The Crazy Bookworm

Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony

2012-02-29T08:30:00.003-05:00

Young Adult: 272 Pages
Publisher: Razorbill
Published: February 2nd, 2012
Series: None
Challenge: None
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book: Amazon

After her mother died, Glory retreated into herself and her music. Her single father raised her as a piano prodigy, with a rigid schedule and the goal of playing sold-out shows across the globe. Now, as a teenager, Glory has disappeared. As readers flash back to the events leading up to her disappearance, they see a girl on the precipice of disaster.

I've seen this book floating around the blogosphere but never really knew much about it. When I was sent a copy from Razorbill Canada, I was immediately intrigued. The Cover; it is even more stunning in person. I stood in place admiring it, I just couldn't take my eyes off of it. What is even more stunning was the unique beauty that lay between the cover...

Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral crafted together a masterpiece. A beautiful, artistic love story told through photographs. I have never had a reading experience like the one I had with Chopsticks. I was pulled into Glory's world and succumbed to her pain, her anger, her emotions. It all radiated off the pages. Everything she felt, I felt too. She invited me into her world through her photos and I felt such a personal connection with her. I read this book alone, and that was the perfect way. It was just Glory and I.

How can I sum up this beautiful novel? I can't, it has rendered me speechless. All I can do is urge you to pick it up! Curl up on your couch, dim down the lights and be enveloped by the story that is Chopsticks.

The cover is so gorgeous, I had to display it faced out on my bookshelf!

Interview with a Blogger- Maestra Amanda's Bookshelf

2012-02-27T08:30:00.001-05:00

Meet Amanda from Maestra Amanda's Bookshelf!

Hi Amanda, Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks for having me! I’m really excited to be featured here today!

Tell us 5 Random things about yourself

1. I like eating candy in even numbers
2. I collect old cameras and Robert Sabuda Pop-up books
3. My favorite candy bar is a Mexican candy bar called “Bubu Lubu”--its marshmallow cream with raspberry jelly covered with chocolate. But, they are really hard to find around here :(
4. I can’t watch the opening credits at Regal cinemas (its some weird, futuristic movie themed roller coaster) without feeling nauseous. 5. My “Happy place” is target. Its just so clean, well lit and organized.

If you could only describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?

Fair, quirky, introvert
(I was going to say, “Off-the-wall”...but thats 3 words in itself and I didn’t think that would work!)

What inspired you to start a Book Blog?

I saw on twitter last year (2010) something about ARCs Float On---and how, if you signed your classroom up, there were bloggers who could be matched with you and send their used ARCs for your classroom library. Before that, I didn’t realize you could actually blog about books! I thought people who wrote blogs were stay-at-home moms (writing about their awesome kids, super clean and nicely decorated homes, and great dinners they make), crazy politicos / comic book guys, and people like Perez Hilton. So, with the idea of a blog about books now planted in my brain, I started thinking about how I could be more involved with my student’s reading, and be more knowledgeable about books available for them. So, I mulled it over until about Christmas of that year, and by January 2011, Maestra Amanda’s Bookshelf was born (though at that time it was called “That Book Lady’s blog”---I changed it b/c Maestra Amanda was a better fit.

Did you always have a passion for reading?
Oh yeah---

The one, I call "just like Daddy". I think I'm pointing to the JMU logo in the newspaper, as that was where my Dad worked. The other one is me at about age 3 1/2 reading. I also had my husband help me recreate it today.

I’m lucky enough to have married a reader, so there is no shortage of books in our house. He also doesn’t have a problem (usually!) when I buy books for my students.

If you could bring to life any book character who would it be and why?

Georgia Nicholson (from the series by Louise Rennison). She’s fiesty, dorky, hilarious, insecure and my total book bff. Oh the times we’d have!

Do you have that one book that you could just re-read over and over again? If so, which book?

I’ve read The Wild Hunt by Elizabeth Chadwick about 10 times from 9th grade to now. I love it. It would definitely be on my list of books that I’d take with me to a deserted island!

Was there ever a book that you just couldn't finish?

I always try to finish books, but the most recent that I just couldn’t finish was Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I’ve tried to read that book about 3 times now (between high school and today) and just can’t get into it. I also have a hard time with Jane Austin and “the classics”.

Your favourite book series?

4-way tie: Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Underland Chronicles (Gregor the overlander) and The Georgia Nicholson series.

What has been the best part of blogging to you?

Meeting new people, whether they are bloggers, authors, teachers, followers, publishers, publicity people. Its just great to meet new people and make that connection with someone else who loves books as much as you do!

When your not blogging or reading, what do you enjoy in your spare time?

I like to take pictures, flowboard (which is surfing or bodyboarding on a manmade wave) and travel.

We’re already planning our summer trip for this year, and hopefully, we’ll be able to go to Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. If you’re feeling froggy, you can check out the blog I created last summer for our trip and will be using again this summer : thefumansontour.blogspot.com

What advice would you give to new and future book bloggers?

Just be yourself and don’t be afraid to make those contacts with people! Don’t be shy!

Spring is right around the corner. What books are on you most looking forward to reading?

A Midsummer Tight’s Dream by Louise Rennison (sequel to Withering Tights); The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, book 3: The Unseen Guest by Maryrose Wood; Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver; Fever by Lauren deStefano; The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Cady Cross;

CRAZY QUIZ

Who do you root for: Hero or Villian?

Hero

Chocolate or Ice Cream?

Both, but if I had my druthers, ice cream.

Favourite Childhood Book?

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls and the Billy and Blaze series by C.W. Anderson. I remember not even knowing how to read yet, but knowing exactly where those and the Curious George books were located in the library...

Favourite Film?

Disney’s version of Robin Hood

If you could be any paranormal creature. What would you be?

Pegasus

Thanks Amanda, it is a pleasure having you!

Thanks for having me! I really appreciate it!

Head over to Amanda's Blog: Maestra Amanda's Bookshelf and say hello!

To participate in Interview with a Blogger, click on the link above this page!

In My Mailbox

2012-02-26T08:30:00.001-05:00

For Review

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

Torn by Amanda Hocking

Ascend by Amanda Hocking

I also recieved a box of Awesome from Penguin Canada!

Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony

Dust City by Robert Paul Weston

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Virals by Kathy Reichs

Seizure by Kathy Reichs

Bought

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala Unabridged Audio Book

**A HUGE thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada, St.Martin's Griffin and Razorbill Canada!!**

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday

2012-02-24T10:02:00.001-05:00

Q: Activity!!! Take a picture or describe where you love to read the most...

A: My Favourite place to read is on my couch. Curled up with my dogs by the fireplace.

Or on the wing chair looking out the window on snowy evening...When my dog isn't using it...

In the summer, I read outside any chance I get, but it is too snowy and cold to take a picture of that!

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Happy Reading!

Author Spotlight! Ann Stampler: Author of Where it Began

2012-02-22T08:30:00.001-05:00

Books

Where it Began

Where it Began marks the YA debut of Ann Redisch Stampler. She is the author of several picture books, including The Rooster Prince of Breslov. Her books have been an Aesop Accolade winner, Sydney Taylor notable books and an honor book, a National Jewish Book Awards finalist and winner, and Bank Street Best Books of the Year. Ann has two adult children and lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband.

Visit Ann Stampler: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

First off, Thank you for stopping by!

Thanks for having me! I appreciate the invitation.

Tell us 5 random things about yourself

Dog lover, chocaholic, novel junkie, allergic to strawberries, inveterate eavesdropper

Where it Began is your debut novel. How did that moment feel when you found out it was going to be published?

Absolute joy, dizzy with it. I had been bouncing between fantasies of the book being published (to huge fanfare involving me being driven around Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage made of a magic pumpkin, surrounded by chirping birds and sparkly butterflies) and even more vivid fantasies of the manuscript being rejected by house after house following an excruciating wait, involving a great deal of crying and bad language. So when the book was acquired quickly by the perfect editor, I thought I had already rehearsed what my emotions would be – but I had no idea. I was knocked out.

Have you always wanted to write in the Young Adult genre?

You know, I didn’t think of myself as a YA writer until I actually started to write Where It Began. But when I look back at the short stories I wrote for many years, starting way before I began to publish picture books, my characters were almost always in that late teen, early twenties age range. So I would say that I’ve always wanted to write, and YA is what showed up on the page.

Were any of the characters a challenge to write?

Billy Nash. Absolutely Billy Nash. For reasons I can’t explain without it being a giant spoiler.

What is 'A day in the life of Ann Stampler' like?

I’ve been struggling with this question, and I think that the only true answer is that my days don’t have a predictable shape.

There are things that I do virtually every day, the list of which makes me sound like perhaps the most boring person in the world -- write, read, eat dinner with my husband, play with my dog, check my email, do some sort of chores so that my house isn’t overwhelmed by dust and dirty dishes.

But beyond that, when I go to the farmer’s market, or cut out and have lunch at my favorite Japanese restaurant, visit a bookstore, see friends, go to the movies or a play or a concert, hang out with my kids, spend days with my house converted to a set for student films, do a school or library visit story-telling with little kids, walk the dog in the hills, leave town, write at the beach, go downtown and binge on shopping for necklaces and earrings and long, long gauzy scarves -- it’s completely irregular.

If you could have dinner with any book character in history, who would it be?

I love and adore Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice, but really, there’s only so many times I can have dinner with her, so I’m going to change it up. I’m going to say Holden Caulfield from Catcher in the Rye.

But I want to have dinner with Holden maybe twenty years after the end of the book. (Which would put this dinner back in 1971; I wonder what Holden makes of hippies, and the Beatles, and the war in Viet Nam. I’m thinking longish hair but no bell-bottom jeans.) Because, as in so much YA, the end of his story suggests beginnings and I want to know what happened next, and next, and next.

Finish this sentence: "I can't live without..."

my family.”

Do you have any writing must haves? (music, snacks, etc)

Black pilot pens; spiral notebooks; colored paper clips; especially if I’m tired, a quiet room; preferably -- but not necessarily if I’m writing away from home -- my dog; chocolate; a window.

What books are waiting to be read on your 'To Read' pile?

This is a very, very large pile. But the YA’s start with Beauty Queens, Virtuosity, Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares (I might put off this one because the book I’m working on has something akin to dares as part of the story.), How to Save a Life, and The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.

Crazy Quiz

Name one guilty pleasure you have?

Watching movies I like over and over and over. Especially YAish movies like Adventureland or Charlie Barlett or Ten Things I Hate About You. And old John Hughs movies like Breakfast Club.

Favourite food?

Anything chocolate, as long as there aren’t bananas or peanuts in it.

Favourite film?

Casablanca

Twilight or Harry Potter?

Harry Potter

You favourite book as a child?

This varied depending on my age, but my first favorite book that I could read by myself was “The Cat in the Hat.”

Thanks Ann, it is a pleasure having you!

Again, thank you for inviting me and for these great questions.

As she takes us through her transformation from invisible girl to on-trend Girl Who Dates Billy Nash (aka Most Desirable Boy Ever), she is left wondering: Why is Billy suddenly distancing himself from her? What do her classmates know that Gabby herself does not? Who exactly was in the car that night? And why is Gabby left alone to take the fall?

Putting the pieces together will take every ounce of Gabby's strength. As she peels back the layers of her life, she begins to realize that her climb up the status ladder has been as intoxicating as it has been morally complex...and that nothing about her life is what she has imagined it to be.

Hitting Shelves on March 6th!

Pre-order Now!

Amazon | Book Depository

In too Deep by Amanda Grace

2012-02-21T08:30:00.000-05:00

Young Adult: 228 Pages
Publisher: Flux
Published: February 8th, 2012
Challenge: None
Series: None
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book: In Too Deep
Find the Author: Website | Twitter

I never meant for anyone to get hurt. All I wanted to do that night was make a play for Carter Wellesley. His heartless rejection was mortifying, but people got the wrong idea when they saw me leaving his bedroom, crying. That’s how rumors of rape started.

Now girls at school are pouring out their sympathy to me. Guys too. But not everyone’s on my side. The school has become a war zone and the threats are getting scary. What began as poetic justice has morphed into something bigger—forcing me to make a terrible choice.

