Friday, October 21, 2011

Review: All That Matters by Youseph Tanha

“Ethan Wright is just like any other high school kid that is one day lucky enough to meet the girl of his dreams. Throughout the course of high school the young couple learn to cope with incredibly difficult odds to discover all that matters.’All That Matters’ is a novella about love and life and all that the heart can endure. With memorable characters and a deep story you will find it difficult to put this book down.”
(Source: http://www.YousephTanha.com/ )
Raw, real, and a little gritty this book shows a true struggle in life.
Really describes what going into high school is like in a small town. I loved it. Ethan is a teen boy that falls for a pretty girl in his tech class. I loved Ethan. He is such a sweet guy and endures a lot for Amanda, the girl of his dreams. Despite the fact that the book covers the heavy topic of cancer, the book isn’t really depressing. If anything, it is inspiring and hopeful showing how much a relationship can be stretched. It's a great love story told from the boy's point of view. I haven’t read a book that is so honest about what a high school student experiences in a long time. “All that Matters” shows Ethan, a normal high school guy, go through the normal high school events, like first love and finding true passion. In a word, I would call this book “real”. I loved this book, from the characters to the storyline to the setting in a small town.
Pages: 98

Chapters:16
Level of Romance: The story kinda revolves around Ethan’s love for Amanda. There is some sexual content.
Rating: Favorite!

 Buy this book here: Amazon

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Review: "Hello," I Lied by M.E.Kerr

Hello, I Lied: A NovelLang Penner is a teenage boy spending the summer on the exclusive estate of retired rocker, Ben Nevada. His mother is a cook for Nevada and Lang is just along for the ride. When Nevada gets a guest from France, the lovely Huguette, Lang is employed to keep her busy. Lang is reluctant, but as time wears on, he begins to like hanging out with Hugette. In fact, she makes him question his status as homosexual and everything he's already decided for himself. One thing is for sure, that summer will be one Lang will never forget.
I loved this book so much. Lang was a great narrator with an authentic teen attittude. Even though I didn't expect it, this book kept me up at night finishing the last page and then hours after that thinking about the outcome that shocked me, but at the same time didn't. Honestly, after finishing this book, I feel how Langdescribes himself at the beginning: torn. Lang questioning his sexuality is something I expected to be so much more awkward, but Kerr does a great job making it flow into the story. I had preconcieved notions about this book, but as I read and became entangled with the characters, they all melted away. In my opinion this has everything that an LGBTQ book should have.
   As a warning, this book does have some mature language like "fag". The word is used quite a bit so...Also, as an LGBTQ book, sexual interactions is addressed and talked about.
  Level of Romance: mild? I guess it's not really romance-y, but Lang does talk about his feelings ...
Rating: Favorite

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Review: The Boys of Summer by Richard Denney

The Boys Of Summer (Book 1: Secrets)  The Boys of Summer( Book one: Secrets)
Declan Ambrose is an openly gay vampire in love with a human...whom he's never met. Sent on a mission by his coven's leader, Victor, to retieve a bracelet from Riley Morgan. Riley is a teen boy with an awful fate and Declan is determined to save him from it. As for his mission, his love for Riley may hinder Declan's progress in that.
   I didn't enjoy this novella as well as I did the rest of Richard's works. I'm not sure what it was, but I didn't like Declan and reading this book, told through the point of view of his eyes, was hard. Honestly, Declan's motives are a little blurred makig his whole character less than believable. On the other hand, I loved Riley. He is my favorite character of Richard's to date. He is the character torn between love and what he must do. But it doesn't feel fake, which I love. I really hope to see more from him. The storyline was good and it definitely kept me guessing and engaged. Overall, absolutely worth the read .
Level of Romance: Just count on a lovesick vampire narrating the story. His thoughts are enough to spice it up.
Rating: Like
Buy it here
Pages (on the kindle): 66
Chapters: 6
Source: Amazon
Edition: Kindle e-Book
Release Date: August 2nd, 2011


Sunday, August 14, 2011

Read Dangerously Final Report





So, it's officially over, this read-a-thon. I didn't do too shabby. Here are the stats:
Books Read: 4
1. Schooled by Gordon Korman
2. Crash by Jerry Spinelli
3. Claimed by Lauren Barnholdt and Aaron Gorvine
4. Tricked by Lauren Barnholdt and Aaron Gorvine

Pages Read:488

Hours of Reading: about 9

Best book Read: I think it's a pretty close call between Crash and Schooled. I enjoyed both so much and they are both written by my favorite authors. If I had to choose, I would probably go with Schooled because it has a little more depth to the narration and character arches.

