My Most Enjoyed Books of 2008!

2008 was a fantastic year for books, and looking ahead I think 2009 will be great as well. I've read sooo many awesome books this year and I want to share them with you. Here are my top 10 favorite books of 2008!

10. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson and and Michael Ledwidge
9. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
8. Sleepless by Terri Clark
7. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
6. Pretty Little Liars #5: Wicked by Sara Shepard
5. Pretty Little Liars #4: Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
4. Identical by Ellen Hopkins
3. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
2. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
1. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

I've started SOOO many great series this year such as The Pretty Little Liars Series, The House of Night Series, The Evernight Novels, Lily Dale series, The Ruby Oliver Series, and more..I can't even remember. I hope 2009 brings great continuations.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

YES! After waiting for what feels like forever, I got to read Lock and Key! Now I own and have read every Sarah Dessen book.

****Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen****

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 20/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 9/10

Entertainment- 20/20
Ending- 10/10
Recommend to read- 10/10
TOTAL- 96
Grade- A

“Ruby, where is your mother?”
Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she’s been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return. That’s how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn’t seen in ten years, and Cora’s husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future—it’s a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

OHHHH Sarah Dessen....you've done it again! Let me just say that I LOVE that Sarah includes characters and places from past books in her new ones. Such as...

- Marshall, who is Ruby's ex-boyfriend, is roommates with Rogerson, Caitlin's boyfriend in (Dreamland).
- Ruby moves to Wildflower Ridge, a neighborhood created by Macy's mother in (The Truth About Forever).
- Nate listens to Annabel (Just Listen) on the community radio.
- Owen from (Just Listen) helps Jamie put together a CD for Cora, though his name is never mentioned.
- Also seen/mentioned in Lock and Key is Kiki Sparks (Keeping the Moon), Kristy and Bert from (The Truth About Forever), Barbara Starr (This Lullaby), and Mallory and her friends from (Just Listen).
- Nate is making gift bags with chocolate houses for a client who happens to be a builder; the builder is Queen Homes, run by Macy's mother (The Truth About Forever).
- Ruby first goes to Jackson High which is Caitlin's school (Dreamland), Macy's school (The Truth About Forever), and Annabel's school (Just Listen)
- Ruby later goes to Perkin's Day, which is Rogerson, Caitlin's boyfriend's school (Dreamland)

I got that list from Wikipedia, but I never noticed Kristy and Bert being mentioned, and I didn't know that the girls from the mall were Mallory and her friends. I guess it's because it's been a while since i've read the rest of the books..

I LOVED all of the characters, well except for Nate's dad. I really don't know what else to say. Everything was great. Sarah has a way of sculpting a story that makes you feel that you're reading about your best friend. Everything is just really realistic. I wouldn't rank Lock and Key as my favorite Sarah Dessen novel, but it's near the top. Overall Lock and Key gives you insight on a not so perfect life but supportive friends and family.

Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

****Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast ****

Originality- 18/20

Characters- 19/20

Remembrance- 8/10

Quote-ability- 9/10
Entertainment- 19/20

Ending- 8/10

Recommend to read- 9/10

TOTAL- 90

Grade- A

The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire--that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. It’s tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

I was a little reluctant to start The House of Night Series because my friend disliked Marked. But I liked the concept of the story so she gave me her copy. I adored it! The only characters that I didn't like were the characters that I wasn't supposed to like. It was great to like all the "good" people. Stevie Rae is just so nice, comforting, and not big on conflict. Her and Zoey's friendship came quick and naturally. Damien was great, seriously. He brings in some comedic relief and offers support even through his own personal struggles. Before I go on I need to tell you that I love stories that take place in some kind of boarding school. I loved reading Spud because of that. So combining the school AND vampires? That was a fantastic idea! Yeah yeah I know they did that in Evernight but the Casts portrayed the idea in a much lighter way without as much reader trickery. Overall I think the characters, plot, AND setting were just fantastic. I can't wait to read Betrayed, which is the next book in the series.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox.

This week I received everything from Borders except for Teen, Inc which was in my mailbox.

• When It Happens- Susane Colasanti
• Betrayed- P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
• Chosen- P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
• Untamed- P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
• Undone- Brooke Taylor
• Audrey, Wait!- Robin Benway (was only $4!!)
• Teen, Inc.- Stefan Petrucha
• Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac- Gabrielle Zevin

I am SUPER excited about reading more of The House of Night books! The first one was really good. A review for it will be up tomorrow. OOOOH and I finally get to read Undone! This is a great bunch of book!

