Waiting on Wednesday Nov 30th

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Each week we are invited to post about the books we are anxiously awaiting.

My pick this week-

Expected Publication- January 3rd 2012

Summary

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
 
Seriously can not wait for this.... I love the concept.  
What are you waiting for?
 
 
 

18 Books to Give this Holiday Season

18 Books to Give this Holiday Season

      

             

      

           

                              

In My Mailbox Nov 26th 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Each week we are invited to post about the books we received throught the mail,

 from the library, from friends or at a store.

2 lovely book fairies (thank you so much) were busy with the mail this week and I am so grateful. I'm going to split the list up over two posts, so you'll have to check back next week to see what else was in my mailbox.

For Review:

Goodreads

Goodreads

Goodreads

Goodreads 

Goodreads


It also seemed to be the week of incredibly gorgeous covers!! Aren't they beautiful? I think I love the Masque of the Red Death's cover the best though....

What was in your mailbox?

Book Review: Diary of A Wimpy Kid- Cabin Fever (Guest Post)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid- Cabin Fever

By Jeff Kinney

Published November 2011 by Abrams

My ten year old son is a huge fan of this series. I brought the book home for him, and he read it in a night. He's written the "review" today.

  This Diary of a Wimpy Kid book is about Greg and his friend Rowley as they try to have a Christmas Sale. They put posters up on the school about the sale. It starts to snow and all the marker's get smudged. They take the posters off and there are green stains left. So they runaway and everyone thinks it's graffiti. Greg and Rowley become outlaws. Later Greg gets stuck in his house because of a snow storm. The family food is mysteriously disappearing and they run out of power. It's up to Greg to solve the mystery. Out of a 1-5 rating I would rate it a 4 because it wasn't as exciting as the other books but it was still a good book and it was hilarious.

Top Ten Authors I'd Love To Have At My Thanksgiving Feast

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

Each week we post a top ten list on a variety of book related topics.

This week's list:

Top Ten Authors I'd Love to Have At My Thanksgiving Feast

My List:

1. J.K. Rowling. I'd love to share a meal and then watch all 8 movies together and talk HP for the rest of the night.

2. Erin Morgenstern. (The Night Circus) I'm convinced that the Night Circus is actually a real place, and I'm sure Erin knows where I can find it. :)

3. Lauren Oliver. She's one of my favourite authors and loves Ketchup as much as I do, she's also an amazing singer!

4. Elizabeth Miles. Fabulous author, so much fun, she's BFF's with Lauren and also a singer- I'm thinking we could have an awesome sing-along....karaoke night...

5.Stephenie Meyer. I love the Twilight saga. I always will. I will always think Stephenie Meyer is amazing.

6.Oliver Jeffers. He's British, a talented author and illustrator and one of my most favourite picture book authors...ever.

7.Shel Silverstein. I would have loved to have met him. absolute genius. I grew up reading his poems and now I read them to my son.

8. Libba Bray. She always makes me laugh on twitter and in her books. I love her witty sense of humour.

9. Suzanne Collins. Maybe I could convince her to bring a pre-release copy of The Hunger Games. 

10. Maggie Stiefvater. I don't know that this one needs any further explanation.She's um...amazing.

I think this guest list would have me freaking out! My husband would be making the dinner though. Toast is kind of my best dish. :)

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published by HarperCollins Nov 15 2011

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. 

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. 

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. 

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. 

    I have no idea where to begin. The buzz and positive reviews have really said it all. I'm not sure how to articulate how I felt while reading this, in a way that will stand out  do the book justice. 

It was awesome  exceptional from the first page.  The fact that this is my favourite genre to read may have  probably has something to do with my love for this story, but I also think the writing was strong, the plot was compelling and I adored Juliette. I wavered between wanting to be her (um...can we say Adam!) and wanting to rescue her myself.  

I read this is in one sitting. I could not tear myself away, and I know that I'll want to need to go back and re-read again because at the rate I turned the pages I'm sure I missed a few things. :) 

 Tahereh has an lovely, admirable, gifted writing style. She's able to compel the reader forward, but there is still beauty in her words. I marked many phrases and quotes from the book as I read. As I go back to read again, I'm sure I'll find more.  I am looking forward to reading it again, and can not wait for more from this talented author. Highly  Very Highly Recommended.

For more information about the author:   

Her website:  http://taherehmafi.com/ 

In My Mailbox- November 20th

In My Mailbox  is hosted by the Story Siren. Each week we are invited to post about the books we received through the mail, from the store or from the library.

For Review:

 Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Goodreads / Chapters

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

Goodreads / Chapters

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Goodreads / Chapters

Thank you soooooo much book fairies from Penguin!

Dead to You by Lisa McCann

Goodreads / Chapters

Thank you Simon & Schuster

And from my friend Maria at Cari's Book Blog

Radiance by Alyson Noel

and look she got it signed......

and she also sent this one.....

and.........

SHE GOT IT SIGNED FOR ME TOO!!!!!! OMG!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

What was in your mailbox?

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Unread Books on my To-Read Shelf.....

