In My Mailbox: Here's what came in my mailbox this week
MONDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Monday, February 6, 2012
In My Mailbox- February 6, 2012
In My Mailbox: Here's what came in my mailbox this week
MONDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The Sunday Salon- February 5, 2012
I started the 10k training this week. It wasn't anything that I haven't run before. The farthest was 3 miles. But man, I even MORE tired all of the time now! Next Sunday is when the distances start going up. The farthest I've done is 3.1, which is a 5K, and next Sunday is 3.5. I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot more walking!
I finished and reviewed the following book in the past week:
I fulfilled items in the following challenges in the past week:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 12, 14
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 10, 12
2012 Debut Author Challenge: 2
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 10, 12
Completely Contemp Challenge 2012: 2012-2
2012 Standalone Reading Challenge: 2
I am currently reading The Selection by Kiera Cass and up next, if I don't get any more tour books is Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult.
Book Review- Keep Holding On
I finished reading Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti for an Around the World ARC Tour.
From Goodreads:
Between Noelle’s difficult home life and the bullying she endures at school, all she wants is to get out of her small town. Noelle would give anything to be with Julian Porter. But staying with her emotionally distant boyfriend is safer. When things heat up between Noelle and Julian, she has to decide whether she can be her true self with him.
So I have a feeling that my review is going to be an unpopular one, but oh well.
First off, let me say that this book dealt with a very important topic--bullying. No child, teen, or adult should ever been bullied for any reason. Adults have the responsibility to make sure that bullying doesn't happen. That being said, teenagers need to speak out. Adults don't alway know when bullying is happening and they need to be told so they can stop it.
That being said, I couldn't stand Noelle. I felt that she was whiny and immature. She whined that there was no food in the house, yet she spent the money that she earned working on an ice cream cone in the mall. No, a teenager should never have to leave in situation where he/she is not properly fed or cared for. And that part is horrible. And I get that she wanted to feel like a normal teen, but for some reason that frivoulous scene just bugged me. And then she complained because she was picked on for only having mayo and mustard on her sandwich because she was poor (again, that bullying should never have been allowed to happen) but then she says that she doesn't want to get a free lunch because she would get teased. My train of thought is that if you're already being teased (horrible) for being poor, then at least get a meal out of it! And Matt. How could she not see that she was being used??? It was so obvious and she was so freaking naive to only be allowed to see him in private so they could make out. Really? Just stupid.
But thank god for Sherae and Julian. Both such great teens. They knew about how Noelle didn't come from money but still loved and cared about her anyways. Which is the way it should be.
I dunno. I just didn't really like this book. I've read other books about bullying where I felt the main character was stronger and there were qualities about her that made me like her. And made me feel for her. Noelle just didn't do it for me.
I gave this book a rating of 2.5/5.
Keep Holding On will be released on June 14, 2012.
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 14
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 12
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 12
Completely Contemp Challenge 2012: 2012-2
2012 Standalone Reading Challenge: 2
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.
From Goodreads:
So I have a feeling that my review is going to be an unpopular one, but oh well.
First off, let me say that this book dealt with a very important topic--bullying. No child, teen, or adult should ever been bullied for any reason. Adults have the responsibility to make sure that bullying doesn't happen. That being said, teenagers need to speak out. Adults don't alway know when bullying is happening and they need to be told so they can stop it.
That being said, I couldn't stand Noelle. I felt that she was whiny and immature. She whined that there was no food in the house, yet she spent the money that she earned working on an ice cream cone in the mall. No, a teenager should never have to leave in situation where he/she is not properly fed or cared for. And that part is horrible. And I get that she wanted to feel like a normal teen, but for some reason that frivoulous scene just bugged me. And then she complained because she was picked on for only having mayo and mustard on her sandwich because she was poor (again, that bullying should never have been allowed to happen) but then she says that she doesn't want to get a free lunch because she would get teased. My train of thought is that if you're already being teased (horrible) for being poor, then at least get a meal out of it! And Matt. How could she not see that she was being used??? It was so obvious and she was so freaking naive to only be allowed to see him in private so they could make out. Really? Just stupid.
But thank god for Sherae and Julian. Both such great teens. They knew about how Noelle didn't come from money but still loved and cared about her anyways. Which is the way it should be.
I dunno. I just didn't really like this book. I've read other books about bullying where I felt the main character was stronger and there were qualities about her that made me like her. And made me feel for her. Noelle just didn't do it for me.
I gave this book a rating of 2.5/5.
Keep Holding On will be released on June 14, 2012.
This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 14
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 12
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 12
Completely Contemp Challenge 2012: 2012-2
2012 Standalone Reading Challenge: 2
*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Waiting on Wednesday- February 1, 2011
Blood, Bath & Beyond
by Michelle Rowen
Publication Release Date: August 7, 2012
From Michelle Rowen's website:
Being engaged to a centuries-old master vampire can be challenging—especially when he takes a job with the Ring. Thierry’s in for fifty years of nonstop travel and deadly risk. It’s enough to make any woman reconsider the wedding…any woman except Sarah, that is!