Teen, Inc. by Stefan Petrucha

****Teen, Inc. by Stefan Petrucha****

Originality- 17/20
Characters- 15/20
Remembrance-8 /10
Quote-ability- 9/10

Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 83
Grade- B

Legally, a corporation is a person, so why shouldn’t they be able to adopt a child? Fourteen year old Jaiden’s family is a corporation and his home is an office building. When his parents are killed in an accident caused by a faulty piece of equipment manufactured by NECorp, the company adopts him and raises him in its headquarters. Now as a teenager, Jaiden, is longing for a normal life—attending high school, living in a house, having a girlfriend—and is starting to rebel in search of it. With the help of his new friend, Jenny, he uncovers some disturbing and scandalous information about NECorp and must make the tough decision to stay loyal to his “family” or to follow his instincts.

I never thought that a corporation was a person, or could raise a child. But after reading Teen, Inc. I see that a corporation IS made up of a bunch of people. Jaiden was a very humorous main character and kept my attention through out the entire novel. I was able to see why he defended NECorp at first but later turned against it. While we're on the subject of characters, I wish we got to know Jenny and all of the characters more. We didn't know much about them, or why Jaiden went along with the plan in the end. It was hard to see why he trusted them so much. The plot was really creative and intriguing, everytime I thought I knew what was going to happen, everything changed and another problem rised. Overall I think that Teen, Inc. was very interesting, but some of the characters needed a little work.

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Just thought I'd let you guys know that this book made me feel all fangirl! Ohhh Alex please teach me how to drive stick!

****Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles****

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 9/10

Entertainment- 19/20
Ending- 10/10
Recommend to read- 10/10
TOTAL- 94
Grade- A

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

Once I started reading Perfect Chemistry I got sucked right into the deep emotions coming from Alex and Brittany. I couldn't help but feel tingly inside everytime they kissed. They just felt so real, like i could actuallt meet them in school one day. That being said you can pretty much see that I loved every single character. The alternating chapters blended perectly together. Even though the personalities were so different at times, you can still see how much they care about each other. Elkeles has a way of writing that makes you feel each raw emotion with force. I actually cried near the end when Isa and all of Brittany's other friends defend her. I could relate to being in horrible situations, and being able to rely on friends for support. Overall I think that Perfect Chemistry was filled with powerful emotions, and I would reccomend it to every single one of my friends, girls and boys.

Everyone go out and read this book NOW!!!

A Look Inside

Here it is my friends! This is my new feature and as you see i'm calling it "A Look Inside" I'm going to have a featured author, and i'll choose a book that they wrote. I always come out after finishing a book with a favorite character, so i'll also have a featured character, and one of my favorite quotes from them.

As today is Christmas I'm going to choose one of my favorite books!

Author: Sarah Dessen

Book: This Lullaby

Character: Dexter

Quote:

Dexter- "You did!" he hooted, laughing out loud. "You bought me some forks. And knives. And spoons. Because--"

"No," I said loudly.

Dexter- "--you love me!"

Dexter is my long time favorite character. He is just soooo lovable!! Whenever i'm feeling down I just pick up This Lullaby and read some quotes from Dexter. Thank you Sarah Dessen for making such amazing characters. Expect more "A Look Inside" posts featuring Sarah Dessen. Most of her characters make me want to smile, and laugh.

What do you think of my new feature? Should I continue this?

Waiting On Wednesday

Okay, I'm actually planning my posts now. Wow. I'm trying to keep ahead with my reading, and to stay that way I need to do a lot of reading during vacation.

Now, this week the book that I am waiting on is...

Title: The ABC's of Kissing Boys

Author: Tina Ferraro

Release Date: January 13th, 2009

Parker Stanhope friends got promoted to Varsity soccer without her. Desperate to make things right, she has concocted a crazy-but-just-might-work plan that includes kissing the socks off the prom king at the Sports Fair Kissing Booth. Between now and then, she needs to learn everything she can about kissing - somehow. She finds a "coach" in the most unlikely of guys - but suddenly keeping that relationship a secret becomes as dire as her need to win back her soccer status and her friends.

This book sounds really cute, and I've been in the mood to read something lighter. Plus I really liked reading Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress. Anyway who doesn't enjoy a book with some kissing?

