Top Ten Tuesday: Switching Spots

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke & the Bookish because they like lists ^.^
This week's topic is one I couldn't pass by so here it is:
Top Ten Eight Characters I’d Like To Switch Places With For 24 Hours ( in no particular order.)

 I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You's Cammie.
Reason: She has so many cool abilities and I'd love to go to a school like that. :D

 Anna and The French Kiss's Anna because hello? St. Clair, Paris, St. Clair..

 If I Stay's Mia.. except not when this story takes place.. maybe before, because of Adam. 

 Anyone in the Iron Fey series, preferably Meghan because.. of Puck and Ash *winks*

 I believe my reason for putting this is really because I've been wanting to reread it. This book has a feel to it so any character really. *shrugs*

I love Pizza, Love, & Other Stuff That Made Me Famous's Sophie's love for cooking and I'd love to experience the world through her eyes.

 Any character from Seraphina just because the world building is amazing!

The Hunger Games's Katniss because I'd love to use the bow and arrow without getting hurt :P
Oh, and Hermione from Harry Potter. (x

Book Review: Hear by Jacqueline Abelson

Title: Hear
Author: Jacqueline Abelson
Publication Date: May 19th 2012
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
Lots of people can hear, but how many really listen?
At the age of 17, Charlotte Goode has issues. Serious issues. Despite countless surgeries, her parent's panic attacks, and a well-meaning oncologist, a rare genetic disorder means Charlotte must live with recurring tumors. Life isn’t supposed to be this way.
And just as Charlotte is learning to cope, she gets some devastating news: Tumors are growing on her auditory nerves. But, the necessary surgery will leave her completely deaf.
With the operation scheduled in a month, Charlotte prepares herself for a world without sound. A world without the violin she loves, without her best friend’s laugh, and even without her boss’s irksome tone. Charlotte's on a mission to take it all in, while trying to hire a band to play a benefit concert. Will it be The Bond Boys or Lennox?
Counting down the days until everything goes silent, The Bond Boys’ lead singer, Ron Cam, sweeps Charlotte off her feet. He’s pure charisma. Then there’s Matthew Lovelace of Lennox , who captures Charlotte’s attention with his music and “that” voice. What will she do?
Time is running out. Charlotte must find a way to leave the hearing world on a high note without missing a beat.
Rating:
3.0/ 5.0 stars

Book Review: Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn Willams

Title: Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous [ excerpt ]
Author: Kathryn Williams
Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication Date: August 21st 2012 
Format: Arc
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads:

Can a spot on a teen reality show really lead to a scholarship at an elite cooking school AND a summer romance?

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Nicolaides was practically raised in the kitchen of her family’s Italian-Greek restaurant, Taverna Ristorante. When her best friend, Alex, tries to convince her to audition for a new reality show, Teen Test Kitchen, Sophie is reluctant. But the prize includes a full scholarship to one of America's finest culinary schools and a summer in Napa, California, not to mention fame. 

Once on-set, Sophie immediately finds herself in the thick of the drama—including a secret burn book, cutthroat celebrity judges, and a very cute French chef. Sophie must figure out a way to survive all the heat and still stay true to herself. 

Rating:
3.0/5.0

Book Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Title: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
Links: Website | Live Journal | Twitter
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: November 22nd 2011
Source: Harlequin Teen Panel
Format: Paperback
Pages: 322
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads:

‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’
Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.
When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.
Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.
Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.
Rating:
4.5/5.0

Book Review: Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck ( Tiger's Curse #2 )

Title: Tiger's Quest
Author: Colleen Houck
Series: Tiger's Curse #2
Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Sterling Publishing
Publication Date: June 7th 2011
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 479
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Summary from Goodreads:
Back in Oregon, Kelsey tries to pick up the pieces of her life and push aside her feelings for Ren. But danger lurks around the corner, forcing her to return to India where she embarks on a second quest--this time with Ren's dark, bad-boy brother Kishan, who has also fallen prey to the Tiger's Curse. Fraught with danger, spellbinding dreams, and choices of the heart, TIGER'S QUEST brings the trio one step closer to breaking the spell that binds them.
Rating:
4/5 stars
*Do not read if you have not read the first book in the series.

Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman ( If I Stay #1 )

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay #1
Links: Website | Author Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Publication Date:  April 2nd 2009
Format: Paperback
Pages: 234
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads:
In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. 
Rating:
4.5/5 stars
Thoughts:
Starting this novel, I had no idea what to expect except for it to be a brilliant read. People on Goodreads raved about it. When I asked librarians and friends for recommendations, this book always came up. So, finally, I decided to pick it up and try my luck on it. I admit, even though I've heard great things about, I hadn't even read the synopsis, much less knew what it was really about but this was a great read nevertheless.
If I stay is told from a girl named Mia's point of view. It starts off in a normal way most mornings start but then some events take place. From then on, the reader gets to see events both in the present time and also, flashbacks of Mia's life. I felt this was a really heart-breaking novel with gorgeous writing. The relationships between the characters will really touch your heart, make you smile, and have you tear up at the same time. The novel did feel a tad slow to me in the beginning but it soon picked up.
Characters:
The characters were well written. They all had a feel around them that was both realistic yet easy to get along with and I enjoyed that. Now, onto boys; Adam was probably the cutest guy in the story! I was aww-ing and grinning when I read what he did towards the end. Mia was a really strong female character. I mean, for goodness gracious, she was in a car accident and had to make a difficult decision, stay or not.
Romance:
oh my gosh, can anyone honestly find someone as awesome as Adam was during this first novel? Uh, no. Since the novel was in flashbacks or "memories", you get to follow Adam and Mia's relationship from the moment they meet all the way to this hazardous event. Adam and Mia couldn't be any more different yet they're perfect for each other! Adam was amazing, honestly! He stayed by Mia's side--or at least tried, all throughout the book and I adored him for that! 
Recommendation:
I recommend this to anyone looking for a fantastic and original read. Be warned though, you might need tissues! It's such a brilliant yet emotional read! I simply cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, Where She Went.
First Sentence:

"Everyone thinks it was because of the snow."

Quotes:

"I heard a crash and boom coming from upstairs." 

"Should I make breakfast?" Dad and I guffaw at the same time. Mom makes cereal and toast. Dad's the cook in the family." 

Book Trailer:

New blog & Twitter Thing (x

Hello there! So..I've seen a lot of people hosting events and blog hops and such. So today, when I was on twitter talking to Olivia over at Olivia's Opinion and Alice over at Crazy Red Pen, I had an idea.
 What if we could form a virtual book club for people on twitter or just in general? Fortunately, Olivia and Alice didn't see my idea as crazy and we made what is now #bookfriends on twitter. Yes, you might see it if you look at the trends :P
Anyway, after that we decided to make a blog to go along with the idea. The plan is, we blog about a book after we agree on the book and people are welcomed to comment and start discussions on there! We will also have guest posts and you can link back to your website or blog.
And no, we don't have fancy buttons but we do have some people willing to chat with you and talk about books! You can also just drop by on twitter where we will ask a question and you can join discussions just by using the #bookfriends hashtag! The site will go up tomorrow. So if you want a place to discuss some of your favorite books and or subjects go visit us :D

ARC Book Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Title: Seraphina
Author: Rachel Hartman
Links: Website
Series: Seraphina #1
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Publication Date: July 10th 2012 
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Summary from Goodreads;
Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.
Rating:

Top Ten Tuesday: Endings

Top Ten Tuesday 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish because, you know.. they like lists. 

Today's topic is a freebie so I decided to switch the usual topics and do endings, yes endings.

Endings that left me like this:

& then when people would stare at me for overreacting..

So, now in no particular order.. here's my list:

 A Need So Beautiful
The ending was brilliant! Absolutely brilliant and I can't wait to see how it plays out in the next book which by the way, just came out! 

 Gone 
Michael Grant has an interesting mind, really. I wonder what it'd be like to visit his head for a day.. Gone, like all of his works always leaves me waiting for more.

If I Stay
This was an incredible book! However, the ending was so .. No words to describe it really. I need the next book. Plus, I need more Adam and I've been told by someone that the next book is in his POV. That should be interesting.

 The Alchemy of Forever
Let's just say, as soon as the next comes out, I will have it in my hands ASAP.

 The Hunt
I admit, The Hunt is probably not one of my favorite books. I waited as I read, anticipating the awesomeness I'd heard people say about it but to me, it was an a-okay read. However, the ending was so shocking and brilliant!

 The Immortal Rules
I love all of Kagawa's work, I do but this book just blew me away. The last sentence was just pure awesomeness for me.

 The False Prince
Man is this book good & the ending is shocking in an amazing way! I am immensely anticipating the next book in the series! 

 The Maze Runner
Maybe it was just me, but while reading this novel, it had this feel to it and I couldn't put it down!














The Tiger Curse series

This included the first two books in the series, which are the only books I've gotten around to reading. Tiger's Curse & Tiger's Quest.

Wanderlove 

This made me squeal, yes. I admit it now, it did. It was just perfect! If you like Anna and the French Kiss you will love this one too!

