REVIEW: Indigo Blues by Danielle Joseph

SYNOPSIS: I never asked to be famous—or infamous. Such is my fate for briefly dating (and dumping) Adam Spade. Yes, the Adam from the indie rock band Blank Stare who wrote "Indigo Blues"—the song that gave the band overnight success, propelled them to New York City, and stole my precious anonymity. Now I'm pawed by fans, stalked by reporters, and pegged as a vicious heartbreaker. And Adam is still calling me. Doesn't he have better things to do?

Adam:

With a hit single and a promising career, I should be on top of the world. People on the street are beginning to recognize me, which is cool. And scary. The band is counting on me to write another hit, but I can't stop thinking about Indigo. Why won't she answer the phone?

MY REVIEW: I really enjoyed Danielle Joseph's Indigo Blues. I,as a die-hard romantic,have always wanted that someone compose a song for me and I am sure many of you also might have wished the same... And to have a rocker dude compose a top-of-the-charts song for you and let the world know how heartbroken he is...I know it sounds mean,but I would die if someone did something like that for me!

I must admit,as much as I enjoyed the book,it got a little on my nerves halfway through the book. Indigo and Adam were very believable. I guess I would have,to a certain extent,reacted in the same way Indigo had done. Nevertheless,I found Indigo pretty adamant and I can't believe any girl can be that insensitive and mean! Also,I felt she kept on whining throughout the book and it was really irritating! Adam,on the other hand,was a real softie...he was sweet.

However the characters were well chalked out and Danielle did a great job with the double narrative. I love books which let me get into the minds of the characters and Danielle Joseph excelled at it!

I felt the ending was somewhat rushed and abrupt. I would have liked a more decisive,conclusive ending. The ending failed to satisfy me.

All said,I enjoyed the book quite a lot. Nice,light read.

MY RATING: 3.5/5

REVIEW: Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick

SYNOPSIS: Claire is a #hopelessromantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secretcrush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan.

Claire can’t believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone.

But the Twitterverse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she’s falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected….

Told in an innovative format combining tweets, emails, and blogs, Tweet Heart is a contemporary romantic comedy that will set your heart atwitter.


REVIEW: I will begin by saying that the format of Tweet Heart intrigued me when I first heard that it is a book where conversations are exchanged between the characters in the form of Tweets,emails,texts,blogs and so on. Plus,being a hopeless romantic myself,I desperately wanted to read the book. And trust me,I fell absolutely,totally and hopelessly in love with the book after having finished it.
Tweet Heart is one of the cutest reads of the year. Though the story matter has been used and abused through generations,does a book which speaks of the troubles of teenage love ever lose appeal with readers?! I don't think so. This book has made a direct entry into my heart and will forever remain in one of those little secured corners of the heart. I have to admit,Tweet Heart is my comfort read. I pick up the book whenever I am low or sad and it has never failed to bring a smile to my face!
I love the characters of Ben and Lottie! Claire and Will,though lovable protagonists,somehow failed to be as mush interesting as Lottie and Ben to me! Ben's blogposts are hilarious and often so true! Lottie,though quite a motor-mouth is someone who whom I could relate to and found extremely adorable. Will is the archetypal romantic hero. Claire,I found a little dull and diabetic sweet. However,all the characters with their various shades give the story that zing which makes it so beautiful.
Tweet Heart is a read for all seasons and I cant praise the book enough! Reading the book makes me want to go through my teenage years again and again...Tweet Heart is a great read and I recommend it to everyone! Grab a copy as soon as possible people!

MY RATING: 5/5 :)