Worst Book Read: This one is really tough because I sincerely enjoyed all the books I read. I'm not going to pick anything for this category.

Did you enjoy the read-a-thon?: Absolutely. I read a lot in these past three days and the challenges were really inventive and a great relief when you needed a midday break from reading. I'm really glad I participated!

I always seem to be come super busy during a read-a-thon. I really should have logged more hours of reading and gotten more done. Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk, right?
I'll have all the reviews up soon (within a week I hope!) so you can know all there is to love and dislike about these books. See ya'll soon and Happy Reading,
                              :D Marriah

Friday, August 12, 2011

Read Dangerously Day Two Challenges

1. The object of this challenge is to describe what you are reading in 7 words or less. Here it goes:
                  Home-schooled boy goes to public school.
That was my 7 word description of Schooled by Gordan Korman


2. The second challenge of today is to come up with a dream cast for one of your read-a-thon books. I'm going to use the other book I'm reading for this one, which is Tricked by Lauren Barnholdt and Aaron Gorvine.


    Brody is a popular jock with money and a cocky attitude. I'd cast Brody Jenner as him.


Campbell is another jock, but he's really nice and new to the popular scene. He also happens to be some kind of obsessed with the new girl. I'm choosing Chace Crawford.

Natalia is the new girl with a worrisome past that she is running from and hiding from her new schoolmates. I'm gonna choose Kristen Stewart.

And lastly, I'll cast the resident It girl of Santa Anna. Raine is the girl who is at the top of the social food chain and gets whatever she wants. Miley Cyrus is who I'd choose to play her.

So I've still got quitea few pages to read, so wish me luck and I'll update you tomorrow.
  :D Marriah

    

Read Dangerously Day One Report


  It's now day two of this read-a-thon and I've decided to give you an updated version of how I did yesterday.
   Books Read
1. Crash by Jerry Spinelli (162 pages)
2. Claimed by Lauren Barnholdt and Aaron Gorvine (60 pages)

Currently Reading
1. Schooled by Gordan Korman
2. Tricked by Lauren Barnholt and Aaron Gorvine

Day One Stats:
Total Pages Read- 222
Total Reading Hours- about 4
Total Books Read- 2

I'm really happy with how much I got done on day one. Let's hope that luck transers to day two! Wish me luck
            :D Marriah

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Read Dangerously Read-a-Thon Update and Challenges



Since I can't just read one book at a time, I am currently reading two books for this challenge, both of which will be finished by the end of today.

1. Claimed(Witches of Santa Anna Book One) by Lauren Barnholdt and Aaron Gorvine
Claimed (The Witches of Santa Anna, #1)    44 out of 60 pages complete

2. Crash by Jerry Spinelli
    92 out of 168 pages complete

Hours Read (so far): 3
Total pages read (so far): 136

Here are today's challenges:

1. For this challenge, we are supposed to pick 1-3 songs that relate to the book we're currently reading. Since I'm reading two, I'm going to use the use Claimed for this one.
    A. Decode by Paramore
           Reason: This book reminds me of Twilight sorta with the new girl and the mysterious kids that everyone swoons over. This song kinda embodies that along with the questionable romance aspect, which is also present in the book.
     B. Shameless by All Time Low
             Reason: I feel like this song plays every time Raine, one of the popular main characters, walks into the room. It definitely describes her in title alone.

2. The second challenge was to have a mini excerpt of your current read that doesn't contain spoilers. I'm going to use Crash for this one. This excerpt is from page 17:
                " My mother  didn't like the peel job on the tree, so I was grounded for three days. My sister  
collected the scraps of bark and got some Elmer's glue and pasted them back on the tree trunk like a jigsaw puzzle."

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Read Dangerously Read-a-Thon Reading List

Because the another read-a-thon starts tomorrow, I decided I would post my reading list today and explain some suff.

Reading List
1. Schooled by Gordan Korman












2. Crash by Jerry Spinelli














3. A Dog Called Grk by Joshua Doder













I also have a few titles that I might read if I can get to them. They are as follows:
4. That Summer by Sarah Dessen













5. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

  











Now for some explainations. I won't be posting video updates during this challenge because my computer is having issues. But I will be posting updates at the end of every day. The posts will include all the things I am going to be keeping track of. Those things are hours of reading, number of books read, and number of pages read. I probably won't be reviewing any of the books until after the read-a-thon is over.
   Just thought I would update ya'll. Happy reading
                  :D Marriah          
  

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Liebster Blog Award

Thank you to Holly @Full Moon Bites for nominating my blog for the Liebster Award.  The goal of the award is to spotlight up and coming bloggers who currently have less than 200 followers.







