Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Summer Giveaway Hop 2013

We are rounding the turn to the last month of summer. Lets celebrate with an awesome hop!
It's hosted by I Am A Reader and BookHounds.
I'm giving away a brand new copy of
MAID OF SECRETS
by Jennifer McGowan
Thanks to Simon and Schuster for providing this book.
It's a fantastic read that I couldn't put down on my vacation.
I loved it and so will you!
Maid of Secrets (Maids of Honor, #1)
To enter simply enter your contact information in the comment box below.
I will draw a winner on August 8th.
Good Luck and have fun!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop

Are you ready for some fun?
This is a spontaneous giveaway hop hosted by Colorimetry and I Am A Reader Not A Writer.
The winner will receive:
Precious Blood by Tonya Hurley

To enter simply put your contact information in comment section below. This is an INTERNATIONAL giveaway.  The winner will be drawn on August 5th.
Don't forget to check out the other giveaways I have going on right now, they are also open to international.
Good luck and have fun.


Monday, July 22, 2013

Book Review-The Pregnancy Project

THE PREGNANCY PROJECT
By Gaby Rodriguez
218 Pages
January 2012
Simon and Schuster

Summary Taken from Goodreads:
Growing up, Gaby Rodriguez was often told she would end up a teen mom. After all, her mother and her older sisters had gotten pregnant as teenagers; from an outsider’s perspective, it was practically a family tradition. Gaby had ambitions that didn’t include teen motherhood. But she wondered: how would she be treated if she “lived down” to others' expectations? Would everyone ignore the years she put into being a good student and see her as just another pregnant teen statistic with no future? These questions sparked Gaby’s school project: faking her own pregnancy as a high school senior to see how her family, friends, and community would react. What she learned changed her life forever, and made international headlines in the process.My Thoughts:
I remember when this was all over the media a couple of years ago. HIGH SCHOOL GIRL FAKES PREGNANCY! It was a hot news topic as we tried to wrap our minds around how and why.
So I was very interested and excited to read The Pregnancy Project, a memoir written by Gaby Rodriguez.
Gaby's story starts with an in depth background look at her family history, which explains how she came up with the concept of this unique project. You can tell it's very important to her to explain where she comes from and how she was raised. It really sets the pace for the story and gives the reader insight to Gaby's world.
She then takes us through the planning stages of the project, which had to be very thought out and organized. A few select people knew that Gaby's pregnancy was fake and them keeping a secret was imperative to the experiment.
Gaby explains that although she had really planned out the project from beginning to end, she was in fact not prepared for the loneliness and isolation that "her pregnancy" brought. She was surprised by how people's reactions and opinions made her feel. She sometimes had to remind herself that she was not pregnant and that there was an end in sight for her at the end of her nine months. She learns a great deal about not only those around her but about herself. I loved that she has a huge amount of growth in understanding and empathizing what a pregnant teen does go through.
Finally, we get to the reveal stage of the book where Gaby admits in a very public way-at a school assembly that she is not pregnant. The fallout is surprising in many ways.
I really liked this book. I think that it's an excellent read for middle school and high school. It would also be a great book club selection. Because the story is told by a teenager based on her experience I think kids can very much relate to her tale.
Looking back I wish that "the boyfriend" would have more of a voice in this story. I think his side and what he went through is also important. He had to pretend throughout this pregnancy-not even telling his parents that it was not real. A chapter devoted to that would have been a good addition.
A BIG thank you Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read and review The Pregnancy Project by Gaby Rodriguez.
I will be donating this book to my local Middle School Library.

Trailer #2-Catching Fire

The second trailer for Catching Fire has been released....

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Book Review and Giveaway-fml


fml
By Shaun David Hutchinson
2013
Simon Pulse

Summary Taken from Goodreads:
There’s more than one way to get the girl in this fun and fast-paced novel about one epic party and a kiss that could change everything. Tonight’s the night: Simon’s big chance to finally get with Cassie. Cassie, who he’s loved for ages. Cassie, who is newly boyfriend-free. Cassie, who just happens to be throwing the biggest party of the year. Simon’s plan is simple: He’ll go to the party, she’ll fall in love with him, they’ll make out like crazy, and the night will be a complete success.
But things don’t ever go as planned…especially when it comes to Cassie.
In two alternating plotlines, Simon goes after the girl of his dreams and stumbles toward his destiny. It’s one night, one party, and a thousand ways for things to go wrong…but a million ways for them to go right.