REVIEW:I Lost My Mobile At The Mall by Wendy Harmer

SUMMARY: I lost my mobile at the mall and am now facing certain death.
My mother will accuse me of being lazy, ungrateful and plain old stupid. The first death I suffer will be from an utter lack of natural justice. My father will sentence me to die by disappointment. His shoulders will sag and there will be a long escape of air from his chest, as if I've crept up behind him ...moreI lost my mobile at the mall and am now facing certain death.
My mother will accuse me of being lazy, ungrateful and plain old stupid. The first death I suffer will be from an utter lack of natural justice. My father will sentence me to die by disappointment. His shoulders will sag and there will be a long escape of air from his chest, as if I've crept up behind him ...more I lost my mobile at the mall and am now facing certain death.
My mother will accuse me of being lazy, ungrateful and plain old stupid. The first death I suffer will be from an utter lack of natural justice. My father will sentence me to die by disappointment. His shoulders will sag and there will be a long escape of air from his chest, as if I've crept up behind him and pulled out his plug.
As if I deliberately lost my mobile phone to prove to him that there is no God. My best friend will kill me, all because there's a photo in my mobile of her standing next to Hugh Jackman. I am not an overly dramatic person, but a year's worth of numbers, texts and photos were in my phone, and if I don't get them back my life is not worth living.
As if I deliberately lost my mobile phone to prove to him that there is no God. My best friend will kill me, all because there's a photo in my mobile of her standing next to Hugh Jackman. I am not an overly dramatic person, but a year's worth of numbers, texts and photos were in my phone, and if I don't get them back my life is not worth living.

MY REVIEW:This is one gorgeous book and one of the most original stories that I have read in recent times.It was an amazing book…often funny and very refreshing.I especially LOVED this book because this book dealt with a normal “teenager at the edge of technological breakdown”.I was just a wee bit tired of paranormal characters and meeting Elly Pickering was an absolute pleasure!Elly Pickering,the protagonist,is a bright and spunky character and I just adored her.It was hilarious the way she went on talking about fashion and I could relate to her being a bit of a fashionista myself!The title of the book is “I Lost My Mobile At The Mall” but here Elly not only loses her mobile but also her PC and author Wendy Harmer reminds us how it was like in the old days when our forefathers had to make do without mobiles and computers.Obviously Elly is absolutely handicapped without her phone and PC and I could totally relate to Elly on this front too. I absolutely adored the relationship that Elly had with her grandmother!It was so lovely and beautiful!

This is Wendy Harmer’s first book and this is the first work of her that I have read and I can’t wait to read more!Harmer has a funny,often witty voice,and she also adds a correct amount of sarcasm in her novel which makes it a sparkling tale of a teenager in distress.In short,I can’t wait to read more from her!I recommend this book to each and every teenager out there!Everyone of us will be able to relate to the protagonist!This book is simply addictive and I was hooked onto it from the very first page!Also,the cover of the book is so cute!So neat and simple and yet so cute!

MY RATING:10/5( I LOVED LOVED LOVED it!)

Contests around the Blogosphere!

Here is a wonderful opportunity to win both The Iron King and The Iron Daughter books by Julie Kagawa at http://www.bewitchedbookworms.com/2010/10/iron-fey-giveaway-and-interview-with.html
OMG!! I so badly hope,wish and pray that I win this!

Win a signed copy of Hush Hush at http://dark-readers.blogspot.com/2010/10/win-signed-hush-hush-by-becca.html

Win a copy of Nightshade at Forever Young at http://foreveryoungadult.blogspot.com/2010/10/giveaway-review-nightshade-by-andrea.html

Barely Used Books Giveaway at http://fromthetbrpile.blogspot.com/2010/10/giveaway-time.html

Still Pursuing Those Dreams

1.I want to travel the world.Just pack my bag and go around the world without a care.
2.Bungee jumping.....wheeeeeee!!!!!!!
3.Read ALL the books ever written!
4.Go scuba-diving and get a glimpse of the marine life!
5.Want to go treasure hunting!Sail across the great oceans and find that box of gold,rubies and diamonds that will make me soopah-doopah rich!!!

Check out this dream-weaver contest here-http://karlanellenbach-lastword.blogspot.com/2010/10/friday-five-dream-weavercontest-edition.html

Winner of Tweet Heart!!!!

AND THE WINNER IS....
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SUELLEN!!!!
I have shot you an email. Please get back to me within a couple of days,else I will have to choose a new winner.

Thank you all so much for participating :)

Fall Giveaway

Good Choice Reading is holding a great Fall giveaway!Up for grabs are such great titles-

When Blood Calls By J.K. Beck (ages 18+)

Born to Bite by Lynsay Sands (ages 18+)

Assassin's Honor by Monica Burns (ages 18+)

I'll Be Slaying you by Cynthia Eden (ages 18+)

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

The Hunger Games by Suzanna Collins

The Pace by Shelena Shorts

Hearts at Stake & Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey (This counts as two books)

The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Hush, Hush by Becca FitzPatrick

ARC of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Almost to Die for by Tate Hallaway (Signed Copy)
(NEW) Sea by Heidi R. Kling
(New) Falling for Romeo by Jennifer Laurens

Here's the link-
http://goodchoicereading.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-time-welcoming-fall-giveaway.html

Win a copy of Hush Hush!

