In My Mailbox (13)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren and all you have to do is post about what books you received that week by mail, library, or store.

This was quite the eventful week for acquiring books. Last weekend my husband and I went to Tennessee as an anniversary getaway and to visit Julie. We had a blast and while we were there Julie took me to this awesome used bookstore. I made a mental note before we went in that I was only going to buy books from the bargain section and so I came out of there with The Secret Life of Bees, Under the Tuscan Sun, and Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.

As soon as I saw Fried Green Tomatoes I knew I had to get it because my book club mentioned reading that and having our discussion at The Irondale Cafe (The Origninal Whistle Stop), because how can you not live in the same city as the famous cafe and not discuss the book there?

Julie also let me borrow her copy of Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris since that's my book club's June pick. Thanks Julie!

Lastly, I FINALLY was able to get Kristina McBride's debut book, The Tension of Opposites. On our way home from Tennessee, I asked my husband if we could stop at Books-A-Million to see if they had it on the shelf early..they did not. That wasn't a big deal and was to be expected but I went back on Tuesday and when I couldn't find it, I asked about it. Turns out neither the title or the author's name were even listed in the computer!

I decided that Thursday was going to be spent calling various bookstores in the area until I found a copy because, yes, I was THAT excited to read this book. Luckily my second call proved successful and although they didn't have it in the store, Little Professor said they could get it for me by the next afternoon. Thanks to Little Professor, I can spend part of my Memorial Day reading Kristina's book.

What books did you receive this past week? Have you read any of the ones I got?

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to enter to win a signed copy of Lindsey Leavitt's Princess for Hire.

Happy Reading/Memorial Day!

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren and all you have to do is post about what books you received that week by mail, library, or store.

This past week was another where I didn't get much. The reason being is I'm trying to avoid buying a lot until I can get a good bit of my TBR list of books I already own knocked out.

This week I bought another copy of Princess for Hire since I went Lindsey Leavitt's signing. Since I already owned my own signed copy, I'll be giving this away. If you're interested in entering to win it, click here.

Before the signing started, I got to spend about 10-15 minutes chatting with Lindsey and during our conversation she said I needed to read Sherman Alexie's book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian so I told her if they had it in stock I'd buy it and next thing I know the bookstore worker ran off and found it for me.

So that's all I got my hands on this week, what did you get?

Dead in the Family - Charlaine Harris

Dead in the Family is the tenth book in Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse series and I really don't know where to start with this. 

Basically, this book is post Fae War and Sookie is hoping things kind of die down (no pun intended) but that goes out the window when 1. her Fairy cousin Claude requests to live with her, 2. Eric's maker and uncontrollable vampire brother come for a visit, 3. Bill is sick with silver poisoning, 4. the Weres are facing registration by the government to keep up with them, and 5. Sookie has been informed by some Weres that there is a strange Fairy smell in her woods that is not her cousin Claude.

Although the above summary kind of makes it seem like a lot happens, to me it seemed like nothing happened. This book was just OK and I was kind of disappointed in it since I've been waiting to read this since last May. 

Someone from my online book club said it best and I have to agree that either Charlaine is running out of steam with these books or this was just one of those books that is there solely to set up the next one. 

I've been a fan of Eric from the beginning and I hated how weak he was in this book and I also am not too fond of the Fae storyline. I really hope she shifts away from that in future books and goes back to focusing mostly on the Vampires and Weres.

Flashback Friday (7)

Flashback Friday was started by Jacki over at Lovely Little Shelf and is a chance to share with others books that you loved as a kid or teenager.

What can I say about Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs? I loved this book because what kid wouldn't like ice cream falling from the sky and a giant pancake closing school? When I first saw that the movie for this was coming out, I looked at my husband and told him we had to see it. You can imagine my shock when his response was "what's it about?" and that led me to find out he'd never read this as a kid. My mission was to find my copy buried in a box at my mom's house and show him what he'd been missing as a child, but alas, I couldn't find it.

We did see the movie and the hubs and I liked it but it wasn't as awesome as I remember the book being. Did you ever read Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs when you were a kid?

Cracked Up To Be - Courtney Summers

Parker Fadley has a secret and her life is no longer perfect. After being put on suicide watch by her parents and school, the former perfect cheerleading captain, distinguished honor roll member, and girlfriend of the most popular boy in school has purposefully distanced herself from all of these things. All Parker wants is to be left alone and not feel anything, but when the new kid, Jake, takes an interest in her and starts asking questions, she finds herself feeling again. Does Parker really want to be left alone or is it just her bit?

After reading Some Girls Are a few weeks ago by Courtney Summers, I just had to read Cracked Up To Be. I liked this book but not to the degree that I liked Some Girls Are. I'm glad I read it though and I liked how Courtney shared Parker's secret. She didn't come outright and say what happened and you find out bits of the story all the way through the book. The more of the story I got I decided it had to be one of two things and one of my theory's ended up being right.

I found Jake somewhat annoying at parts because he just kept pushing Parker to answer questions and a lot of the time her character just seemed forced. Part of me can't help but think that maybe that was how she was supposed to be though because of the accidental suicide and just wanting someone to take the extra effort to get behind what changed her.