I am a big fan of Many Hubbard's work, and when she released But I Love Him as Amanda Grace, I was eager to read her 'darker' style. I was not disappointed! She had me hooked and made me a fan all over again! So when I learned about her upcoming novel In too Deep I knew I had to get my hands on it.

The cover is dark, mysterious. It doesn't reveal too much. The book itself is light, only 228 pages...Don't let that fool you! From page one until the very end, you will be engrossed in a raw, emotional, heart-wrenching story.

In Too Deep was a character driven novel. Amanda Grace did a phenomenal job crafting Sam and Nick. I related with Sam and built a bond with her from the start. She reminded myself a lot of me when I was in high School. Amanda Grace didn't spend all her time in Sam though. She penned each character with so much detail that you feel as if you are living in this chaos with them. A shadow in the background. Amanda Grace's writing style is simple. She doesn't drone on about unnecessary details. She takes her characters powerful stories and puts them to paper to share with us. Grace takes real situations and give them real consequences. There is no sugar-coating. Just raw and brutal honesty.

In Too Deep was everything I expected it to be, and more. I was expecting Grace's honesty, and emotion. I wasn't expecting the powerful characters and the relationship I would build with them. The fact that although I finished the book days ago, I am still thinking about them. Don't let the size of the book fool you. In Too Deep is an intense read that you devour. Another outstanding novel by Amanda Grace. Looking forward to the next one!

If you liked that, try this:

But I Love Him by Amanda Grace

In My Mailbox

2012-02-19T08:25:00.001-05:00

For Review

Where it Began by Ann Stampler

(Stay tuned for a interview with the author!)

In the Shadow of the Bayan by Veddey Ratner

Bought

Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

Torment by Lauren Kate

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by Randy Tarraborelli

That's it for me!

What's in your Mailbox

Canada meet Razorbill.ca

2012-02-18T09:41:00.000-05:00

Penguin Canada has launched it's Y.A. Community Razorbill in January and the response has been fantastic!

Razorbill.ca is loaded with all kinds of epic features. Including: Live author chats, Groups, videos, bloggers friends, forums and so much more! Not only are fans and bloggers enjoying this new community but authors are, too! Authors like John Green, Hiromi Goto just to name a few.

The Forum invites you to join in on all kinds of great book related content. Chat about your favourite reads, authors and upcoming titles. Are you a fan of Paranormal or Dystopia? Why not join a group and share your love with fellow members.

You can also find lots of great book blogs on their Blog Friends page!

You do not have to be a book blogger to join. Love reading? Love chatting books? Then sign up! Don't miss out on the chance to meet others who share the same love you do. Books!

To sign up. Click on the logo above, or click HERE

Are you a member? Add me: The Crazy Bookworm

Follow Friday

2012-02-16T22:32:00.001-05:00

Q: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What's the most unique character name you've come across?

A: I love unique girl names. I loved Brooklyn, and Shayne for female character names. Also, Agustasus' name from The Fault In Our Stars suited him perfectly.

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Current Giveaways

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

Tempest by Julie Cross

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Tempest by Julie Cross Giveaway!

2012-02-15T10:01:00.000-05:00

I have one hard cover copy of Tempest to give away to one lucky winner!

Contest Details

*Must be 13 years or older to enter

*Contest open to EVERYONE

*Contest ends March 2nd

*Fill out THIS FORM to enter

GOOD LUCK!

Tempest by Julie Cross

2012-02-14T08:30:00.001-05:00

Young Adult: 334 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: January 17th, 2012
Series: Tempest #1
Challenge: None
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book:Amazon
Find the Author: Website | Twitter
First impression: Alluring Cover

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.
Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

Time Travel...I love it. Romance, I love it even more. Throw it in the young adult genre and I'm sold. When I first read the premise for Tempest I said "Yes, Please!" It sounded like it was right up my alley, then I laid my eyes on the gorgeous cover, and that was it. I wanted it! I anxiously awaited it's arrival, constantly peeking inside my mailbox wondering "Is it here yet?"

When it finally did arrive, I admired it's cover in person. I flipped through the pages, re-read the premise and then I devoured it. I simply couldn't wait. I put life on hold, and joined Jackson on his time traveling episodes.

The Outcome: Loved it. Was it exactly what I expected...not really, but that's not a bad thing. It started off a little slow for me at first, and I had a hard time building a connection with Holly in the beginning, but that changed later on. I did love how the author developed the story. Being a big fan of time travel novels, there are times that if not done a certain way, following the time line can get very confusing, but with Tempest that did not happen. Julie Cross delivered the time travel element delicately, making it very clear to the reader where and when Jackson was.

It's been awhile since I've read a book with a male character lead, and I must say it was very refreshing. I could connect and relate to Jackson just as much as I would with a female character. In fact I built a stronger connection with him than I did with Holly.

The twists, the turns, the highs and the lows definitely made this read a thrilling one. Tempest had all the qualities that I love in a novel, and a few surprises along the way.
Final impression: Packs a lot of punch. A suspenseful page-turner!

If you liked that, try this:

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

Interview with a Blogger: One A Day Y.A.

2012-02-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

Meet Erika, from ONE A DAY Y.A.

Tell us 3 random things about yourself?

1. I have a healthy obsession with decorating, architecture and documentary tv shows.

2. Along with blogging, I am also in the middle of writing a few books and short stories. Exciting!

3. I love anything handmade or one of a kind.

　 What inspired you to start book blogging?

I guess I wanted my reading to mean more than just another book checked off the to-read pile. After giving birth to my daughter and spending a lot time alone with her I began to read a lot.

One day I found myself questioning what I was doing. What was the point of reading all these books if I had no one to share my enjoyment of them with? My mom and sister are huge readers but much of what we read doesn’t cross over.

Then one day on Goodreads I saw our group moderator of The Next Best Book Club had a blog. I’d actually never even heard of book blogs before. It was really an eye opener. And I thought hey, this is a great idea!

For a long time not many people showed up except the authors who I reviewed but it felt so amazing knowing that I could encourage them by writing out my thoughts. After that, I was hooked! 　

Why did you decide to have 2 book blogs?

Suddenly Books is very eclectic. I also focus a lot more on indie and self published books. I wanted a place to get away from the mess that "eclectic" can sometimes make me feel. I love all these books but sometimes I just want focus.

Since I love YA books I thought I’d make another blog just for that age group. I could focus on some of the really big hits and participate in lot of the fun memes. And when I first started I was participating in a lot of them. Trust me. Those at Suddenly Books would not have wanted to hear about YA books that many times a week.

I love both of them equally and hope readers of both are having fun alongside me.

　
If you could only save 3 books from your bookshelf, which 3 would you take?

Divergent by Veronica Roth (signed!)

Winging It by Deborah Cooke – UK version (signed, and my words are printed on the cover :O)

My kindle (Yes. I cheat )

But I wouldn’t really go straight for the books. I’d go straight for my daughter!

　
Finish this sentence: "I can't live without..."

I can’t live without my family.

　
If you could invite 5 people to dinner(Dead or Alive, Fact or Fiction) Who would you invite?

1. My biological grandfather – mainly because I’ve never had the chance to meet him. He died when my father was a toddler and my grandmother got remarried to a remarkable man. But I’ve always wanted to meet my biological grandfather. He was an immigrant to Canada and I would have loved to hear from him about why he decided to come here and what the journey was like.

2. Leonardo DiCaprio – a tween heart throb. I can’t resist!

3. Cliffard Geertz – an American anthropologist, now deceased. I took social anthropology in university and he was one that really blew my mind and made me think differently about what people in the field were doing. I would love to hear his stories of the places he’s been and the people he knew.

4. Ellen C. Maze – an awesome indie Christian writer (my favourite Christian writer). I’ve gotten to know her a bit through her blog, interviews, and email. I keep imagining myself meeting her and just wanting to give her a giant hug :D

5. Veronica Roth – but mostly I would hold her food hostage until she told me more stories taking place in the world of Divergent!

　
Your favourite book series?

This is such a hard question! It’s like asking me what my favourite book is. This is constantly changing depending on my mood, what genre I’m into at the moment, and not helped by the fact that I’m always starting new series and haven’t finished very many of them yet But I will try...let’s see I think

The Rabbit series by Ellen C. Maze, Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, and Divergent by Veronica Roth (yes, there is only one book so far and I’m already declaring this one of my favourite series!).

　 Do you have any blogging must haves(i.e. Music playing, snacks, etc)

Space - I could blog with or without snacks, music, tv, shouting or quiet. But I can’t blog with people trying to jump on me, talk to me, reading over my shoulder, etc.

A calendar – To mark down when I’m going to post my reviews, interviews, and everything else. If I didn’t have a calendar I’d be stuck in a perpetual "deer caught in headlights" mode. It also helps to know when authors and blog tours are coming by so I don’t double book them.

　
If you could only recommend one book to someone, which book would it be?

I think I’d have to go with 1984 by George Orwell. It’s the best dystopian novel I have ever read. I still can’t believe how many words and phrases in the news and media came from this book. And it has always been very relevant. Not only that, it’s also a love story.

　
What is your favourite part of book blogging?

Getting to know the authors. From the most popular to the little guy who hasn’t even published his (or her) book yet. These are all amazing people and I wish I had more time to get to know all of them. They are what really motivates me to keep going and to read more. I want everyone to get to know them too and read their books!

　
What advice would you give to new book bloggers?

This is my motto – "Don’t be afraid". This world of ours is a very big place. It’s okay to make mistakes and ask for help. So don’t be afraid to ask your favourite authors if they’d like to appear on your blog, participate in things with other bloggers, make friends, or try something new.

　
Crazy Quiz

　
Favourite childhood book? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
　

Vampires or Werewolves? vampires

Name one guilty pleasure? Candy
　

Favourite Film? The Princess Bride
　

Twilight or Harry Potter? Hmm...I read Twilight but saw the Harry Potter movies. But if you are talking about story I would go with Harry Potter.
　

Thanks for stopping by, Erika! It is a pleasure having you!

Thanks for having me, Cathy!

Stop by Erika's Blog One A Day Y.A. or Suddenly Books and say Hello!

Interview with a Blogger is a feature hosted here at The Crazy Bookworm. To learn more or to sign up click HERE.

In My Mailbox

2012-02-12T08:30:00.003-05:00

I didn' receive any books for review this week. But I did buy some books to add to my stuffed shelves.

Bought

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

(I already owned the first one in paperback. So stay tuned for a giveaway closer to the theatre release!)

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

MILKWEED by Jerry Spinelli

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday

2012-02-09T22:48:00.001-05:00

Q: What would your prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

A: Hmm...That is a toughy! I would like to say that I rather read my favourite one over and over but I think I would eventually get sick of that, and then what? Never read again? So I'm going to say 100's of Mediocre books. I know they may be dull in some areas, but atleast there would be change. Different characters, different storyline...I'm not 100% sure though..

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Current Giveaways

*Dead to You by Lisa McMann

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Be sure to leave your link so I can hop back!

Dead to You Giveaway

2012-02-08T08:30:00.004-05:00

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

My Interview with Lisa McMann

Giveaway

One finished(hard cover) copy of Dead to You by Lisa McMann

Open INTERNATIONALLY

Ends Friday, Feb 24th at 11:59PM

Must be 13 Years or older to Enter

Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter

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Author Spotlight: Lisa McMann author of Dead to You

2012-02-07T08:30:00.005-05:00

Books

*Wake Trilogy

*Cryer's Cross *The Unwanteds

*Dead to You
Lisa McMann was born in Holland Michigan. She now lives in Arizona with her Husband and 2 kids.

Facebook | Twitter | Website

My Review for Dead to You | Buy Lisa's Books

First off, thanks for stopping by The Crazy Bookworm!

Thanks, Cathy!

Describe yourself in 3 words

Best cook mama! (That’s what my kids call me.)

W What is 'A Day in the Life' of Lisa McMann like?

