May
1. Shimmer by Alyson Noel (OWN)
2. Wither by Lauren DeStafano (OWN)
3. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare (Co-Worker)
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (OWN)
5. The Twisted Thread by Charlotte Bacon (NetGalley)
Challenges - only posting about the ones that I made a dent in this month
103 Books in a Year/Out Do Yourself
42 out of 103
24 Free Books Challenge
11 out of 24. I think I will exceed this one within the next three or four months
so few books... next month will be better!
A Twisted Thread by Charlotte Bacon
Publisher: Hyperion
Received from: NetGalley
Rating: 2
Cover Thoughts: not a fan. Reminds me of a biography
My Review: I think the reason I read so little books this month is because I started this one at the beginning of the month. This is a book that sounds so interesting. Goodreads says this
When beautiful but aloof Claire Harkness is found dead in her dorm room one spring morning, prestigious Armitage Academy is shaken to its core. Everyone connected to school, and to Claire, finds their lives upended, from the local police detective who has a personal history with the academy, to the various faculty and staff whose lives are immersed in the daily rituals associated with it.
Everyone wants to know how Claire died, at whose hands, and more importantly, where the baby that she recently gave birth to is a baby that almost no one, except her small innermost circle, knew she was carrying.
At the center of the investigation is Madeline Christopher, an intern in the English department who is forced to examine the nature of the relationship between the school s students and the adults meant to guide them. As the case unravels, the dark intricacies of adolescent privilege at a powerful institution are exposed, and both teachers and students emerge as suspects as the novel rushes to its thrilling conclusion.
With The Twisted Thread, Charlotte Bacon has crafted a gripping and suspenseful story in the tradition of Donna Tartt s The Secret History, one that pulls back the curtain on the lives of the young and privileged.
It just sounds like it would be so excited and full of drama! I was excited to read it. But it took me a full month to read this book. It was so drawn out and boring. There was so many characters
To start you met Madeline Christopher. I think if the story had fully focused on her, the book would have moved smoother and it would have been nice. To be honest the book almost needed to be written from each characters perspective and written like the Twisted Tales Series, where you picked your story. Madeline herself was involved with Fred, who to me was a completely pointless story that, well he was an extra character who could have been completely removed and you won't have even noticed him missing. Their romance felt forced.
Then there's Kate, Madeline's sister. I am not sure what her importance in the book was. Especially after it was establish that Kate would not reveal anything about the secret society. Maybe if Kate had told Madeline and later the police about it, her role in the book would have made sense.
There was way to much background stories on each character.
Harvey - one of the teachers, a suspect at one point. His relevance to the story I got
Porter - Headmaster of the school.
Tamsin - Porter's secretary, she does something very stupid and I don't get why she would do that. What was being held against her, by Porter was completely stupid and is no reason for what she did.
Matt Corelli - head cop on the case. Who falls for Madeline. Has a father named Joseph and a sister named Barbara and an ex-wife named Ann. Who needs all that information, it's not relevant to the story.
Vernon Cates - was life the comedy relief in the book. But only barely. Has a wife Kathy who turned him into a Vegan and then have three kids...
Jim - the maintenance dude. Tasmin and him... well I've already given allot of away but lets just say they crash. Jim's mom is Angela. They go on and on and on about Angela and her stroke and getting her nails and hair done. How great Kayla is and blah blah blah...
Kayla - she has importance near then end, but that's about it.
Claire - the one who died. Her reasons for doing everything she did are pretty selfish. But I kinda get it.
I just thought there would be more to it.
Scotty Johnson - at first I was really annoyed by Scotty. But his role in the story is pretty interesting. I like the way things turned out.
All in all I kept reading because I just wanted there to be more! I wanted to know why things had happened. It was just to drawn out and there was to much. The characters I listed above are only half of the people you met in the first 40 pages. You met way more and have to keep track of them all. It was extremely confusing. In the end, the book then had to go through each character and tell you their side and role throughout the story. The idea of the story was brilliant, I do think Charlotte could have used a better editor and had allot of the story taken out. Which would have made it flow a million times better and been a nicer read.
Book Club!
Hosting book club was so much fun! I made cheesecake which was soooo yummy. I found cute little glasses to hold my yummies and served it up at Fab-Flyier Lady house. She has the cutest house BTW and bowls and puppy.
So onto the book. Things we chatted about
1. Why marriage... we couldn't figure out why they didn't just knock the girls up and do it. Why go through the it. We suppose it might make the girls actually stay and not run away. Where if they are married to the guy maybe they won't run away.
2. The weather... the book says they are in far Florida. But there's snow and hurricanes and stuff. So Florida doesn't even make sense.