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and the Bookish

This week's Top Ten List:

Top Ten Unread Books on your To-Read Shelf

My List:

1. Where She Went by Gayle Foreman. I bought this book, the day it came out, I couldn't wait for it and yet it sits on my shelf unread. I loved If I Stay so much, I guess I'm worried that I won't feel the same way about Where She Went.
2. Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, and now Inheritance. I had to buy them all, I've heard many people rave, but I I've yet to even read Eragon.
3. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. 
4. Looking for Alaska by John Green. This has been on my bookshelf for 3 years.....
5. London Calling by Edward Bloor- 6 years
6. Graceling by Kristen Cashore - 4 years
7. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson- 2 years
8. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare-another one I was desperate for, yet haven't read
9. Hate List by Jennifer Brown -2 years
10. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Here are a couple of pictures of my current to-read shelves-

I am so lucky to have an incredible book collection, but with so many on my to-read shelves, you'd think that would deter me from buying more right?

nope. Because I obviously have a serious problem. But I know you'll understand :)

Debut Author Challenge 2012

Kristi from the Story Siren is hosting the Debut Author Challenge again in 2012-YAY!!! 

I'm excited to be participating again and also helping Kristi create the 2012 Debut listing for Canada!

Last year I read a total of 16 debuts and I have to say that there is something special about reading an author's first book.

A few debut's that I'm really looking forward to reading this year are:

• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
• Harbringer by Sarah Wilson Etienne
• The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg
• Above by Leah Bobet
• Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
• Cracked by K.M. Walton

There are so many amazing books coming out next year my list could go on forever! What about you? What are you excited about?

Book Review: Hold Me Closer Necromancer by Lish McBride

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Published Oct 12 2010 by Henry Holt and Co.

Hardcover 352 pages

Reviewed from library copy

Summary

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers.  And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?

A William C Morris Debut Award Finalist it had a  lot to offer; funny, corny, dark, clever and I couldn't put it down.
Sam is a loveable character, and I rooted for him for the beginning. Initially I had an issue with how ok he seemed with all the freaky things happening around him. But after reading the book as a whole, his attitude toward everything seemed to fit in the big picture.
This was so much more than I expected. I love when that happens. The story has great cross-over appeal for boys and girls, though I'd say it's def. for older teens.

Quotes I Loved:


“Most people felt lost after high school. Sometimes I felt like I'd never really been found in the first place.”


"On top of all that, you're naked. And while I'm going to hate myself for this later, could you put on some clothes? At least just for a little while, so I can think. Then you can go right back to being naked. All the time. With my full blessing.” 


Highly recommended.

In My Mailbox-Ontario Blog Meet Up Edition

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren (yayKristi) Each week we post about books we receive by mail and other ways. It's always fun to visit other blogs and their mailboxes.

This week and Last week were fabulous. 

Last week I had coffee with my book fairy and she brought me a lovely new hard cover edition:

The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde

Goodreads / Chapters

Another book fairy gave a presentation at my library and I picked up:

Fateful by Claudia Gray 

Goodreads / Chapters

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi   - I'm freaking out!

Goodreads /Chapters

In the mail from Scholastic

IBoy by Kevin Brooks

 -be sure to check out the synopsis on this one-it's fantastic -

Goodreads/ Chapters

First Day On Earth by Cecil Castellucci

-I heard a book talk about the First Day on Earth and I'm really looking forward to reading it-

Goodreads/Chapters

Ontario Book Blogger Meet-up

This was a fabulous event and I'm so excited to post the pictures and share the days happenings.

 Look for a post soon. Meanwhile, we had wonderful publisher, Indigo, and Kobo support. 

The Goodie bags:

Fever by Lauren DeStefano
Simon & Schuster
Goodreads/ Chapters

Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Scholastic
Goodreads/ Chapters

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Hatchette
Goodreads/ Chapters

Angel Time by Anne Rice
Random House Canada
Goodreads/ Chapters

Messy
Hatchette
Goodreads/ Chapters ( not listed yet.....)

Kobo swag, A signed Lauren Oliver Bookplate, Mug & Pen from Random House

Reusuable Indigo Bag donated by Indigo.

AMAZING!!!!

Last but not least I found these cool book marks at Chapters

It's actually a pad of card stock book marks- 25 in each package with room to write your notes and thoughts!! (5.00 each) I loved them so I bought two!!

I'm feeling so happy today, maybe because the sun is shining, maybe because I know how truly lucky I am.

What was in your mailbox today?


p.s. my new IMM graphic was designed by the amazing GREADS. Thank you <3

Waiting to Read -Nov 2-2011

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Each week we are invited to highlight the books we are anxiously waiting for!

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

by Jennifer E. Smith

Hardcover, 256 pages

Expected publication: January 2nd 2012 by Poppy

Summary

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18B. Hadley's in 18A.
Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.
 
This sounds wonderful!!! Can not wait to have it in my hands!
What are you waiting to read?

Top Ten Tuesday -Top Ten Books I Had VERY Strong Emotions About

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

Each week we post a Top Ten List on a variety of book related topics. 

This week: Top Ten Books I Had VERY Strong Emotions About (cry, laugh, hurl across the room, etc.)

My List:

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern- I'm a bit of a fan, and kind of obsessed with this one, but I just loved it sooooo much.
2. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Di Camillo- I still sob hysterically when I read the final pages of this book.
3. Mile High Apple Pie by Laura Langston. A lovely picture book capturing the emotions of having a family member with Alzheimers. -I can't even get through it.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. I was pretty emotional while reading this, I think because I knew it would be the end.
5. The Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott. I literally read 15 pages and felt so sick to my stomach I couldn't finish it.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Epic, and memorable, emotional and unlike many books out there.
7. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. This book makes me happy. It made me giddy and happy the first time I read it and it still makes me giddy and happy every time I re-read it.
8. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. Such beauty. I felt so many different emotions while reading  it. Every chapter brought something new.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's lists. Be sure to leave a link in the comments!