The rules of the award are:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5. And most of all - have bloggity-blog fun!


Here are my picks:
3. Richard Denney @ The Book Whore

Friday, August 5, 2011

Read Dangerously Read-a-Thon Prep Post

This post is very important. This post means I am an official participant in...


This read-a-thon is only a small part of an even bigger event at All By MySHELF, celebrating Ren's 20th birthday. And everyone knows: big event + blogging = PRIZES!

Here are the important details about the read-a-thon:

The Read Dangerously Read-A-Thon will start at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 11, and end at 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 13. There will be mini-challenges on each day, so you'll have something to amuse yourself during your reading breaks. You can participate on all days or just a few, whatever you feel like or your schedule allows.

But that's not all! Everyone that participates in the read-a-thon will be entered to win $15 to The Book Depository! One winner will get their choice of any already released as of August 20) YA book, and because it's BD, the contest is open to anyone that lives in one of these countries. And if you say Marriah @ Rambling Bookmarks sent you, we'll both get an extra entry! All you have to do to be eligible for the giveaway is sign up for the read-a-thon and post an end of day update on one of the read-a-thon days. Yep, that simple.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go sign up!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Review: Violet Fury by Richard Denney

Violet Fury (Violet Fury, #1)
Bethany Cates is having weird dreams. Ones that play in her mind like a movie that she is the star of. Only in her dreams, she's not really herself. She's called Sarah and she's got  some problems. Bethany has to find some answers, especially after the people from her dreams start showing up in real life. Those answers may be rooted in the history of Crest View, the new town she lives in, or even in the depths of herself.
I love it. I was captivated and couldn't put it down until the very end. It was short and sweet and to the point.It has all the elements of a full length novel in under one hundred pages. It brings a different creature to the table of paranormal and I'm excited for the sequel which is supposed to be released in 2012.
Level of Romance: Directly, none. In a round-about kind of way, a minuscule amount.
Rating: Favorite

Review: Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison

Georgia Nicolson is a fourteen year old, British girl who's family is unwilling to recognize that she is on the brink of womanhood -- or at least, that's how she sees it. She's experiencing the transition into adulthood in all it's awkward glory with bras and pimples and insecurities. She chronicles all her escapades in her diary ( she makes entries a lot -- sometimes every five minutes!) and that is what this book is: Georgia's diary. Readers hear about her cat, Angus who is half domestic tabby, half Scottish wildcat, and all around crazy; her attempts to make her appearance perfect with cosmetics and other drastic means; and all her boy-stalking, boy-trapping, or generally boy-crazed moments. Covering the course of twelve months, readers will take on one wild year with Georgia Nicolson.
   While at times I found Georgia hilarious, most of the time she seemed superficial and down-right offensive. For instance she makes several references to having to become a lesbian because she is so ugly and can't get a boyfriend. Who ever made the rule that lesbians have to be ugly and only turn to liking girls when they can't get a guy? So when Georgia isn't insulting the gay community, she's hinting at suicide. If things don't go her way or if something absolutely riveting isn't occurring in her life, she says things like, "there is no reason to live", and " I might as well kill myself". Such comments are not funny and are simply over dramatic. They are positively silly to say, considering she is a privileged teen girl from a relatively well-off family. But I will agree that she did have her witty and genuinely funny moments that managed to entice a laugh of of me. The plot moved along nicely. The conflicts seemed real ( and life shattering) to Georgia. My edition was great and had a glossary of British words and phrases so American readers, like myself, could understand Georgia a little better. Honestly, half the time I don't even think Georgia could understand herself. Overall, it is a quick read that s relatively light. Best for when you are feeling a little silly.
Level of Romance: Kissing is talked about and done quite a bit( an estimated 75% of total content). And Georgia is chasing a boy (or maybe just the concept of a boyfriend).
Rating: Okay

ISBN: 0064472272
Edition: Paperback with glossary of British phrases
Source: Public Library
Genre: Young Adult/ Teen
Sub-genre: Realistic/Contemporary/ Chick Lit
Pages: 234         Chapters: 12 chapters labeled as months
 Publication Date: June 1st 1999
Publisher: HarperTempest (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)
Series: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson Book One

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

New Rating System!