Once Upon A Read-A-Thon

So, I've been trying to find a fun event to participate in where I could read a ton of books and discuss them with others as I read them. So thanks to twitter, ta-dah! I found the Once Upon A Read-A-Thon well..readathon at Pure Imagination and signed up.
The books I'm hoping to read since it runs from July 9th to 11:59 on July 11th are:

Saving June

Epic Fail

 I heard about Wanderlove book from Between The Pages and after reading her review, decided to get a copy. 
Saving June came in a surprise package from Harlequin Teen Panel and I can't wait to start it! Epic Fail is a book I heard from one of my best friends but never really found out what it was about until I saw it over at Reading Teen.

The Eyes of the Desert Sand

Wanderlove

I've been meaning to read The Eyes of the Desert Sand but like the others, I've found no time to. 

I'll be updating my reading progress on Twitter and on here. (x

Book Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu ( Glitch #1 )

Title: Glitch
Author: Heather Anastasiu
Links: Twitter | Website | Youtube | Facebook
Series: Glitch #1
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: August 7th 2012
Fomat: eARC
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

"Fans of Under The Never Sky and Lowry's The Giver will have a hard time putting it down." 

Rating:
*** 3 stars, enjoyable but lacked a few things
Thoughts:
This book had it all; a gorgeous cover, a riveting summary, & a fast pace. I adored this book until about three fourths in. The writing was easy to read and get lost in so I flowed through the first part of the book, but then some things happened. . . a love triangle and I got lost in the quickly increasing pace of the last fourth of the novel.
The characters were rather debatable. Zoe is a quite strong character once you think about it. She has been under the pressure of being the only one glitching and if she were to get caught..well, bad things would happen. Max was a rather complex character considering he could change his appearance and take other forms so I never really knew if someone in the background could be him. Adrien was a really strong leader but I felt as he could have taken a slower approach on the whole I have visions of the future subject.
The world building was okay, nothing too complex although I wish I'd gotten more details of the structure and how it came to be. I also really enjoyed the fact that the chip connected everyone to the community so they all witnessed the same thing, reminded me a tad of Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. You really get a glimpse inside the head of the people in charge of the computer chips and why they use them.
The romance was really cute but it was a tad too fast for my taste. I understand the male's feelings and affection but hers? Not so much. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable to read about and I can't wait to find out what happens next and what turns the next book will take.
Overall, I really enjoyed the first half, even three fourths of the book and I would recommend it to anyone who can get through the last fourth. Fans of Under The Never Sky and The Giver will devour this novel. It's a rather interesting subject and even though I wasn't completely blown away by the ending, you might be.
First sentence: Quoted from ARC, may change.

"I felt it coming this time."

 Trailer:

TGIF ( 1 )

TGIF is a meme hosted by Ginger at GReads. This feature re-caps the week's posts & proposes a bookish question each week. 
This Friday's Question:
Comfort Reads: Which books do you go to for comfort & familiarity?  
Is there a type of book you seek out when you're needing that extra bit of comfort in your life?
This is quite simple actually. I always grab a random book from the Harry Potter series, sit down and read it. This usually happens during rainy days when I can sit down with a cup of hot cocoa or chocolate and read it.

Picture is not mine.

Anna and The French Kiss 

Anna and The French Kiss works too. You can never go wrong with a little Paris and romance in your life. (x


What you might have missed:
Review: World Enough & Time by Emma C. Williams
Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
What is this blogger highly anticipating?

Title: Drain You
Author: M. Beth Bloom
Every night I'd lie there in bed and look out at the hills behind our house, listening. I knew there'd be consequences.
Actions meant reactions. Sunrises meant sunsets. My fear was too permanent, lasting longer than eyeliner, something I wore every day and didn't wash off.
Quinlan Lacey's life is a red carpet of weird fashions, hip bands, random parties, and chilling by the pool with her on-and-off BFF Libby. There's also her boring job (minimum wage), a crushed-out coworker (way too interested), her summer plans (nada), and her parents (totally clueless). Then one night she meets gorgeous James, and Quinn's whole world turns crazy, Technicolor, 3-D, fireworks, whatever.
But with good comes bad and unfortunately, Quinn's new romance brings with it some majorly evil baggage. Now, to make things right, she has to do a lot of things wrong (breaking and entering, kidnapping, lying, you name it).
There's normal, and then there's paranormal, and neither are Quinlan's cup of Diet Coke. Staying sane, cool, in love, and alive isn't so easy breezy.
This book sounds so intriguing! Plus, the cover is so gorgeous <3