The Night Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Published by Double Day September 13th 2011

387 pages

Reviewed from ARC-borrowed from friend

Summary:

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead. Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

How do I even begin sharing my thoughts on this book? This intricately woven story has completely swept me away. The story moves back and forth through time, with many people & pieces and yet they all fit together perfectly. At the heart of it, is the story of love and sacrifice, believing in the unimaginable possibilities the world has to offer. The author's writing has a depth that encaptured all my senses- I was truly transported into The Night Circus and when I had to stop reading because my "real" life interrupted, like the patrons in the book, I rushed to go back as soon as possible. I long for sweet carmel apples, and chocolate mice, a red scarf and a silver card that gives me unlimited admission. I wish this Circus was real. This is not a book I will soon forget, and I hope the feeling that came over me as I finished the final line of the story, will stay with me, I'll hold on to it as long as I can. Highly Recommended -One of my favourites....ever.

Top Ten Tuesday-Top TBR this Fall

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week we post our top tens on a variety of book related topics. 

This week's list: Our Top Ten To-Be-Read this Fall.

My List- It was hard to only pick ten.....(links go to GoodReads)

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - Adult Literary and exquisite is the only word I can think of to describe it.I'm in the middle of reading this and I'm in love with it, if you can be in love with a book. Release date is September 13th and you can bet I'll be running to the book store for this one.

2.   Lisel & Po by Lauren Oliver. My favourite author writing middle grade. So excited. My son and I are actually reading this together -watch for a review from both of us in October. Release Date: October 4th



3. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness- I love Patrick Ness and the subject matter of this book hits my heart. I can't wait to read it. Release Date: September 27th

4.  This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel- Talented Canadian author! I'm a fan of his other series and can not wait to read this- Release Day is Today-Happy Book Birthday!

5. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I don't know who isn't anxiously awaiting this, I expect to see this on many lists today. Release Date: November 15th

 

6.  Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins -  I'm counting down the days until I can buy it. All my favourite bloggers have raved about it. Release Date: September 29th

7. The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa . I know it's available on netgalley, I even downloaded it read but I just can't read it on my computer. I don't know if e-reading is for me, I miss the connection I feel to the characters when I'm holding an actual book- sound crazy? Release Date: October 25th 

 

8. Dearly Departed by Lia Habel.  Walking Dead meets the future meets Victorian era? Yes Please!!! Release Date: October 15th

9. Legend by Marie Lu . Buzz for Legend has been all positive and those who  follow this blog know my passion for anything Dystopian. Release Date: November 29th (so far away)

10. Here are a few more titles from my Resolved to Read in 2011 list that I have yet to read...I must read these by the end of December- MUST- 

 Shipbreaker,  The Dead and the Gone, The Weed that Strings the Hangmans Bag, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Beautiful Creatures, & Posterboy

I have a feeling after seeing everyone's lists my to-read pile is about to get a whole lot larger....

TGIF- Book Associations & Reading Style

TGIF- is hosted by the wonderful Ginger at GREADs. Each week, a different book related question is posted for us to answer. *Congrats to Ginger on having TGIF  nominated for a Book Blogger Award*

This week's question:

Book Associations:

Which genre, authors, or particular books do you think people associate with your reading style?

At work (the library)I'm the go-to gal for middle grade and YA fiction. As for specific genre's I tend to lean toward Dystopian, Paranormal, Sci-fi and Fantasy. Contemporary or historical fiction has to be extremely good for me to be drawn in.

Reading Style:

I recently attended a Readers Advisory workshop and was introduced to the idea of:

 "Appeal Factors" "The aspects of a book that engage readers"

  These are the reasons readers choose the books they do (even if it is subconsciously) and why a book that I may have loved might not appeal to everyone. It was fascinating to recognize the similarities in the books I have read and loved across several different genres and age groups.

And I love the idea of my "reading style" being my very own.

