Not Your Usual Books

Sorry for the lack of posts. Finals week is officially over so I will have much more time on my hands to read and blog. Lately I've been looking at Christmas gifts, mostly books. Not fiction or anything like that but different ones. Mainly for my boyfriend, who is an avid camper and beer drinker. Here are some ideas for Christmas 'book' gifts.

A Journal: For people who love to write or drink these are a perfect gift. You can get unique journals or notebooks almost anywhere. The journal I am thinking about for this Christmas is a Beer Journal. Usually you have wine journals to log the wine you've tasted or tried, but my boyfriend enjoys beer, so I know he'd appreciate this. Found on Amazon.com.

Reference Books: I know what your probably thinking, 'who wants a text or reference book for Christmas?!'. Well these pocket size books from Restoration Hardware, aren't just informative they're adorable! A leather bound Leather Atlas {for the camper} was the first idea that came to mind, but the Handyman In Your Pocket {for the craftsman} and the Pocket Ref {for the craftsman} are also great gift ideas.

Day Calendar: Another book is one you can keep your plans in. Day Calendars are a great way to help keep those unorganized people, well, organized. I found these on My Lavendar Cottage off Etsy.com. But there are many different day calendars to choose from.

-Think of any more great ideas? Let me know! Just leave a comment with your idea of a great 'book' Christmas gift.

New! The Water Wars

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

About: Vera and her brother Will live in the shadow of the Great Panic, in a country that has collapsed from environmental catastrophe. Water is hoarded by governments, rivers are dammed, and clouds are sucked from the sky. But then Vera befriends Kai, who seems to have limitless access to fresh water. When Kai suddenly disappears, Vera and Will set off on a dangerous journey in search of him-pursued by pirates, a paramilitary group, and greedy corporations. Timely and eerily familiar, acclaimed author Cameron Stracher makes a stunning YA debut that's impossible to forget. (from amazon.com)

 Oooo goosebumps, this one sounds very intriguing!

Review: One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest

One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey

About: Boisterous, ribald, and ultimately shattering, this is the unforgettable story of a mental ward and its inhabitants, especially the tyrannical Big Nurse Ratched and Randle Patrick McMurphy, the brawling, fun-loving new inmate who resolves to oppose her. We see the struggle through the eyes of Chief Bromden, the seemingly mute half-Indian patient who witnesses and understands McMurphy's heroic attempt to do battle with the awesome power of the Combine.

Review: I had to read this book for school and I always have a hard time reading assigned books but this one really blew me away. I'm usually not one for realistic fiction but this book was written in the 1960's and well my humanities class is 'Humanities in the 1960's' so it was very fitting. The whole story is interesting because its told by Cheif Bromden who everyone thinks is deaf and dumb, but he isn't, he gets to hear everyone's conversations. The book is a power struggle between the controlling Big Nurse and the newest patient to the mental war McMurphy. McMurphy sent himself to the mental ward from a working farm where he didn't want to be anymore. He realizes most of the guys in the Combine are just as normal as he is and tries to get them to laugh and joke around and be happy. He gets them to play basketball and organizes a team, he takes them on a fishing trip and shows them life and talks and listens to them. Ultimately he tries to take down the Big Nurse by his actions like putting his hand through her glass box and running around in his towel. I felt like I got a lot more out of this book because we got to discuss it in class. We talked about the different symbolism throughout the story and how the Combine was 'the man' bringing us down (my teacher is a big hippie). If you ever get the chance to read it in class, or just need a very intense story pick this one up. Its a classic.

Side Note: As for the movie I've heard its good but the Big Nurse isn't as nasty and dominating in the movie as she obviously is in the book. I'd definitely read it before I saw the movie.

