the boy is just so tortured!"'...I love you, Mae. Your hair is the color of flamingos! And I love Nick as well.' He gazed soulfully in Nick's direction. 'Sometimes when you are not being psychotic, you are quite funny. And you!' He regarded Seb for a long moment. 'No, I still don't like you,' he decided."- Jamie, once again.
Synopsis:
Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magician's are hunting for the charm that keeps the brothers' mother alive, and they want it badly enough to kill again. Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister (Jamie & Mae) come to the Ryves for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, the sign of death that almost nothing can erase. The only way to get it off is killing a magician, the very ones they've been hiding from for so long.
In the next installment , Jamie is being persuaded to join the most powerful magician's circle around. Mae finds herself at the Ryves's door once again, trying to save her brother, but the brothers have their own problems to face. Nick's secret is out and every magician in England wants him dead. Mae learns that she'll have to make her own plan to save them all, while trying to balance her feelings for both brothers. She's also going to find out that the price she must pay is more than she ever imagined.
Sarah Rees Brennan weaves a world of fiery fantasy in The Demon's Lexicon series. I honestly had no interest whatsoever in this series. It didn't sound like something I wanted to read, and so I didn't. Big, BIG mistake people! This series is made of so much win it cannot be measured.
First off, I love the characters in these books. They have believable reactions to whatever is thrown at them, and besides that they're hilarious. I have this habit of stuffing books full of tiny pieces of paper, holding the pages that I like a line or two from. Both of these have a marker in almost every other page. The relationships between everyone (especially Jamie and Nick, their relationship is just so confusing)* are very unique and I like that a lot. They all have different reactions to different people, which is the most relevant in the case of Nick and Alan. The bond between the brothers is remarkable and showcases the differences in each of them and also adds to the 'love triangle'.** The only thing that I didn't really dig was the development of Black Arthur's character. Throughout the book he's described as being this head magician/BAMF that no one can touch...and that's about it. No real details come with him. Then, when we're actually 'introduced' to him, he fell flat. Everyone else was so thought out and unique, so overall it wasn't a big disappointment.
The interesting thing about the plot of TDL's series is that it's actually pretty simple***, with only two real major twists. The first twist drives the second book and just adds fuel to the tension fire as far as character interaction is concerned. The character's are so well developed that they carry the plot and give it depth. They make the journey interesting and the darker events lighter. If it weren't for the dialogue, the book would feel too heavy. There's a perfect balance of light and dark, comedy and drama. Now the end of the second book left me hanging and needing, not wanting, the third novel. Trust me, it's intense.
Overall, this series is a whirlwind of amazing people and a bit of magic. I would highly recommend to any paranormal/fantasy/romance/any-book-at-all-fans. It has the twists and turns to keep you interested, the romance that makes you want to pull your hair out, and some fantastic writing to boot. Two thumbs way up.**** Happy reading!
*I'm totally shipping them. If anyone knows of any Jamie/Nick fan fiction feel free to pass that information along.
**It's a line, then it's a triangle, then it's a square, then it's a triangle, then it's a line. The chick needs to make up her mind, and by chick I mean Mae.
***In terms of being able to follow and predict what will happen. This is paranormal YA, it's never just simple.
****If anyone knows what movie I'm attempting to quote you get five extra entries in my contest because you are made of awesome.
"The City is at War"-Cobra Starship,
You've read it right folks, today is the day. Finally this Fifty Followers Contest I've been talking about will actually exist! Thank you SO much to everyone who has chosen to read my rants and ramblings. For your reading pleasure I will be giving away two books, one that was chosen from the poll, and one that wasn't.*
The chosen ones are:
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder!
Signed Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia + swag!
These beauteous books can be yours. All you have to do is fill out this here FORM. Good luck! C:
*The poll kind of failed. As in four-way-tie fail.
"If Only They Knew"- A Rocket to the Moon,
*Sorry that the text is white, I'm having technical difficulties!
EDIT: I didn't look up these books beforehand and didn't realize that Firelight isn't released until September. I just copied the suggestions I got. I'm really sorry if you voted for that, but I have no way of getting an ARC. Sorry!
What do you want to win?
In My Mailbox is a meme started by The Story Siren & inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. From The Story Siren:
"The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought. And sometimes other fun goodies."
This week I've tried to cut down on buying books and actually look through the books my library has, but I did still buy a few books.*
Bought:
The Demon's Lexicon: Sarah Rees Brennan
Borrowed from Library:
The Demon's Covenant: Sarah Rees Brennan
Sisters Red: Jackson Pearce
I've already finished The Demon's Lexicon and Covenant, and absolutely LOVED them, the review will be up shortly. I've been waiting to get my hands on Sisters Red so I'll definitely be starting that very soon.
"Be OK"-Ingrid Michaelson,
Cara
Anyway, if you'd like to participate in the first ever Behind the Blog, just send an e-mail to {fmhreviews@gmail.com} with Behind the Blog as the subject.