Traveling with him to Las Vegas for his first assignment, they encounter a child beauty pageant contestant from hell, as well as a vampire serial killer leaving victims drained of blood, potentially exposing the existence of vampires to the whole world. But when Thierry’s truly ancient history comes back to haunt him, and he’s accused of a crime he didn’t commit, it’s up to Sarah to clear his name before their immortal lives come to an end.
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge-- February Update
Here are the challenge details:
1. This challenge will run from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
2. You can join the challenge at any time. All books read in 2012 count for the challenge, regardless of when you sign up.
3. This challenge can cross-over to your other reading challenges.
4. You do not need a blog to participate! If you are not a blogger, you can post your reviews at Goodreads, Shelfari, or LibraryThing and link them up here.
5. All formats of books are acceptable: Bound copies, e-books, and audiobooks as long as they meet the guidelines of Point #6 below!
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT E-BOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS: If you are using an e-book or audiobook for the challenge, the bound format equivalent must be a minimum of 450 pages. Only unabridged audiobooks will count!
7. Both adult and children's literature are allowed: As long as it meets the minimum page count of 450 pages.
8. About LARGE-PRINT BOOKS: Same rules apply as noted in Point #6. As long as the regular-bound format equivalent is a minimum of 450 pages, this format will count.
9. No anthologies, short story collections, or poetry: Just novels.
10. There are four levels for the challenge:
a. Level 1: Read 2 mammoth-sized books.
b. Level 2: Read 4 mammoth-sized books.
c. Level 3: Read 6 mammoth-sized books.
d. Level 4: Read 8 or more mammoth-sized books.
11. When you write your sign-up post, you must choose your level. You can go up, but you cannot go down!
12. There will be link-ups for your reviews on a quarterly basis, which will be posted on THIS page.
13. There will be a link for your wrap-up post at the end of the year.
14. Create a sign-up post and link back to this post. Sign up with Mister Linky below! Be sure to use the direct url to your sign-up post and not the url to your blog.
*I am going to start with Level 1
2012 Sophomore Reading Challenge-- February Update
What books count towards the SRC?
Any second YA or MG book published by an author in 2012 counts – it can be the second in a series, a new series, or a standalone. The only requirement is that it is the SECOND book the author has published in the YA or MG realm (and it must publish in 2012 in your home country)! I have started a Goodreads list HERE – as you can see, there are probably many many books on that list you are planning on reading already
When does the challenge run?
Books read before January 2013 count for this challenge.
Why should I join this challenge?
Reading debut novels is AWESOME. It is by far my favorite challenge – it allows me to find many new authors that I love. What better way to support these authors than to read their next published book?
What are the guidelines of the challenge?
Your challenge is to read 10 sophomore YA/MG novels in 2012. To officially participate, you need a Goodreads account or blog where you post reviews in English.
What should I do if I’m an author coming out with a sophomore novel?
I would love to feature you on my blog! Please contact me via THIS FORM or by e-mail (shanynlee at gmail.com).
How do I join?
Link your blog or Goodreads account below, and make a list of the sophomore novels you’re looking forward to
There will be prize packs given away to challenge participants throughout next year. You will receive an automatic entry for signing up to participate – options for additional entries will be announced at the time of the giveway.
2012 Standalone Reading Challenge-- February Update
Why a Standalone Reading Challenge?
There's a challenge for Debuts, there's a challenge for Sophomores, why not a challenge for Standalones?
So what's the challenge?
To read 15 standalone YA books in 2012!
What books count towards the 2012 Standalone Reading Challenge?
Any Young Adult standalone book that is released between December 27, 2011 and December 31, 2012. Any format (paperback, hardcover, e-book, ARC) counts, but they must be read during the year 2012.
Where can I find out which books can be read for the SARC?
We have started a list for you HERE. Please note, this list is public and won't be 100% accurate. We will try to keep it updated as best as we can. If you know of any standalones we may have missed, please feel free to add to this list.
I'm an author with a standalone novel coming out in 2012!
If you're an author with a standalone novel releasing in 2012, whether its a debut or not, you can participate too. It would be super spectacular if you would like to either donate a book/swag or sign up for an interview/promotional post! Please fill out the form HERE.
Who can participate?
Anyone with a blog or a Goodreads account where they are able to post reviews (in English) can participate.
Why should I sign up?
One, there will be a lot of fun. Two, there will be periodic prize packs (more info to come) given out to participators, as well as fun posts from and interviews with authors who have standalone YA novels releasing in 2012. And three, its a fun way to promote those novels that aren't part of a series/trilogy!
2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge-- February Update
Welcome to 2012 TBR PILE Reading Challenge!!!
We all have those books. We buy them, win them, they're gifted to us.. Then we put them up on a bookshelf and there they stay, collecting dust, waiting for the time when we'll finally decide to pick them up..
Join us on a quest to dust off your TBR Pile and read all the books you've been telling yourself you'll read next time you'll get a chance.. This is your chance! And we've got PRIZES!!! :D
Challenge guidelines:
This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012.