The Camulod Chronicles

The Camulod Chronicles are a series of nine book by Jack Whyte. These stories are a rendition of the Arthurian legend that attempt to propose a possible explanation for the foundation of Camulod (an alternate spelling of Camelot), Arthur's heritage and the political situation surrounding his existence. The setting series begins during the Roman departure from Britain and continues for 150 years ending during the settlement of Britain by the Germanic Angles, Saxons and Jutes. (from wiki)

1. The Skystone

2. The Singing Sword

 3. The Eagles' Brood

4. The Saxon Shore

5. The Fort At River's Bend

6. The Sorcerer: Metamorphosis

7. Uther

8. The Lance Thrower

9. The Eagle

This series was recommended by my brother and I've heard nothing but great things about it from him. "It was interesting seeing the Arthurian legend in a more 'realistic' light...I enjoyed how Jack Whyte tied in historical events and characters in with the story to show a basis for the legend." -Ben (my brother)

New! Edge

Edge by Jeffery Deaver

About: Henry Loving, "a lifter," specializes in extracting information from human targets by any means necessary (i.e., torture). Corte, "a shepherd," is an agent in the Strategic Protection Department of a secret government agency normally assigned to protect high-profile targets. An intercepted communication identifies Loving as the lifter ordered to target Ryan Kessler, a Washington, D.C., metro detective. While Corte attempts to protect Kessler's family and identify the "primary," Loving's employer, Loving seeks the edge to get the information he needs to extract. Corte, a board game aficionado and game theory student, and Loving are well matched, sharing a history that ups the stakes and makes the contest personal. Deaver's first first-person narrator, Corte, is an exciting new weapon in the author's arsenal of memorable characters. (from amazon.com)

I love thrillers, and this one seems like a brain teaser. Its been awhile since I've been able to find/read a good thriller but this one might just be it! I wonder if the library has a copy.

My Vintage Books

On my personal blog I've made a post about my vintage books. Feel free to check it out! The Mad Hatter Damn Blog. Let me know what you think!

Review: The Gardener

The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen

 About: On a visit to the nursing home in which his mother works, Mason discovers that her job does not involve caring for the elderly patients as he imagined, but for several apparently catatonic teenagers. When his mother steps away, one of the teens awakens in response to a DVD that he puts on. She suffers from amnesia but somehow knows she must escape her current environment and begs Mason for his help. He suddenly finds himself on the run from TroDyn Industries, the scientific corporation that owns most of his town. It has been using the girl as part of some sort of research—but what kind? And might there be some link to the father Mason has never met?

Review: I started reading this book in amazon quick look and was completely intrigued. I knew I just had to get it from the library and read it immediately. I got through about 1/4 of the book and got really bored. It was predictable, it was boring, and I didn't enjoy it. I always feel bad posting bad reviews but honestly there wasn't a thing I liked about it. Each character sounded the same, I didn't get any type of recognition that these were real people with their own personalities, each one sounded like the author, all the same. The main character Mason was annoying, he complained about this mysterious girl and how all he wanted to do was be with her but there was no connection for me. Even while he was crying about leaving her all I wanted was the chapter to end so I was that much closer to finishing it. I thought there would be more of a twist or more of a plot even but the summary basically gives away exactly what will happen. With just reading the first chapter and the inside flap I knew the outcome of this story. I wasn't impressed with this book, the writing style, characters, plot line, basically everything. I still have The Compound to read and I'm determined to read and finish it to see if Bodeen redeems herself. I feel bad about not having anything good to say about this book, but really, there isn't. Sorry Bodeen.

Ch-ch-ch-che che Check It Out

I know Beastie Boys is old but go check this out! I was recently interview on Reads, Review, Recommends as a new book blogger. She also has great reviews and other book blogger interviews. Be sure to check out her site and check out my interview! Its so exciting! So hopefully now For A Rainy Day will be getting more traffic and followers!  Be sure to check out my interview HERE. Also have A Happy Halloween Everyone!

My pumpkin this year, see the resemblance to Jack Skellington?