I roll out of bed anywhere from 3am to 7:30am or so, depending on if I’m struck with any ideas in the middle of the night that I just have to write down. I always have a Diet Coke when I wake up, and then I tackle email. When the kids head off to school at 7:30, my workday begins. Some days I turn the Internet off and write 2000-4000 words on any number of projects, and other days I’m doing promotional stuff, interviews, writing proposals for more books, conference calling with other writers for the upcoming Infinity Ring series (hilarity ensues when James Dashner, Carrie Ryan, Jennifer Nielsen, Matt de la Pena, Matt Kirby, and editors—including David Levithan—all get together). By about 4pm or so, I lose my best focus and my kids get home, so unless I’m on deadline, I’ll hang out on Twitter or my Facebook fan page. Then I sometimes cook something, which I really love to do, and watch TV with the family or read for a while before bed.

And then there are the days that I play hooky with my hubby Matt, who works as an independent contractor musician and also my unpaid assistant. We go to movies and out for breakfast and stuff. Those days are fun. I really do find a lot of inspiration in movies. And in breakfast.

But sometimes a week goes by without me leaving the writing cave. Doesn’t bother me. I like my house. J

3. What came first when writing Dead to You: The Characters or the idea of the story?

The idea for the story came first, and then the character of Ethan emerged.

4. Do you have any writing must haves? (i.e. Music, food, etc.)

All I really need is a Diet Coke first thing in the morning. And I like it quiet when I work. Short-attention-span-McMann gets easily distracted by the shiny.

5. With 2012 just beginning, what books are you looking anxiously awaiting to read?

Well, how about if I tell you what books I’ve already read and loved that are coming out this spring/summer? Three favorites, all very different from each other, come to mind. THE FALSE PRINCE by Jennifer A. Nielsen (for tweens and teens, can’t wait for the sequel!), SMALL MEDIUM at LARGE by Joanne Levy (hilarious and sweet paranormal for 8-12 range), and I HUNT KILLERS by Barry Lyga, first in a new edgy YA series. I am also anxious to see what Gary D. Schmidt and A.S. King have for us this coming fall.

In My Mailbox

2012-02-05T08:30:00.002-05:00

For Review

Masque of Red Death by Bethany Griffin

The Rivals by Daisy Whitney(Mockingbirds Book #2)

In Too Deep by Amanda Grace

Switched by Amanda Hocking

(This was features on IMM before, St. Martins Press sent me a finished copy)

Tempest by Julie Cross

(This was featured IMM before, also. St. Martin's Press sent me a finished copy)

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin

Bought

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Wasted: A Memoir by Marya Hornbacher

Special thanks to: HarperCollins, St. Martin's Grffin, Penguin, Flux Publishing and Hachette Book Group Canada!

What's in Your Mailbox?

The Placebo Effect by David Rotenberg Review and Interview

2012-02-03T08:30:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: February 7th, 2012
Challenge: Blog Tour
Source: From publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website

Decker Roberts has the dangerous gift of detecting the truth (synaesthesia). But when his carefully compartmentalized life starts to fall apart he has to go on the run and figure out why he’s being targeted. There’s also a government agency hunting him down who seems to know everything about him and other people of “his kind.” How will Decker find out which truth was endangering his life? Who betrayed him and revealed all his secrets? Decker needs to find answers quickly, before knowing the truth turns from a gift into a deadly curse.

Being a proud Canadian, I love supporting Canadian authors. When I first learned about The Placebo Effect I admit, I was too sure what I was going to think of it.

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. This book is far from what I usually read, but I always say that it's good to step away from what your used to from time to time. The Placebo Effect was one of those cases! First off, I have to mention how much I loved the setting. Toronto being a place I visit very often, it was nice to read a book where I actually know the setting. I can actually imagine myself exactly where the characters were. That made for an exciting read!

To me, this book made for a great getaway. It gave the the thrilling reading experience I was looking for.

Q and A with David Rotenberg

What came first for The Placebo Effect: The Characters or the idea of the story?

Hard to know, they sort of grow together. The idea of someone with a profound gift that had a deep price was pretty near the beginning.

What is 'A day in the life of David Rotenberg' like?

I teach actors Sunday and Monday nights and Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. I have about 20 private students in LA and other places who in every other week and we through auditions or scripts over the phone. On occasion, Scott Speedman comes up to town and he and I bury ourselves in my studio for two days prepping his new films. In the summer I ride a bike and listen to non-fiction books on tape-I waste a lot of time-then wake up at 3 or 4 in the morning and work on an idea. I watch a lot of HBO-Breaking Bad, Dexter, The Wire (when it was on), Boardwalk Empire-I admire the long form of writing going on in those things. Like Tolstoy.

Are you working on anything right now? If so, can you share a little bit about it?

The second book in The Junction Chronicles: A Murder of Crows is now with the publisher. As well I have a subset of two books from Seth’s point of view called Seth’s Dream that I’d like to move to publication

Here’s the opening of the new book:

Ch. Prologue – An Idyll of Thoughts at T – Plus 4 Days and 16 Seconds

THOUGHTS: This is a foolish country. And this town with its obsessively symmetrical old church is ridiculous.

These people believe they will live forever. They hide death behind walls and bury it in places with names like Pleasant Valley and Peaceful Rest. We in the East know that death is neither pleasant nor restful.

Perhaps we spend too much time thinking about our deaths – but death is real. It is the only certainty. And to refuse to confront a certainty is foolishness. A foolishness that all these Americans will be forced to abandon when we force them to understand that Judgement awaits everyone - everyone.

Look at all these kids and their parents. Look at them. So self-satisfied. So convinced they are special – the chosen ones. And they all love America. Well why not? America has made the parents wealthy and is going to make most of these privileged kids rich too. While backed by their military might this horror of a country makes the rest of the world its slaves. And these science profs up there on the stage invented much of the military prowess of this country while these students all around me are preparing to take their places.

All are soldiers of the oppressor.

But there will be justice – even here, on this pampered campus in Upper New York State there will be justice. It will come – as surely as putting NAME OF CHEMICAL together with NAME OF CHEMICAL will cause a massive explosion – it will come.

What books are waiting to be read on your bookshelf?

Salisbury’s The 900 Days, Jack Miles’ Christ: A Crisis in the Life of God, the new James Lee Burke book (Feast Day of Fools), the new Stephen King book (11/22/63).

Thanks, David. It's a pleasure having you!

David Rotenberg has been a master acting teacher for over 20 years. He has directed on Broadway, in many major regional theatres, for television, and he has published six novels, including the Zhong Fong detective series, all of which are available at your local bookstore or online. The series is in the process of being optioned for film.

David has taught at York University, the National Theatre School of Canada, the Shanghai Theatre Academy, the University of Cape Town, and Princeton. He regularly teaches professional classes in Montreal, Vancouver and Halifax. He directed the first Canadian play in the People's Republic of China. Most recently, David has directed at Penn State University and at York University, where he adapted and directed a stage version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.

The roster of his students reads like a who's who in ranks of Canadian actors, including Scott Speedman, Rachel McAdams, James McGowan, Polly Shannon, David Hirsh, Jonas Chernick and Shawn Doyle. His unique techniques are used by actors in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa and the People's Republic of China.

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

2012-02-01T18:02:00.000-05:00

Young Adult: 243 Pages
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: February 7th, 2012
Series: None
Source: From publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website

This is my first book by Lisa McMann and when I read the premise I was pretty excited to start reading it!

Dead to You tackles a very sensitive subject. Abduction. It may not be something you've experience personally but it happens everywhere. The book kicks into high gear with Ethan being introduced to his family 9 years after his abduction. The rawness and intensity of this book is not low key. In fact, they radiate off the pages. You can't help but feel every emotion that each character is living. Anger, Sadness, Confusion, Happiness. You feel it all!

Lisa McMann did a tremendous job when it came to the development of the Characters. She crafted realistic and passionate characters. They were bold and very powerful.

I was very satisfied with Dead to You. Finishing it in one sitting because I couldn't peel my eyes away. Lisa McMann reveals the rare, dark reality of what happens after a family is reunited. It isn't always perfect.

The Catastropic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

2012-01-30T08:30:00.001-05:00

Young Adult: 400 Pages
Publisher: Razorbill
Published: Feb 21st, 2012
Series: None
Challenge: None
Source: ARC from Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website

Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

I fell in love with this book when I first laid eyes on the cover(I know, I know. Don't judge a book by it's cover) but in this instance, the book lived up to it's stunning cover and beyond.

Let me start with the characters. Brie was HILARIOUS. Her sarcastic humour and inability to give comebacks made the book a blast to read. Her kind, simple personality made it easy to love her. Being a hopeless romantic myself and my love for cheesy, sappy chick flicks, I instantly related to Brie. Her and I were close to the same person when I was 16. Patrick was another fantastic character. He met his match in Brie. Those two together made for many laugh out loud moments and many heart-warming ones as well.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me had it's light moments but it also it's serious ones. And by that I mean, keep the tissue close by because you'll be sobbing like a baby. This book touches your heart and your soul. The character depth is so well crafted that you can't help but care for these characters.

I can't forget to mention the twists and turns that were thrown into the mix. I was left completely jaw dropped. The Catastrophic History of You and Me was a beautiful story about love. About life after death. And about self discovery. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book.

In My Mailbox

2012-01-29T08:30:00.001-05:00

For Review

The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele

Bought

Dewey by Vicki Myron

Perfect(Pretty little Liars #3) by Sara Shepard

Unbelievable(Pretty little Liars #4) by Sara Shepard

The Night Trology by Elie Wiesel

Annabel by Kathleen Winter

Quite the ecelctic mix this week!

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday/TGIF

2012-01-27T09:41:00.001-05:00

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

A: I stay away from adult SCI-FI. I have read a few YA books that have a touch of SCI-FI in them but I don't really enjoy anything that's full blown Science Fiction. I also am not a fan of Romance. I love contemporary Romance but anything with Fabio or half naked girls on the cover is not for me.

Q: Buy or Borrow: Where do your books that you read come from? The bookstore? The library? Do you prefer to own a book, or have it on loan?

A: I'm a book buying kind of reader. I don't really borrow books from friends or the library(though I'm sure my bank account would appreciate that a little more!) When there is a book out there that I want to read, I 99% percent of the time buy it. The majority of my books come from Authors/Publishers and from myself purchasing them.

What's Happening Now

Interview with a Blogger is back! Click HERE to learn more and to sign up!

Giveaways:

The Fault in our Stars by John Green *Signed*

Under the Same Sky by Genevieve Graham.

Check out the top of the right sidebar to enter!

Where to find me

With GFC leaving in March, here are some other places you can find me and stay updated on The Crazy Bookworm.

RSS FEED

'Like' The Crazy Bookworm on Facebook

Add me on Twitter

Happy Hoppin!

(Be sure to leave your link, so I can hop back!)

A very tiny Hiatus

2012-01-23T22:26:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

The Crazy Bookworm is going through an itsy bitsy Hiatus at the moment. I am having some computer issues right now with my desktop computer so while that is being repaired, my laptop powerjack decided to stop working as well. So there won't be many posts going up this week until I get my computer back(hopefully thursday or friday!).

In the meantime, why not sign up for Interview with a Blogger, or enter my 2 giveaways!

Thanks for your patience. I hope to be up and running by the weekend!

In My Mailbox

2012-01-22T08:30:00.004-05:00

Hosted by The Story Siren

For Review

Perception by Kim Harrington

Tempest by Julie Cross

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

(The awesomeness that is Simon and Schuster sent me a finished copy of this. Last week I received the ARC. There will be a giveaway. Stay tuned!)

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee

Bought

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Tweak by Nic Sheff

That's it for me!

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday/TGIF

2012-01-19T22:27:00.001-05:00

Q: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to get your hands on any particular book?

A: Hmm! I haven't done anything really crazy. I guess if waiting in line a really long time a midnight *cough* Breaking Dawn *cough* then that would be the craziest for me!

Q: Recommend It: Which book from the last 10 you've read

would you recommend to a friend?

A: This is such an easy question for me this week!

My Review Here

I am also giving away a signed copy of this book. Check out the right side bar to enter!

I would also recommend:

My Review Here

Happening Now

*Under the Same Sky Giveaway. Open to Canada and U.S.

*'Signed' copy of The Fault in our Stars by John Green. Open to Everyone

Check out the right sidebar to enter these giveaways!

