Book Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Publication Date: May 1st by Harperteen

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher (THANK YOU)

Summary:

    One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.


My Thoughts:
    There is truly no way I could write this without a ton of superlatives so I’ll just have to go with it- bear with me. OMG.  I’m not sure where I could even begin to tell you the amazingness between the covers of this book. Divergent was exceptional, but the plot twists and turns, the beautifully crafted character of Tris and *sigh* Four in Insurgent have come together to create an engaging, and thrilling read from start to finish. Tris is a complex multi-layered character who has grown leaps and bounds through both books. I’d like to think that I would be as brave, as self-sacrificing as she is in the books, and as dedicated to uncovering the truth.  In Insurgent we learn more about the four Factions, their strengths and their weaknesses as well as the Faction-less.  I want to be careful not to drop spoilers, but I will say that there were points where my jaw dropped and times where I shouted out loud. The ending was a shock and has left me desperate for the next in the series. It’s clear that things are not always what they seem and that Tris’s world is forever changed. Highly Recommended. This series is one to buy for your home library.

In My Mailbox- April 29

In My Mailbox, is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. Each week we are invited to post about the books we got via mail, store, library or friend.


For Review:

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leet

and  Changeling by Philippa Gregory

Thank you Simon & Schuster!!!

Purchased:

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad

Picture books: I Want My Hat Back 

        Tuck Me in

I love beautiful notebooks and journals, any type of stationary actually:)

What was in your mailbox?

Happy Blogoversary to me!!!

Today's the Day!!! My Blog is 2!!!! (throws confetti!!!)

2 years ago today I started this little blog as an outlet for my passion (reading of course) and to share my thoughts on books. It's been a wonderful year of reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways.

Here are a few of the highlights:

I met LAUREN OLIVER

I met VERONICA ROTH

I met MAGGIE STIEFVATER

I had the opportunity to interview:

Elizabeth Miles 

Jo Treggari

and Lauren Oliver 

A few book bloggers and I formed the Ontario Blog Squad and hosted our first event!

I read amazing books! a few of my favourites:

    

   

I have had lots of help and support along the way. 

Thank you to my Ontario Blog Squad ladies -Nicole, Michele, Christa, Liz, Angel, Wendy, Jackie, & Mel. You have been amazing friends and sooo fun to work with. 

Thank you to Maria from Cari's Book Blog who has always been a great support, a great listener and wonderful to chat books with.

 Thank you to Ginger from GReads who has helped by creating many of the graphics on the blog as well as encouraging me to create my own and telling me I'm good at it (even though I'm not) :) 

Thank you to my good friends Liza and Jen whom I love to chat books with and who always celebrate my accomplishments with me. They are my biggest cheerleaders, and everyone needs cheerleaders right!?

Thank you to my twitter friends who are always there when I need a laugh or to fan-girl

Thank you to the authors I've connected with especially Elizabeth Miles, Lauren Oliver & Maggie Stiefvater I still can't believe I have been able to meet you, or talk to you. 

Thank you to the publishers who have supported me not just through ARCS, but also by their kind words

Thank you to my readers. 

Thank you for commenting, and reading, and sharing and emailing and tweeting and for believing that I have something worthwhile to offer here. 

XOXOXOXO Jen

Blogger Wishes and Book Dreams

    Tomorrow is a special day here on the blog. It's the 2nd anniversary for Lost in the Library and I am feeling so jazzed about it. When I started blogging I didn't realize how it would become a big part of my life. I didn't realize that I would meet and get to know so many amazing and talented people; bloggers, authors, publishers and readers alike.

    I have had wonderful opportunities to attend events, participate in blog tours, host giveaways and interview authors. I have also had a lot of help along the way...(stay tuned for the looong list tomorrow)

                           Today I want to talk about my "Blogger Wishes" for this blog. 

-I'd like to lose the blog guilt. You know..the "do I post enough, do I read enough, I missed my deadline, the toppling to-read pile guilt"-wouldn't we all though- I know this a common feeling among bloggers. If you have mastered how to do this pls let me know.:)

-I would like to have graphic making skills. I'm trying. It takes me forever.

-I'd like to try vlogging reviews.