Goosebumps: Attack of the Jack-O-Lanterns

 Goosebumps: Attack of the Jack-O-Lanterns by R.L. Stine

About: Attack of the Jack-O'-Lanterns, follows four young kids as they go out trick-or-treating. Lee and Tabby enjoy scaring their friends and this year, they decide to keep up the tradition. But, the tables are turned, and the friends are scared by several scary jack-O'-lanterns.

I know perfect for Halloween right. Jack-o-lanterns, kids, trick-or-treating, other hyphenated words. Pretty much any Goosebumps book is good. I remember reading these back in 6th grade and thought they were terrifying, especially the Ghost Camp one. So if your looking for a great read that will only take you two hours, check out Goosebumps, more than likely your older brothers own some. I know mine do.

Need To Read

These are the books I am reading/currently reading. Its hard to keep on top of my college reading AND my personal reading, luckily I get to read One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest which will be good for both. But other than that I've been trying to read all these books to avoid late fees to the library once again. So without further a due, the need to reads...

 

-Small Eternities by Michael Lawrence & The Underwood See (both A Crack in the Line series)

-The Compound by S.A. Bodeen 

-The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen (currently reading)

-The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

-Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

-The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray (last of the series)

The Crucible

Along with the Halloween book theme I'm trying to incorporate this month, here is another thrilling tale, this time about local witches and possessed girls.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

About: Based on historical people and real events, Miller's classic play about the witch hunts and trials in 17th century Salem, Massachusetts, is a searing portrait of a community engulfed by hysteria. Written in 1953, The Crucible is a mirror which Miller uses to reflect the anti-Communist hysteria inspired by Senator Joseph McCarthy's "witch-hunts" in the U.S.

I haven't read this book in forever, I believe it was back in grade 11, and that was about five years ago, but I do remember it being very good. Also the movie with Wynona Rider is a good one to watch. I always recommend reading the book before seeing the movie, so be sure to check out the book first!

New! Bright Young Things

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

About: The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties. 

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star… Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined—and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will. 

The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets. (from amazon.com)

I love the roaring 20's and the scandalice thrill seekers they are! I enjoyed the Great Gatsby, despite having to read it back in high school (I always seem to hate the books they assign you). This one sounds exciting and I can't wait to read it.

New! The Witches' Kitchen

The Witches' Kitchen by Allen Williams

About: Deep in the walls of a witches' cottage lays an ancient magical kitchen. Dangling over that kitchen's cauldron, pinched between the fingers of two witches, is a toad. And the Toad has no idea how she got there, and no memory of even her name. All she knows is she doesn't think she was always a Toad, or that she's ever been here before. Determined to recover her memories she sets out on a journey to the oracle, and along the way picks up a rag-tag team of friends: an iron-handed imp, a carnivorous fairy, and a few friendly locals.

But the Kitchen won't make it easy. It is pitch black, infinite, and impossible to navigate, a living maze. Hiding in dark corners are beastly, starving things. Worse yet are the Witches themselves, who have sent a procession of horrific, deadly monsters on her trail. With some courage and wisdom, the Toad just might find herself yet-and with that knowledge, the power to defeat the mighty Witches. (from amazon.com)

I love fantasy books, especially original ones, and this one sounds very unique. It's definitely one I will have to read very soon.

It's Kind Of A Funny Story

So I am going to rant for a little while about how annoying it is when people put movie posters on books with already a good cover. It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini is one of my favourite books. I enjoy the story so much and love being able to imagine and put the author as the main character. Coinsidently Vizzini spent some time in a hospital just like his main character Craig. So on with my complaining...yes they are making a movie based on his book, but no they do not need to change the cover to accomidate the movie. The book cover was amazing as it was, I don't need to see random people I don't want to associate with the story on the cover. To me movies based on books are completely different. I try to view them as a movie watcher not a book reader so that I don't get to angry about them (with the exeption of Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, I could complain about those movies for hours). So while I was going to write a review on this book and let people know about the new movie coming out, I'll just let the lame new covers at book stands do that job for me. For anyone who is interested in purchasing this book, please do me a favor and by it with the original cover, you will appreciate it so much more.