I'd really love to talk to you, and I don't bite-promise-so don't be shy!
"Shark in the Water"- VV Brown,
Cara
*That is, if anyone actually wants to be interviewed by me.
This week I want Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto by Eric Luper!What I want in my mailbox isn't really a meme, because I can't stick to memes and for the life of me can't remember which days they're on unless it's in the title. I just post whenever I feel like it. If you'd like to join in grab the button here, and post whenever the heck you want!
Besides the ridiculously awesome name and cover, this book seems right up my alley. It includes pictures (ooooh) and--just from the jacket and description it's clear--a very witty protagonist.Synopsis:
Seth Baumgartner just had the worst day of his life: His girlfriend dumped him (at Applebee's), he spied his father on a date with a woman who is not his mother (also at Applebee's!), and he lost his fourth job of the year. It's like every relationship he cares about is imploding, and he can't figure out what's going on. To find answers, Seth decides to start an anonymous podcast called The Love Manifesto, exploring "what love is, why love is, and why we're stupid enough to keep coming back for more." Things start looking up when Seth gets a job at a golf club with his hilarious and smut-minded* best friend, Dimitri, and Dimitri's sister, Audrey. With their help, Seth tracks down his father's mystery date, hits the most infamous bogey in the history of golf, and discovers that some times love means eating the worst chicken-salad sandwich you can imagine.
(from Goodreads)
I don't know about you, but I think Love Manifesto sounds hilarious, and I can't wait to get my hands on it! It's available now in the US and Canada, and on Amazon.com.
*Is it just me, or does anyone else have no friggin' clue what 'smut-minded' is supposed to mean...?
"Letters From The Sky"-Civil Twilight,
Cara
**Just a reminder:
If you haven't filled in THIS FORM yet, please do! As soon as I get enough suggestions, I'll open up the Fifty Followers Contest and I can get down to giving away some books!
This first award was giving to me by the lovely Linna @ 21 Pages quite a while ago, so I apologize for not acknowledging the fact until now. I definitely didn't forget and appreciate it dearly!
I'm passing it on to the following fantastic people:
Yay! You're all fantastic people and deserve this immensely!
***********************************
Also, recently, I was given an award by Bookaholic @ Bookaholic Oye!! Thanks so much for that!
This one comes with rules...ooooh.
1) Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award. (check)
2) Share seven things about yourself...
1. I'm kind of said that I've lost my wisdom teeth, because the name makes it sound like they gave me great knowledge. *sighs* The world may never know.
2. My willpower dissolves at sweets and shiny things. My mom had to keep a tight leash on me as a child.*
3. One of my favorite things is the sky just before a big storm comes.
4. It's my mission to make 1,000 paper cranes. Just because I want to.
5. After finding out that after the black belt in karate you test to become a ninja, this has become another mission of mine.
6. I'm addicted to MLIA and we heart it. Seriously...ADDICTED.
7. I will forever be trying to convince people of the fact that Batman is the greatest superhero of all time. I have already converted Staysi, and will continue one person at a time. (:
(check)
3) Pass this along to fifteen bloggers...
This is hard for me seeing as how I'm still new and don't know that many bloggers! Alas, I will try!
Liz @ Cleverly Inked
McKenzie @ The Book Owl
bclement412 @ Abyss
Jenn @ Books at Midnight
Everyone @ Oasis for YA
Kirthi @ Pages
Vee @ Ramblings of a Writer
Juju @ Tales of Whimsy
Alex @ The Gartner Gazette
Kate @ The Neverending Shelf
I can't think of anyone else right now, so...I'm going to try something new. The first four people who comment on this post, and haven't already been awarded anything in this post, will get the award and be added to the list and linked back to.
*A figurative leash, not those creepy real ones that make parents look like they're walking their children.
"The General Specific"- Band of Horses,
Cara
Synopsis:Overall Rating: 3.5
Characters: 3Plot: 4Cover Art: 3Originality: 3.9Concept: 4.8Favorite Line(s):"The past doesn't go away. You just can't see it anymore."- I just really love this. Lisette speaks the truth.And just because it's hilarious: "Claire and Aurelia had been sworn to secrecy on the lives of the entire cast of Gossip Girl."
Rebecca Brown couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to live while her dad is away on business. She's staying in a creepy house with her aunt Claudia, who reads tarot cards for a living. And at a snooty prep school, a pack of filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda. Then, one night, among the oak trees in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to show Rebecca the nooks and crannies of New Orleans. There's just one catch. Lisette is a ghost. A ghost with a deep, dark secret, and a serious score to settle. As Rebecca learns more from her ghost friend- and as she begins to trust Anton Grey- she also uncovers startling truths about her own history.Will Rebecca be able to right the past, or has everything been ruined beyond repair?