-I'd like to collaborate with more bloggers

-I'd like to increase my commenting on other blogs.

-I want to have lunch with my favourite authors and just hear them talk about writing and the worlds they've created. John Green, Lauren Oliver, Erin Morgenstern, Oliver Jeffers, Libba Bray, Gayle Forman, Ami Mckay, just to name a few. Though if all these authors were in the same room I'd probably hyperventilate from fangirling and then I'd miss the whole conversation.

-My biggest wish/dream is to have a review quoted in a book that I have read and loved.

                                 I'm excited to see what the next year will bring.

Blogoversary Giveaway

This Friday (April 27th) will be my 2nd Anniversary for my Lost in the Library Blog!

To celebrate and to thank you all for reading -I'm kicking off the week with a fab giveaway...

Below are four books that I have loved this past year... can you name them? 

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3

Book 4

Name them correctly and be entered to win a copy of each!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prom Giveaway Winner...

Thanks to everyone who entered! It was fun reading your prom stories...The winner chosen at random is

Doodle from Doodle's Book Blog!

Congrats! You have 48hrs to reply to my email!

Don't forget to like HMH Teen's Facebook Page for your chance to win amazing Prom prizes!!

https://www.facebook.com/HMHTeen

Poetry Month -April

April is poetry month and we have been celebrating with Book Spine Poetry at the library- I have always wanted to try it here's my first try:

I then brought the idea home to my family and my 11 year old went to my bookshelves and created this one which I think is amazing. I mean I know I'm his mom but he's 11 and he completely grasped the concept and created this moving poem:

So this got me so excited and to be honest kind of obsessed...I'd love to see your book spine poetry. Create some..take a pic, post it and link below...

In My Mailbox-April14th

In My Mailbox, is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. Each week we are invited to post about the books we got via mail, store, library or friend.

For Review:

 

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Thank you Houghton Mifflin Harcourt!!

The Opposite of Tidy by Carrie Mac

Thank you Razorbill!!

 

Earthseed by Pamela Sargent

Thank you Tor!!!

Revived by Cat Patrick

Thank you Hachette!!

Purchased:

 

Across the Universe by Beth Revis – I have this in hardcover but had to by the paperback too!

If you look in the picture below-my name is there.

 

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

 

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Seriously amazing week!!!!

What was in your mailbox?

YALSA 2012 Top Ten Nominations

YALSA encourages teens to read the 24 nominees before the national Teens’ Top Ten vote, which will take place in August and September at www.ala.org/teenstopten. The winners will be announced during Teen Read Week, Oct. 14-20.

I just had to share this list of amazingness!!!!

 All Good Children by Catherine Austen*

 Ashes by Ilsa Bick 

Abandon by Meg Cabot*

Tempest by Julie Cross

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Wither by Lauren DeStefano *

Where She Went by Gayle Forman*

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Eona: The Last Dragoneye by Alison Goodman

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green*

Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gullede

Legend by Marie Lu

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Cinder by Marissa Meyer*

Shine by Lauren Myracle

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This Dark Endeavor:  The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel  

Across the Universe by Beth Revis*

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Divergent by Veronica Roth*

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater*

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin

I can not believe I’ve only read 9 books on this list!!!

How many have you read?

Book Review: The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

Publication Date: April 17th 2012 by Harper Collins

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher (thank you)

Summary:

Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet's talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it's Violet's job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by "the girlfriend collector" she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet may have caught his eye...

My Thoughts:
As a fan of this series I have eagerly been awaiting the opportunity to read The Last Echo. I loved both The Bodyfinder and Desires of the Dead and could not wait to see what Kimberly Derting had in store for us in this latest release. She did not disappoint.
Violet has finally found common ground and a place to share her unusual gift with a group who work towards solving the mysteries that the police can not. Relieved to finally be able to loosen her grip on her secret perhaps she is far too trusting. This time the serial killer (the creepiest ever-if that’s possible) also known as the “girlfriend collector” is evading police and her group is called in to solve the unsolvable. The thoughts of the killer are disturbing and only the appearances of Jay through out the book seemed to offer relief of that feeling. Kimberly Derting has created the ultimate love interest in Jay and I know many readers find him swoonworthy-including me.  The character development and the background shared on the newer characters is stellar and the plot twists and turns kept me guessing throughout. I was completely shocked in reading the last few pages and now can not wait until the 4th in the series. (I’m so happy there’s more) –I’m wondering if these will ever be offered in a box set- The series would be a great addition to any bookshelf.