Overall, I didn't love this book as much as I hoped I would but I really did like it and am glad I read it. If you haven't read it, you should at least do so once because it's definitely worth that.

Waiting on Wednesday - The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June by Robin Benway

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that you're eagerly anticipating.

Released August 3, 2010

Just from reading the description of this book, I already think I'm going to like it. Plus, after watching Jessica talk about Robin Benway in her vlog maked me want to read something by her, so I set out to see if she had anything coming out this year and found this book. I really like that it's about sisters who are close and their interaction. A lot of time when you deal with siblings in a book, one is always a background character so I'm really excited about this book now.

From Goodreads:

Three sisters, three extraordinary, life-changing powers!

I hugged my sisters and they fit against my sides like two jigsaw pieces that would never fit anywhere else. I couldn’t imagine ever letting them go again, like releasing them would be to surrender the best parts of myself.

Three sisters share a magical, unshakeable bond in this witty high-concept novel from the critically acclaimed author of Audrey, Wait! Around the time of their parents’ divorce, sisters April, May, and June recover special powers from childhood—powers that come in handy navigating the hell that is high school. Powers that help them cope with the hardest year of their lives. But could they have a greater purpose?

April, the oldest and a bit of a worrier, can see the future. Middle-child May can literally disappear. And baby June reads minds—everyone’s but her own. When April gets a vision of disaster, the girls come together to save the day and reconcile their strained family. They realize that no matter what happens, powers or no powers, they’ll always have each other.

Because there’s one thing stronger than magic: sisterhood.

Princess for Hire Giveaway

After I found out that Lindsey Leavitt was finally able to schedule a book signing in town before she moved across the country, I knew I had to go. Yes, I know I went to her Huntsville signing but she was just so dang likable that when I mentioned on her facebook fan page that I kind of wanted to go, she said I should and how could I say no?

I was able to drag my mom and my mother-in-law along with me and when my mom asked if I had a book I told her I did but that I had already gotten it signed. Of course, you can't go to a book signing without getting a book signed, right? Right. So what was a girl to do..oh wait, yup, buy another copy to give away!

So I bring you another giveaway for Princess for Hire. All you have to do is fill out the form and wait until I announce the winner on Tuesday, June 1st.

Same rules apply as before: 48 hours to respond to my "winner winner, chicken dinner" e-mail or it will go to the next person, you must be a follower, winner will be picked through random.org, and the giveaway will end Monday, May 31st at 11:59 CST.

The Reckoning - Kelley Armstrong

I have officially finished the Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong. My library seemed to be taking forever with my hold on The Reckoning, so when I was out last week and saw it at Target, I immediately picked it up and put it in my cart.

After running from the Edison Group and finally making it to their destination, Chloe, Derek, Simon, and Tori are now at a safe house with Andrew, a friend of Derek and Simon's dad, with a group that has been watching the Edison Group's activities.

Now that there's proof that the Edison Group is messing with stuff they shouldn't, plans of taking them down are starting to be made. The only problem is, not everyone believes what the kids are telling them. While at the safe house, Chloe accompanies Derek outside one night to be with him in case he changes, and while they're outside there is an attack by two werewolves and that's when they realize that someone that they're supposed to be trusting is really working against them. Can they find out who it is before it's too late? Will they go along with the plan to go back to Edison House to rescue traitors Rae and Chloe's Aunt Lauren? Or will they try to escape for a third time and rescue them on their own?

I'm so glad I ended up buying this book because even though I'm sad it's over, I'm happy that I got to find out what happened. I am honestly very pleased with what went on in this book and how it ended and I loved that whether Kelley decides to do another series of books, it's an ending that will allow her to go either way.

The Awakening - Kelley Armstrong

As soon as I put down The Summoning, I picked up The Awakening because I couldn't sleep since I just had to know what happened to Chloe and friends. 

The Awakening is book two in Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Power series and it follow Chloe, Simon, Derek, and Tori as they're on the run from the Edison Group. The Edison Group wants them because they were a part of genetic experiment and they want to either rehabilitate or exterminate those whose powers cannot be controlled. While running from the group, they're also trying to seek out help from Simon and Derek's dad, Kit. Will they be able to find him before the Edison Group finds them? What will happen to them if they're captured? What will happen to Chloe if she can't stop raising the dead accidentally?

I think a big part of why I enjoyed this book so much is that as many obstacles that Chloe and crew are thrown, it's never an easy out. They have to fight to get away, help protect each other, help each other out even when they don't want to, and learn how to use their powers. 

I definitely saw a lot of growth in each character and I really liked that it didn't turn into a love story. Chloe's relationship with Simon was starting to blossom but she was realistic about the situation and saw that it wasn't exactly the prime time to carry on while on the run.

I've already finished reading The Reckoning, so look for that to come tomorrow.

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren and all you have to do is post about what books you received that week by mail, library, or store.

This week I only bought one book but I'm perfectly fine with that because it was the third, and final, book in Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series, The Reckoning.

I've already finished reading it so look for a review of The Awakening and The Reckoning coming later this week.