fml is a light and breezy, fun filled summer read.
It's a fast-paced, non-stop action tale that takes place on one crazy night in two alternate realities. Which basically means- this story that has two versions of the same party.
Confused? It can be a little at times.
I saw this movie once starring Gweneth Paltrow called Sliding Doors back in the 90's. The film alternates between two parallel universes, based on the two paths her character's life could take depending on whether or not she catches a train.
Roughly the same concept in fml.
The story is told two different ways depending on the decisions and choices main character, Simon Cross makes throughout the night during an epic party thrown by the girl of his dreams, Cassie.
Simon Cross is bravely pathetic. He's hell bent on telling the girl of his dreams, Cassie that he is madly in love with her. Never mind that his best friends, Coop and Ben think it's a very bad idea. He ignores the fact that she has just broken up with her long term boyfriend. Oh and he also seems blind to the girls that are practically throwing themselves at his feet during the night.
Nope! Cassie's the one.
At times Simon's obsessive behavior with Cassie gets old as does his constant proclamation of love to this girl that he has had exactly one date with three years ago. But at the same time I admired his determination and persistence to at least let her know his love for her.
I really enjoyed this book. His best friends, Coop and Ben were funny, loving and supportive. As well as his bitter and angry ex girlfriend, Aja. The situations that Simon gets himself into reminded me of the movies from the 80's Sixteen Candles and Can't Buy Me Love. Laugh out loud funny. As much as Simon bugged me at times I was absolutely rooting for him. I loved this kid. And it was really fun to see where his choices were going to take him.
Author, Hutchinson keeps the reader on their toes and you zip from one scenario to another at break neck speed. This story never gets boring.
I really liked fml and will be looking for more by this author in the future.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read and review fml.
I'm passing this book along to one lucky person.
To enter giveaway leave your contact information in comment section below. I will draw winner on August 1st.
Good Luck!

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge

DAY 7
Talk about your Blogging Quirks
1. I'm either a posting fool or a reading fool but I'm still trying to find a happy balance.
2. I get extremely annoyed when I go to a blog and it takes forever to load because they have so many graphics and ads.
3. I love GIFS and I'm starting to use them more in my posts.
4. CAPTCHA is the devil!
5. Music auto-play is Satan's sidekick-just don't-PLEASE.
6. I'm a comment seeking whore-I LOVE them. They validate me and make me feel loved. I can't help it. Yes, I know I'm pathetic-move on.
7. I'm not creative and will probably have to hire someone eventually to design my blog.
8. I only do memes occasionally and not consistently.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

AWESOME ARC GIVEAWAY

I'm spring cleaning a little late.....
In an effort to make a little room on my overstuffed bookshelves I'm giving away a box of ARC's.



To enter giveaway just enter your contact information in comment section. I'll draw the lucky winner on August 1st.
Good luck!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Trailer-The Mortal Instruments

Coming to theaters August 21
Can you believe I have'nt read this book yet?!

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge

DAY 6

How do you shop for books?
The Bookstore-
My favorite way to shop is to be at the at the bookstore-to see and touch a book before it becomes mine. Is there a better smell than ink on pages?
My Nook-
Of course it's awesome to be able to read a review, pick up my Nook, download it within a minute and read it that night. Technology is beautiful!
Library Book Sale-
And then there's the hidden treasures found at the annual library book sale. That moment when you spy a book that you have wanted for ages buried beneath a random pile of National Geographic magazines. Wonderful books at a dirt cheap price.
Amazon-USED
I buy a used books on Amazon all the time. I've had awesome luck getting great books at a VERY low price. I've only been burned a couple of times in all the years I've bought books used. The odds seem to be in my favor.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge

DAY 5
Recommend a tear jerker-
Truth is I will not read a book or go to a movie if there is buzz that it will make me cry. I have an inability to cry pretty. No really-



But inevitably a few have slipped through the cracks.
Most recently I picked this one up and sobbed my way through it.
It was sooooo good!
Read it with a BIG box of kleenex handy.


Hot Summer Reads Readathon


I'm doing a few Readathons this summer as a motivator to get through my massive TBR pile. I tend to push myself a little harder if others are watching.
Big thanks to Patrick @ The Bookshelves and Jen @ YA Romantics for hosting this readathon. You can join at any time so jump in if your interested.
If you want to follow progress on Twitter #HotSummerReads2013
I have three books I would like to get through this week they are-



Thanks to Simon and Schuster for this awesome line up!
My hope is to plow through this pile and maybe get another book in.
Wish me luck!