So I've decided to dump the number ratings. I don't really think they convey how I actually feel about the books I read. For instance, a 5 out of 5 rating could go to a book that I absolutely adore as well as to a book that I really enjoyed and has nothing really wrong with it. The new system is a bit easier to understand ( I think) because they are basically words describing how I felt. The complete list of ratings can be found in the right sidebar. I'll put them below as well. Just thought I'd explain it before i'd put it into action.
Happy Reading,
           <3Marriah
     New Rating System:
Favorite - highest rating. I basically loved it.
Like- worth a read with no major flaws. I genuinely enjoyed it.
Okay- equivalent to 3 out of 5. Wasn't great but wasn't terrible.
Not for Me- I wasn't improved and I'm not sure it's worthy of a read.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday: Mundahlia by R.J. Gonzales




"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:
Mundahlia (The Mundahlian Era, #1)Mundahlia by R.J. Gonzales
Publication Date:August 2nd 2011
From Goodreads:
"When our era ends, theirs begins. Rini thought going to live with her cousins in the city of Austin, Texas while her parents rekindled their marriage on a four month long cruise, was a step in the right direction. When she makes a new quirky friend, and stumbles upon a handsome nude young man named Jett in the enveloping forest surrounding her cabin, she thought she was only moving forward. Well, she was wrong.
Jett and his clan appear human, just like anyone else. But take a closer look, and you will see that they are indeed Mundahlians. Legendary hybrid beings with both human and animal qualities that have been kept a heavily guarded secret throughout time—until now. They are taking refuge in our world, fleeing from their hidden homeland of Mundahlia and its aging power-hungry King, who has set up a game between his many children. Whoever can bring them back to their world so they can be tried and executed shall receive the crown once he passes.
Upon finding their hide out, Bane, one of the King's sons, and on a hunt to win the crown, sees an opportunity to shatter the blossoming relationship, lure the family back to Mundahlia, and frame Rini for the murder of a Mundahlian—thus, breaking the pact signed long ago with the humans, and reigniting an ancient war for the majority of land and control. A triple deed that will surely earn him the power he craves.
In the wake of his devious acts, which leaves Rini heart-broken and injured, Bane whisks her away to Mundahlia to be convicted of the crime he had forged. Jett, with help from his family and friends, sets out to stop the trial and rescue Rini before it is too late.
Will they make it in time?
Or will a new era begin.
A Mundahlian Era. "

Even though it is realeased next Tuesday, I am soooo excited for this book. I can not Wait to read it!

Teaser Tuesday: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder


Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.  
Here's what you do...
-Grab your current read
-Select 2 or more sentences from a random page (no spoilers)
-Do include the title and author so we can add it to our TBR pile.

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder
 Page153:
"What about the rest of your family?"
   An odd half-flinch creased his face for a second. "He's all I have, so no problem there."


    

Monday, July 25, 2011

Review:Godless by Pete Hautman

ISBN:1416908161
Edition: Paperback with Reading Group Guide
Source: Purchased from local bookstore @ $8.99 US
Pages: 198
Chapters: 31
Genre: Young Adult
Sub-Genre: Realistic/Contemporary
Release/Publication date:October 25th 2005
Publisher:Simon and Schuster for Young Readers
Series: N/A
After gettign beat up by the town bully, Jason Bock has a "religious experience". While lying on the ground recovering from getting punched hard in the face, he looks up to see the town's water tower, illuminated by the sun in a heavenly way. That gets him thinking "water is life" and Jason invents a new religion worshipping the water tower. He calls it the "Church if the Ten-legged God" (because the tower has ten legs) and it's followers are called "Chutengodians". Jason gathers a strange band of worshippers for the religion: there's his best friend, Shin who is a snail farming, overall nerdy guy; the attractive Magda Price whom Jason has a crush on; the violent, unpredictable bully named Henry Stagg (yup the same one who beat up Jason at the beginning of the book); and Daniel, the local pastor's son. As each member struggles to leave their mark on the religion, Jason realizes that it's a lot harder to control a religion than it looks. But he has to gain the reins fast before the first Chutengodian ceremony high atop the water tower goes horribly awry.
I loved every page of this book. The characters were all so vivid and unique but still meshed together naturally. The writing style is laid back and witty. Jason is the narrator and he is usually sarcastic and sometimes humorously awkward with people. This book shows the ways a religion can affect people in different ways and on a smaller scale how religions are changed by its followers. Shin gets an obsession while Jason struggles to keep the religion pure and as what he envisioned. Also it represents the hard times and ridicule a new religion goes through. I think Godless is an allegory of the struggles in the history of actual religions disguised as an amusing story. That said, I like (love really) that Jason feels like a teenager in voice and in actions. Being a teen I know that we are stubborn, especially whe it comes to adults tryign to change our minds. I feel that aspect in Jason instead of the usual teen-suddenly-becomes-reasonable-after-life changing-experience-crap. Huzzah for stubborn teenagers!
Level of Romance: None really
Rating: 5 out of 5