Good Cover

Bad Cover

Thank you for listening.

Review: This World We Live In

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

About: Susan Beth Pfeffer’s Life as We Knew It enthralled and devastated readers with its brutal but hopeful look at an apocalyptic event--an asteroid hitting the moon, setting off a tailspin of horrific climate changes. Now this harrowing companion novel examines the same events as they unfold in New York City, revealed through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Puerto Rican Alex Morales. When Alex's parents disappear in the aftermath of tidal waves, he must care for his two younger sisters, even as Manhattan becomes a deadly wasteland, and food and aid dwindle.


     With haunting themes of family, faith, personal change, and courage, this powerful new novel explores how a young man takes on unimaginable responsibilities.

Review: I have to say I enjoyed these books, I enjoyed them a lot. I was excited when I finally got this book from the library and actually had time to read it. I'm not sure why but I really enjoy the somplicity of these stories. Its dramatic and intense without being a 'thriller', and the 3rd and final book leaves nothing out. It returns to Miranda, writing in her dairy when her father, step mother and new baby brother arrive with three strangers. The two books meet when Alex and Julie Morales are two of the unexpected guests. Miranda records her families life and problems and situations in her diary. About them having to catch fish, fighting with her mom and to count and recount their food supply. But now she has a new person to write about, Alex, who she begins to fall in love with. Its book is so realistic to me that once I get dragged into the story, its hard to get out. It took me all of two days to read this book, that's how much I enjoyed it. This last book made me want to read more about Miranda and Alex and all the other characters, but it ended very well, so I approve. Even though this series is over, its definitely something I am going to want to re read time and time again.

Review: Everwild

Everwild by Neal Shusterman

About: Everlost, the limbo land of dead children, is at war. Nick the “Chocolate Ogre” wants to help the children of Everlost reach the light at the end of the tunnel. Mary Hightower, self-proclaimed queen of lost children and dangerous fanatic, is determined to keep Everlost’s children trapped within its limbo for all eternity. Traveling in the memory of the Hindenburg, Mary is spreading her propaganda and attracting Afterlights to her cause at a frightening speed.

Meanwhile, Allie the Outcast travels home to seek out her parents, along with Mikey, who was once the terrifying monster the McGill. Allie is tempted by the seductive thrill of skinjacking the living, until she discovers the shocking truth about skinjackers. (from goodreads.com)

Review: I read the first book in the Skin Jacker Trilogies, Everlost, a while ago. But the amazing in between world Neal Shusterman made, came back to me in a rush. The amazing logic and physics in Everlost is just phenomenal. The dead spots, the different abilities some afterlights have, its all just so original. They are very fun books and I really like the characters. I found it a bit hard to get through. I mean don't get me wrong its a fun book, and super interesting. I just couldn't find myself needing to read it. I wasn't turning each page in anticipation to find out what happens next. Its a fun entertaining book and great for an easy read. I like the way Shusterman really develops the world the afterlights live in, and the relationships between each character. My favourite was Zin, the ripper. She's a girl dressed up as a boy who died in the civil war era. She's cute and spunky, but loves to take orders like a good soldier. Over all it was a good book and I do look forward to reading the last instalment. Just nothing I would buy and re read often.

Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury is an amazing writer of many great books. I picked a few of his more festive books, perfect for October and Halloween.

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
About: Eight boys set out on a Halloween night and are led into the depths of the past by a tall, mysterious character named Moundshroud. They ride on a black wind to autumn scenes in distant lands and times, where they witness other ways of celebrating this holiday about the dark time of year. Bradbury's lyrical prose whooshes along with the pell-mell rhythms of children running at night, screaming and laughing, and the reader is carried along by its sheer exuberance. (from amazon.com)