As we would like to see quality reviews linked up to our monthly wrap-ups, only bloggers can enter. Sorry about that!
Any genre, length or format of book counts, as long as it is a book that's been sitting on your shelf for some time now. Only books released in 2011 and earlier! NO ARCs and 2012 fresh-off-the-press releases allowed!
You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the 2012 TBR PILE Reading Challenge (You need to include the info + host list + challenge button. You can also grab the button code and add it to your sidebar!)
You can move up levels, but no moving down.
Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.
At the end of each month one of the hosts will post a wrap-up. Every wrap-up will have it's unique theme, a mini-challenge, a giveaway and place for you to link up your reviews from this month. For each review you link up, you will get one entry in a drawing of one book of choice from Book Depository. It's open to INTERNATIONALS. For participating in the mini-challenge you will get +1 entry.
If you miss a wrap-up post + giveaway, you can link up your reviews next month. Do not, however, try to link up one review twice - we will be checking ;)
December is a wrap-up for the whole year. All the book reviews you linked up January-November + the ones you'll link up in December will be entered into a HUGE giveaway - 12 books, 12 winners, INTERNATIONAL.
You don't have to follow all the hosts to join the challenge, but you do have to follow all of us to be entered in giveaways!
Levels:
1-10 - A Firm Handshake
11-20 - A Friendly Hug
21-30 - A Sweet Kiss
31-40 - Love At First Sight
41-50 - Married With Children
Hosts:
Evie from Bookish - http://www.evie-bookish.blogspot.com/ @SeoEvie
Nicole from All I Ever Read - http://www.nicoleabouttown.com/ @Nicoleabouttown
Bonnie from Hands and Home - http://www.handsandhome.ca/ @HandsHomeBlog
Donna from Book Passion For Life - http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.com/ @BookPforLife
Caitlin from WatchYA Reading - http://whatchyareading.net/ @caitlingss
Rie from Mission To Read - http://missiontoread.com/ @missiontoread
Vicky from Books, Biscuits & Tea -http://booksbiscuitsandtea.blogspot.com/ @alouetteuette
Christa from Hooked On Books - http://christashookedonbooks.blogspot.com/ @ChristasBooks
Jenna from Fans Of Fiction - http://fansoffiction.blogspot.com/ @fansoffiction
Angel from Mermaids Vision - http://mermaidvision.wordpress.com/ @mermaidvisions
Wrap-up POST Schedule:
January - Donna (Theme: Let It Snow + Book Cover Challenge)
February - Nicole (Theme: Un-requited Love/Love Gone Wrong + Advice Column Challenge)March - Rie (Theme: Green or Pinched + Green Cover Challenge)
April - Bonnie (Theme: Easter + Mini Challenge)
May - Christa (Theme: MayDay - Disaster Books! + Cover Disaster Challenge)
June - Jenna ( Theme: Camping + Sentence Challenge)
July - Rie (Theme: International Day + Cover Comparison Challenge)
August - Angel (Theme: Summer Memories + Send Your Fav Character On Vacation Challenge)
September - Nicole (Theme: Life Changing Books + Mini Challenge)
October - Caitlin (Theme: Thanksgiving Theme + Share-A-Book Challenge)
November - Vicky (Theme: Spooky Halloween + Book Puzzle Challenge)
December - Evie (Theme: Xmas Bliss + Book Bachelor Challenge)
*I am signing up for the Firm Handshake level
Completely Contemp Challenge 2012-- February Update
What books qualify?
Any YA contemporary published in 2010, 2011, or 2012. I have lists on Goodreads that show a selection of possible books for each year but this list is NOT exclusive! As long as it was published in one of those years you may count it towards your challenge list! (And note: anyone can “vote” for a book on Goodreads, so it’s best to check the publication date yourself before officially counting it towards your challenge just in case someone added it in error.)
Contemps published in 2010
Contemps published in 2011
Contemps to be published in 2012
When does the challenge run?
Books read in 2012 count towards this challenge.
Can I count books read here for other challenges?
Sure! The goal here is to get everyone to read a few extra contemporary books, so whatever works for you works for me (Make sure your other challenges allow this before counting for both, though!)
Are there places to participate besides on my blog?
Yes! There is a Goodreads group where you can post reviews and talk about the contemporary books you’re reading
*I am choosing the number 5
2010:
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge-- February Update
Run's January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012.
The Rules:
Anyone can join.
You don't need a blog to participate.
Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post on Jamie's blog.
Audio, eBooks, paper, re-reads all count.
No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
There are four levels:
The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels.
The Jumbo Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 40 Young Adult novels.
The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels.
*I am participating in the Mega size challenge
- Bloodrose (Nightshade #3) by Andrea Cremer
- Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne
- Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
- Fracture by Megan Miranda
- Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand
- Forbidden by Syrie James & Ryan M. James
- Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan
- A Want So Wicked (A Need So Beautiful #2) by Suzanne Young
- Dreaming Awake (Falling Under #2) by Gwen Hayes
- Slide by Jill Hathaway
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