An opportunity to win a copy of Hush Hush at http://www.bewitchedbookworms.com/2010/09/bookworms-thoughts-of-hushhush-plus.html
Yay!! So hope I win this one! I think I am the only one who doesn't own a copy! So hope I will be lucky this time!

Choco's Very Humongous Giveaway!

Check out Choco's very humongous at http://inwhichagirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/very-humongous-blogoversary-contest.html

You just cant miss it! Up for grabs are-

Win a signed copy of Firelight

BookMac is giving us a very wonderful opportunity to win a signed copy of Firelight! Yay! I am so excited! I so hope I win it! Here is the link to enter this awesome giveaway- http://book-mac13.blogspot.com/2010/09/firelight-review-giveaway.html

Carolina's ARCs Galore Giveaway!

Carolina is giving away ao many wonderful ARCs on her lovely blog at http://carol-in-print.blogspot.com/2010/08/arcs-galorea-new-international-giveaway.html

Up for grabs are ARCs of(W.O.W.)-



I am absolutely dying to win this giveaway! So buzzing with excitement! I am totally keeping my fingers crossed. Do enter this giveaway! You cannot miss it for anything in the world!

Please say that 'bookaholic' sent you when entering the giveaway...

Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick GIVEAWAY!

The title says it all...YES guys! It's time for a giveaway!YAY!! The winner gets
-a signed copy of Tweet Heart,
-a signed bookmark and
-a Tweet Heart inspired water bottle(courtesy the lovely Liz Rudnick and her publisher at Hyperion)
Whoa! How tempting is that!


Just to update those people from the stone age who aren't aware of the story of Tweet Heart,here is the synopsis from Goodreads-

Claire is a #hopelessromantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secretcrush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan.
Claire can’t believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone.
But the Twitterverse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she’s falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected….
Told in an innovative format combining tweets, emails, and blogs, Tweet Heart is a contemporary romantic comedy that will set your heart atwitter.


How wonderful does that sound? I know I would have done anything to win this giveaway!

To be eligible for this giveaway, YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG and leave a comment underneath. Easy-peasy?

Extra points:
+2 Follow Elizabeth Rudnick on Twitter @lizrudnick
+5 If you make a blog post about this contest. (Leave a link)
+1 For each tweet/facebook/post on the sidebar etc. (Leave a link for each)
Please leave an email address by which I can get back to you if you win.

This giveaway is open internationally and will end on 16th September and I will post the winner the next day.

Sara's Awesome ARCs giveaway!

Sara is giving away so many absolutely gorgeous ARCs at http://babblingflow.blogspot.com/2010/08/arcs-arcs-arcs.html
Up for grabs are ARCs like these-


Alluring enough? There are more! So hurry! You have to check out this awesome contest! And enter it please. While entering,please mention that 'bookaholic' sent you. Please.

Review: The Sky Always Hears Me:And The Hills Don't Mind by Kirstin Cronn-Mills

SYNOPSIS: I borrow the car again from Grandma and drive out to my hill. I scream I AM A BIG FAT ZERO, plus I AM SWEARING OFF KISSING FOREVER, and I HATE BEING A SECRET SEX FIEND, about sixteen times each. Then I sit very still and watch a hawk swirl over the fields. I have to get a new life before I go crazy.

Sixteen-year-old Morgan lives in a hick town. Her mom was killed in a car accident when she was two, her dad drinks, and her stepmom is a non-entity. Her boyfriend Derek is boring and she can't stop staring at her coworker Rob's cute butt. Then there's the kiss she shared with her neighbor Tessa . . . But when Morgan discovers a devastating secret about the one person she completely trusted, her entire world crashes and she must redefine her life and herself.

Compelling and complex, The Sky Always Hears Me is a fast-paced narrative with raw humor and a heart-wrenching twist.

-From GOODREADS

MY REVIEW: I can safely begin this review by stating that I LOVE The Sky Always Hears Me:And The Hills Don’t Mind! The title and the book cover is what attracted me in the beginning. For me,the title of a book plays quite an important part in building up my interest for the book and I must say that Kirstin Cronn Mills has given her debut book the most apt title! I can’t think of any other title for the book…and I love it!