Where else you can find The Crazy Bookworm

'Like' The Crazy Bookworm on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Suscribe to RSS Feed

Followers Giveaway

2012-01-19T11:08:00.002-05:00

I have one signed copy of The Fault in our Stars by John Green to giveaway.

My Review

Giveaway Rules

*Must be a follower to enter this giveaway.

*Must be 13 years of age or older to enter

*Contest open Canada/U.S./International

*Contest ends February 3rd at 11:59PM

*Fill out the Rafflecopter form below

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with a Blogger is back!

2012-01-19T09:40:00.000-05:00

The Crazy Bookworm started a feature a long while ago called Interview with a Blogger. It had a fantastic response! But due to some time management trouble I was having, I couldn't commit to the feature any more and had to stop doing it. Well I am so happy to say that it is back!

Interview with a Blogger is a feature where readers and bloggers will have a chance to learn about the person behind the blog. The interview will be published on The Crazy Bookworm but you are more than welcome to post about it on your blog or social media sites.

Anyone who has a blog can participate. Click HERE to sign up and I will get back to your shortly!

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

2012-01-18T09:48:00.001-05:00

Young Adult: 256 Pages
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: January 3rd, 2012
Challenge: None
Series: Incarnation #1
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website | Goodreads

After spending six hundred years on Earth, Seraphina Ames has seen it all. Eternal life provides her with the world's riches but at a very high price: innocent lives. Centuries ago, her boyfriend, Cyrus, discovered a method of alchemy that allows them to take the bodies of other humans from jumping from one vessel to the next, ending the human's life in the process. No longer able to bear the guilt of what she's done, Sera escapes from Cyrus and vows to never kill again.

Then sixteen-year old Kailey Morgan gets into a horrific car accident right in front of her, and Sera accidentally takes over her body while trying to save her. For the first time, Sera finds herself enjoying the life of the person she's inhabiting--and falling in love with the boy who lives next door. But Cyrus will stop at nothing until she's his again, and every moment she stays, she's putting herself and the people she's grown to care about in danger. Will Sera have to give up the one thing that's eluded her for centuries: true love?

The Alchemy of Forever caught my attention right away. The stunning cover to the mysterious premise, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

This is the first book in the Incarnation series and it was everything I hoped it would be. Avery Williams delivered her debut novel with a bang! The Alchemy of Forever didn't lack when it came to heart-pounding suspense, that kicked in almost immediately. I loved how the author introduced Serephina and Cyrus's story. It was a hauntingly beautiful introduction.

From the gorgeous setting to the engrossing characters, I read The Alchemy of Forever in one sitting. I couldn't put it down, nor did I want too. It gave the perfect dose of fantasy/paranormal that I love. There wasn't one thing that was overdone. The author crafted a thrilling story that made it nearly impossible to stop. Serephina's character was pure and honest. She was different from the other Incarnates. And when she has the chance to live as Kailey, you can feel how happy she is to have a some what real life. To have a family and fall in love.

Avery Williams Alchemy of Forever packed a lot of punch! And that cliffhanger ending just has you begging for more. I can't wait for Book #2 in the series, and for Avery Williams' future work!

Author Spotlight: Genevieve Graham author of Under the Same Sky + a Giveaway!

2012-01-17T08:30:00.001-05:00

Books

*Under the Same Sky

Purchase: Amazon

Genevieve Graham is an Editor and a Historical Fiction author whose debut novel Under the Same Sky his shelves on January 3rd 2012.

First off, Thank you for stopping by!

Thank YOU! I’m so glad to be here with you, Cathy. Now let’s keep these questions easy ...

Tell us 5 random things about yourself

Oh, there you go, asking a toughie. Hmm. Let’s see:
1) I’m scared of heights, which is weird. I never used to be.
2) I used to play oboe and went to Juilliard for my Masters (but I didn’t stay).
3) My favourite sound in the world is my daughters laughing together.
4) I’m a Cinnamon Dolce Latte (Starbucks) addict.
5) I can’t make tears. It’s a medical thing, the same disease Venus Williams has.

What is 'A Day in the life' of Genevieve Graham like?

I’m the luckiest girl in the world, other than the fact that I get up at 5:45am every day to get my daughters onto the 7am school bus. After that, life’s awesome. I get to type. I light a bunch of candles, pour myself a cuppa tea (usually chamomile), wait for the dog to curl up on his bed on the floor beside me, then I hit the keyboard. If I’m not writing, I’m editing, since I have my own editing business. It’s a really interesting line of work, editing other people’s novels. I have read so many different styles and genres I doubt anyone could surprise me anymore. I love being at my keyboard and often forget lunch, dinner, appointments … I also teach piano to a dozen kids around my small town.

I also … um … easily get sidetracked by social media, meaning facebook. I haven’t allowed myself to do much on Twitter lately because I know I’d be absolutely swallowed up by it.

Under the Same Sky is your debut novel. How did you feel when you learned it was going to be published? Disbelief. Terrified. Slightly nauseous, then OVER THE MOON happy!

I loved the character Maggie! How was it writing her and getting inside her head?

Maggie was the first character to ever invite me into her mind, and it was a thrilling experience. It really was as if we shared thoughts, as if she existed in real life and was part of me. Like how she communicates with Andrew, actually.
But she’s tougher than I am. Unafraid and a go-getter. She inspired me a little, I think.

How did the story of Under the Same Sky come to be? Did the characters come first or the idea for the story?

I write characters, settings, and dialogue as it rolls through my head. Sometimes I’ll go on and on for pages, typing out everything I sense. I have to stop and remind myself that there needs to be a plot in the story. Plots are harder for me, and I think that’s because I’m a disorganized person. The colours and textures of characters are almost tangible to me, but to set down a plot is more technical. I’m learning how to do that better nowadays.

Did you come across any challenges while writing?

Like I said, plot can trip me up. I do a lot of research for my books, so that can get burdensome, but I really enjoy researching. Sometimes I am tempted to include too much of that research, but I’ve learned how to temper that. The stories have to be written as if I’m there, not as if I’ve researched how to be there.

Do you have any writing must haves? (i.e. music, food, etc)

I can’t work with any kind of noise, so my husband built me my own little office in our house! I almost always burn candles (except in summer!) and I like to have herbal tea at my side. Except if there’s an option of a Cinnamon Dolce Latte. That would always take priority.

When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

We are a family that enjoys movies. We also have fun playing with our dog … and our chickens. Yup. You know, a year ago I don’t think I could ever imagined saying that. We bought half a dozen exotic chickens, and I can’t believe how entertaining they are to watch!

Finish this sentence: "I can't live without..."?

… my family. That’s easy.

Are you working on anything now? If so, can you share a little bit about it?

Book #2, “Sound of the Heart” is complete and will be in stores May 1 (or you can preorder now online). I’ve written a third, but Penguin hasn’t looked at it yet. Just last week an idea for a fourth in the series popped into my head but I haven’t gotten too serious about it yet. I’m working on another historical fiction, written in WW1 time, focusing on a small town fisherman (from my little town out here in Nova Scotia). I’m trying a YA, and I have an old chick lit I’d like to rework ... I always have something on the go. I love writing!

With 2012 just beginning, what books are you looking forward to reading this year?

I just finished “The Hunger Games” series (my 11 yr old wouldn’t leave me alone until I read it), “The Help”, two of Joanna Bourne’s books, “The Scottish Prisoner” by Diana Gabaldon ... what’s next? First on my list is “Colorado Dawn” by Kaki Warner. After that, well, I’ve been getting a few leads over on Goodreads. I mostly look for Historical Fiction and the ones I’m hearing about are authors I don’t know like Susanna Kearsley, Stephen Lawhead, and I really want to read “Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness. I’m open to suggestions!

Thank you Genevieve, it is a pleasure having you at The Crazy Bookworm!

Thanks for having me, Cathy!

Giveaway

I have one finished paperback copy of Under the Same Sky to giveaway.

*Must be 13 years of age or older to enter

*Contest open to U.S. and Canada only. Sorry!

*Contest ends Jan 30th, 2012 at 11:59pm

*Fill out THIS FORM to enter

Extra Entries

*Tweet about the giveaway(Provide link in form) +2 entries

*Facebook the giveaway(Provide link in form) +2 entries

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

2012-01-16T08:30:00.002-05:00

Young Adult: 313 Pages
Publisher: Penguin
Published: January 10th, 2012
Series: None
Challenge: None
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website | Twitter
First Impression: Sounds like an emotional read

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

“That's the thing about pain...it demands to be felt.”-Augustus Waters

Where do I begin...Well, I'll start by saying that this is my first John Green novel. Why? I don't know exactly. I own 2 other titles of his and I have heard countless amazing things about his writing, but yet, I still haven't gotten around to reading him. Then I received The Fault in Our Stars for review and wanted to review it in time for it's release date. What I was not expecting before reading this book was the utter beauty and raw emotion that was inside. The emotions that I felt during and after I read it.

The Fault in Our Stars was a book that I could not put down, and I mean that quite literally. I. Couldn't. Put. It. Down. My eyes would be screaming at me to put it down and go to sleep but I just couldn't stop reading. I was completely engrossed by the novel.

This review is being written a few days after I've finished it and I still can't quite put into words the reading experience I had. It was a lovely one, that's for sure, but I'm still left speechless and in awe. The characters that John Green created were unlike any I have ever come across. Hazel and Augustus were honest, bold and hilarious at times. The strength of this book was completely in the characters. The Storyline was fantastic as well, but it wouldn't have been the same without Hazel, Augustus and even Isaac.

I am fighting the urge to just gush to you about how much and why I loved this book, but I truly think this book should be discovered on your own. All I knew going into this book was the premise, and I am so thankful for that. What a privilege it was to unwrap this book page by page without knowing anything ahead of time. I would love to pass the same experience along to you!

I can't urge you enough to go out and this book...Now! And be sure to keep the tissue close by, because boy, you will need them!

Last Impression: Raw, honest, and one heck of a book!

In My Mailbox

2012-01-15T08:30:00.004-05:00

For Review

Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Bewitching by Alex Flinn

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

Black Heart by Holly Black

The Pregnancy Project by Gaby Rodriguez

White Horse by Alex Adams

Under the Same Sky by Genevieve Graham

(Come back on January 17th for an interview and giveaway!)

A Big thanks to Harper Collins Canada, Penguin Canada and Simon and Schuster Canada. I can't wait to dive into all of these!

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday

2012-01-12T22:20:00.004-05:00

Q: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

A: This is a great question! I am a huge music lover. I love all kinds of music. Some faves are:

Florence + the Machine

Tegan and Sara

Eminem

Rhianna

Young the Giant...

..just to name a few, but here is a great video I came across of a few Canadians that put together this awesome unique video covering a song.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to leave your link so I can hop back!

Happy Hoppin'!

Winter Town by Stephen Emond

2012-01-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

Young Adult: 336 Pages
Publisher: Little Brown
Published: December 5th, 2011
Series: None
Challenge: None
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website | Twitter

Every winter, straight-laced, Ivy League bound Evan looks forward to a visit from Lucy, a childhood pal who moved away after her parent's divorce. But when Lucy arrives this year, she's changed. The former "girl next door" now has chopped dyed black hair, a nose stud, and a scowl. But Evan knows that somewhere beneath the Goth, "Old Lucy" still exists, and he's determined to find her... even if it means pissing her off.

Winter Town has been on my Wish list since I first heard about it. I couldn't wait to curl up on my couch during a cold Canadian winter day and crack it open.

First off, I had major cover envy with this book. The simple illustration yet the stunning midnight blue just won me over. It was unique and fit the story that lied within just perfectly. There is so much to love with Winter Town. Evan for one, was hilarious. His dry, sarcastic humour had me laughing out loud more than once. He also reminded me lot of one of my best guy friends I had growing up. And although I couldn't really relate to Lucy as a character, I could relate to their friendship.

I loved the drawings and illustrations throughout the novel as well. It gave the book a whole new feel and experience.

This is my first book by Stephen Emond but it won't be my last! His simple writing style made the book flow at a beautiful pace. I loved that the book had an artistic feel to it as well. Winter Town makes for a delightful reading experience.

Great Reads or Great Classics?