The October Country by Ray Bradbury

About: Ray Bradbury's first short story collection is back in print, its chilling encounters with funhouse mirrors, parasitic accident-watchers, and strange poker chips intact. Both sides of Bradbury's vaunted childhood nostalgia are also on display, in the celebratory "Uncle Einar," and haunting "The Lake," the latter a fine elegy to childhood loss. This edition features a new introduction by Bradbury, an invaluable essay on writing, wherein the author tells of his "Theater of Morning Voices," and, by inference, encourages you to listen to the same murmurings in yourself. And has any writer anywhere ever made such good use of exclamation marks!? (from goodreads.com)

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

About: James Nightshade and William Halloway, and the evil that grips their small Midwestern town with the arrival of a "dark carnival" one Autumn midnight. How these two innocents, both age 13, save the souls of the town (as well as their own), makes for compelling reading on timeless themes. What would you do if your secret wishes could be granted by the mysterious ringmaster Mr. Dark? Bradbury excels in revealing the dark side that exists in us all, teaching us ultimately to celebrate the shadows rather than fear them. In Something Wicked This Way Comes, he deftly explores the fearsome delights of one perfectly terrifying, unforgettable autumn. (from goodreads.com)

All of these books are great for the fall season. I personally haven't read them yet, but they are on request at the library. I have seen The Halloween Tree cartoon, and Something Wicked This Way Comes Disney movie, which I highly recommend both for fun Halloween movies!

Its true, For A Rainy Day has now had over 1500 visitors...and no they were not all me! I've only had my book blog since June and already 7 followers and 1500 visitors! Its exciting knowing people actually read my blog! Here's to 2000 visitors and much much more followers to come!

New! Brains: A Zombie Memoir

Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker

About: Since being cornered and bitten in his home by a swarm of zombies, former college professor Jack Barnes has found a new love: brains. Not just any brains, but “bubbly, bewitching, bedazzling brains.” While he may be a zombie (he ate his wife shortly after being turned), a classic, arms-outstretched, shambling zombie he is not. He has something special that the rest of the infected don't: self-awareness. That and his ability to write convince him to go to Chicago to find the scientist who created the virus responsible for zombification and, he hopes, end the war between the living and the dead. En route he meets a few “like-minded” undead compatriots, all with varying degrees of sentience, to help him on his quest: Joan, once a nurse, who is particularly skilled at patching up body parts; Guts, a young man who can still run with the best of them; pregnant Eve, whom Jack falls for after biting off her finger; and Ros, a spokesman of sorts, since he's still able to talk. Becker's humorous first-person narrative will have readers rooting for the zombie crew, and she keeps the action moving at breakneck pace. Smart, funny, weirdly uplifting, Brains is a most welcome addition to zombie lit. (from amazon.com)
I'm always in the mood for a good zombie book, and from the sounds of this one, its definitely a good one. Its interesting that the book is from the view of a zombie who, by the sounds of it, is smart, and can think for himself. Wouldn't that be terrifying, but he seems to be using his skills for good. Can't wait to read this one.

Neil Gaiman, A Cat?

Yes, Its true. Neil Gaiman will be playing himself on the PBS Kids tv series Arthur. I used to watch Arthur all the time when I was younger, and still do. Its such a great kids show and I love how they involve a lot of adult humor into their show. We will see Gaiman visiting Arthur's town of Elwood, where he inspires one of Arthur's female pals (the bookwormy Sue Ellen) to create a graphic novel.
“On October the 25th, I’ll be on PBS’s Arthur. I play a writer called Neil Gaiman. I’m a writer who’s a cat. You can be both.” - Neil Gaiman

Reuse Your Used Books

For those books you don't read anymore, ones you just can't bare to throw away, or maybe you just have too many. Here are some ideas to put your old books to a new use.

1. Create A Shelf...using hard cover books.
2. Hollow Out...A hard cover book for a secret compartment.
3. Make A Lamp Shade...Use your old book to illuminate your new ones.
4. Make A Book Wreath...Its beautiful and unique!
5. Use It For Your Artistic Side...This would not be my side. HERE are more artistic book ideas.
6. Make A Purse...For the fashionable bookworm in all of us.