Now to move on to the story,it was an absolutely wonderful roller-coaster ride! I enjoyed the book so much so that I have even had a dream about it yesterday night! We don’t want to go into the details of the dream but I can just about hint that I was there with Rob and his ‘perfectly cute ass’!*swoons* And Tessa was together with Jessica! LOL! That one was the cherry,seriously,guys! And I wont tell you why…you have to read the book to find out the reason.

I adore the way Kirstin has sketched out Morgan’s life and character. Morgan is a regular teenager,so very relatable and one you would love to be friends with. She has been given a quirky and witty voice which made the narrative extremely enjoyable. I like that she is very focused about her dreams and is strong enough to defy everything she has for her dreams’ fulfillment. She wants to write The Great American Novel someday but for now has to keep herself satisfied with writing fortunes. I must mention that these fortunes were the highlight of the book for me. Morgan poured her thoughts,feelings,philosophy,logic and ideas in the fortunes which went on to reveal a greater understanding of Morgan’s character in a very intelligent manner.

The relationships and Morgan’s varying equations with all the other characters in the book(her grandma,her father,her stepmother,her brothers,her boyfriends,Tessa and her friends) makes the book extremely realistic and appealing. I love Morgan’s brothers. They are absolutely gorgeous! I wish I had brothers like them…

Morgan also has her so many typical teenage problems and the way she deals with them is no doubt extremely commendable. The book also covers the issue of sexuality and teenage confusion regarding sexuality. I am sure every teen has gone through a phase wondering what it would be like to kiss someone of the same sex and whether such feelings makes him/her a homosexual. This issue has been beautifully dealt with in the book. Morgan’s inner turmoil regarding her sexuality has been given much importance in the book,which,though could have made this an LGBT book,instead just portrays the pangs and angst of every teenager,making it a mainstream YA book dealing with sexuality issues.

Kirstin also writes about issues like PMS,child abuse and forgiveness. I will not disclose how Kirstin uses these issues in the book but I must say that the book,for me,transcends from being a mere high school experience into a greater understanding of life,relationships and their complexities. The treatment given to the book makes it an unforgettable experience for me. I would love to read the book over and over again. This book is like a ‘complete package’ for me-extremely fun,charming,compelling and thought provoking at the same time. I highly recommend this book!

MY RATING: 5/5

REVIEW:Salvaged by Stefne Miller

SUMMARY:'My body was being torn apart, and my stomach felt as if it exploded. The pain was excruciating, and I was aware that I was dying... 'Mom?' My vision was murky, but I could see her face. It was bloody, and her eyes were large and full of fear. Her voice calmed. 'Get out of the car, Attie.' Her words sounded crisp and clear. I looked into the backseat in search of Melody and found her lying covered in blood in a twisted heap on the floor. I turned my attention back to my mother and out of the corner of my eye saw fire. 'Get out, Attie!' 'Mom?' Everything went dark.' Attie Reed should have died in the wreck that stole the lives of her mother and best friend. But her life was spared. Why? When Attie moves to Oklahoma to stay with the Bennetts for the summer, she hopes she has left her nightmares behind. But her battle is far from over, and Riley Bennett steps forward to help her fight the nighttime monsters. As the battle wears on, Riley begins fighting monsters of his own: his feelings for Attie. And Attie realizes she must begin to face the monsters of the night herself if she wants to conquer them for good. Can Attie's life be Salvaged?

MY REVIEW:Salvaged is a story about a girl who survives a car crash which kills her mother and her best friend and the struggle that follows afterwards.I loved this book.Stefne Miller has perfectly combined romance and faith in this young adult novel.I thoroughly enjoyed the book…each page of the book was refreshing.Firstly,this book preaches…but oh,what a lovely way of preaching!Miller sends out a message but not without entertaining.There was an absolutely refreshing take on Christianity and faith in God in this book which I immensely liked.The book encourages the young people to be forgiving and merciful.Secondly,I loved the double point of views that Miller employs in this book.We get to know the feelings and emotions that is going on in the hearts and minds of both the protagonists,Riley and Attie.Thirdly,the characters of Riley and Attie are extremely well-sketched.Both of them are funny,witty and relateable.Riley is super-hot.He is so warm,caring and intelligent.Personally,I was crushing on him real bad while I was reading the book.And he was sensitive too!Wow!Seriously…do they make like him anymore?Attie is a round character who develops through the course of the book.She becomes less tangled and more mature.I loved the one-on-one conversations that she had with Jesus.There is just one thing that I did not like…I felt that the relationship between Riley and Attie was too mushy.It was too sweet and sugar-coated for my taste.But Salvaged was a beautiful,breath-taking experience.I absolutely loved the book!I am glad that I own the book.I would so love to read it again and again!