3. That brings up point number 3, with the war or whatever it was that threw off everything Global warming or whatever. We all agreed that even though the characters are taught that there is nothing left in the world but parts of North America. We think that the rest of the world is still there.
4. Everyone was creeped out by Vaughen.
And yea it was a fabulous book club. I tried a new wine! Which I am gonna pick up again for Mr. and me to share!
Fab-Flyier Lady made amazing cupcakes and Book Lover.. another fab girl brought chocolate covered jujujubes which pretty awesome!
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| look at the napkins!!!! :) |
1. Why marriage... we couldn't figure out why they didn't just knock the girls up and do it. Why go through the it. We suppose it might make the girls actually stay and not run away. Where if they are married to the guy maybe they won't run away.
2. The weather... the book says they are in far Florida. But there's snow and hurricanes and stuff. So Florida doesn't even make sense.
3. That brings up point number 3, with the war or whatever it was that threw off everything Global warming or whatever. We all agreed that even though the characters are taught that there is nothing left in the world but parts of North America. We think that the rest of the world is still there.
4. Everyone was creeped out by Vaughen.
And yea it was a fabulous book club. I tried a new wine! Which I am gonna pick up again for Mr. and me to share!
Questions for Book Club
Why do you think there was such a focus on marriage?
Who do you think was the real bad guy/gal?
Do you think Rhine would have been better off staying?
Do you think running away with Gabriel was a good idea?
What did you think of Jenna's death?
Do you think Cecily is to blame for Housemaster Vaughen treated of Jenna and Rhine?
What do you think is the importance of Rhine's name?
What was your favorite part of the book?
What do you think of Rhine's twin story's?
What other questions can you think of? Do you think these are good questions??
Who do you think was the real bad guy/gal?
Do you think Rhine would have been better off staying?
Do you think running away with Gabriel was a good idea?
What did you think of Jenna's death?
Do you think Cecily is to blame for Housemaster Vaughen treated of Jenna and Rhine?
What do you think is the importance of Rhine's name?
What was your favorite part of the book?
What do you think of Rhine's twin story's?
What other questions can you think of? Do you think these are good questions??
Linger by Maggie Stiefvarer
This book is loaded with emotions. What a twisted events. Maggie is a fantastic writer and had me thinking about this book every time I could not read it.
Linger is the second book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls.
My favorite part of this book is when Sam and Grace go to the studio. I half want Maggie to find someone she thinks can sing Sam's songs and have a CD released with the lyrics she's written.
My next favorite thing about the book would be the way it was written. I like that it changed voiced. First you would hear things from Sam then it would switch to Grace. Or Isabel and Cole or whatever. So things that I wished I could know about what the other characters thoughts, I actually found out.
I went back and reread my review on the first book. And I am surprised because I wrote that at first I hated the book. But ended off loving it. This book was straight out love! And really I can't wait for Forever to come out
Linger is the second book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls.
My favorite part of this book is when Sam and Grace go to the studio. I half want Maggie to find someone she thinks can sing Sam's songs and have a CD released with the lyrics she's written.
My next favorite thing about the book would be the way it was written. I like that it changed voiced. First you would hear things from Sam then it would switch to Grace. Or Isabel and Cole or whatever. So things that I wished I could know about what the other characters thoughts, I actually found out.
I went back and reread my review on the first book. And I am surprised because I wrote that at first I hated the book. But ended off loving it. This book was straight out love! And really I can't wait for Forever to come out
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Book Four in The Mortal Instruments Series.
It's been a long time since I have read this series. What I should have done is reread the third book. But it slowly came back to me. The entire time I was reading it, it felt like I was reading two different story lines. The stories didn't connect until the last few hundred pages.
There was Simon's story
And Jace and Clary's story.
I found Simon's story a million times more interesting than the other time. Jace and Clary's part I feel like I have read before. Many times actually in all three of the Mortal Instrument Story. Simon's end though was something new. I very much enjoyed reading his view.
I remember the ending of the third book left me dying for more. Not so much in this one. I actually feel slighly disappointed. I am not sure what I was expecting. But I am thinking, I would like the book better if I reread the whole series. Alas I will wait until I have it all on soft cover!
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Published March 22 2011
I don't remember the first time I heard about this book. In fact I didn't even do a Waiting on Wednesday post about it. Which is strange because I swear I have been waiting for this book since December. I have been waiting so hard for this book that I was scared to read it, as I was worried I would be let down because of how much I built up for the book. Does that make sense?
Then it became my turn to host book club. What else should I choose but a book that I have been dying to read and share it with a bunch of fantastic girls! Book Club is next Friday and I am lending out my copy to another gal who won't make it that night so I decided it was time to read.
AND well... after all that build up. The book was sooo good! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had some things I definitely didn't expect and WOW now I have to wait for Book 2!