(from jacket)
Ruined was okay, just okay. I'm sad to say that nothing really grabbed me with this book. The characters were okay, the plot was good, it was a concept I liked, but it just didn't go as far as it could've in my opinion.
First, let's talk about originality and concept, the new editions to my rating system. I absolutely loved the concept of Ruined. The New Orleans history and culture mixed with the teen angst we all know and love gets an A+ in my book. The only problem was the execution of this concept. It just didn't cut it for me. I don't want to sound too harsh, but the characters and plot didn't blend at all, making it seem as though two different novels were welded together. For example, the stories within the story really pull you in at certain parts then a character, usually Rebecca, will say something dull and the magic is gone faster than a brain cake at a zombie wedding.*
Now, while the plot was very original, the characters were not. New girl isn't accepted by the 'cool' kids, then the unattainable stud chooses the aforementioned new/shunned girl to pine for, isn't exactly what I'd call new. We've all seen this before and right from the start I wanted to pull my hair out. Basically, I didn't like the people in the story.
While the rest of this review is rather blatantly showing my dislike for Ruined, there were some very enjoyable aspects. I can't get over how much I loved reading about the history of New Orleans and the backstory of both Lisette and the families mentioned throughout the book. Ms. Morris really put a lot into creating this separate world in our own. Details are abundant, and the connections between the families are easily made. I'd never really studied New Orleans, or Louisiana for that matter, very much, so it was very interesting to learn something new.
Overall, while Ruined wasn't one of my favorite books by far, I did enjoy it, and would recommend as a light summer read.
"This is for Real"- Motion City Soundtrack,
Cara
*I'm on a zombie kick, what can I say?
P.S. In other news, I found out earlier today that I won a contest over at Mundie Source and will be receiving an ARC of Clockwork Angel! Huzzah! So I'll have a mini review up sometime this month for that and will post my full review closer to the release date.
I ALMOST FORGOT:
I really would like to give you lovely people something for my fifty followers contest, but no one has suggested anything yet! Please, please, PLEASE fill in the itty bitty form I have put together HERE so I can buy some books to give away!
P.S. In other news, I found out earlier today that I won a contest over at Mundie Source and will be receiving an ARC of Clockwork Angel! Huzzah! So I'll have a mini review up sometime this month for that and will post my full review closer to the release date.
I ALMOST FORGOT:
I really would like to give you lovely people something for my fifty followers contest, but no one has suggested anything yet! Please, please, PLEASE fill in the itty bitty form I have put together HERE so I can buy some books to give away!
Lately I've been in writing mode, which for me means people watching until it gets slightly creepy.* Watching the way people interact with each other and by themselves. It's very interesting for those who haven't tried it, I highly recommend.** Anyway, while "watching" I've noticed that far too many people let others bring them down. For example, there's one girl at my school who basically thinks she's the coolest thing since sliced bread (hello stereotype, funny seeing you here). Everyone just lets her think she's the HBIC and you can almost see them taking hits on their self-esteem when she's around. It's so depressing! I've known this chick since I was five-years-old, so I'm more than immune to her behavior, but I like to think that I stand up for myself all the time and not just when it comes to her.
What I'm trying to say is, that no one is better than you make them out to be. Never let anyone convince you that they're better in any way, shape, or form. Basically, be your own literary hero/heroine. Picture the strongest character you've read about, the one person you want to be who doesn't take anything from anyone. Now, be that. Strong individuals don't just exist in stories, nor should they. Every story and character was inspired by something or someone, so be the inspiration people! Be the book, young grasshopper.
/end motivational speech
"Talking to the Moon" by Bruno Mars,
Cara
*I'm being far too generous...I stare.
**The awkward is worth it. You learn so much!
P.S. On a completely different note, are there any Skins fans out there? I've just recently gotten into it and...I. Can't. Stop. Watching. It's so friggin' addicting!
Her: I want one of those ereader things, they look cool.
Me: Nah, I could never. I love the smell of books-I mean I just love books.
Her: Are you going to be a librarian?
Me: No way, I don't have the patience. I do like live at libraries though.
Her: Oh honey, I'm sorry to say but before your forty there probably won't be anymore libraries.
Me: *shocked stare that she exhibited such blasphemous behavior*
Her: You won't even be able to get books soon.
Me: *falls over, dies*
You can now see why I was so disturbed. No LIBRARIES. No BOOKS. I thought, " There are too many book lovers in the world, this could never happen." Followed by, "BUT, what about all of these ereader-thing-a-ma-jigs that people are fawning over. Not to mention iPads." I don't know what to think anymore. So, I leave the question to you... Do you think that sometime in your lifetime libraries will be obsolete, possibly even books altogether? If this did happen what would you do? I sure as hell would sit in my local library until they pried the books from my cold dead hands, but what about you? Can you even see the possibilty of no more libraries, or do you think there are enough book enthusiasts to keep them around for at least 50 more years?
Speak your mind,
Cara
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