Jars of Glass by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler

Yay it feels good to be ahead on my reading for a change! Still my TBR pile grows but at least it's not falling on me!

****Jars of Glass by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler****

Originality- 17/20

Characters- 17/20

Remembrance- 7/10

Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 17/20

Ending- 8/10

Recommend to read- 8/10

TOTAL- 82

Grade- B

Shana and Chloe are sisters, but they couldn't be more different, or alike. They're both harboring the family secret which is their mother, who is currently in a mental hospital. Chloe still has hope that mom will be able to come home back to her, Shana, and Micah. Shana hopes the exact opposite. She wants mom to stay exactly where she is. Shana wants to keep her mom away from Micah. Chloe thought that the thing with Micah was an accident, but it was everything but. Two sisters are going to have to put their defferences aside and redefine what makes a family.

I was able to look at this family situation from all sides. From the angry side of Shana. From the innocent and afraid side of Micah. From the sympathetic side of Chloe. From the depressed side of the father, and from the confused side of the mother. I could agree and feel the same way to the problem. All of the characters were very developed and reacted just like most people would. The alternating chapters blended together perfectly, and brought through so much emotions that I was a little bit overwhelmed. I don't have specific complaints, just that I needed a little bit more of everything. Overall Jars of Glass was a very realistic and sensational read that made me feel closer to my sister.

Lily Dale: Awakening by Wendy Corsi Staub

Wow, it took me longer than I expected to read this, but now i'm done. Next up- Jars of Glass!

****Lily Dale: Awakening by Wendy Corsi Staub****

Originality- 17/20
Characters- 17/20
Remembrance- 7/10
Quote-ability- 6/10

Entertainment- 14/20
Ending- 6/10
Recommend to read- 6/10
TOTAL- 73
Grade- C

Calla thought that her boyfriend breaking up with her in a text message was the worst thing that could ever happen to her. But just two weeks later, her mother died in a freak accident, and life as she knew it was completely over. With her father heading to California for a new job, they decide that Calla should spend a few weeks with the grandmother she barely knows while he gets them set up. To Calla’s shock, her mother’s hometown of Lily Dale is a town full of psychics—including her grandmother. Suddenly, the fact that her mother never talked about her past takes on more mysterious overtones. The longer she stays in town, the stranger things become, as Calla starts to experience unusual and unsettling events that lead her to wonder whether she has inherited her grandmother’s unique gift. Is it this gift that is making her suspect that her mother’s death was more than an accident, or is it just an overactive imagination? Staying in Lily Dale is the only way to uncover the truth. But will Calla be able to deal with what she learns about her mother's past and her own future?

Maybe it was the way I started reading this book that made it hard to get into. I was only able to read a couple pages at a time for a while untill I had more free time. But I never really got sucked into it untill the book was almost over. I also got annoyed at the 3rd person perspective, you would think that since Calla was dealing with so many internal struggle we might get a more personal out look from her. Let's not forget the overuse of the word "wistfully" Despite those flaws, the story line was interesting. Too bad it had to start out with finding out that Calla's mother died recently, and they're at a funeral. I must admit that the boys in the story- Blue, and Jacy, sounded REALLY hot. Of course I didn't want the main point of the story to be overshadowed by teen romance, but it would have helped make it a little more intriguing. Overall I got a pretty bored and struggled to finish but enjoyed the characters and plot, also still willing to give the next book in the series a chance.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you all of the books I received this week. Whether I got them from the library, the bookstore, or in my mailbox.

In My Mailbox-

• The Rule of Won by Stefan Petrucha
• Jars of Glass by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler
• Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

From Borders-

• Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel
• Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
• Wake by Lisa McMann

I am REALLY liking this week! My friend bought me Saving Zoe and Marked, and I bought Wake. I had so much fun going shopping and I can't wait to read all of these fantastic books!

What did you get this week?

Lack of Reviews

Don't expect many or any posts this weekend, because I have some frickin awesome plans with my good pals. We're gonna go Christmas shopping together. I'll try to finish Lily Dale: Awakening by Sunday night, and a review posted that night as well.

The Rule of Won by Stefan Petrucha

I'm sorry for not posting yesterday. I was out late shopping and doing homework. But I was able to finish The Rule of Won earlier today. Here's the review!