Review:3 Willows by Ann Brashares

ISBN:0385736762
Edition: Hardcover
Source: Public Library
Pages: 318      Chapters: 26
Genre:Young Adult Sub-Genre:Realistic/Contemporary
Release/Publication Date:January 13th 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Series:N/A
 Ama is a brainiac shipped off to an outdoorsy camp, even though she only wants to be reasearching in an air-conditioned library. Jo is staying in her parents beach house for the summer with a job at a local restauant. She wasn't expecting har parents surprise, nor was she counting on meeting the super-cute boy. Polly is trying not to miss her friends this summer. Her solution: aim for the glamourous life and never look back...but is she cut out for it?
     Honestly, I underestimated this book. I truly believed that this would be a crappy replica of the Sister fo the Traveling Pants. I won't lie. I'm happy to say I was very wrong. While the beginning was a little slow, it didn't take long for the pace to pick up. Just like the first sisterhood, the friends spend the summer away from each other, but unlike the first sisterhood it isn't really their first time apart. I find it fascinating that there are references to the first sisterhood, but at times it feels like too much effort was put in to make the new sisterhood seem different from the traveling pants girls. Readers don't need previous knowledge of the traveling pants and its sisterhood to follow the story. I'm surprised that such a relatively short story can cover heavier topics like divorce, body image, accepting what you can't control and so many more without seeming jam-packed and stuffed in an awkward, walking advertisement kind of way. This will sound a bit cliche, but this book was the first on this type to actually engage me until the end. I actually wasn't expecting it from this book. But the characters, their issues and their friendship all felt so real to me. It all reminded me of my own friendships.
I was sincerely impressed by this book and think with Ann Brashares other larger-than-life series( The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) casting a giant shadow over this one, it's not getting enough attention. I'd recommend it again and again.
Level of Romance: In a shallow kind of first love way, I'd say a solid almost one third of the book has it.
Rating: 5 out of 5

Sunday, July 24, 2011

In My Mailbox 7-24-11


In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi at the Stiry Siren: http://thestorysiren.com/
my GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2894544-marriah
Tell me what you got in your mailbox!!!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Wrap-Up Post


The last three days has been pretty great, and I'm sad that this amazing event had to end :( I've discovered a lot of amazing blogs that I'm now following and read some awesome books. Here are the books:
The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks ( Well, I only finished half of this one...)
   So I only got to read 2 and 1/2 books out of the eight I wanted to... but that's alright because I had a great time and it was an awesome experience.
Here are the links to my update posts:
        Day 1
        Day 2
        Day 3

I'll be posting the reviews of my finished books soon. See ya soon,
        <3 Marriah

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Final Update

From Wicked Awesome Books :
     This Mini-Challenge is all about matchmaking. You know how two characters in a book that could've saved themselves a lot of grief if they hadn't insisted on ending up together? Well this activity aims to "fix" this problem.
     My picks are :
          Astrid Llewelyn from Rampant and Ascendant (both by Diana Peterfreund) because she has so many issues to deal with, she just needs a guy who will respect her and try not to make her life any harder than it already is, not to mention the fact that she needs support and encouragement to battle all those unicorns!
                              ~matched with~
  Morning McCobb from Suck it Up by Brian Meehl because he is an awkward vampire still looking for his place in the world and I think he'd be willing to help her deal with her issues as long as he didn't have to be the poster-boy for any international vampire coming out of the closet events. And also he's one of my favorite male protagonists because it's so hard not to love him.

From Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing :
The point of this mini-challenge was to recommend two books to this blogger: one from you all-time favorite books and the other from your read-a-thon pile.