2012-01-08T20:38:00.000-05:00

As part of my 2012 Reading Goals, I hope to read some classics(as I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't read many). Charlotte's Web, Huckleberry Finn and One Flew over the Cookoo's Nest to name a few. Then I got thinking. What books from my generation will become classics?

During my time reading, I have read many fantastic books. Could they have potential to become a classic read that English teachers will be teaching to their students? 25-30 years from now, what books do you think will join the lengthy list of literary gems?

My Picks:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

A book/film that swept people off their feet. I will be shocked if I'm not hearing about this book 25 years from now. The Help is here to stay!

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

A breath-taking read that will have people inspired for years to come.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

(My Review)

This book is tough to read at times, but that only adds to it's beauty. If you can get through the ugliness that these people suffered, you will come to a beautiful and moving conclusion

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

(My Review)

One of my favourite books ever, it shouldn't be a surprise that I would have this one on my list. This book is truly an extraordinary one. The Characters of Alex and Andi still come to life in my head as vividly as they did the first time I read them!

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

(My Review)

Raw, heart-wrenching and beautiful, I can't imagine this book anywhere else but among the other literary gems.

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

(My Review)

A lot of books that are considered classics seem to be on the strong side. 13 Reasons Why tackles a strong issue with so much class and emotion. The haunting storyline and emotional conclusion make this book a memorable one!

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

This book/movie took the world by storm and still remains one of mine and many other readers favourite book and film ever. Everyone loves a good classic love story right?

A Blue so Dark by Holly Schindler

(My Review)

A book that must be experienced by yourself to truly understand the beauty of it. I imagine this book will be literary favourite.

What books would be on your list?

The Forbidden Book Club

2012-01-06T21:00:00.006-05:00

As part of my 2012 Blog Goals, one of them was to join more Challenges. So, I have decided to join The Forbidden Book Club. This isn't really a challenge, just an online book club. I have always wanted to join a Book Club but can't find the time to fit it in. This will work perfectly! You also don't have to commit every month, so if times get busy, you can opt out.

I am really excited to be a part of this! January's Book Pick is:

Looking for Alaska by John Green
...My first John Green book!

January's Host:
Once upon a Twilight

To learn more about The Forbidden Book Club and details on participating click HERE.

Follow Friday/TGIF

2012-01-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

Q: Go count the number of unread books sitting on your shelf. How many?

A: Actually sitting on my shelves: 76. Ones that I have packed away because I lack room at the moment: Unknown.

Too many books, not enough time!

Q: What are some of your reading goals for the new year?

A: Great question! I did a blog post on Blogging Goals. I never really thought about reading goals.

Ginger's goals seem to be quite close to mine! So I'll follow in the same order she did.

My Goodreads goal in 2011 was 150(Only reached 123). So this year I made it 100. I still think that is a stretch for me, as I can get quite busy with work. But I am really going to try and fit in more reading time!
Definitely reading "older" books as well. I love and appreciate all the ARC's I receive. And I do enjoy buying the latest release that everyone is chatting about. But I still have almost a whole bookshelf dedicated to those "older" books, that I am dying to read!
I would like to read a few more literary classics. Like Jane Austen, Salinger and Louise Alcott. I would love to experience those books for myself!
Not follow the trends. Although I love reading the latest book that everyone is talking about, there have been times that I've read them and haven't enjoyed them myself. I would like to put more decision in the books I read, rather than just read them because everyone else liked it.

What are your reading goals? Leave your link in the comments so I can hop back!

Happy Hopping!

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

2012-01-03T09:00:00.003-05:00

Young Adult: 336 Pages
Publisher: Penguin
Published: December 8th, 11
Challenge: None
Series: None
Source: For Review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website | Twitter

Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

A debut novel from an immensely talented new writer, The Probability of Miracles crackles with wit, romance and humor and will leave readers laughing and crying with each turn of the page.

When I received this book for review, that was my first time hearing about it. Doing a quick search on Goodreads proved that I have definitely been missing out!

Cam was one of the most hilarious characters I have ever read. No matter how my day was going I looked forward to picking up where I left off and having a good laugh, thanks to Cam. Although she was suffering from Terminal Cancer, Cam never let it once take her over. She tackled it with every fiber she had. She accepted the fact that she had Cancer, but she didn't let it run her life. I envied her for that. Wendy Wunder penned a lovely, strong character in Cam. One that will stay with you long after you've read the book.

Although she was the main character of the novel, the secondary characters shined brightly as well. Perry(Cam's younger sister) inherited Cam's sarcastic humour, and their banter made for many laugh out loud moments. Asher was another one of a kind character. When Asher is introduced you think that he and Cam couldn't be anymore different. But opposites attract right? They certainly do with Cam and Asher. Those two were made for each other. They were ying and yang. Every character contributed to this novel greatly. If one had been missing, the book would have been incomplete.

The Probability of Miracles reminded me why I love reading so much. Finding that great book that you look forward to everyday. You count down the minutes until you can curl up on the couch and crack open your book. Wendy Wunder crafted an enchanting, packed with emotion novel that had me laughing, crying and smiling through my tears. A beautifully raw story that must be experienced by all readers.

If you like this, you may also like:

If I Stay by Gayle Forman(Link goes to Goodreads)

Red Means Run by Brad Smith Review and Interview

2012-01-02T09:00:00.003-05:00

Mystery/Thriller: 320 Pages
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: January 10, 2011
Source: Blog Tour
Series: Virgil Cain Book #1
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Facebook
First Impression: In the mood for something different.

Mickey Dupree is one of the most successful criminal attorneys in upstate New York, having never lost a capital murder case. That is the upside of being Mickey. The downside—Mickey has a lot of enemies and one of them drives the shaft of a golf club through his heart, leaving him dead in a sand trap at his exclusive country club.

The cops, led by a dimwitted detective named Joe Brady, focus their attentions on Virgil Cain. Just two weeks earlier Virgil told a crowded bar that "somebody ought to blow Mickey's head off," after the slippery lawyer earned an acquittal for Alan Comstock, the man accused of murdering Virgil's wife. Comstock, a legendary record producer, gun nut, and certifiable lunatic, has returned to his estate, where he lives with his wife, the long-suffering Jane.

It appears to Virgil that the fix is in when Brady immediately throws him into jail with no questions asked. In order to set things right, Virgil escapes from jail, determined to find Mickey's killer himself. Aside from a smart and sexy detective named Claire Marchand, everybody is convinced that Virgil is the culprit. When Alan Comstock is discovered with six slugs in his body the day after Virgil's escape, his guilt is almost assured. Now it is up to Virgil to convince everyone of his innocence—by finding the killer before he winds up being the next victim.

I don't usually read books like this, the Mystery and Thriller genre has never really jumped out at me. But when I heard what this book was about, something just kept screaming at me to read it. I thought "Why Not" it's good to try something different from time to time, right?

Boy, was I glad I gave this book that chance it deserved! A fantastic whodunit that had me flying through the pages. I couldn't get through them fast enough. Have you ever had that one(or few) books that just follow you everywhere? Every chance you have you'll pull it out and read a page or two? Well this was one of those books to me. It followed me to work, the gym, to my kitchen...Everywhere I went, the book went too.

My main pet peeve with books is the Story to Character balance. If it is off, I have trouble enjoying the books. I love a great storyline, but you have to have the Character to match, and vice versa. Brad Smith penned a perfect balance between the two. He had a heart-pounding storyline along with completely engrossing characters.

There is nothing negative I can say about this book other than it went by to quick. The book is a perfect 320 Pages but you fly right through them. And although you can't wait to get to the end for the final puzzle piece to be put in place, you'll miss it when it's done. A fantastic novel!

Last Impression: It definitely paid off to step out of my comfort zone, otherwise I would have missed this gem!

Interview with Brad Smith

Tell us 5 random things about yourself

1) I own a 1954 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.

2) I watch the mini-series Lonesome Dove every Christmas.

3) I watch Lonesome Dove because I don’t “get” It’s a Wonderful Life. Sacrilege, eh?

4) I write on a 130-year-old roll top desk.

5) I am really really bad at revealing random facts about myself.

Did you come across any challenges when writing this novel?

I think the biggest challenge was to sustain the “mystery”, without making things too obvious. I didn’t want readers to figure things out halfway through (as sometimes happens) and at the same time, I needed to make sure that the feints I made here and there were believable.

Do you have any writing must haves? (music, snacks, etc.)

Silence. Particularly when writing a first draft, I can’t listen to music, or anything else for that matter. Fortunately I live on a very quiet road out in the countryside. Over the course of a writing day, I do get up and take breaks. Often I’ll go out in my back yard and hit a few wedges (golf shots) and then go back to work. Hopefully my writing is more accomplished than my golf game! Or I’m in big trouble.

What authors have inspired you and have been most influential to your writing?

John Steinbeck, Robert Stone, William Kennedy, Hemingway.

If you could invite 5 people (dead or alive, fact or fiction) to dinner. Who would you invite?

Abraham Lincoln, Babe Ruth, Mark Twain, Crazy Horse, Marlon Brando.

George W. Bush, Sarah Palin, Paris Hilton, Sean Hannity and Dan Quayle (that way I can be the smartest one at the table…maybe)

Thanks Brad! It is a pleasure having you!

Brad Smith was born and raised in the hamlet of Canfield, in southern Ontario, a couple of hours from Toronto. As a child, he had a Huck Finn existence, building rafts and catching frogs and falling off his bike with regularity. (this was in the pre-helmet days - which might explain a lot) He grew up on stories - both oral and written - reading the hockey books of Scott Young, and listening to the old-timers in the village. His next door neighbor was a WWI vet who had been a sergeant at Vimy Ridge in 1917. Smith attended elementary school in Cayuga, and high school - somewhat sporadically - in Dunnville...Continue Reading

In My Mailbox

2012-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ontario, Canada has finally gotten some snow! We didn't have the White Christmas I was hoping for, but a white New Years makes me just as happy!

For Review

The Fault in our Stars by JOhn Green

(I can't wait to read this one!)

Bought

Pretty Little Liars(Book #1) By Sara Shepard

Flawless(PLL book #2) by Sara Shepard

Have you read the Pretty Little Liars series? Did you like it? I thought I would finally give them a try!

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday/TGIF

2011-12-29T23:06:00.002-05:00

Q: The New Year is here — and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

A: I have quite an extensive list for my 2012 blogging goals. In fact I just did a post about it on Monday. But I think my main goal is a total makeover. I will be hiring a blog designer(still undecided, so if you know someone, please let me know in the comments!) and will have a brand new blog design. I love change, and I think The Crazy Bookworm is in a desperate need of one. Also, I would love to participate in more YA blog tours.

What about you?

(Be sure to leave your link in the comments so I can hop back!)

Q: First and Last: What was the first book you read in 2011

and the last you finished in 2011? How do you feel about these books?

Would you recommend them to other readers?

A: The first book I reviewed in 2011 was:

This was a remarkable book. I would definitely recommend that everyone picks this one up!

(My Review)

The last book is

This was a fantastic read. Hilarious at times, and heart-wrenching at others.

(Review to come)

Calling all Blog Designers...New year, New Makeover?

2011-12-27T00:55:00.000-05:00

As a new year approaches, I am in the mood for some major blog refreshing! Yesterday, I posted about my 2012 Blog Goals and with that I would love to start everything fresh, with a new design to match!

I have done a Google search on Blog Designers and came across some great ones, the trouble...I can't decide! I'm hoping that with this post I will find the right person for the job. That's where you come in! Are you a blog designer? In the comments leave your website link where I can have a look at some of your previous work. Don't have a website? Then please leave me your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you.

If your not a blog designer but has had a great designer do up your blog, then please feel free to drop their names and let me know about them! If you know their website, then please by all means leave that as well.

What I Want for my Blog:

3 Column layout
Favicon
Personal Button
Social Media buttons
Custom Header(May include up to 3 characters/illustrations)
Background to Match
Navigation Menu
Post Title Graphic
Sidebar graphic
Post divider/signature
Footer
Various Fonts
Installation

Thank you in advance! Looking forward to chatting with you!

New Years Resolutions: Blog Edition

2011-12-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

I was going through some of my past blog posts and came across my New years Blog goals from last year, and was pretty satisfied with the outcome. Although some things I wish I could have done better with, I achieved most of last years blog goals. BUT another year is approaching and with them it brings new blog goals.