****The Rule of Won by Stefan Petrucha****

Originality- 19/20

Characters- 16/20

Remembrance- 9/10

Quote-ability- 9/10
Entertainment- 18/20

Ending- 8/10

Recommend to read- 9/10

TOTAL- 88

Grade- B

The secret of The Rule of Won is simple, yet its power has been suppressed for generations. The universe is one of infinite abundance—ask, and you shall receive. Umm, yeah right. Meet Caleb Dunne, slacker extraordinaire. Caleb prefers to glide through life with the minimal amount of effort, so he isn’t too jazzed when his overachieving girlfriend, Vicky, convinces him to join a new school club based on a controversial book, The Rule of Won. Slackers don’t join school clubs, do they? As The Rule gains popularity, though, the club members start to gain power within the school. From dark posts on the club’s online message board to all-out threats in the hallways, it becomes apparent that the group is getting out of control. For slacker Caleb, though, the only thing worse than doing something is not doing something.

I know I say this a lot, but this time it's REALLY true; I've never read anything like this before. It took me a little while to get into it but that's probably because I was only able to read a couple pages at a time. But once I got into it, it was mesmerizing. I almost started to believe in The Rule. What really kept me interested were the sudden blocks of comedy. One of my favorite parts was when Caleb decides that his new goal, instead of winning the fight, is to get out of the circle. Every bit of serious left in an instant, and I started laughing. The Rule of Won exceeded my expectations, and left me with a long lasting impression, and questions that can't be answered. Heh maybe I should imanifest the answers coming to me.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

I've been waiting for the chance to read this for a while. I'm so glad that I decided to read it next. I just finished it today, because we had a snow day! I hope everyone is think about which BOOKS to buy each other for the holidays!

****The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson****

Originality- 20/20
Characters- 15/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 7/10

Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 9/10
TOTAL- 85
Grade- B

Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?

This book had the perfect idea for me. I really like books that make me think of other ideas, even futuristic ones. I could spend days thinking about this book and future possibilities. To me this book bordered on fantasy and real. Because all of the things they talked about could become reality. Jenna was a interesting main character. She was curious about everything, and was very blunt. Ethan was also blunt. Though you didn't get many details about their love interest, you can feel it. I did wish I could learn more about Dane's story, and why he approached Jenna by the woods. Or Gabriel, why did he want to blend in so much? The plot was so amazingly developed, and kept me interested through the entire story. But I was still left with many unanswered questions. I would reccomend The Adoration of Jenna Fox to anyone who's getting bored of predictable stories.

A Spanking New Idea

First before I tell you what this is all about you need to look at THIS and that link my dears lead you to Taylor's Rambles, which has an interview posted. An interview with who you may ask? Me, yup, you read right. Me. So check it out and learn some new things.

Now onto my idea. Once a week (not sure on the exact day yet) I'm gonna have a featured author, and a book that they wrote. From that book i'll choose one of the characters and a quote from them. I think this would be a neat way to give you a little sneak peak in some books, or get you interested in a new author.

If you have any suggestions to this idea, or would like a certain book, author, character, or quote to appear please comment or e-mail me at txmandaxt@yahoo.com

I hope you guys are interested. Oh yeah can you very nice people help me pick a name for this feature? I want something crafty, creative, and original. No pressure though. Every idea helps.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you all of the books that I received this week. Whether I got them from the library, bookstore, or in my mailbox!

Okay this week wasn't very exciting. Thank the cookie monster I went to the library earlier this week, or this would be a very, VERY dull post. Alas I finished reading all the library books already *shrugs* What did you expect?

From the library-

A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life

How To Be Bad

Lucky

This I got In my mailbox!

Lock and Key!!!!

How To Be Bad by E. Lockhart, Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle

So since i'm incredibly awesome, I was able to finish How To Be Bad, even though I felt like watching T.V. I'm really glad I read though =D Now i'm watching Final Destination 2. And it's on the sci-fi network. I am that weird.