New! This World We Live

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

About: It's been a year since a meteor collided with the moon, catastrophically altering the earth's climate. For Miranda Evans, life as she knew it no longer exists. Her friends and neighbors are dead, the landscape is frozen, and food is increasingly scarce. The struggle to survive intensifies when Miranda's father and stepmother arrive with a baby and three strangers in tow. One of the newcomers is Alex Morales, and as Miranda's complicated feelings for him turn to love, his plans for his future thwart their relationship. Then a devastating tornado hits the town of Howell, and Miranda makes a decision that will change their lives forever. (from amazon.com)
I think I get in these weird book phases. First it was end of the world books, now I seem to be finishing book series. Maybe because I'm dying to read Mockingjay (that I still have no money to buy, its sad I know). I don't know why I haven't got this one earlier, maybe cause I've had so many other books to read, but I finally requested it from the library and will be reading the last book in The Last Survivor series very soon!

Review: Rebel Angels

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
About:In this sequel to the Victorian fantasy A Great and Terrible Beauty, Gemma continues to pursue her role as the one destined to bind the magic of the Realms and restore it to the Order. Gemma, Felicity and Ann, use magical power to transport themselves on visits from their corseted world to the visionary country of the Realms, with its strange beauty and menace. There they search for the lost Temple, the key to Gemma's mission, and comfort Pippa, their friend who has been left behind in the Realms. Meanwhile, Gemma is torn between her attraction to the exotic Kartik, the messenger from the opposing forces of the Rakshana, and the handsome but clueless Simon, a young man of good family who is courting her. The complicated plot thickens when Gemma discovers a woman in Bedlam madhouse who knows where to find the Temple. A large part of the enjoyment of this unusual fantasy comes from the Victorian milieu and its restrictive rules about the behavior of proper young ladies, as contrasted with the unimaginable possibilities of the Realms, where Gemma has power to confront gorgons and ghosts and the responsibility to save a world. (from amazon.com)

Review: After being surprised of how good the first book was, I knew I really wanted to finish the series. So finally I got this book from the library and have finally finished it. This book took place the majority in London when the girls go back for Christmas. I think it was so exciting reading about them running through the London streets, attending balls, visiting asylums and returning to the other world. I liked how the characters developed more, you got to know them and understand the characters. It was also a lot more fast passed and thrilling. I found myself staying up later than I probably should have, not being able to put the books down. The second book is even better than the first. I am really enjoying these series, I really like the main character Gemma, and her best friends Felicity and Ann. You really get to know them better and their about their life and their pasts. Katrik was in this book more too, and I found myself just wanting them to get together. I mean they obviously like eachother, and Gemma is totally jealous when Kartik, as he becomes their coachman as to keep a better eye on Gemma since he's been told to make her seal the magic to his brotherhood the Rakshana, is talking to their maid Emily. And Katrik is obviously jealous of the hansom Simon, who is infatuated with Gemma. I just want Gemma and Katrik to kiss already! But I like how most of the story is in the realms and the girls are trying to bind the magic and find the temple! Oh man its just such a fun read! I highly recommend picking up the first book and starting this amazing journey.

School Books

Sorry for the lack of posts, I've recently started school and its been a hellish couple of weeks. I've either been at school for 9 hours or worked for 10, and if I'm not at school or work, I'm doing homework. So that is my reasoning for not being able to blog. And I believe its a very valid one. So while I haven't been blogging, I've still been reading. My books have just slightly changed for the next for months. Here are the books I will be reading...

French, Humanities, English and yet another Humanities book.

I know not quite as exciting as Suzanne Collins or Dan Brown, but they will have to do.