15 Day Book Blogger Challenge

Day 4

Question:
What's the last book you flung the across the room?
Answer:
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
I HATE CLIFF HANGERS!!!
The end of this book made me want to punch someone in the throat!


Friday, July 12, 2013

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge

Day 3
Who are your Blogging BFFs?
Cue violins-
Sadly I have no Blogger BFF.
My dream is to get to BEA in the next year or so and met "the one"
Hopefully it will be magical and the things Disney movies are made of.
Until then I shall try to stay strong and keep moving forward.
I'm a lone wolf in a wolf pack.....
Fade to black-

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Update: Once Upon a Read-a-Thon


Day 2

Mini-Challenge Time!!!
Better Read than Dead is doing the mini challenge for today.
The question:
You're in a bookstore and you've just purchased 5 books you've been dying to read, when the apocalypse hits. (Zombie, Demons, Vampires, Dean Winchester vs. Sam Winchester (yes, I'm watching Supernatural reruns) I don't care what apocalypse). You've got one chance at survival, what 2 books do you take and what 3 other items do you take?
Books-
Book #1 World War Z by Max Brooks(it covers all zombie bases)
Book #2 Warm Bodies by Isacc Marion(maybe I can flirt my way out of zombie death)
Items-
I'm assuming I would be in a Barnes and Noble so I would take the following items
#1 Lots of Coffee for energy to stay awake and fight
#2 Letter Opener-its sharp and I could fashion it into weapon cause I'm savy like that
#3 I'll be honest here, I'm taking another book-A new release of some sort-It's an apocalypse for God's sake who's following the rules???

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge-Day 2

15 Day Book Blogger Challenge-Day 2

What is your bedtime reading routine?
I definitely do my best reading at night after everyone is in bed. I have to have my pajamas on with a warm pair of socks. My favorite reading spot in the corner of the couch under the light of a lamp with a warm cup of chamomile tea to sip. I usually read until midnight-sometine one if I can keep my eyes open. This is totally my favorite part of the day.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Once Upon A Read-A-Thon Update


Update for Day 1
Pages read:282
I will probably finish the book tonight.

Mini challenge:
Book BFF Challenge:Completed

Twitter:
Following @OUReadathon
Feel free to tweet me @otisearl89

Feeling:
A sense of accomplishment :)

Once Upon Read-A-Thon


Angela and Loretta at Reading Angel, Lori at Pure Imagination, and Candace at Candace's Book Blog
are hosting a totally awesome Read A Thon. I am always needing to make a dent in my reading pile so I decided to jump in and join.
My goals are to read-
*The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M.T.Anderson
*Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan
*fml by Shaun David Hutchinson
*The Key and The Flame by Claire M. Caterer
* The Silent Deal by Levi Stack
Big stack-big hopes!

I have been reading The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing today between laundry and other time consuming housework duties. It's a story that has kept my interest and the pages turning fairly quickly. I will be updating my progress on this blog as well as my twitter account.
Wish me luck!



Day 1- 15 Book Related Confessions

April at Good Books and Good Wine has a super fun challenge going on:
15 Day Book Blogger Challenge
 I decided to join today. For more information go to her blog.

So this is:
Day 1
Make 15 Book Related Confessions-

1. I put people that say "I don't like to read" in my "probably won't be my friend" category.
    I just don't get it-I probably never will.
2. Page folders disgust me. Use a bookmark for God's sake!
3. I hardly loan a book out. If it comes back to me in bad condition I will probably break up with you forever.
4. I hate it when someone utter the words-"I don't need to read that book, I'll just see the movie." Seriously?! These people should be flogged in public.
5. In the case of a zombie apocalypse I will take shelter in a bookstore, barricade myself in and die a happy death.
6. I have an e-reader but prefer the hardbound book any day of the week
7. I think that the best therapy for me is escaping the world with a good book. I have no doubt that books have saved a great many stupid people in my life.
8. I would like to punch people in the face that check out a library book and smoke while they read it.
9. The two genres I don't really care for are science fiction and romance.
10. Two authors that take up an ungodly amount of space on library shelves are Danielle Steel and James Patterson.
11. I just barely read the first Harry Potter book about two months ago.
12. I didn't care for the Twilight series.
13. I can wander around a bookstore or library for hours-time stops.
14. I have never read a book more than once. I don't understand why people want to the same book over and over when there's so many books that need/should/have be read.
15. The number of TBR books on my shelf right now numbers about 56.

Trailer-Catching Fire

Can't wait! In theaters November 22!!