****How To Be Bad by E. Lockhart, Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle****

Originality- 16/20

Characters- 18/20

Remembrance- 7/10

Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 18/20

Ending- 8/10

Recommend to read- 9/10

TOTAL- 84

Grade- B

Three girls who couldn't be more different have one goal in mind: to get the heck out of Dodge. Well, Niceville, Florida, actually. But it might as well be called Nowheresville. Vicks is the wild-child fry cook whose boyfriend left for college and isn't returning any of her calls; Mel, the good girl in expensive jeans who just wants everyone to like her; and Jesse, the trailer-dwelling human morality meter who's discovered a life-altering secret - Each has her own reason for climbing into Jesse's mom's beat-up station wagon and hitting the highway for a weekend trip, whether she knows it or not. Armed only with Vicks's ancient, battered copy of a guidebook called Fantastical Florida, a map Jesse picked up with her dwindling funds, and Mel's mom's credit card, they're Miami bound. Hearts will be broken, friendships will be tested, and a ridiculously hot stranger could change the course of everything. And if they don't kill each other first, Vicks, Mel and Jesse will not only have a road trip to remember, they'll have friends for life.

I absolutely love these authors and I admit, I had very high expectations. My expectations were met exceedingly. No matter who you are you should be able to slightly relate with each character, whether it be boyfriend troubles, or a sick parent. All of them made mistakes but worked really hard to make up for it. Just when you thought everything was calming down. WAM here they go again. There was never a dull moment. The whole book was like an emotional roller coaster. First you're laughing, then you're angry, then you wanna cry, and all of a sudden you can't stop smiling. This is the kind of book that makes you look deep inside of yourself and scrutinize your beliefs and friendships. I have trouble pointing out anything bad directly from the book except the lack of originality. Which I guess is a good thing right?

Lucky by Rachel Vail

Since I've been ahead on my reading I'm taking my time reading How To Be Bad, so I'm gonna review Lucky for you guys today, which I finished reading yesterday. Oh yes not like it matters but I have a Mock Trial meeting tomorrow morning so I have to get up early. =/

****Lucky by Rachel Vail****

Originality- 17/20
Characters- 17/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 10/10

Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 86
Grade- B

It's all good . . . and lucky Phoebe Avery plans to celebrate by throwing an end-of-the-year bash with her four closest friends. Everything will be perfect—from the guest list to the fashion photographer to the engraved invitations. The only thing left to do is find the perfect dress . . . until Phoebe goes from having it all to hiding all she's lost. Phoebe's older sisters warn her to keep the family's crisis totally secret. Unfortunately, her alpha-girl best friend looks increasingly suspicious, and Phoebe's crush starts sending seriously mixed signals. Phoebe tries hard to keep smiling, but when her mother is humiliated in Neiman Marcus while buying Phoebe that perfect dress and her father decides to cancel her party, she panics. How far will she go to keep up her image as a lucky girl?

The Good:

Characters: At first the characters are a little hard to relate to due to their high class lives, but after a while it doesn't matter and you can look past it. They still have teenaged problems. I didn't see that some characters were being spoiled, or bad friends untill they mentioned it which I liked because of the sudden realization. You got to know most of the characters pretty well, who were very funny.

Plot: The story was very cute and light. It's different then the books that i usually read. The best part i would say is the comedy. There were several times when I just had to laugh out, and read half the page to my whole family. I literally fell over laughing. Which alone was a page turner.

The Bad:

Characters: I said I didn't notice some things but I did notice when they were mean or rude. Like when Kirstyn starts talking about dropping Ann and Zhara as friends. But then after everything is good in the end this little thing never came up again. Or how Phoebe feels like she NEEDS to pay her part of the party or no party at all.

Plot: The plot was annoying at times because it was like "awww we're not rich anymore boohoo! No green dress for me, even though i have a friggin pool and lot's of awesome clothes already!" It was hard to take the "problem" at hand too seriously.

Overall: The good and the bad pretty much equaled out in the end, and I was able to strongly relate yet slightly dislike (does that say something about my personality?) the characters. The plot was funny and cute but somewhat annoying. Still after the short journey and small complaints I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy!

A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt

I am soooo proud of myself, I finished this book yesterday and I read another today. Of course this means more reviews for you guys!

****A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life by Dana Reinhardt****

Originality- 19/20

Characters- 19/20

Remembrance- 10/10

Quote-ability- 9/10
Entertainment- 19/20

Ending- 10/10

Recommend to read- 10/10

TOTAL- 96

Grade- A

Olive skinned and dark eyed, Simone looks nothing like her fair-haired family. She is, nonetheless, the beloved daughter of her adoptive parents and enjoys a close and supportive relationship with her younger brother. It therefore comes as a terrible intrusion in Simone's comfortable life when, after 16 years, her birth mother asks to meet her. After some resistance, Simone makes contact with Rivka, a 33-year-old self-exiled Hasidic Jew who is dying of ovarian cancer.