The factors were things like Story, Writing Style(Pace), Characterization, Frame (background) . I generally love the books that are driven by the story, or who have characters I can easily relate to. When it comes to books that have complex back stories, or jump back and forth too much I tend to lose interest quickly. I also tend to avoid books with too much description- you know the ones that take 20 pages to describe a tree...but I know many people who relish in the language in books like that.

If you would like to read more about appeal factors you can check out these links

http://raforall.blogspot.com/2010/02/working-with-specific-appeal-factors.html

http://www.sjrlc.org/RAhandouts/appealfactors.html

http://nslappealfactors.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by, Have a fabulous weekend! and don't forget to leave a comment so I can visit you too!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Published by Simon & Schuster Sept 27 2011

464 Pages

Reviewed from ARC

Summary

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory

of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this one up. I love how vague the summary was- I usually avoid reading entire summaries especially with debut authors as I find too much is given away...not in this case.
  Suspenseful, dark and sometimes creepy I was completely hooked. It was unpredictable and though I had glimmers of where I thought the story was headed, I'd turn the page and something completely unexpected would happen. I love when that happens I want to be surprised when I read and there were a few times where I know my jaw actually dropped open.
I desperately wanted to know what happened to Mara, and her friends. I needed answers and so I found myself racing through the book (which means I'll have to read it again as I probably missed a few details). Noah Shaw was a great *love interest* for Mara, and though there were times that I had intense anger towards him I mostly sighed out loud when I read I about him.  I do have to say . .. holy cliff hanger ending. I can't wait for the next one- Michelle write fast please.

 

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I have loved, but haven't reviewed

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by the Broke and the Bookish.

Each week we create a list based on a book related topic.

 This week's list:

Top Ten Books You Loved But Never Wrote A Review For

My List:

The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman - It's too bad the movie didn't do this book justice or maybe more people would have read it. I loved it on so many levels.

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau - I first read this one on the recommendation of a 9 year old who said it was his favourite book EVER. There really isn't any higher praise than that.

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready - Logan & Zach

Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky -This should be required reading. for everyone.

Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Allan Bradley - Flavia Du Luece (MC) is the best

 (and quirkiest) detective yet.

Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer - Unsettling, but incredible dystopian

First Test by Tamora Pierce -My first of many Tamora Pierce-I loved the Medieval time period

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley -lovely contemporary

The Secret History by Donna Tartt -a book club pick- I didn't think I would like- but I ended up loving

Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost - Hot. Like really really steamy hot.

This week I included middle grade, ya and adult......the majority of the books listed are books I read before I started blogging. Have you read any from my list? Be sure to leave acomment with a link to your list.

Forgotten By Cat Patrick

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Published by Little Brown for Young Readers

June 2011

288 Pages Hard Cover

Reviewed from Library Copy

Summary:

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.
 

Favourite Quote:

  "Funny how possibility can lift you. Funny how reality can slam you down"

 

  I have been in a reading slump for just over 2 weeks, everything I picked up, I put back down. Thank goodness for Cat Patrick and Forgotten because it was the book that pulled me from the depths of unsatisfied reading. This one is difficult to review because I don't want to give too much away. So much of the book was surprising and I'd hate to ruin it for anyone.

  London ( I love that name) forgets everything about herself every morning at 4:33am and no one knows why. Inexplicably though she's able to see the future and knows what will/ or could happen to herself and those she loves. A recurring nightmare prompts London to try and solve the mystery of her past for fear that the nightmare is actually a vision from the future. The other characters in the book were understanding and supportive of London (well those that knew of her condition) and even though she forgot him everyday Luke was there for her.

  I loved the premise of the book, I was reminded of scenes from the movie 50 First Dates with Drew Barrymore where she sits across from those who know and love her and doesn't recognize them.
  Our identities  lie in our memories, and I can't imagine knowing you'll lose that every day. A strong debut from this new author. Recommended.