New! The Dark and Hollow Places

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

About: Annah knows she has a twin sister, but she forgot her long ago. Back when they went to play in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, she and Elias lost her, and after that there was no going back to the village. Life's been hard, but Elias has taken care of her, and living in the Dark City can help one to forget the horror of the Unconsecrated—if you try hard enough. But when Elias disappears, Annah's world crumbles. To her, life isn't worth much more than the walking dead who roam the wasted world she lives in. It's not until she meets Catcher that she cares to start living again. Yet Catcher has secrets. Dark, terrifying secrets that link him to a past she's longed to forget and to a future too deadly to consider. Annah must decide: Can she continue to live a world covered in the blood of the living? Or is death the answer to all her problems? (from amazon.com)

This is the third book in The Forest of Hand and Teeth series. I do enjoy Carrie Ryan's books. I like how each of the books are about different character but they are all intertwined and related to one another. This book isn't out until March 2011. I hope the time flies by so that I can read what happens next.

Mockingjay Midnight Release Party!

Book stores around the country will be holding Midnight Release Parties for Suzanne Collins' third and final book to her Hunger Games Trilogy, Mockingjay. I've recently pre-ordered my copy and will be dutifully attending a midnight party. The Barnes & Noble I get to go to will be having a party from 10:00 pm till midnight, along with live performance by local band, Kiss Me Kill Me (I'm not sure who they are but it seems a little funny but exciting). I'm sure everyone has heard about or read the previous books but if not HERE is my review for The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, also here is what Mockingjay is about.

About: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

Be sure to check out your local Barnes & Noble to see if they are holding a Midnight Release Party HERE. I'm so excited to go and get my copy of Mockingjay! Be sure to check back for pictures of the event and eventually a review!

The Hunger Games - Ultimate Prize Pack Giveaway

The Hunger Games Ultimate Prize Pack includes:

• a black babydoll t-shirt (M) with District 12 design
• a hardcover journal
• a sheet of magnets
• a sheet of stickers
• a collection of buttons
• two Mockingjay Pendants
• one Mockingjay brooch
• one Mockingjay Bag Clip
• one Hunger Games charm bracelet
• three unique pair of earrings: District 12, parachute, and Mockingjay
• a pair of Hunger Games keychains
• two slap bracelets
• two bookmarks
• three sets of rubber bracelets, with three unique phrases

For a chance to win this ultimate prize pack, visit The Trades for the contest.

New! You

You by Chalres Benoit

About: Fifteen-year-old Kyle is a member of the “hoodies.” So named for their ubiquitous hooded sweatshirts, they are the slackers/burnouts/freaks common to every high school. In fact, Kyle would be the first to admit his commonness—he gets picked on by bullies, he serves detention, he pines after a girl. The deadness he feels is impinged upon by the arrival of Zack, a private-academy transfer who wears sports coats, quotes philosophers, laughs at Shakespeare, and seems to have every student and teacher in the palm of his hand. Zack takes on Kyle as a sort of project, but his swank parties and daring escapades soon turn to deeds far darker. This is a brutal, fast, and satisfying read. (from amazon.com)

This book sounds so good. Its unlike your typical teen books, this is suspenseful and mysterious. Benoit has an interesting way of writing the book, the book is from the second person view—you, the reader, are Kyle. I cannot wait for it to come out on September 1st. Its already jotted down in my calendar.

Review: Breakfast At Tiffany's

Breakfast At Tiffany's by Truman Capote

About: With her tousled blond hair and upturned nose, dark glasses and chic black dresses, Holly Golightly is top notch in style and a sensation wherever she goes. Her brownstone apartment vibrates with martini-soaked parties as she plays hostess to millionaires and gangsters alike. Yet Holly never loses sight of her ultimate goal - to find a real life place like Tiffany's that makes her feel at home. (from amazon.com)

