The Sunday Salon- November 11, 2012

The Sunday Salon

Yeah, this is a little late :)  On Saturday, 3 friends and I ran in Disney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon.  It was our first 13.1 miler!  We were a little nervous, but I had a blast!  One of my friends said she will never do another half marathon, another friend said she'll do the other 2 we're signed up for and the third is hooked like me!  I felt really good the whole time and around mile 11 I even got a burst of energy!  Now we're training for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Half Marathon in January!

I finished and reviewed the following books last week:

Mind Games by Kiersten White










I fulfilled items in the following challenges last week:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 80
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 66
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 69

I read Shards & Ashes edited by Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr next and am currently reading Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway.

Waiting on Wednesday- November 7, 2012

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Dance of Shadows
by Yelena Black
Publication Release Date: February 12, 2013

From Goodreads:

Dancing with someone is an act of trust. Elegant and intimate; you're close enough to kiss, close enough to feel your partner's heartbeat. But for Vanessa, dance is deadly – and she must be very careful who she trusts . . .

Vanessa Adler attends an elite ballet school – the same one her older sister, Margaret, attended before she disappeared. Vanessa feels she can never live up to her sister's shining reputation. But Vanessa, with her glorious red hair and fair skin, has a kind of power when she dances – she loses herself in the music, breathes different air, and the world around her turns to flames . . .

Soon she attracts the attention of three men: gorgeous Zep, mysterious Josh, and the great, enigmatic choreographer Josef Zhalkovsky. When Josef asks Vanessa to dance the lead in the Firebird, she has little idea of the danger that lies ahead – and the burning forces about to be unleashed . . .

Book Review- Mind Games

I finished reading Mind Games by Kiersten White early this morning for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future.

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

I absolutely ADORE the Paranormalcy series by Kiersten White so I was sooo excited when I got to read this one!  And while I enjoyed it, I definitely love the Paranormalcy series more.

Mind Games started off confusing for me.  I couldn't figure out what was happening.  Some chapters were flashbacks and some were current day.  Unfortunately, I don't really like feeling confused.

That being said, I really liked the characters.  A lot of Fia's thoughts are in parentheses and at first that got on  my nerves but then it just became part of her personality.  I liked that she had to be so tough but she was so protective of her sister and really just wanted to be loved.  I also liked Annie.  She just wanted to feel normal for once, what with her disability and her special abilities.  And James.  A guy who is so wrong yet so right.  I liked him right away.  His heart is in the right place even if his actions aren't always.

I think this book was too short (only 200-something pages).  I think if maybe the school had been explained more then I wouldn't have had such a hard time figuring things out.  That being said, I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series!

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

Mind Games will be released on February 19, 2013.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 80
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 66
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 69

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

In My Mailbox- November 5, 2012

In My Mailbox: Here's what I got in my mailbox last week



MONDAY

Just One Day- Gayle Forman--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

Ten Beach Road- Wendy Wax--for review (accepted pitch)










TUESDAY

Mind Games-Kiersten White--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

Shards and Ashes-edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong--review for an Around the World ARC









WEDNESDAY

The Lies That Bind- Lisa & Laura Roecker--for review (accepted publisher's pitch)









SATURDAY

Touch of Death- Kelly Hashway--review for an Around the World ARC Tour

The Sunday Salon- November 4, 2012

The Sunday Salon
Wow!  I can't believe its already November!  This past week was pretty laid back.  We didn't do anything for Halloween and since we live in a condo, we didn't have a single trick or treater.  I still dressed my puppy in her Halloween dress though.  She hates being dressed up and gets all mopey the whole time. Today we went to see Wreck-It Ralph.  Such a GREAT movie and I'm so proud to have two friends who worked on it!

I finished and reviewed the following books last week:

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

Just One Day by Gayle Forman










I fulfilled items in the following challenges last week:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 78, 79
Completely Contemp Challenge 2012: 2011-4
2012 Mammoth Book Challenge: 8
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 65
What's in a Name? 5 Challenge: Something You'd Find on a Calendar
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 68


I am currently reading Mind Games by Kiersten White and up next is Shards & Ashes edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong.
 

Book Review- Just One Day

A little earlier, I finished reading Just One Day by Gayle Forman for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay.

 When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!

I can't decide how I feel about this book.  For the first part, it was okay.  I thought it was a little odd that this girl who is a goody goody and always follows the rules suddenly goes off with this guy to Paris for a day, but I went with it.  I liked reading about the different parts of Europe that Allyson went to and reminiscing about my trip 10 years ago. 

I did not like the middle part.  Allyson was just too mopey and depressing.  I mean, she was only with the guy for one day!  I understand that she went through something tough but I just wanted to say "Get over it and move on!"  Especially since she was starting college and had so been looking forward to it.  At that point in the book, I kind of just wanted it be over.

But then towards the end, I got back into the story again.  And what I thought was going to be the end felt right. The door to that part of her life was shut.  But it didn't end there.  It continued for just a couple of more pages.  And after the last sentence I found myself shouting "No!  The book can't just end there!"  I didn't realize how much I wanted the book to continue until then.  And now I'm anxiously waiting until the next book comes out telling Willem's side!

Just One Day will be released on January 8, 2013.

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2012 Reading Challenge 150+: 79
2012 ARC Reading Challenge: 65
What's in a Name? 5 Challenge: Something You'd Find on a Calendar
2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 68

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

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.

*Bumping this up to a level 4
**Completed on 10/31

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
3.  The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
4. Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans
5. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
6. Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel
7. Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James
8. Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

2012 Sophomore Reading Challenge- November Update

2012 Sophomore Reading Challenge

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.

1.  Wings of the Wicked (Angelfire #2) by Courtney Allison Moulton
2.  Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand
3.  Perception by Kim Harrington
4.  7 Clues to Winning You by Kristin Walker
5.  Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel
6.  34 Pieces of You by Carmen Rodrigues
7.  A Fractured Light (A Beautiful Dark #2) by Jocelyn Davies
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2012 Standalone Reading Challenge- November Update

2012 Standalone Reading Challenge

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!

1.  Fracture by Megan Miranda
2.  Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti
3.  Miracle by Elizabeth Scott
4.  Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis
5.  Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale 
6.  Dangerous Boy by Mandy Hubbard
7.  7 Clues to Winning You by Kristin Walker
8.  Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
9.  Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
10.  Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell
11.  Team Human by Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan
12.  When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle
13.  Over You by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
14. Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally
15. Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini
16. Origin by Jessica Khoury
17. 34 Pieces of You by Carmen Rodrigues

2012 TRB Reading Pile Challenge- November Update

2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

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

1.  Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan
2.  Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen by Serena Valentino
3.  Bite by Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, MaryJanice Davidson, Angela Knight & Vickie Taylor
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