I seriosously didn't have any complaints with this one except that it was too short! I remember last year a friend of mine was reading this book and during one class period i started to read it. I haven't read any more since. That's why I was so excited right from the beginning. All of the characters are very well developed. I really liked Simone's sense of humor. The plot was also great and held a lot of substance. Though it was fast paced i'll look back to this book for a long time. Everything that happened was very believable and sometimes even sad. I almost cried at the end but I was also happy. Emotions ran through me the whole time that I read.

Waiting On Wednesday

After I read Evernight I was very excited to learn that a sequel was going to come out! I really wanted to know what happens with Bianca's relationship with Lucas. Lot's of plot twists occured in Evernight and I hope that is also what Startgazer has in store for me!

Title: Stargazer

Author: Claudia Gray

Release Date: March 24th 2009

So you want more books...

The Story Siren and Reviewer X both did a post about how they get books, and how they got to where they are now. I was requested to do the same so here I go..!

When I first started I reviewed books that I already owned or recently read. Then went to the library more often, which led to more reviews. One fateful day a publisher asked if she could send me a book to review, of course I accepted!

Being noticed made me believe that people actually read my blog sometimes! So I started searching up reviewing programs like First Look, and Random Buzzers. But the huge thing that I love the most is Bookdivas.collectivex. Yes I know most people just go on Book Divas which is also a great site, but it was bookdivas.collectivex that got me going.

So I guess i'll make a list of the ways i get books ordering from most to least.

1. Winning Contests
2. Book Divas.collectivex
3. Purchasing them either off of Amazon or going to Borders
4. Gifts
5. Library
6. Publishers/Authors

It will probably take a while before you have a steady stream of books coming in, most of us reviewers are lucky to get a book a week! Seriously though don't do this to get free books. Most of us don't. Personally I like to be able to inspire or just convince someone to read a book that might change their life!

The main thing you have to do is get yourself out there! Tell your friends and community about your blog, and comment on fellow bloggers posts. It doesn't matter if the book is old or new, just review!

PLL #5 Wicked by Sara Shepard

I am proud to say that i finished Wicked not even a minute ago! So while everything is fresh in my mind I'm gonna review it for you pretty little people! (sorry I couldn't help it *snickers*)

****Pretty Little Liars #5 Wicked by Sara Shepard****

Originality- 19/20
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 9/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 19/20
Ending- 10/10
Recommend to read- 10/10
TOTAL- 94
Grade- A

In idyllic Rosewood, Pennsylvania, where Burberry earmuffs keep diamond-studded ears warm, four very pretty girls have done some very wicked things. . . . High school juniors Hanna, Spencer, Emily, and Aria have paid dearly for their sins. A stalker named "A" terrorized them for months and revealed their darkest secrets. But now that A's true identity has been revealed, the girls can finally go back to their pretty little lives. Only, once a pretty little liar, always a pretty little liar—and these girls just can't help but be bad. Hanna will do anything to be Rosewood's queen bee. Spencer starts stealing . . . from her parents. Emily can't stop thinking about her new boyfriend. And Aria approves a little too strongly of her mom's taste in men.
As the secrets get darker and the scandals juicier, the consequences turn deadly. After all, girls who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. And in Rosewood, someone is always watching. .

As always Shepard puts a scary twist on a high class town. The scandals never end, and everyone is always hiding something. The last PLL book was called Unbelievable and a more revealing read, but that was where you discovered who A was. I love how you can love all of the 4 girls: Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily, and still hate them too. They do so many mean things to lots of people but still manage to get your sympathy. It was sooooo fun reading Wicked. It's more than your average name dropping book. Here you also get a suspenseful thriller that keeps you wanting more. I reccomend Wicked to everyone, if of course you can handle the bad language. I can't wait to see what happens next in Killer, which is yet to be released.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you all the books I received this week, either from the bookstore, in the mail, or the library.This week I received everything in the mail!

• Need by Carrie Jones
• PLL #5 Wicked by Sara Shepard
• Evermore by Alyson Noël

I didn't get a whole lot, but that's okay because I REALLY wanna read all of these!
What did you guys get this week?

Need by Carrie Jones

Sorry for not posting yesterday, but I didn't have anything..so yeah. But today my dearies I have a special treat for you!