Review: For some reason this 100 page story took me forever to read. Not that it was a bad book, or hard to read, I just felt like I never had time or was always reading something else. So it has sat in my purse for about three weeks now and finally I have finished it. When I first began reading this book I immediately imagined Holly Golightly as Audrey Hepburn, but about 25 pages in Holly took on a completely new image for me. She was just simply Holly Golightly, crazy, non-emotional, talkative, 'fake', beautiful, Holly Golightly. I absolutly loved her character, I loved the way everyone seemed to be inlove with her because of her charm, small frame and how she was always flawlessly beautiful even when she threw clothing on. The movie is actually very close to the book, except at the end I was waiting for the scene where she runs from the car in the pouring rain in her beige trench coat screaming "Cat, cat, where are you cat!" and Paul 'Fred' Varjak runs out and they kiss and find the cat and are happy. Yet in the book, she doesn't find the cat and 'Fred' doesn't ever kiss her even though he loves her. I like how Holly is just always herself throughout the book, she doesn't really change, she does eventually realize that Cat did belong to her and that she will never know how much she loves something until she throws it away. I really like the way Capote writes and how the story was all from the nameless Narrator's voice. I liked the part when Mag moved in and I simply did not like her, I like when Holly and 'Fred' go horseback riding in central park, when they steal masks from the store, when Holly plays her guitar (I kept thinking of 'Moon River' in my head), or the wild parties Holly has, how she bought fred the ugly bird cage, the way Holly talks...I just all around enjoyed this book. It was a fun quick read. Deffinitally one to buy.

Review: The Dead & The Gone

The Dead & The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
About: An asteroid knocks the moon closer to Earth, and every conceivable natural disaster occurs. Seventeen-year-old Alex Morales's parents are missing and presumed drowned by tsunamis. Left alone, he struggles to care for his sisters Bri, 14, and Julie, 12. Things look up as Central Park is turned into farmland and food begins to grow. Then worldwide volcanic eruptions coat the sky with ash and the land freezes permanently. People starve, freeze, or die of the flu. Only the poor are left in New York—a doomed island—while the rich light out for safe towns inland and south. (from amazon.com)

Review: When I first started reading this book I though it was a sequel to Life As We Knew It, but it wasn't. I have to honestly say I was a bit disappointed. I loved Pfeffer's characters in her first book. The Dead & The Gone is actually about a Puerto Rican boy named Alex Morales and his family in New York and how the asteroid hitting the moon effected them. In the beginning the events were similar to that in the first book, so I had a hard time really getting into it because I couldn't love this new character as much as Miranda and her family. Finally, only a couple chapters in, I started to love Alex and his sisters Bri and Julie and I felt so much for them. I don't know how Pfeffer does it but she pulls me in and I feel like I need to take care of this family and want nothing more than them to survive. The Morales are a very faithful family, devote Catholice, they always went to mass, and even attend Catholic schools, I like the way it was in the book, not too prominent. You could tell their family really depended on their prayers and faith. It made me sad sometime how Alex got so mad at his littlest sister Julie. She wasn't ever a pain or a brat to me, but I guess to Alex she was. He obviously loved his sister Bri a bit more and you could tell through what he thought and how he handled things differently with his different sisters. It was interesting seeing them survive in New York City compared to just observing Miranda (from the first book) mainly just in her house. Alex and his friend Kevin ended up having to go all over the city to 'body shopping', taking things from dead bodies such as shoes, watches, wallets, anything they could trade and barter for food. They went to school almost everyday, stood in food lines for their weekly food, traveled to downtown NYC and even to Yankee Stadium. It was interesting to see another family endure and survive in Pfeffer's world where the moon has ruined almost everything. I read about the third book in the series This World We Live In where Miranda and Ales actually end up meeting. I'm very excited to read this next book as soon as possible.

New! Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

About: Sixteen-year-old Evie's job is bagging and tagging paranormals. Possessing the strange ability to see through their glamours, she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But when someone--or something--starts taking out the vamps, werewolves, and other odd beasties she's worked hard to help become productive members of society, she's got to figure it out before they all disappear and the world becomes utterly normal. (from goodreads.com)

The cover was the first thing that caught my attention. True, I'm not usually a vampire/werewolf book person (I think Twilight ruined all the new teen books), but this one actually sounds pretty interesting. The reviews on amazon.com are all positive. I hope I'll get to read it soon, once the library's copy is in. Release date is August 31, 2010.