What books made it to you this past week? 

Linger Trailer by Maggie Stiefvater

A little over a week ago, Maggie Stiefvater shared with the world a stop motion trailer for her upcoming release, Linger. If there was any doubt that Maggie is a true artist, I think it's safe to say that after watching one of her trailers, that doubt vanishes. The stop motion is amazing in itself, but the music she did for this trailer is just so beautiful.

I loved this trailer so much that as soon as my husband got home from work I told him he just had to watch it and he agreed that it was fantastic.

Most of you know that I am waiting on pins and needles for Linger to make it to bookstore shelves and I'm so excited that the waiting is drawing to a close. So without further ado, I bring you Maggie Stiefvater's trailer for the newest book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series. Enjoy!

The Summoning - Kelley Armstrong

When certain people tell me I should read a book because they know I'll love it, I usually do; especially when that person and I have such similar tastes in books. So when Leah told me I needed to check out Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers trilogy, I went home and added it to my library hold list. She was not kidding..I loved them so much I want to buy them now.

Chloe Saunders is finally settling into life. She's at a school she enjoys and her biggest worry is why she hasn't hit puberty. Once she finally does, something weird happens; she starts seeing ghosts. After a freak-out following her first encounter, she is sent to Lyle House for an evaluation. Chloe is determined to make her initial two week stay uneventful and vows to her doctor that all she wants to do is get better.

As her time in Lyle House passes, she notices that all the other kids there are a bit different and not in the crazy way. Her doctor tells her she shows signs of schizophrenia but she doesn't buy it and after a weird conversation with Derek, the big, quiet, creepy guy, she learns that she's really a necromancer. Chloe then stumbles upon the horrifying truth behind Lyle House and she and her friends must get out before it's too late. Can Chloe and the others harness their powers before they're seen as a major threat? What will happen if they're caught?

I really loved the characters in this book and they all seemed to come alive and it played out like a movie in my head; which worked out nicely because that's how Chloe looked at things as. I loved how strong Chloe was because although she was scared most of the time, she forced herself to deal with the issue at hand and just dealt with everything as it came to her. 

You have absolutely no idea how hard it is for me not to go to the bookstore and buy the third book in this trilogy. I was so into The Summoning that once I finished, I lay in bed thinking about what was to come next that I couldn't sleep. Yes, I had to get up super early the next morning and it was already after midnight, but that didn't stop me from reading the first three chapters of The Awakening before I felt satisfied enough to quit for the night.

Waiting on Wednesday - Freefall by Mindi Scott

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that you're eagerly anticipating.

 Released October 5, 2010

I haven't heard much about this book but the premise sounds interesting. Maybe I'm just a sucker for for reading about people who are so different from me but now that I know about this book, I'm kind of looking forward to reading it.Plus, I kind of love the cover.

From Goodreads:

How do you come back from the point of no return?

Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend Isaac alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time where Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn’t wake up.

Convinced that his own actions led to his friend’s death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.

Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth will soon realize he isn’t the only one who needs saving . . .

 

In My Mailbox (10)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren and all you have to do is post about what books you received that week by mail, library, or store.

I know I've been lacking in updates the past week but things have been really hectic and I've barely been home. Since I didn't do an IMM entry last week, I'm going to add those in with the books I got this week. I'm warning you, it's a long list.

Last week a local library had a book sale and the money is going towards an expansion so of course I had to go see what they had for sale. I got:

The Green Mile
The Fountainhead
Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales
The Kite Runner
Into the Wild
The Thirteenth Tale

Monday marked a year since my dad passed and I didn't want to be stuck at home so one of the things I decided to do was spend some time at Books A Million and I found a bunch of books I've been wanting on the bargain shelf so I had to get the following..

Bright Lights, Big Ass
Thirteen Reasons Why
Paper Towns
Pants on Fire
Princess on the Brink
Belong to Me

While there, I also bought another copy of Hex Hall for Heather because I was supposed to have done so a few weeks ago to get her a copy signed at the Alabama Book Festival and I'm such a loser that I forgot to do that. Luckily, Rachel is quite awesome (and yes, I know I've said that before but it's true) and she agreed to meet up with me for lunch while I was in her neck of the woods for the day to sign Heather's book. Thank you SO much Rachel!

This past Tuesday, I just HAD to get the new Rick Riordan book, The Red Pyramid since I loved the Percy Jackson series so much. I also was finally able to get the newest book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, Dead in the Family.

I also got my copy of Will Grayson, Will Grayson back from Jessica after she got it signed for me at the LA Times Festival of Books. I can't wait to start reading this!

Wednesday night I went to Jen Lancaster's Birmingham book signing and so I just had to buy the hard cover of Pretty in Plaid and My Fair Lazy, which is her newest book.

The books I borrowed from the library:

The Summoning
The Awakening
Cracked Up To Be

I've already finished reading The Summoning and The Awakening and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book as soon as it comes in.

Kersten Hamilton e-mailed me a few days ago and I also got a galley of her debut novel, Tyger, Tyger. Thanks Kersten and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt!

What do you think of these books? Are there any you really liked or disliked? What did you get this past week?