Book Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Published February 7th by Putnam

Reviewed from ARC provided by the Publisher

Summary

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other

My Thoughts:

I have always loved reading about magic and witches, and my shelves are full of books that reflect that. Born Wicked is definitely a highlight, one that caught me by surprise though the lovely cover should have been a clue to the story inside. 

I immediately adored Cate, and felt the burden of what she had been left with, her responsibilities and her secrets. Desperate to have a life of her own, yet also protect her sisters the story revolves around the time where she must announce her intention to marry or join the sisterhood,

I remember when I was ten my mom and I went on vacation and toured Massachusetts and Salem was on of our stops. I was fascinated and terrified as we went through the exhibits in Salem and I learned about the Salem witch trials. It was horrifying to think of young women who may be slightly different being accused and tortured. It also amazed me at the power men had. 

I thought about that power as I read Born Wicked and the Brotherhood, their judgements and cruelty. The Brotherhood is truly terrifying and every page I worried that the sisters would be found out.

Born Wicked is well written, full of suspense, magic and just the perfect amount of romance laced throughout, I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly Recommended.

Waiting on Wednesday-Must Have

Breaking the Spine hosts a meme each week called Waiting on Wednesday, 

where we post about the books we are excited about reading. 

My choice this week:

Shine by Jeri Smith-Readu

Summary

In this dramatic conclusion to the Shade trilogy, Aura and Zachary’s relationship sizzles as the secrets of the Shift are revealed. 

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past. 

As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart.

OMG-seriously- can not wait for this... 

What are you waiting for?

Prom Night 2012-Giveaway

I'm super excited to announce an amazing giveaway here at Lost in the Library. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group is getting us in the spirit for Prom Night by providing the books below as well as a Prom themed giveaway on their facebook page - found here. Be sure to "like" their page for all the details. 

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

March 2012 

Prom night at the posh Lexington Hotel sounds like a dream come true, but Haven Terra soon learns all is not what it seems. Can she save her classmates souls from a group of glamorous  yet diabolical angels in training? “Equal parts romantic and mysterious!”—Seventeen.com

  

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

October 2011 

Perry finally has a gig scheduled with his band in the Big Apple, but it’s prom night and he is forced to take quiet, geeky exchange student Gobi. Turns out, though, Gobi is a trained assassin and the night turns from deadly dull to just plain deadly.  

A laugh-out-loud page turner.

Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

February 2009

Not everybody finds out during their senior year that they are a Romanian vampire princess by birth. But being bloodsucking royalty gets more complicated for Jessica Packwood when she finds out her betrothed is the annoyingly hot Lucius Vladescu. Will they happily dance the night away or will a devious cheerleader succeed in stealing Lucius away?

  

The Fashion Coloring Book  by carol + lulu

March 2012 

Thinking about designing your own prom dress? This coloring book by artist Carol and fashion blogger Lulu features pages inspired by some of today’s hottest designers and will get your inner fashionista started! -I love the idea of this book!

I wish I had gone to my prom. For reasons to complicated to explain, I didn't go and I truly feel like I missed out. Did I? How was your prom experience? Leave a comment about your prom below for extra entries in the giveaway-I'd love to see your prom pics too! If your headed to your prom this year or next year- what are you most looking forward to?

Top Ten Tuesday- Books to Read in a Day

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous Broke and the Bookish. Each week we invited to post our top tens on a variety of book related topics. This week's list is The Top Ten Books to Read in a Day.

My List: -These are all books I devoured in one sitting!

1. Divergent & Insurgent by Veronica Roth
2. Delirium & Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
3. Die for Me by Amy Plum
4. The Body Finder, The Desires of the Dead and The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting
5. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
6. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
7. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
8. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
9. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
10. The Shifter by Janice Hardy
11. Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost

It was hard to limit it to just 10. These were titles that swept me away completely. Escapism at it's best.

What's on your list?