MY RATING:4.5/5

Cassie Clare Mega Giveaway!

A mega Cassie Clare books giveaway is going on at http://paperbackdolls.blogspot.com/2010/08/cassandra-clare-mega-giveaway.html
Up for grabs are signed copies of-
City Of Bones
City Of Ashes
City Of Glass
and
Clockwork Angel!!

Tempting enough? Wait! There is more!
Among the prizes are also A Viviane Hebel's Infernal Devices Clockwork Angel wings Necklace! The very same Tessa will be wearing in Clockwork Angel!
Viviane Hebel's Mortal Instruments warlock Magnus Bane rainbow cuff!
Viviane Hebel's Mortal Instrument Bookmarks! These babies are made from metal and are engraved with real TMI ruins!

I so insanely and desperately want to win this giveaway!!
Check it out at http://paperbackdolls.blogspot.com/2010/08/cassandra-clare-mega-giveaway.html

Win Radiance

Win a copy of Radiance by Alyson Noel at http://book-mac13.blogspot.com/2010/08/radiance-contest.html
I so want to win this giveaway! Have been waiting for Radiance for ages! Do enter the giveaway please...

Two awesome books Giveaway

Win copies of Eternal Ones and Infinite Days at http://book-mac13.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-contest.html
I would so love to win this giveaway! Go hurry! Enter the giveaway now!

Clockwork Angel giveaway

A chance to win Clockwork Angel at http://michellehodkin.blogspot.com/2010/08/this-contest-is-going-to-be-so-fast.html


And this is probably your last chance to get your hands on it before the book comes out on August 31st. Since the pub date is super soon, this contest is going to be SUPERFAST.

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa.

As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

REVIEW:Sand In My Eyes by Christine Lemmon

SUMMARY:An older woman growing flowers, a younger woman caught up in the weeds, and the seasons of life.

Twenty years ago, Anna Hott thought she co ...more An older woman growing flowers, a younger woman caught up in the weeds, and the seasons of life.

Twenty years ago, Anna Hott thought she could control everything – her crumbling marriage, her demanding children, her hectic life – by quitting her high-paced job in New York City and moving her family to tranquil Sanibel Island, Florida. But she brought her untamed emotions, her rage toward her cheating husband, and her yearning to write a novel with her. When her husband and children left the house for a week, Anna thought at last she would get her household, her novel, and her mind in order. Instead, her elderly neighbor Fedelina Aurelio knocked on her door bearing flowers and homespun wisdom, and when Fedelina’s recently divorced son arrived, Anna had a test of passions and a test of truth. Now, at 56 with an empty nest, Anna Holt pulls out the incomplete manuscript she started that memorable week and – to find closure for her life and a conclusion for her novel – travels to Indiana to visit Fedelina who lives in a nursing home.

A novel framed within a novel, Sand in My Eyes is both a story about the tension between motherhood and personal dreams as well as a story about women across generations inspiring one another to let beauty persist despite ugly circumstances.

MY REVIEW:As you probably have already guessed that this is the first Adult Women’s fiction that I am reviewing on my blog.I had been reviewing Young Adult’s fiction so far.Sand In My Eyes came to me at a perfect time when I was craving for Adult Women’s fiction.It is a story about the toils and hardships of a woman in her mid-life,struggling with raising her children as well as coping with the infidelity of her husband.But this book does not just simply deal with the complications of marriage and motherhood but rather it shows how a woman realizes her dreams and ambitions despite all this.Sand In My Eyes inspired me.I found Cora’s letter extremely encouraging,soothing and inspiring.All the characters in the book are practical and realistic.The writing by itself is so powerful and yet so smooth that I was hooked to the book from the very first page.The writing could have been choppy,what with a number of layers to the story and also the narration flits between past and present,but it is surprisingly easy and lucid.The friendship between between Anna and Fedelina has been weaved most beautifully.This is simply the kind of book that will make you think and think hard,long after you have finished the book.I am so happy that I actually own this book and it is not a borrowed copy because I am sure I will be going back and reading it again and again.The book has a soothing and calming effect which I absolutely cherish.It is a beautiful book.The ending took me by surprise though.I did not imagine that one coming!I recommend this book to all those who have a liking for Adult Women’s fiction.