I adore my blog, and I love all my followers. Sometimes when I find I'm really busy and the blog may hit the back burner, the thought NEVER crosses my mind to shut it down. I don't know if I ever could. When I do have the time to blog, I enjoy it. When I finish a book, I can't wait to hop on the computer and let all of you know what I thought about it. So The Crazy Bookworm won't be going anywhere, anytime soon!

My 2012 blog goals are:

Time Managment: Boy oh boy, so I need to practice some time management! Ever since I got promoted at my job, I feel as if I don't have much time for the blog. Once work is finished, and I'm done all my day-to-day tasks, I just want to do nothing, and sometimes that includes reading. And that saddens me, so I will be breaking out a calender(the ol' fashioned kind, not a google doc) and will manage my time for effectivily and efficiantly. I DO NOT want to ring in the new year with a blog lull. I want it thriving all through 2012

Reading More: This was on last years list as well, and though I did pick up the reading, once I started working more, the reading decreased. So hopefully with my good friend time management, I will be able to take in more reading time!

Participation: I would LOVE to participate in more blog challenges and blog guest posts. Last year my main goal was to comment more, I am happy to say that I can stroke that one off! I have met a ton of great new people just from commenting. So this year, I hope to fit in more blog challenges.

I hope I can be as successful this year as I was last year! What are your blogging goals and aspirations? Do tell!

In My Mailbox....Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T19:55:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and that Santa graced you with all kinds of book goodness!

Bought

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

Boys, Girls & other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman

That's it for me this week!

What's in your Mailbox?

In My Mailbox/A Crazy Bookworm update

2011-12-18T18:45:00.000-05:00

Bought

Married with Zombies by Jesse Petersen

For Review

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

(This cover is even more stunning in person!)

What's in your Mailbox?

A Crazy Bookworm Update

I know I have been a bit absent lately only posting once or twice a week. I promise things will get better in the New Year! I manage an indepenent book store in my city and with the Christmas Season, we have been crazy busy! I haven't had time to do much of anything. I'm sorry that the blog has been a little quiet lately but please bear with me, things will bounce back once Christmas time passes us.

Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Giveaway winner plus another giveaway!

2011-12-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Scorpio Races giveaway! A winner was chosen at random using http://www.random.org/. And the winner is....

Laura from The Zealous Reader!

*Congrats Laura!*

With Christmas right around the corner, I am in the spirit of giving and am hosting another giveaway. When? Right now! I will be offering up 2 choices of books. You can pick which one you want, or select both.

The books:

To Enter

Must be 13 years of age or older to enter
Contest ends December 24th(Christmas eve!)
Contest is open to Everyone
Fill out THIS FORM to enter

Good Luck!

*I'd also like to add a personal message thanking everyone for following and reading The Crazy Bookworm! During the past few months I have been super busy and a little overwhelmed, but you guys are still right beside me, and I want to let you know that I appreciate that! Thank you!*

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-12-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

What are you waiting on?

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

2011-12-12T09:00:00.002-05:00

Contemporary Romance: 288 Pages
Publisher: Grand Central Pub.
Published: October 11th, 2011
Source: Bought
Series: None
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website

THE BEST OF ME is the heart-rending story of two small-town former high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. Now middle-aged, they've taken wildly divergent paths, but neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever altered their world. When they are both called back to their hometown for the funeral of the mentor who once gave them shelter, they will be forced to confront the choices each has made, and ask whether love can truly rewrite the past

“There's a lot of magic between you too, ain't no denying that. And magic makes forgettin' hard.” -Tuck

What can I say? Nicholas Sparks is on my auto buy list. Once a new book of his is released, I buy it right away without an inkling of what it may be about.

A lot of friends and fellow bloggers I talk to tend to stay away from Nicholas Sparks. They don't exactly like his 'tragic' storylines. Yes, he may write about lost love, and death but there is something about his writing that pulls me right in. Every character he pens, every setting he describes, I am there. The Best of Me was no exception...

Nicholas Sparks definitely knows how to write a character. They are full of so much spunk and life. Amanda was a firecracker. She was passionate and good-willed, but she loved to stand up in what she believed in, even if that meant an argument or two. When Dawson was introduced, I noticed a sadness about him right away. He lived his life working on the oil rig and going about his mundane day-to-day tasks. He lacked passion. That immediately changed when Amanda walks back into his life. Although their reunion is taking place because of their friends death, you can notice the change in Dawson right away. He was happy again. He was in love.

The book picks up from their like a roller coaster. There are highs and lows. I laughed and I, of course cried. Just when I think Spark's can't surprise me anymore with his twists and turns, he does it to me again in The Best of Me. I was left jaw-dropped and misty eyed.

Nicholas Sparks may walk on the sad side at times, but I think his books are so much more than that. They allow you to be whisped away. To live through these great characters. Although I may need a tissue(or two) when reading a Spark's book, I cherish a book that can tug on my heartstrings. A book that can make me feel emotion. The Best of Me was just that...A book with love, loss, heart ache and joy.

In my Mailbox

2011-12-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

For Review

Revived by Cat Patrick

Winter Town by Stephen Emond

Bought

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick

That's it for me!

What in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday

2011-12-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

Q: Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

A: My Young adult pick would be:

This stunning cast of characters and beautifully written historic storyline makes for a compelling read!

My Adult Read:

This indescribable tale about a Man and his dog is a true love story.

Don't forget to check out my SCROPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater giveaway *linked under header* Ends Dec 16th.

Happy Hopping!

Zombie Challenge 2012

2011-12-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

I don't normally join challenges, because I find it hard to commit to them in the long run. But when I came across this one...Well, I couldn't refuse.

Challenge Details Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012

• Rules: There are FOUR (4) LEVELS to choose from:

- One Chomp: Read 6 Zombie books in 2012

- Two Chomps: Read 12 Zombie books in 2012

- Three Chomps: Read 18 Zombie books in 2012

- Four Chomps: Read 24 Zombie books in 2012

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.

• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.

• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.

• Only fiction, no non-fiction.

• This challenge can crossover to other challenges.

• If you need help choosing your zombie reads, check out Book Chick City's ZOMBIE SHELF on Goodreads for ideas!

I am going to aim for 2 Chomps. Although I don't have all 12 books picked out, these are the ones I will start with:

*Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

*Feed by Mira Grant

*Deadline by Mira Grant

*Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

*Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

*Married with Zombies by Jesse Peterson

*Autumn: Disintergration by David Moody

*At First Days by Rhiannon Frater

The Pledge by Kimerbly Derting

2011-12-05T09:00:00.010-05:00

Dystopian: 323 Pages
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: November 15th, 2011
Series: The Pledge(Book #1)
Source: For review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime

I couldn't wait to read this book after I first heard about it. Then all the hype started up and it just amplified by curiosity. I couldn't wait to devour it...Unfortunately, this book didn't quite do it for me.

I wanted to like this book...I wanted to love it. I really did. Everything about it sounded perfect to me, and the cover was dark and mysterious. But there was just something missing in this novel that was preventing me to give it my full attention.

No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get into it. I flew through the first 100 pages, but then after that, the book began to lull. I couldn't engage with the characters or the storyline. I was literally forcing myself to pick up the novel and keep reading. Now I know that may sound a bit harsh, but I am just trying to be honest. However, there were aspects of the book that I did like.

The Setting. I think Kimberly Derting did a wonderful job at her world building. Her setting was so well created that I could picture the dark, gray world that these characters lived in.

The introduction. It was the first 100 pages that I loved. The author introduced the storyline at a great pace, giving the reader just enough to want to keep reading.

The one thing that fell flat for me were the characters. I couldn't relate or bond with any of them. I couldn't connect with them, which is what I enjoy doing when reading a book. I enjoy being whisped away by the characters and befriending them, caring for them.

Overall I am a little saddened that I didn't love this book as much as I thought I would, but The Pledge won't steer me away from Derting's past and future work. I look forward to reading the Body Finder series, and I plan to read book #2 in The Pledge series. Perhaps book 2 can offer something else that I didn't get from Book 1.

In My Mailbox

2011-12-04T09:00:00.002-05:00

For Review

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Bought

Testify by valeria Sherrard

The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday/TGIF

2011-12-02T09:43:00.000-05:00

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to books? Maybe you don’t like love triangles or thin plots? Tell us about it!
A: My biggest pet peeve would have to be bad character development. I have read books that have had heart-pounding action and storylines, but the character development was lacking. There wouldn't be much to them and I would find it very heard to enjoy the books if I couldn't get to know the characters.

**Be sure to check out my current giveaway 'Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater'.**

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...Scorpio Races Giveaway

2011-12-01T09:19:00.002-05:00

Santa and his elves are getting ready for the big trip in just 24 days. Can you believe it?

The Crazy Bookworm will be having one giveaway a week of books and other goodies to celebrate the Holiday Season.

Today's Giveaway:

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.

Giveaway Rules

Must be 13 years of age or older to enter
Giveaway ends December 16th.
Fill out THIS FORM to enter
Open to Everyone

Good Luck!

Do YOU judge a book by it's cover?

2011-11-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

Being a Manager at a independent bookstore, I am constantly around books. And I have been noticing more often that I, The Crazy Bookworm judge books by their covers. I know that's a horrible thing to admit...and usually when asked I would say no, because honestly I didn't think I did. But I have here an example for you of how I judge a book by it's cover:

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

When I first came across this book, I had zero interest in it. The cover didn't grab me, and so I never even read what it was about. Yes, it's true! I didn't even give it a chance. Then the other day I came across it's sequel:

The Rivals

I thought "Ohh this looks interesting, what's it about?". That is when I learned that it was the sequel to The Mockingbirds, which lead me to finally look into that book. I am ashamed that I completely wrote off that book because of it's cover. After reading the synopsis I couldn't wait to read it. So of course, I ordered myself a copy of The Mockingbirds. Eagerly awaiting it's arrival!

So that, my fellow readers and bloggers, is my shameful confession that I judge book's by their covers. But I am going to vow to stop, and give a book a chance, no matter the image on the cover.

Do you judge a book by a cover? And have you ever passed up a great read because of that?

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

2011-11-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

Young Adult: 356 Pages
Publisher: Razorbill
Published: November 21st, 2011
Series: None
Source: For review from publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon
First impression: Unique concept. Can't wait to read it!

It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.
Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.

Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.

“I've always protected myself when it comes to love. And maybe that's the problem. By not letting myself get hurt now, it ripples into much bigger pain later.” -Emma

I absolutely loved Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why, and although I haven't had the pleasure of reading Carolyn Mackler's previous work, I have heard fantastic things about her writing, and was thrilled to hear that the two were pairing up for this novel.

What a blast this book was! First of all, the 90's references. It brought me back to those simpler times when I used to curl up with my YM Magazine while listening to Boyz to Men. Those references gave me a special connection to the book. Although I wasn't the same age as Emma was in 1996(I was 9) I could relate to her on a stronger level than I have with other female characters.

The unique concept of this book was what initially grabbed my attention. In a time where the world is so reliant on Social Media, this book definitely makes you wonder what things would be like without it. And if we had the ability to see our 'Future statuses' would we like what we see in those few short sentences?

Emma and Josh did what most people would have done. Act first, think later. Emma's (at times) foolish actions caused some major repercussions for her future. There were times where I just wanted to grab her and scream "STOP IT!". Asher and Mackler did a fantastic job with creating these simple yet bold characters.

Jay Asher's and Carolyn Mackler's writing style blended together perfectly. They each gave the novel a personal touch.

The Future of Us was a book that I was anxiously anticipating and was thrilled to finally start reading. The end result was I didn't want it to end. I couldn't put it down and I loved the characters. This book made it's way to my top reads of 2011. A must read!

Last impression: In case the review doesn't say it clearly. Read it...Now!

In My Mailbox

2011-11-27T09:00:00.001-05:00

For Review

Illumiate by Aimee Agresti

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

The Literary Ladies' Guide to the Writing Life by Nava Atlas

(I was thrilled to get this one. As an aspiring writer, this was like finding Gold in my mailbox!)