1. From my all-time favorites I'm recommending The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge. It's one of the best  books in general I've read in a long time...like since Harry Potter. It's got magic, it's got romance ( even a little hint of a love triangle), it's got crazy family issues, and it plays with your mind a bit. Aoife Grayson lives in the city of Lovecraft where Proctors rule what is Heretical: having to do with magic and thereby punishable by gruesome means. in Aoife's family, sixteen in the age when you go mad and the clock is ticking on Aoife's sanity. And when she gets a note from her older brother, she knows she has to save him and herself before she loses he mind...or gets caught. It's fast-paced, entrancing; basically a whole new adventure to dive into with such a tangible world, it might drive you a bit insane...that is, if the tantalizing love between Aoife and a silver-eyed Heretic named Dean Harrison. It'll keep you wondering what will happen next and if the end will make it all worth it to the very last word and you still won't ever guess the hectic conclusion.

2. From my Read-a-Thon pile, I'm recommending 3 Willow by Ann Brashares.
This will sound a bit cliche, but this book was the first on this type to actually engage me until the end. I actually wasn't expecting it from this book. But the characters, their issues and their friendship all felt so real to me. It all reminded me of my own friendships. Ama is a brainiac shipped off to an outdoorsy camp, even though she only wants to be reasearching in an air-conditioned library. Jo is staying in her parents beach house for the summer with a job at a local restauant. She wasn't expecting har parents surprise, nor was she counting on meeting the super-cute boy. Polly is trying not to miss her friends this summer. Her solution: aim for the glamourous life and never look back...but is she cut out for it?
I was sincerely impressed by this book and think with Ann Brashares other larger-than-life series( The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) casting a giant shadow over this one, it's not getting enough attention. I'd recommend it again and again.



This event is hosted by these lovely blogs:
http://www.readingangel.com/
http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/
http://www.candacesbookblog.com/
Today's challenges were hosted at these nice blogs:
http://www.wickedawesomebooks.com/ (matchmaker challenge)
http://basicallyamazing.blogspot.com/ (recommendations challenge)

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Update #2

This event is hosted by these lovely blogs:
http://www.readingangel.com/
http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/
http://www.candacesbookblog.com/
Today's challenges were hosted at these nice blogs:
http://www.yabliss.com/ ( love triangle challenge)
http://www.thebookishtype.blogspot.com/ ( fake synopsis challenge)
I do not own the song in the credits. It is the intro of Rihanna's Russian Roulette. All rights belong to their rightful owners.
     Wish me luck on day 3!!!
                   <3 Marriah

Monday, July 11, 2011

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Update #1


This event is hosted by these lovely blogs:
http://www.readingangel.com/
http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/
http://www.candacesbookblog.com/
Today's challenges were hosted at these nice blogs:
almybnenr.tumbler.com  ( cover challenge)
ibbookblogging.com  (mythology challenge)
See ya'll tomorrow!

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon Mini-Challenges

Today is Monday 11 July 2011, the first day of the Once Upon a Read-a-Thon hosted by these lovely blogs:
             http://www.readingangel.com/
             http://www.candacesbookblog.com/
           http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/
Part of the Read-a-Thon is to participate in at least one mini-challenge. This morning two were released. The can be found at The Musings of Almybnenr . I already submitted my entry this morning and I must say, that was a fun and interesting challenge. But it was slightly difficult, making it all the more excitign.

The second challenge for the day was from IB Book Blogging . It involves answering a few questions, so here they are.
    Mini Challenge Question 1:What is your favorite type of myth (Greek, Roman, Egyptian etc)?
My favorite type of mythology is by far Egyptian. I think this lays its roots in the Mummy movies starring Brendan Fraser. My mom was in love with those movies and they were perpetually on repeat in my house as a child. Even to this day, i love those movies and anything that is about Egyptian mythology. But more recently i've become interested in Greek mythology due, for the most part, to the Percy Jackson Series.