MY RATING:5/5

August Competitions

The Eclectic Reader is giving away awesome books at her blog for her August Competition.To enter head over to
http://teddyree-theeclecticreader.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-competition.html


Alaine is having her August competition and is giving away 1 book from a choice of three totally awesome books.Enter here
http://alainereading.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-competition.html

Contest alert:Lisa's August Contest

Lisa Desrochers is holding her August Competition on her blog.She is the author of the recently released Personal Demons!You can win a copy of her book signed by her!WOW!So head over right now to win a book from these freakin' awesome titles:

a signed Personal Demons ARC by her!
Freak Observer Blythe Woolston
Nevermore Kelly Creagh
Wildfire Run Dee Garretson
Paranormalcy Kiersten White

at
http://lisadesrochers.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-debut-contest.html

Michelle Hodkin is giving away awesome books!

Michelle Hodkin is giving away awesome books at
http://michellehodkin.blogspot.com/2010/08/whos-your-match.html
Up for grabs are these:
First, MATCHED
Second is I AM NUMBER FOUR

Third is LOW RED MOON
Fourth is DUST
...and more!

Win Nightshade at Frankie Writes

Frankie is giving away her ARC of Nightshade!*squees*So what are you waiting for?Enter right away!
http://frankiediane.blogspot.com/2010/08/nightshade-arc-giveaway.html

Reading Clean Spotlight:Paranormalcy

Reading Teen is giving away Paranormalcy by Kiersten White!So what are you waiting for?Head over there right now to join!
http://www.readingteen.net/2010/08/clean-read-spotlight-paranormalcy.html

Thanks!

Shannon's Epic Giveaway!

You have to check out Shannon's epic giveaway at http://ramblingsofawannabescribe.blogspot.com/2010/08/mega-epic-contest-of-awesome-part-one.html ! It is 'one of its kind'! Up for grabs are Pegasus,Matched,Virals,The Search for Wondla and The Kneebone Boy! Doesn't that sound just mega-awesome? You just cannot miss it! Go enter now!
And please mention me when you are entering. Please

REVIEW: Picture The Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown

SYNOPSIS: Jennie’s connection with her twin brother, Toby, grew stronger after he died in 1864. Now Jennie must rely on her ability to communicate with the dead to find out what has happened to her beloved fiance, Will, while he was off at war. The army says he died honorably in battle. His brother confides that he became a violent criminal and died in a prison camp. Jennie begins to doubt that anyone is telling her the truth.

This intriguing combination of historical romance, paranormal thriller, and clever mystery is illustrated by bestselling artist Lisa Brown. The unique visuals originated from real Civil War daguerreotypes that were transformed into eerie mementos for Jennie’s scrapbook.

With the help of a spiritualist photographer, the spirit of her dead fiance, and the clues she discovers and keeps in her scrapbook, Jennie must put together the pieces of this mystery before she loses her home, her fortune, and possibly her life.

-from Goodreads

MY REVIEW: Picture The Dead,written by Adele Griffin and illustrated by Lisa Brown,sketches a very realistic picture of the society during the American Civil War. The book intertwines the evil of war with interest in spiritualism. The bereaved families who had suffered the losses of their loved ones naturally sought for any and every method by which they could connect with their loved ones. And that many times meant searching for answers beyond the world,beyond the adamantine chains of life and death in the world. Thus came in spiritualism which proposed methods like séance to connect with those who had passed beyond the bounds and claims of the world. Photography,a recently developed and much popular art was much helpful with its tricks to create illusions of angels and ghosts so as to provide some or a little solace to the bereaved families who were ready to believe in anything and trust anyone if they could only have a glimpse of their lost beloveds.