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday/TGIF

2011-11-25T08:57:00.001-05:00

Q: It’s Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. so we want to know what you are Thankful for – blogging related of course! Who has helped you out along the way? What books are you thankful for reading?

A: Happy be-lated Thanksgiving to all my US friends and bloggers! I am of course thankful for all the other book blogs out there(every single one!) because each book blog motivated me to make mine the best I can make it to be. Fellow bloggers and readers sculpted The Crazy Bookworm. I am also thankful for all the authors I have met and befriended along the way. What an unexpected pleasure that is!

Books's I'm thankful for are:

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

I love historical YA novels because I feel they may shine light on something that someone didn't know much about. It make spark a new passion for reading!

Happy Hoppin'! Leave your link in the comments so I can hop back.

Q: When You're Not Reading: What occupies your time when your nose isn't stuck in a book?

A: I work full time as a manager at a independent bookstore in my city. So I am always surrounded by books...and LOVE IT! I also do dog grooming on the side, so I take appointments on whenever I can so I can spend time with my other favourite thing, dogs.

My fiance and I own 3 dogs ourselves so they like to occupy a lot of our time. We love taking them for long walks, runs or even just a car ride.

And of course, family! I am a 18 month old neice that I love spending time with.

Waiting on Wednesday-Grave Mercy

2011-11-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

March 7th, 2012

I CAN NOT wait to get my hands on this one!

What are you waiting for?

Eve by Anna Carey

2011-11-21T08:57:00.001-05:00

Young Adult: 318 Pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: October 4th, 2011
Series: Eve Trilogy #1
Source: ARC from Publisher
Learn More: EVE
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website

Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

“You can love anyone. Love is just caring about someone very deeply. Feeling like that person matters to you, like your whole world would be sadder without them in it.” -Eve

I have just recently begun reading the Dystopian novels, and it is a genre I have enjoyed exploring so far! When I first heard about Eve, I could not wait to get my hands on it.

The book starts off 15 years after the plague has already wiped out millions of people. We are introduced to Eve and her safe little cocoon of a "boarding school". It is graduation night and when Eve thinks she is about to set off, learn her trade and live her life to the fullest, she is sadly mistaken. She learns very early on the true horrors that await her, and she does the most terrifying thing known to her. She leaves.

One thing the author didn't do was sugarcoat anything. Her writing was raw and honest. She wrote the realistic life that would await you if a plague would take hold and rock the earth. There was blood and gore. The were moments of complete madness and then there were others that were beautifully vulnerable.

Anna Carey painted such a vivid picture with her haunting settings and bold characters that I couldn't help but devour the novel. I was hooked! And Can I talk about Caleb for a second? He was so swoon worthy! He was written as a wild character. Messy hair, dirty clothes, riding horses. But he was fully equipped with a hilarious sense of humour and a sensitive side to match.

Eve was a total win for me! The heart pounding storyline made for a thrilling read. And the wait for Book #2 is going to be a tough one!

In my Mailbox

2011-11-20T09:00:00.002-05:00

For Review

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

Struck by Rhonda Stapleton

I am really excited to read all of these! Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Penguin Canada!

What's in your Mailbox?

TGIF

2011-11-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

Hosted by GReads

Q: Giving Thanks: Which books are you most thankful for receiving from other bloggers, friends, family members, or publishers?

A: This is a great question! Although I could go on and on, I will narrow it down to 2 books.

This is one of the most heartbreaking, yet beautiful stories about the World War 2 era that I have EVER read. And I am very greatful to Ruta Sepetys(the author) who gave me the opportunity to read this novel as an arc, and to have the chance to speak with her about this novel.

You can find my review and interview located in my archives.

Sandra Edwards is one of the first authors I befriended. She is such a kind, down to earth person and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to know such an incredible writer and to call her my friend. Incredible Dreams is a stunning historical romance that transported me to the 1940's and gave me an escape from day to day life. A true gem of a novel.

Before the Storm by Marian Perera

2011-11-15T09:00:00.006-05:00

Fantasy: 304 Pages
Publisher: Samhain Publisher
Published: February 1st, 2011
Series: Eden Trilogy #1
Source: Review copy from author
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website
First Impression: They say not to judge a book by it's cover...but how could I not with this one?!

Whore…gift…and unexpected ally. In Dagran society, Alex is the lowest of the low—a “mare”, an object to be used by the nobility. When her owner, Stephen Garnath, gifts her to his greatest rival, she begins plotting her path to freedom. Nothing and no one will ever control her again. Not her degrading past, and certainly not her growing attraction to a man reputed to be an even crueler master than Garnath. Robert Demeresna is instantly suspicious of such a generous gift. Yet she comes to him armed with only her sharp mind—a potent weapon he can use to defend his people from the enemy. And underneath, an unbreakable spirit that besieges the walls of his heart. Slowly, Robert chips away at Alex’s defenses, striking sparks that make her begin to believe even a lowly whore like her could be worthy of him. Until Garnath springs a trap so cleverly hidden, war is unleashed before either of them sees it coming. A new kind of war fought with steam engines, explosives—and magic with a killing edge…

I have never been much of a Fantasy reader. I have only read a few of them, but could never really get into the genre. However, Before the Storm was a completely different story!

I know I talk about Character Development a lot in my reviews, because I think it is one of the most important aspects of a book. Yes, you can have a great story, and a magical setting, but if your characters are dull, and lack personality then I'm not going to be able to connect with them and full enjoy the book. Marian Perera DID NOT skimp out on the Characters, in fact, I believe they were the strongest qualities about the book. I adored Alex, she was such a unique and feisty character.

Not only did the author deliver fantastic characters but the world she built inside the pages was enchanting. I got through the first 50 pages at ease, but once I passed that mark, I simply couldn't put the book down. I was hooked!

Stepping out my comfort zone isn't always easy for me, but this one definitely proved to me why I do it, so I can discover books like this one. If I hadn't given it a try, I would have missed out...big time!

In My Mailbox

2011-11-13T09:00:00.002-05:00

For Review

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Waking Storms by Sarah Porter(Lost Voices #2)

Bought

Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow My Book Blog Friday

2011-11-11T18:14:00.002-05:00

Question of the Week: In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran’s Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. Fictional or real life.

Answer: This is an easy question for me. My Dad. My Dad fought in the African-Portuguese war in the 60's when he was just 16 years old. Africa was fighting for Portugal's independence, and my dad was trying to defend his country(Portugal). He saw things that no 16 year old...no person should ever see or do. He is my favourite solider and always will be!

Be sure to check out the current giveaway going on right now. Linked above this post!

Also, leave your link in the comments so I can hop back!

Happy Hoppin'!

Hittin' The Shelves-December Edition

2011-11-10T09:00:00.005-05:00

Hittin' the Shelves is a new monthly feature hear at The Crazy Bookworm. An official image is on it's way. Clicking on the images will bring you directly to amazon where you can add it to your wishlist or pre-order!

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Dec. 6th, 2011

Pretty Little Liars #10: Ruthless by Sara Shepard For years scandal has rocked Rosewood, Pennsylvania—and high school seniors Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer have always been at the center of the drama. They’ve lost friends, been targeted by a ruthless stalker named A, and narrowly escaped death. And it’s not over yet.

Aria’s love life is on the fritz. Emily’s exploring her wild side. Hanna’s kissing the enemy. And someone from Spencer’s past—someone she never thought she’d see again—is back to haunt her.

Dec. 6th, 2011But none of that compares to what happened last spring break. It’s their darkest secret yet and guess who found out? Now A is determined to make them pay for their crime, and the only thing scarier than A is the fear that maybe, just maybe, they deserve what’s coming to them.

Wintertown by Stephen Emond Every winter, straight-laced, Ivy League bound Evan looks forward to a visit from Lucy, a childhood pal who moved away after her parent's divorce. But when Lucy arrives this year, she's changed. The former "girl next door" now has chopped dyed black hair, a nose stud, and a scowl. But Evan knows that somewhere beneath the Goth, "Old Lucy" still exists, and he's determined to find her... even if it means pissing her off.
Dec. 5th, 2011

Other YA Books Hittin' the Shelves this month are:
Melody Burning by Whitley Strieber (Dec 6)
Fix Me by Rune Michaels (Dec 6)
Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey (Dec 8)

Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne (Dec 20)
All Fall Down by Megan Hart (Dec 20)
Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Dec 27)
Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith (Dec 27)
The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers (Dec 27)

That is what's hittin' the shelves!

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

2011-11-08T09:00:00.004-05:00

Young Adult: 370 Pages
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Published: September 29th, 2011
Source: From publisher
Series: Shades of London
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website
First Impression: London, England and Boarding school...Need I say more?!

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

I have always been fascinated with 19th Century England. Not only do I love learning about that era but the history of Jack the Ripper has always been an interest of mine.

The Name of the Star starts off with the first murder, and the similarities send a "Ripper Effect" all over modern day London, leaving new student, Rory smack dab in the middle of it.

I absolutely loved the vivid world Maureen Johnson depicted in this novel. Not only did I get the London Atmosphere that I love, she gave it a haunting new look. I couldn't get through a chapter without my spine tingling. She took beautiful London, and added the murderous touch flawlessly.

Rory was a hilarious character. Her witty, sarcastic humour had me laughing out loud throughout the entire novel. Her character added a lighter side to the darkness of the novel. I also loved that the author sprinkled in a little romance as well. It made for a very entertaining read!

The Name of the Star packs a lot of punch, but it is paced out perfectly. I can't wait for book #2!

Last Impression: A murderous good time with a wicked paranormal twist!

First Ontario Blogger Meet

2011-11-07T09:00:00.003-05:00

November 5th, 2011. It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day and 38 book-crazed bloggers were at The Duke of York chatting all things books!

This past Saturday was the very first Ontario Book Blogger Meet up. I have known about this event since early September, and I tell ya...I couldn't wait!! Immediately walking inside the Duke of York I met one of my favourite bloggers, Rhiannon from The Diary of a Bookworm and was so happy to finally meet her in person and chat with her for a bit.

(Left: Rhiannon. Right: Me!)

Then we received some AWESOME goodies which were included on my In My Mailbox post. That will surely keep my busy during those cold winter months!

(38 bags for 38 attendees!)

I then had a chance to meet Liz! A good friend of mine from The Chapters Indigo community. We met online over our love of Twilight and haven't stopped chatting since. She has a wicked blog called Midnight Bloom Reads.

Although I could only stay one short hour(I had a family function) I wouldn't have traded that hour for anything! It was so exciting meeting my favourite bloggers, and meeting new ones!

(The amazing ladies who created and organized this event.)

Liz, Wendy, Christa, Mel, Jen, Jackie, Nicole and Angel

In My Mailbox

2011-11-06T09:00:00.002-05:00

I had the pleasure of attending the Ontario Blog Squad meet up this weekend, although I couldn't stay as long as I wanted too, it was so much fun meeting my favourite book bloggers in person and chatting up with them. We also received so awesome goodies! Please stay tuned for my official post about it!

For Review

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

Justice Quinnn by Dawn Dyson...Signed!

(This is book #2 in the Beautiful Justice series. Book #1 is A.MAZE.ING!)

Bought

World War Z by Max Brooks

(Finally! I've been dying to read this one for so long)

Gifted

(From the Blogger Meet up)

Purity by Jackson Pearce

(Cover not available on Goodreads)

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Dead Simple by Peter James

The Leopard by Jo Nesbo

Plus we got some really awesome swag including a wicked Random House Mug, A Twilight Saga Key Chain and bookmarks!

What's in Your Mailbox?

Author Spotlight and Giveaway! Linda Poitevin author of 'Sins of The Angels'

2011-11-04T08:30:00.001-04:00

CONTINUE READING HERE

Linda Poitevin was born and raised in B.C., Canada’s westernmost province. Growing up in an era when writing was “a nice hobby, dear, but what are you going to do for a living?”, Linda worked at a variety of secretarial jobs before applying to be a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Due to an error in measurement, however, she was turned down when she didn’t meet the height requirement of that time. Undeterred, Linda became a civilian member in the force and was a dispatcher for two and a half years, during which time she met her husband, a police officer...

Tell us 3 random things about yourself.

My favorite color is blue. I played baritone saxophone in my high school band. One day, I want to live beside water.

What is 'A Day in the life of Linda Poitevin' like?