Mini Challenge Question 2:What is your favorite book with some type of mythology in it?
I haven't read many books about or containing mythology, although it is a growing trend in Young Adult literature. But I suppose every fantasy or sci-fi or paranormal book has some element based on a myth or legend datign abck hundreds of years. But I'll go with a few books that I am in the process of reading:
      The Alchemyst by Michael Scott and Percy Jackson andthe Olypians: the Lightning Thief 
    

    I'll be keeping ya'll posted,
            <3 Marriah

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Read-A-Thon Intro

Sorry about the shakiness in this video, I was holding the camera and apparently moved...And then it gets really pixelated. I didn't look like that until I uploaded it! I promise better quality in the future!!!
Links:
Read-A-Thon:
http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/2011/05/once-upon-read-thon-sign-up.html
Hosted by:
http://www.readingangel.com/
http://www.candacesbookblog.com/
http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/
My Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2894544-marriah

Friday, July 8, 2011

Video Review: Ella Mental and the Good Sense Guide by Amber Deckers



This is what happens when my mother makes me clean...
I hope you enjoyed this. Here are the stats on this book:
    Pages: 231
    Chapters: 21
   Edition featured in Video: Mass Market Paperback
  Rating: 4 out of 5

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

I got a package today and wanted to share it with you. By the way, if you hear a voice in the background, it's my dad reading something to my mom.
Be on the lookout for a review soon!
           <3 Marriah

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Challenges

So I've realized that the page where I had announced the challenges I was participating in has been deleted. So, here I will re-announce the two challenges and tell you about a new one.
                Debut Author Challenge 2011
        This is a challenge hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren where one reads twelve books from authors debuting this year. Update ( 8-10-11) : I have decided to drop out of this challenge. I just don't have the means of acquiring the right books. Maybe better luck next year.

Young Adult Historical Fiction Challenge
  In this challenge one pledges to read so many historical fiction books in the YA genre. It is created and hosted by Sab at YAbliss


And now for the new challenge:
Once Upon a Read-a-Thon    




Once Upon a Time Read-a Thon
This is hosted at Pure Imagination and takes place from July 11 to July 13. The goal is to pledge to read so many books and aim to read that many in the three days.
      I'm pledging to read 8 books in that three days. Wish me luck!
I'll keep you updated,
     <3 Marriah

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Can't Get There from HereCan't Get There from Here by Todd Strasser

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


198 pages, young adult, 30 chapters



Synopsis from Goodreads:

"Her street name is Maybe. She lives with a tribe of homeless teens — runaways and throwaways, kids who have no place to go other than the cold city streets, and no family except for one another. Abused, abandoned, and forgotten, they struggle against the cold, hunger, and constant danger.



With the frigid winds of January comes a new girl: Tears, a twelve-year-old whose mother doesn't believe Tears's stepfather abuses her. As the other kids start to disappear — victims of violence, addiction, and exposure — Maybe tries to help Tears get off the streets...if it's not already too late."



As you read about the woes of Maybe and all the members of her street family, it's hard not to appreciate what you have. She goes from sleeping in doorways, to squatting in construction sites, to sleeping under a bridge, knowing she won't have a bed to rest in. When her family slowly starts to dwindle, you can feel the hopelessness of her situation. A really great and quick read that might put the dangers of NYC into perspective.

Level of Romance :None, the characters are much too busy trying to survive until tomorrow.

Rating: 5 out of 5







View all my reviews

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Review: Monster High by Lisi Harrison

As I am unable to come up with a good synopsis of my own, here's the one from Goodreads:
   "They prefer to call themselves RAD (Regular Attribute Dodgers), but some call them monsters. So far, the "monster" community has kept a low profile in Salem, but this year two new girls enroll at Merston High School, and the town will never be the same.
Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and cheerleading. But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters who might be stalking the halls, Frankie finds that life in the "normie" world can be rough for a chic freak like her.
She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver--but can a normie be trusted with her big secret?"
    I'm not gonna lie: I only picked up this book because when I saw a vampire Barbie (Draculaura) in Walmart, I was blown away. No, that is not an exaggeration. It was like someone had finally answered my dreams. And then I found out there was a book and I had to read it, even if I knew it wasn't gonna be amazing....boy, was I surprised. It turns out that the plot has a fast start and a gripping, page-turning awesome that no one could have expected. The characters are ones you'll come to love. With a great lead in to the next book, but still a satisfying ending, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the next book!
              256 pages, young adult
    Level of Romance: Isn't high school always about romance?
    Rating : 5 out of 5

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Five Mini Reviews for your Reading Pleasure

So, instead of giving excuses for my nearly month-long absence, I'll just jump right in and say, "I'm Back!" While I may have been a little MIA, I did read, so here are the reviews that I owe you, compressed into one post. Enjoy!
   
Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall by Wendy Mass
Young Adult, 251 pages
When she gets into a dodge ball accident in P.E., 16 tear old Tessa finds herself in a coma-induced "heaven" that looks exactly like the mall her parents work at. She receives a bag of items that she'd bought at that mall, all of which relate to a memory. These memories will help her answer the question she's been asking herself.
   Overall, a quick, fun read written in a quirky free verse. Tessa is a sassy character that all readers will identify with. Filled mostly with memories of Tessa's past, the pages fly by.
Level of Romance: None, Tessa is too busy flipping through her memories and stuck in a coma, sooo...
Rating: 5 out of 5
 The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard
Young Adult, 192 pages
Colt and Julia were secretly together for a year. Then Julia dies, and Colt is forced to internally mourn because to the public, he didn't even know the girl he loved. He is haunted by her memory and things only get worse when her diary falls into his hands. He has to  choose between bringing himself to read the diary, reopening the wounds he'd been healing; and living without the answers that the journal could hold. Julia meant so much to him, but is it time to move on?
 Another quick read, and despite the fact that it sounds like another book revolving around a high school relationship, it's not. It's more about Colt's reaction to Julia, her absence, and knowing the rest of his life will be without Julia. But it's so much more than that. There is an element of social prejudices between the wealthy and the "poor". Most of all, it's about moving on and admitting you have to do so.
   Level of Romance: Little, Colt is trying to mend; it's more about the effects of a relationship on a person and society.
Rating: 5 out of 5

Faking 19 by Alyson Noel
Young Adult , 210 pages
Alex is a senior in high school with a daddy complex. Her best friend M suggests that they go to L.A. for the weekend to escape the boring Orange County suburbia they are normally stuck in. Partying in Los Angeles means older guys with money and glamorous jobs...plus dangerous things like drugs, drinking, and sex. Alex and M begin relationships with some boys of the less wild type, but Alex will learn not everyone is what they seem.
A good read, but often the narrator, Alex,  talks to the reader and awkwardly breaks up the flow of the story. Surprisingly filled with life lessons and not as shallow, or even as prime-time-drama-show-ish as the synopsis printed on the back will make it seem.
Level of Romance: It's about relationships, so...I'm gonna go with a lot.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5


Crackback by John Coy
Young Adult, 201 pages
Miles Manning isn't the best anything. He's got zits, his grades could use some help and girls rarely look his way. The one thing going for him is football. He's a starting player on the school team, but it's not enough. His father is still pushing him to do better and pretty much driving his life. His best friend is trying to shoot him up with steroids, saying it'll make him a better player. Is it worth it?Mile will have to decide what he's willing to do to be the best. 
Not as dull as I thought it would be. It puts football in layman's terms for those who aren't exactly fans of the sport. It's not just about football, either. It's about being yourself and taking control of your life; about defining yourself. Miles has a believable teen voice and he's a great character. At times the plot seems to be stuck in the early nineties because of the mannerisms of the characters but it doesn't hinder the story. 
Level of Romance: Miles does fraternize with a girl, but it's nothing overly romantic. 
Rating: 5 out of 5 
 Miles from Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams
Young Adult, 208 pages
Lacey is all set to start her summer job at the public library, while her mother is about to start her own job at the local grocery store. The thirteen-year-old Lacey hopes that her mother's problems have settled because she seems so much better and without this job, they're flat broke. But as the day grows old, all the memories come back, telling the story of how this plan obviously couldn't work and how it quickly got out of hand.
With a slow start, I was almost going to give up on this. But about a third of the way in, a true conflict and some answers are presented to the reader and the plot takes off, gluing you to the pages. Mental illness and some other heavy subjects are featured in this book, so don't expect a frivolous tale of a girl. Definitely worth the read and the drudging through the first part.
Level of Romance: Lacey's got enough problems, she can't handle a guy too.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

I hope you enjoyed these short and simple reviews and expect a new full length one soon. Happy Reading!!!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: Monster High

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.  
Here's what you do...
-Grab your current read
-Select 2 or more sentences from a random page (no spoilers)
-Do include the title and author so we can add it to our TBR pile.
   
  Monster High by Lisi Harrison


   
"Viveka and Viktor waved back, the worry behind their eyes undermining the smiles on their faces." (Page 81)

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays: Miles from Ordinary

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.  
Here's what you do...
-Grab your current read
-Select 2 or more sentences from a random page (no spoilers)
-Do include the title and author so we can add it to our TBR pile.
   
                                Miles from Ordinary
                 by Carol Lynch Williams
                                             
   
" I screamed till I saw light flash behind my eyelids. I screamed till I thought my voice might break." ( p.104)