I love the lines in the book. You can watch the trailer below to see what I mean
So my thoughts.
Jenna - to live with that pain and knowledge. She is so very strong. I don't think Rhine could have done all she had without Jenna's strength
Rowan - I want to know more... I hope that there will be a book release of his side of the story and what happens to him when Rhine disappears
Linden - how can one have so much innocence? Is he just that blind to things? How does he not know? Does he find out later... I don't understand how he could just accept it all
Cecily - to just give oneself up that quickly and easily is horrible especially at such a young age. How can she allow herself to be put through that. Does she become strong in the end because of everything or does she give up completely.
Rose - what really happens to her?
Gabriel and Rhine - what happens next...
Not much of a review but I really just wanted to ramble away. Let me know if you've read the book!! I'd love to discuss with whoever wants to!
Waiting on Wednesday
The title for the second book in The Chemical Garden Trilogy was announced on twitter, by Lauren Destefano. The second title is FEVER.
Lauren also posted on her facebook page, which is where we got the placeholder, designed by Lizzy Bromley.
If you would like to read an excerpt of FEVER, CLICK HERE.
Fever is out February 2012.
post copied from The Chemical Garden Trilogy Fan Page
Teaser Tuesdays
The very first few lines of Whither! GAH I am so excited to read this book you have no idea!
Not technically the start.. but enough for me to get super excited!! LOVE YA!!
Tuesdays are hosted by Should Be Reading, be sure to check out the other Teasers!!
THIS IS THE WAY
THE WORLD ENDS
NOT WITH A BANG
BUT WITH A WHIMPER
T.S. Eloit "The Hollow Men"
Not technically the start.. but enough for me to get super excited!! LOVE YA!!
Tuesdays are hosted by Should Be Reading, be sure to check out the other Teasers!!
Authors from A to Z
How it works
It starts on June 1. Basically, just share your favorite authors in alphabetical order (by last name). (For examples, see my posts for N, O, and Q.) One letter in one post each day, going through the alphabet. (Remember to skip Sundays.)What’s the point?
Mostly to have fun. Also, to use this as an opportunity to acquaint others with some of my favorite authors.
HOSTED by the Lovely Proud Book Nerd. So glad I am participating.
Shimmer by Alyson Noel
Book Two of the Riley Bloom Series
I like this one way better then the first one. Riley was not as whiny or annoying, sure you could tell she was young but shed still had matured. I would have rushed headlong into the situation too and completely ignored what Bodhi advised. Her angry issues were a little drawn out but I think considering the situation and her age is to be expected and she did pretty awesome overall.
I loved her second goal and really hope that we meet up with the Prince and Rebecca again. They were interesting characters. The gruesome parts of the book took me by surprise. I certainly did not expect that. I do wish we were given more details, but then I remember it is a children's book and not a young adult book.
My favorite line in the whole book is "I've totally got my glow on" pretty sweet line and I love her attitude about it. I will warn you though, it ends with a complete set up for the next book. All loose ends are tied up except one big one. I am happy with the ending but I still wanted to know about that one thing!
I like this one way better then the first one. Riley was not as whiny or annoying, sure you could tell she was young but shed still had matured. I would have rushed headlong into the situation too and completely ignored what Bodhi advised. Her angry issues were a little drawn out but I think considering the situation and her age is to be expected and she did pretty awesome overall.
I loved her second goal and really hope that we meet up with the Prince and Rebecca again. They were interesting characters. The gruesome parts of the book took me by surprise. I certainly did not expect that. I do wish we were given more details, but then I remember it is a children's book and not a young adult book.
My favorite line in the whole book is "I've totally got my glow on" pretty sweet line and I love her attitude about it. I will warn you though, it ends with a complete set up for the next book. All loose ends are tied up except one big one. I am happy with the ending but I still wanted to know about that one thing!
Random Acts of Kindness
I am a bit behind on posting.
Proud Book Nerd introduced me to this.
I can not wait to actually one day send a book. Something I am definitely gonna be working on! For now, I'll share my list
1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
2. Fire by Kristin Cashore
3. I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison
4. Divine Beginnings by P.C. Cast
5. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
6. The Traitor's Smile by Patricia Elloitt
Pretty sure that's in the correct order too. I only want soft cover which is why I haven't bought City of Fallen Angels. Click here to join in the fun!
I can not wait to actually one day send a book. Something I am definitely gonna be working on! For now, I'll share my list
1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
2. Fire by Kristin Cashore
3. I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison
4. Divine Beginnings by P.C. Cast
5. City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
6. The Traitor's Smile by Patricia Elloitt
Pretty sure that's in the correct order too. I only want soft cover which is why I haven't bought City of Fallen Angels. Click here to join in the fun!
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