Busy, lol. A rough schedule would look like this:
5:30 Wake, feed dog & cats, make coffee, make daughter’s lunch, make breakfast
6:00 – 6:45 eat, check email, Twitter, & Facebook; get dressed
6:45 Call daughter, take dog for walk
7:30 Start dinner in the crockpot
7:45 Drive daughter to school
9:00 Arrive home again, clean kitchen, start laundry, tidy
10:00 – 1:30 Write
1:30 – 2:30 Marketing, business stuff
2:30 – leave to pick up daughter
4:00 – arrive home, feed dog, finalize dinner,
5:00 – 6:00 dinner
6:30 – 8:00 computer (again)
8:00 – 10:00 collapse with wine and television
10:00 – bed

In and around there, our youngest daughter has Air Cadets twice a week and church once a week, hubby has Tae Kwon Do once a week, and I try to have coffee with at least one friend.

Sins of the Angels has such a unique premise! What came first for you: The idea for the story or the characters?

The characters, I think...though it all kind of just blended together, with the story evolving as I wrote the characters. I like to say that I’m just telling their story as they tell it to me, but my husband says that makes me sound…odd, lol!

What inspired you to make the Grigori series? A song by Sarah McLachlan was the original inspiration. Angel has a line in it, “You’re safe in the arms of the angel, may you find some comfort there,” that made me wonder about whether an angel’s arms really would be safe…or if they might actually be a really scary place to find yourself. J

Alexandra is a bold, independent character. Was she an easy character to write? She really was. I’ve known a lot of female cops over the years, and she’s kind of a blend of many of them. Very professional and with a tough exterior, but still very human on the inside.

Did you come across any challenges while writing Sins of the Angels?

Writing it was a challenge in and of itself, lol. The book took 10 years from start to finish, mostly because life had this habit of getting in the way, *sigh*. I was raising a family, homeschooling my youngest daughter, working at freelance writing…finding the time, let alone the brainpower, to be creative was sometimes just beyond my capacity. But—and this is important!—I never gave up.

What is your ideal writing environment?

I’ve given up on ideals, to be honest. I’ve created more writing corners in my house than I can count, and each time I seem to lose it to other family needs, lol. I did briefly have an office with a door when one daughter moved out, but then she moved back again…now my desk is in the dining room. I’m just happy if I can have the house to myself for a few hours a day!

Do you have any writing must haves? (i.e. music, snacks, etc)

Music, both because it blocks out external noises and keeps me focused, and because I find it a powerful creative tool, helping me to really immerse myself in my characters’ emotions. What authors have been most influential to your writing? I think every author I’ve ever read has influenced me. I’ve read widely in many genres, and I think my subconscious has absorbed lessons (both good and bad) from just about every book.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner(dead or alive, fact or fiction) who would you invite?

Jane Austen, Albert Einstein, Bill Bryson, Katherine Hepburn, and Michelle Obama. Wow, that would make for an interesting dinner party, wouldn’t it?

Finish this sentence: "I can't live without..."

My family. They keep me going, keep me focused, and keep me grounded.

What book are on your 'To be Read' list that you can't wait to get to?

Right now I have Erin Kellison’s Shadow Fall and Shadowman waiting for me; I just finished Mike Mullin’s Ashfall and can’t wait for Ash Winter to come out; and I am dying for Jim Butcher’s Ghost Story to come out in paperback!

Thank you so much, Linda! It is a pleasure having you.

Cathy, thank you for having me to visit today! I’ve had a wonderful time, and if your readers have anything else they’d like to ask me, I’d be happy to answer.

To Learn more about Sins of The Angels click HERE

Find the Author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook

Giveaway

Linda Poitevin is giving away one copy of Sins of the Angels to one lucky winner!

To Enter:

Must be 13 years of age or older to enter
Giveaway open to Canada/US
Giveaway ends November 18th, 2011
Fill out THIS FORM to enter

Good Luck!

Waiting on Wednesday-Where it Began

2011-11-02T09:00:00.020-04:00

Gabby Gardiner wakes up in a hospital bed looking like a cautionary ad for drunk driving and lacking a single memory of the accident that landed her there. What she can remember, in frank and sardonic detail, is the year leading up to the accident.

As she takes us through her transformation from invisible girl to on-trend Girl Who Dates Billy Nash (aka Most Desirable Boy Ever), she is left wondering: Why is Billy suddenly distancing himself from her? What do her classmates know that Gabby herself does not? Who exactly was in the car that night? And why is Gabby left alone to take the fall?

Putting the pieces together will take every ounce of Gabby's strength. As she peels back the layers of her life, she begins to realize that her climb up the status ladder has been as intoxicating as it has been morally complex...and that nothing about her life is what she has imagined it to be.

My Thoughts: Aside from this simple yet gorgeous cover, the book sounds like it is right up my alley! What do you think?

What Are You Waiting On?

In my Mailbox on Monday...Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T10:37:00.000-04:00

For Review

Red Means Run by Brad Smith

Bought

The First Days by Rhiannon Frater

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

What's in your Mailbox?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

It's almost here!!...Top 5 things to do on Halloween

2011-10-30T09:00:00.002-04:00

It's almost here....Halloween! One of my favourite times of the year. The fall colours, the crisp air, pumpkins and costumes...No wonder everyone is always so happy this time of year! There are certain things that I just love doing on Halloween Weekend. And here I am going to share with you some of my favourites!

Go to a Costume Store:
Grab a group of your friends, and head out to the biggest costume depot in your town. I could spend hours in there trying on fancy fairytale dresses, grotesque masks and vampire teeth. Model with your friends, and make a bet of who can put together the best costume. By the time your done, your lungs will be ready to burst from all the laughter and fun you had!

Haunted Houses and Hayrides:

Is there anything better..and scarier then entering the spookiest haunted house you can find? Grab someone you can hold on too and take one of the scariest tours of your life. And while your there...if you survived indulge in a haunted hayride a midnight. Most local pumpkin patches offer them and there is nothing like roaming the open field and forests on a hay wagon while murderous things jump out and scare the daylights out of you!

Pumpkin Patches:

Speaking of Pumpkin patches, go to one! On the last couple days leading up to Halloween(or even on Halloween day!) Pumpkins are a steal. The prices are dropped as the farmers or patch owners are trying to get rid of the final batches. Buy some pumpkins(even if you already have some at home) and do up some extra creepy carvings before the kiddies come knocking on your door!

Scary Movies:

Grab the scariest movie you can find(or that you've ever seen) and cuddle up with your friends or loved ones and watch it at night, with all the lights off! Go ahead, you can do it!

Scary Reads:

Nothing seems better than curling up on Halloween night reading some scary stories. Ghosts, witches, chainsaw-bearing maniacs...Indulge in some of your favourite spine tingling reads.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

2011-10-29T09:00:00.006-04:00

Young Adult: 352 Pages
Publisher: Razorbill
Published: October 18th, 2011(Paperback)
Series: None
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website
First impression: Stunning cover, I've gotta read it.

Mackie Doyle is The Replacement—left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. He has been raised among us. But he is not one of us. Now, he must face the dark creatures of the slag heaps from which he came and find his rightful place—in our world or theirs.

“I wanted it in the way you sometimes want to jump into very cold water, even though you know it won't feel good. I wanted to go numb. To see what it felt like to be someone else.” - Mackie Doyle

The Replacement was a book I have been dying to read. The cover is just absolutely stunning, and the premise offers so much suspense that you can't help but want to read it and learn about the town of Gentry.

The Replacement definitely doesn't give away much for the first half of the book. But it doesn't lack in content, it gives you just enough to learn and bond with the characters but keeps the mystery of the town under wraps until you can't take it anymore. I was literally getting jittery and antsy, waiting to learn what the mystery is behind the town. I must say that the author delivered that beautifully, the secret was slowly revealed until the very last pages of the book.

Mackie Doyle, there was something about him that I just adored, and found totally swoon-worthy. Brenna Yovanoff crafted a great character in him. The entire character cast, including the secondary ones were extraordinary. Roswell and Tate were both strong characters that stayed firm in what they believed in. They loved with their whole hearts. The Morrigan, Luther, Carolina...everyone. The book would have been incomplete if just one character was missing. Everyone offered something great to the novel.

The Replacement is a book that you must experience for yourself. A enthralling, dark ride that I simply devoured. A perfect read to curl up to in the dark, or under the covers on Halloween night.
Last impression: A stunning cover to match the stunning storyline.

Interview with a Blogger: The Bookish Brunette-Halloween Edition

2011-10-27T09:00:00.002-04:00

Ashley A.K.A The Bookish Brunette is a Book obsessed, Zombie Crazed, Stiletto wearing blogger with a purse fetish!

Check out her wicked blog The Bookish Brunette

First off, Thanks for stopping by!

YAY! I'm happy to be here chick!

Tell us five Random things about yourself

Oooh... let's see...

1. I keep extensive lists on EVERYTHING... Lose them... and find them 3 months later!

2. I LOVE flamingos... What? They're so pretty!

3. I'm a huge NASCAR fan.

4. I have over 60 pairs of stilettos, in just about every color of the rainbow.

5. I have an unhealthy addiction to coffee... Seriously- it's bad.

When did you discover your love for the undead?

After I read Married with Zombies by Jesse Petersen! It's ROCKSAUCE amazing!

Since this is a Halloween event, let's talk things that go bump in the night:

Have you ever had a paranormal experience?

NO!! And I hope I never do dude! I'm such a chicken!

Do you have a favourite horror film you love to curl up to on Halloween?

Uuuum Zombieland or Hocus Pocus... ;) Yeah, that's about as scary as it gets for me!

Your top 5 scary(or Zombie) books

1. The First Days by Rhiannon Frater (zombie)

2. Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith (scary YA)

3. Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby (zombie)

4. Rot & Ruin (zombie)

5. Married with Zombies (zombie)

Who are your two favourite book villains, and who would win a fight against each other?

This is a tough one dude!!!

Probably:

Ashleigh Goodling- from the Jenny Pox series and the Winter Queen- from the Wicked Lovely series (Keenan mother, not Donia.)

Also... Holy crap!!! that's be ONE hell of a fight! LOL

Which would you prefer as a new roommate: A Ghost, A Vampire, A Witch, or A Zombie?

Probably a witch... We could cause some SERIOUS trouble together!!!

It's the Zombie Apocalypse, how would you handle it: Lay low and wait it out, or go out there and kick some ass?

Dude, I'm going to KICK ASS and take names!

What would your weapon of choice be to handle a zombie take over?

Preferably a shot gun, hand gun, and like a dagger/spear contraption!!

What words come first to mind with the following letters:

Z- Ziggy

O- Ostrich

M- Marquee

B- Barbie

I- Ice Cream

E- Echo

Yeah.. I have no idea.. but those are the first words that popped into my head! LOL

What is your best 'Monster Math' Creation? Example: Mermaid + Vampire=Merpire( We can thank Carrie Harris for this fantastic game!)

How much do you LOOOVE Carrie Harris right? Okay... Zombie+Faerie=Zomfae ... Really it doesn't work any other way... Faebie just sound too ridiculous... and Zomrie just looks like I can't spell!

Crazy Quiz: Halloween Edition!

Top 3 fave horror flicks

Like I said... I'm not much of a scary movie chick, but I have seen them! The one's that SCARED the crap out of me are:

1. CHUCKY- Duuuude, it's a POSSESSED DOLL. I can't think of anything scarier in the WORLD!

2. The Exorcist- Do you really have to ask? *shivers*

3. Then maybe Jaws (I'm TERRIFIED of water...) or possibly Poltergeist....

Were you or are you scared of the dark?

Uh YEAH. The dark is SCARY. Like I can walk through the house in the dark... but I still think I see something moving out of the corner of my eye!

If you could be any paranormal creature, what would you be?

People probably expect me to say zombie... but I mean lets be real here! I don't want to be a ROTTING corpse, I'd totally want to be a faerie! Shhhhyea!

Favourite halloween costume as a child?

Ha! Wonder Woman!!!

Chocolate or Candy?

It totally depends on the day, hour, minute... Seriously.

Thanks for stopping by, Ashley!

Thanks for having me on chick!!!