***Need by Carrie Jones****

Originality- 19/20
Characters- 19/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 7/10
Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 9/10
TOTAL- 88

Grade- B

Release Date- December 23

The Summary. We've gotten to know worlds of vampires and werewolves but what about other beings? Zara's step-father dies tragically from a heart attack and Zara is sent to live with her Gram in Maine. But Zara keeps seeing this man...a man that followed her all the way to Maine. It just so happens that the mysterious man is also a Pixie. And Pixies are dangerous. Unexpected friends will have to help her destroy the pixies, in unexpected ways.

Let's start with the storyline. It was really fun to read a fantasy novel that wasn't about vampires, or superheroes. I always expected Pixies to be like tinkerbell, Need put a brand new twist on things that kept me captivated through the whole novel. Things started to happen right from the beggining, which brought me into the strory head on. My complaints though would be that everything turned out a little coincidental. It was like the characters could read each others minds.

Now the characters. YAY no REALLY annoying characters here! My fav would be Issie because she is just so cute and you just wanna smile whenever she's around. Nick, Zara, and Betty are also great and very endearing.

Overall. You definately won't be disapointed once you start reading Need. It fullfills every need a reader has. At least most of them. *shrugs*

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Yay, I finished Evernight last night in my quest to tackle my TBR pile. Which by the way isn't going so well. It feels like forever since i've done a review but here you go!

****Evernight by Claudia Gray****

Originality- 17/20

Characters- 18/20

Remembrance- 8/10

Quote-ability- 8/10

Entertainment- 17/20

Ending- 8/10

Recommend to read- 8/10

TOTAL- 84

Grade- B

Bianca wants to escape. She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in. Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him. "I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would." But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

Evernight was better than I expected it to be. It started out slow but then picked up some momentum on about page 80, which is where you get sort of a foreshadowing of problems to come. Bianca was a fantastic character but did seem a little needy and quick to judge sometimes. As for Lucas, well Lucas....he..hmm. Lucas is a very round character with a lot of different traits. I pretty much enjoyed all of the characters. At first the book seems average but when the 1st plot twist arrives you begin to be sucked in completely. And yes there is more than one plot twist. Two to be exact. Overall the plot and characters were great but there attitudes needed some work (Bianca!)

Waiting On Wednesday

Okay, I put a lot of thought into my choice this week. So here it is...

I have read all of E.Lockhart's books, and i really like the books about Ruby Oliver.

A Seattle sixteen-year-old juggles therapy, running a school bake sale, coping with her performance artist mother, growing distant from an old friend, and conflicting feelings about her ex-boyfriend and potential new boyfriends. (wow that was seriously all i could find as a description..)

Release Date- July 28th

I Love Your Blog Award!

I received the I Love Your Blog Award from Lexi at ..Another Page is Used (reading is my life) (http://anotherpageisused.blogspot.com/) I Haven't been blogging for too long and I consider myself very lucky to be getting this award so soon. Thank you SOOOO much Lexi and all my other readers! I'm glad that people care about my opinion or just about me as a person.

Okay now let's get down to business.

I believe I'll nominate:
-Presenting Lenore (http://presentinglenore.blogspot.com/)
-Just Listen (http://justlistenbookreviews.blogspot.com/)
-Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf (http://laurenscrammedbookshelf.blogspot.com/)
-Starry Night (http://trublu93.blogspot.com/)
-Shooting Stars Mag (http://shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com/)
-The Page Flipper (http://thepageflipper.blogspot.com/)
-Bean Bag Books (http://beanbagbooks.blogspot.com/)

Now you guys have to:
After receiving the award you are supposed to pay it forward:
1) Add the logo of your award to your blog.
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

THANKS EVERYONE!!! Weeeeeeeee!

A New Month, A New Look!

Now that winter is definately here, I think it's time that I lose my summer look and go for something softer on the eyes. So don't be afraid or worried if you come to my blog and everything is messed up. I will sort it out today.

Oh my, today is also the last day of Thanksgiving Vacation! Our district didn't even give us a week off =/ I still had fun though, ate yummy food, and got some much needed reading done!

December is here and so is Tay-Toe's month of supposed "secrecy" that she's not telling you all about. She told me though, so i'm here to detour you to her wonderful blog that wants and definately deserves more visitors! I will give you some hints though about this secret: It has nothing to do with Christmas, But it has a LOT to do with a newly popular genre of YA novels!

Visit Tay-Toe's Blog HERE!!!! And we'll shower you with comments!