Forever Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered the Signed Forever Giveaway!

The winner chosen at random is.....

Tara from Taming the Bookshelf

Congrats! -I've sent you an email.......

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Published by Simon Pulse August 30 2011

352 Pages

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary

The first book in a paranormal teen trilogy featuring three beautiful, mysterious girls

wreaking havoc on a small New England town.

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....
It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...
Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.
On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.
In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.
Em and Chase have been chosen.

  Aside from the gorgeous cover, it was the stories of Em and Chase that drew me in. I loved the paced unfolding of their stories and the build up to the end. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. This was an introduction to the mythology of "The Furies" for me. I had never heard of them before, but as soon as I finished reading, I was online learning about them. Imagine having made a horrible mistake, knowing what you've done was wrong and yet having to pay a terrible price. "Eye for an Eye" is what came to mind.
   It can be difficult to relate to characters like Emily and Chase because their actions are unlikeable but that's exactly why I liked them. They were flawed and I related to them better because of it.
   We all make mistakes (some bigger than others). Em & Chase made a couple of huge ones and in the process hurt those around them. I certainly have been burned by others too, and though a part of me would love to see "what goes around come around" come true, there's a larger part of me that realizes that in the long run that doesn't fix or make anything feel better. Thank goodness the Furies are fiction though or I think we'd all be in a heap of trouble. Great Paranormal read from this Debut Author-I'm looking forward to the next. Recommended.
   
I was fortunate to be able to ask the author a few questions:


My Q&A with Elizabeth Miles

     1.    What inspired you to write about the Furies?

I always had an interest in YA literature - that, combined with a longstanding fascination with mythology and folklore, a love-hate relationship with the horror genre, and my personal interest in the questions of mistakes and forgiveness, led to the Fury series.

2.    Is there anything you believe someone could do that would be unforgivable? What does forgiveness mean to you?

What great questions. Hurting the people I love is a pretty non-negotiable in terms of things I won't forgive. As for what forgiveness means... It means really absolving or feeling absolved of feelings of guilt. If those feelings linger, true forgiveness hasn't been achieved.

3.    There is something special about attending an author's event and getting a book signed. If you could go to any author event who would it be and why? What's a question you would ask them?

I would love to meet Stephen King (a fellow Mainer) in person! I would ask him the classic question - Where do you get all your ideas!?! How do you maintain such high levels of productivity!?!

4.    Which character did you relate to most while writing?

While writing Fury, I really connected with Em. For better or for worse, I understand the pull of doing something that you know is wrong because it feels so good

5.    How did you celebrate when you found out your book was going to be published? What's the most exciting thing that has happened since?

I definitely drank some champagne! The past year has brought such a series of amazing developments that it's hard to choose one highlight. But meeting 60 YA bloggers at a Simon and Schuster event during BEA was definitely one of the most fulfilling moments

6.    Anything you'd like your readers to know? Upcoming events? Are you doing a Book tour in Canada?

 I'll be updating my blog (elizabethmilesbooks.com) with news about my upcoming appearances. I REALLY hope to get to Canada!!

I am so thrilled that  I am a part of this blog tour!

The "Playlist" for Fury:

1) "Cabaret" -- Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
2) "Slow Vein" -- Cult Maze
3) "Disturbia" -- Rihanna
4) "Walking With a Ghost" -- Tegan and Sara
5) "Crane Your Neck" -- Lady Lamb the Beekeeper
6) "The Suburbs" -- Arcade Fire
7) "I'm With You" -- Avril Lavigne
8) "Next Girl" -- The Black Keys
9) "Mary's Song (Oh My My My)" -- Taylor Swift
10) "After the Storm" -- Mumford and Sons
11) "What Goes Around Comes Around" -- Justin Timberlake

You can find out more about Elizabeth and Fury here - http://www.elizabethmilesbooks.com/ http://www.furybooks.com/

Big Nate on A Roll by Lincoln Peirce

Big Nate on a Roll by Lincoln Peirce

Published by Harper Collins May 2011

Reviewed from Finished Copy provided by the publisher

Summary

For fans of the hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Here comes BIG NATE, accidental mischief maker and definitely NOT the teacher's pet.