Adele Griffin’s writing is absolutely brilliant. She successfully transported me to Jennie’s world and I smoothly sailed through the book,as if a close confidant to Jennie. Needless to say,I loved Jennie’s character. Though delicate and fragile,Jennie was extremely mature for her age and capable of enduring severe complexity of emotions which could break even the tried and tested ones. Solving the mysteries and putting together the pieces of puzzle with Jennie was a wonderful adventure. Adele Griffin also successfully and very interestingly also portrays the precarious position of women during those times,who had to depend on the male members in their lives if they were to live a respectable life. Jennie however empowers herself throughout the book and overcomes the restraints of the society as she finds a way to support herself at the end. Adele Griffin kept me hooked till the end. The twists and turns in the book were so intriguing. I could never guess what would come after and that for me was a delightful experience. The unpredictability of the book combined with the sinister atmosphere,made it a star for me,unlike anything I have ever read.

Lisa Brown’s illustrations were extremely interesting and Jennie’s scrapbook came alive due to her wonderful artwork. Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown worked together to architecture an innovative and mellifluous ride for us readers.

A magnanimous attempt to weave together literature and art,Picture The Dead for me is a phenomenal book replete with the right amount of mystery and romance,presenting to the readers a very living picture of the contemporary society. ‘Embrace the unexpected’ folks!

MY RATING: 5/5 undoubtedly! Grab your copies today!!

REVIEW:A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler

SYNOPSIS: Terrified that her mother, a schizophrenic and an artist, is a mirror that reflects her own future, sixteen-year-old Aura struggles with her overwhelming desires to both chase artistic pursuits and keep madness at bay.

As her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet keeps drawing Aura toward the depths of her own imagination—the shadows of make-believe that she finds frighteningly similar to her mother’s hallucinations.

Convinced that creative equals crazy, Aura shuns her art, and her life unravels in the process.

MY REVIEW: I don’t know how I am supposed to start writing a review for this book...to describe it in one word,I would say ‘WOW’!

To say ‘I loved A Blue So Dark’ would certainly be an understatement! Holly Schindler did a swell job on the book. From providing knowledge about schizophrenia to rooting the reader’s interest in the book from the very first page,Holly has been impeccable! From the synopsis itself,I was aware that A Blue So Dark is a different kind of book-a kind of book I am not used to reading or to be more precise,not used to liking. But Holly proved me so wrong. I not only liked it,but loved it! I can now undoubtedly say that A Blue So Dark is one of my all time favorites!
Aura(such a beautiful name) was a very loveable and relatable character. My heart went out to Aura(and her mother) as she tried single handedly to nurse her mother back to health with her love alone. Her father has long abandoned them and has moved on with a younger and prettier wife and now,even refuses to help Aura when her mother lapses into one of her ‘episodes’. Aura tries to juggle school,her mother,friend and crush at the same time but in vain. She at last has to break her promise to her mother and get her admitted into a mental hospital,something which she had sincerely avoided for a very long time. To be true,almost felt like shaking Aura and infusing some sense in her. She should have got her mother admitted to the hospital a long time ago. But her love for her mother and fear that she would be taken away from her(also her promise to her mother) kept her from doing so. But isn’t that how teenagers behave? Aura’s conflict between her passion for art and fear of it was also extremely touching. Though on one hand I felt a little tired of Aura’s lack of perspective,on the other hand I wanted to hug her and tell her that it will be all right. She was such a strong girl,a very courageous one,one a reader can’t help but admire.

The ‘episodes’ Grace lapses in gave me goosebumps. I really found myself with Aura in her efforts to reason with her mother and take care of her. The episodes were so vividly described,they were almost spooky!

Another thing I adored about the book was Aura’s poems. Her poems felt like a plunge into the depths of Aura’s emotions. The poems,beautifully written,gave me a deep insight into Aura’s every feeling and fear.

The book also deals with the issue of teenage pregnancy and the cons of it through the character of Aura’s best friend. Holly Schindler has been unique in the topics she choose to discuss in the book through the medium of YA. Her contribution to YA is huge. She is an awesome author!
Holly Schindler’s writing is beautiful,lyrical,poetic and almost magical. The strikingly beautiful writing was in sharp contrast for me to the mental illness the book proposed to discuss-and that is one thing I admire about this book. The way Holly has juxtaposed the much feared mental illness with her lyrical prose struck me as very interesting.

A Blue So Dark is a must read for everyone! I love this book! One of the best books I have read till date! You just can NOT miss out on this absolutely stunning book!


MY RATING: 10/5