My Very Un-Fairy Take Life/ My Epic Fairy Tale Fail by Anna Staniszewski–Blog Tour

My Very Un-Fairy Tale Life by Anna Stanizaewski

Published by Source Books/ Jabberwocky November 2011

Source: Provided by Publisher

Summary:

You know all those stories that claim fairies cry sparkle tears and elves travel by rainbow? They're lies. All lies.
I've spent my life as an official adventurer. I travel across enchanted kingdoms saving magical creatures and fighting horrible beasts that most of you think are only myths and legends. I've never had a social life. My friends have all forgotten me. And let's not even talk about trying to do my homework. So -- I'm done!! I'm tired and I want to go back to being a normal girl. But then along comes "Prince Charming" asking for help, and, well, what's a tired girl like me supposed to do?


My Thoughts:
    
 I was hooked in the first few pages. The main character is Jenny, a believable 12 yea r old who possesses this fantastic, quirky, sarcastic voice. I was immediately reminded of the character of Evie from Kiersten White’s Paranormalcy, only a younger version for a younger audience (minus the Pink Taser, although Jenny did have a pink golf ball).   I loved the twist that fairy tale creatures are not as lovely as they seem, who’d have guessed that Unicorns were so ill-tempered . Dealing with family, school and friend issues would be enough for anyone, but Jenny is also an Adventurer, hired by the mysterious “Committee”  who must rescue Kingdoms and defeat evil.   The story was well-paced and had enough action to occupy even the most restless reader. Great middle grade read for kids who have enjoyed books like Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine and How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier.


 The publisher Sourcebooks is providing one copy for a lucky resident of the United States or Canada.
Please leave a comment on this post to enter.
Winner will be chosen at random on Monday April 15th and will have 48 hours to reply once notified.

Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread

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

Each week we are invited to post a list on a variety of book –related topics.

I haven’t participated in a while but this week’s topic spoke to me!

I am so guilty of rushing out to get a new release or a book I am dying to read only to have it sit on my shelf. I also pre-order my favourite authors so I have it as soon as it comes out and they sit on my shelf too. Here’s a list of the Top Ten books I couldn’t wait to get my hands on, but haven’t cracked open yet.

1. Shine by Lauren Myracle
2. Dearly Departed by Lia Habel
3. Bloodlines by Rachel Mead
4. Matched/Crossed/Reached by Ally Condie
5. Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
6. Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
7. Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
8. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
9. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
10. The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Do we have any in common? Which one should I make a priority to read next?

Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick

Sorta Like A Rock Star by Matthew Quick

Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers May 2010

Source: Borrowed from the Library

Summary:

Amber Appleton lives in a bus. Ever since her mom's boyfriend kicked them out, Amber, her mom, and her totally loyal dog, Bobby Big Boy (aka Thrice B) have been camped out in the back of Hello Yellow (the school bus her mom drives). Still, Amber, the self-proclaimed princess of hope and girl of unyielding optimism, refuses to sweat the bad stuff. But when a fatal tragedy threatens Amber's optimism--and her way of life, can Amber continue to be the rock star of hope?

My Thoughts:

When someone in the book industry whose tastes and talents you admire tells you to read a book as its in their TOP TEN must reads of all time…you read it!! (Vikki) I'm so glad that I did. Aside from its multiple awards, this is one of those books that changes you. One that you think about long after finishing. One that is written for young adults, but resonates in the hearts of the adult reader as well. True? True.

I read and enjoyed Matthew Quick’s The Silver Linings Playbook, but for me, this book is on a whole other level. Amber is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. She sees the good in each moment and every opportunity, despite her circumstances. She is real. She is raw and true to herself about her life but chooses to believe that there is better in store for her and for everyone else. I loved the quirkiness of her character,  and the way she interacted with the world around her .  It took me a few pages to get used to her method of speaking, her slang and short forms but once I did the story flew by and so did the time as I finished it in a sitting only to go back and read it again. 

Tissue will be needed while reading but it’s worth it. This book is all sorts of incredible.

Everyone needs to own a copy so I’m giving a copy away.

Rules:

Must be 13+ to enter

Live in a place the Book Depository ships

Not have read Sort a Like a Rock Star before (honour system)

Leave me a comment sharing the title of a book that has moved you like this one moved me.

Giveaway closes March 13th. Winner will have 48hrs to reply.

Giveaway!!! Sharing the Book Love

It has been FOREVER since I’ve hosted a giveaway, and I figured with Valentine’s day coming up, now was the perfect time!

 To share the book love I’m giving away a $25.00 gift card to Amazon or Book Depository! 

Instead of hosting the giveaway on my blog though, I’m hosting it on Lost in the Libraries Facebook Page. Follow this link, like my page and then tell me what the best book you ever read was to enter.

The giveaway ends on February 14th, and the winner (who must be over 13) will  have 48 hrs to reply.