Big Nate is on a roll!

Nate’s a big deal in his scout troop . . . until Artur—aka Mr. Perfect—joins up. Now Nate’s stuck in second place. And Artur means business.

Will Nate take the grand prize? Or wipe out, big time

                I am excited today to host a very special guest reviewer on Lost in the Library

My ten year old son Andrew's thoughts on Big Nate:

   Big Nate On A Roll is a great book that is related to Diary of A  Wimpy Kid. It is really funny because this kid Arthur comes to town and is stealing everything from Nate! But he actually doesn't know that he's really annoying him and at least at Timber Scouts Camp Nate will be away from Arthur....or will he? Poor Nate, Arthur joined the Scouts Camp. As Nate continues on with his life, the timber scouts are selling posters to raise money. At first Nate thinks this idea is cheesy but then he's sees the grand prize- A custom skate board. It turns into a battle between nate and arthur for the prize.

This book was really funny and my favourite part was how surprised Nate was after Arthur joined the Timber Scouts. You should definetly read this book. Today.

Guest Review- Forever and a Giveaway

Donna and I met when I worked at the library near the high school where she taught. She was kind enough to let me join the high school book club she began and we partnered running the meetings. I instantly felt a connection with her as she loves YA as much as I do and is such a wonderfully, kind and genuine person. She is also tons of fun to be with and we have the same sense of humour. I'm so happy that even though we no longer "work" together, she's become a very dear friend.

Her Review of Forever:

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Published by Scholastic

July 2011

Summary:

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

I am sure that book enthusiasts would agree that trilogy series are standard fare these days. I am also sure that book enthusiasts would agree that finding a perfect trilogy--with all of the compelling writing, magical storylines and emotional peaks--is not the norm. I cannot imagine the pressure that these authors face. Being responsible to readers for upholding their commitment and expectations would make me crumble!

All I can say is quite simply, "Bravo, Maggie Stiefvater." The Wolves of Mercy Falls is a series that is worth reading. This final installment was amazing.

The continuing storyline of Grace's entry into her existence as a wolf and Sam's desperation to know that she is okay remains a powerful draw in Stiefvater's final novel, Forever. Their love for one another does not diminish; however, they are forced to deal with the realities of their situation and how living partly as humans and as wolves will impact a future together.

The additional storyline of the relationship between Isabel and Cole is phenomenal. In fact, it is this parallel tale that I was deeply connected to. The character of Cole St. Clair is irresistible--his intelligence, sarcasm and vulnerability is a lethal combination!

All four characters are forced to make significant decisions as the townspeople (led by Isabel's father) have committed to a cleansing of the wolf pack. As Cole finds himself closer to creating a serum to "cure" the transition from human to wolf, it is really a race to see if everyone can be saved.

Yes, this is a romance; yes, this is a story about werewolves. However, Stiefvater treats her readers with respect. This is not a sappy melodrama. This novel (and series) shows incredible dedication to character development and takes its readers on a satisfying journey filled with feelings of suspense, loyalty and hope.
Thanks so much for doing this review Donna!!!

As some of you might recall, I was fortunate enough to attend a signing event with Maggie in July. I picked up an extra copy and had it signed to giveaway here.

I have one hardcover of Forever signed by Maggie to giveaway.

For your chance to win, leave a comment on this post, with your contact info.

You must be Age 13 or older

U.S or Canada only please.

For an extra entry in the giveaway- you can tweet about this post and show your link below.

Winner will be chosen at random on August 20th 2011 and then contacted by email.

Good Luck!

Scorpio Races Trailer

                                                       How amazing is Maggie? Seriously talented.

Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Published by Scholastic Press  October 2011

Summary

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races.

Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line.

Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
 
I'm excited about this one, the teen librarian at my library read it and gave it 5 stars (she rarely gives 5 stars to anything:)
 

WoW - I need this book in my hands today....

To be Published by Harlequin in October 2011

Summary: I think everyone knows what this one's about.........

I'm a bit late to the game on this series, but it's my new love. I can't stop thinking or talking about it. I know Iron Knight is available on net galley but I just really need to have the hard copy in my hands.

What are you waiting for?

Withering Tights



Withering Tights by Louise Rennison

Published by HarperCollins July 2011

Hardcover 351 pages

Reviewed from Library Copy

Summary

Hilarious new series from Queen of Teen – laugh your tights off at the (VERY) amateur dramatic antics of Talullah and her bonkers mates. Boys, snogging and bad acting guaranteed!

Picture the scene: Dother Hall performing arts college somewhere Up North, surrounded by rolling dales, bearded cheesemaking villagers (male and female) and wildlife of the squirrely-type. On the whole, it’s not quite the showbiz experience Tallulah was expecting… but once her mates turn up and they start their ‘FAME! I’m gonna liiiiive foreeeeeever, I’m gonna fill my tiiiiights’ summer course things are bound to perk up. Especially when the boys arrive. (When DO the boys arrive?) Six weeks of parent-free freedom. BOY freedom. Freedom of expression... cos it’s

the THEATRE dahling, theatre!!

I was so thrilled when I first heard about this book. Louise Rennison's Georgia Nicholson series had me laughing out loud, and this one did the same. This author knows how to write humour and thank god she puts a glossary in the back for all of us non-brit readers.

  Fun, light and thoroughly enjoyable, exactly what I needed after all the heavy dystopians I've been reading. That's not to say that Withering Tights didn't have substance, Talluah was an over the top lovable character but she had to deal with all the insecurities and self doubts teen-age girls (and adult women for that matter) contend with on a daily basis. I wish there had been a Summer Performing Arts School when I was teen. Especially with a boys school next door! :) I can't wait for more Tallulah adventures. Recommended.

You can find out more about Louise Rennison here: http://witheringtights.com/
And if you haven't read "Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging" go now and get it.......

In My Mailbox- Crazy Amount of Books edition

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the Story Siren. Each week we are invited to feature the books we've received, whether by borrowing, buying or being gifted.
This week was crazy! I found an online book sale and I went a little nuts. I was able to get some books I've already read and wanted to add to my home library as well as a few that I'm totally jazzed to read:

Bought:

From the Library:

For Review:



Dark Souls by Paula Morris

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Thanks to Scholastic Canada- these look fantastic!

What was in your mailbox? Be sure to leave me a link





TGIF - Taking it Personal

TGIF- is hosted by the wonderful Ginger at GREADS. Each along with celebrating the fact it's Friday, Ginger posts a book related question for us to answer-

this week...

Taking it Personal: Which books have effected you on a personal level and lingered in your mind long after you closed the pages?

I'm unable to choose just one, I could list at least 10, but I'll limit it to 3

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Di Camillo

A book that I've read 10 times, and I sob each time. So many wonderful things about this one, it's just lovely and at the time when I first read it I clung to the words tightly. This book comforted me at a time when I really needed it.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

An incredible book...this one stayed with me for days. You can read my review of it here. I own the next one-Where She Went, but I still can't bring myself to read it yet- not sure of what I'm waiting for...

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

 

Lauren Oliver has become one of my most favourite authors. There is just something about the way she writes that speaks to me more than others.

You can read my review here. A powerful, and inspiring read.

When I look at the underlying themes of the books that move me the most, it seems they all share something in common. They look at love as a choice. Is loving someone and being loved worth the possible pain if you lose them? And if you do lose them....can you, will you make the choice to go on without them?