Leaving on a jet plane

Hey all,
I just wanted to let everyone know that it's going to be quiet this week around here.  I have a conference at Penn State and I'm not sure how Internet access will be.  Have a great week!

Thursday's Name Game

When I first started by blog I did this feature called Thursday's Name Game and as I was going through my posts I realized that I had a lot of fun putting the posts together so I thought I'd try it out again.

Essentially I just take whatever book I'm reading, pick a character and research a little about their name.  So here it goes...


Name:  Seth
Gender: Male
Character From:  Unlovable by Sherry Gammon

Origin of Seth:
Seth is of Hebrew origin and means appointed. 


Places name Seth:

The Seth Peterson Cottage in Mirror Lake Wisconsin, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

 

Characters named Seth?

• Seth Cohan from the TV show "The OC".
• Seth Clearwater from Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series.
• Seth Morgan from Melissa Marr Wicked Lovely Series.

Have you heard of these guys?  

• Seth Rogan, a popular actor featured in films such as Knocked Up, Funny People and The Green Hornet.
• Seth Green, an actor featured in films  and TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Italian Job, and Without a Paddle.
• Seth MacFarlane, best known for creating/developing Family Guy and American Dad!
• Seth Meyers, comedian from Saturday Night Live.
• Seth Godin, an author and entrepreneur.

Do you know of anyone named Seth or any famous Seths I am missing?

 

*adapted from http://www.babynamewizard.com

Review of Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hexed (Iron Druid Chronicles #2)
Author: Kevin Hearne
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Published by: Brilliance Audio
Length: 9 hours
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

Atticus and friends are back in another action packed, sword yielding, enemy killing, installment of the Iron Druid Chronicles. 

Atticus's life never slows down, especially now that he's killed Aenghus Og.  He's got friends calling in favors, fallen Angels to kill and a new coven of witches trying to kill him.  To me Atticus seemed a bit younger in this book than in Hounded.  In Hounded, Atticus really thought carefully about every situation and showed the wisdom and restraint of his 21 centuries old self.  However, in Hexed he was a bit more rash and compulsive.  Shouldn't he have grown out of that stage by now.  I felt he should have been a bit more patient.  The book talks about how he was in hiding for so long, and that it took him centuries to connect his charm necklace to his aura and so on, that I think he could have taken a couple of minutes to step back and assess some of the situations.  Especially when it came to those new witches.

The new characters introduced in Hexed are out for blood and a piece of the old druid himself.  Atticus is constantly in battle almost to the point it seems routine.  This is something that didn't sit well with me.  I felt that Atticus went from one death-defying battle to the next without much in between.  I would have liked to see more of a connection between Atticus and his friends, especially Oberon.  Though of the battle scenes they were brutal to all parties involved.  Good thing Atticus can heal himself with the power of the earth or he would have been hospital bound a long time ago.

Luke Daniels did an amazing job reading each of the character in Hexed.   I especially love his voice for Oberon and it is exactly like I imaged a dog's voice would be.  I enjoy that he uses distinct tones for each character as it is easier to keep track of everyone.  He's easy to follow and keeps the story interesting. 

I  enjoyed the audio version of the Hexed and I can't wait to listen to Hammered.   

Top Ten Tuesday

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Most Vivid Book Worlds/Settings

1. Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.  Nothing gets better than a magical castle full of witches, wizards and other magical beings.

From http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/hogwarts-is-my-home

2. The Area from The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins.  Yikes.  Susanne Collins creates a horrific setting when the characters get thrown into the arena.  This is not somewhere I'd like to be, but it sure sticks in my mind.

From http://www.hungergamesmovieseries.com

3. The Dells from Fire by Kristin Cashore.  The gorgeous rolling hills and colorful monsters make an impression of a beautiful but scary place. 

From http://kristincashore.blogspot.com

4. Mississippi (1962) from The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  It's not so much the place but the attitudes of the people who lived there and the world they created.

From http://www.boston.com

5. Siberia from Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys.  Lina and her family were always cold and hungry in this desolute work camp they were sent to as they waited out the WWII.


From http://vilnews.com/?p=13181

6.  Elizabethan London from Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.  I loved as hearing about Old time London and Matthew and Diana's adventures there. 

From http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-era-sitemap.htm

7. Gatlin from Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.  The setting is definitely southern with some magical elements thrown in.

From http://www.earlymorningcameraclub.com/beautiful-creatures/

8. Paris (past and present) from Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly.  I love the contrast of the present Paris to the past Paris as Andi journeys through the catacombs. 

From http://www.afn.org/~alplatt/paris.html

9.  Fourteenth-century Italy from Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren.  As Belle would say "far of places and daring sword fights."


From http://www.mediafocus.com

10. Paris 1942/Paris 2002 from Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay.  I can't really describe this one but it is definitely a must read. 



From http://saintsulpice.unblog.fr

Review of Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Title: Something Strange and Deadly
Author: Susan Dennard
Published by: Harper Teen
Pages: 248
Source: Thanks to HarperTeen/Edelweiss
Format: ebook arc
Available: July 24, 2012
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  There's something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about.
Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she's just read in the newspaper:
The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor… from her brother.

Susan Dennard delivers a debut novel filled with adventure, strange events and of course, the dead. 

Eleanor Fitt is going through a rough time.  Downcast by the death of her father, and the family's financial demise it gets worse when her brother Elijah goes missing.  Not to mention her mother trying to bid her out to the first wealthy suitor to save both their bank accounts and their reputation.  But the truth of the matter is that Eleanor has never really fit in with this society and their beliefs. 

Eleanor is the type of character that you may be unsure of at first.  She comes across as uptight and nosey, but soon her tenaciousness grows on you.  Eleanor and the Spirit-Hunters are what really made this book wonderful.  They are lively and attention graping.  They don't follow the customs and each have a bit of a rebellious streak in them that makes them interesting and unforgettable.  Their back stories are rich in detail and emotion making you understand their personalities and builds a connection between you.

I have to admit I'm not much of a Zombie person, and though they were central to the storyline they didn't overtake the story.  Susand Dennard brings a new type of story into the mix.  It's fraught with scandal, death and even a touch of romance.  She brings passion and emotion to the story and her writing seems to flow softly and smoothly.  And my favorite thing is she knows how to write a spectacular ending.  She wraps up the story, but leaves just enough loose ends to have you wanting more.

Something Strange and Deadly is a wonderful debut and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.           

Fairy Metal Thunder Read-Along Week 3

The Fairy Metal Thunder Read-Along & Scavenger Hunt is hosted by Missie of The Unread Reader, Kelly of Reading the Paranormal, Tina of Tina’s Book Reviews, and Jen of In the Closet With a Bibliophile.

Questions for Chapters 14-20 of Fairy Metal Thunder:

1. In the beginning of chapter 14, poor Jason is having a tough time at work. Its busy, people are rude, there are hot girls talking to him, big lady's are about to starve, all in all bad work day. So tell us about a time when you had to deal with a pushy customer or rude behavior, did you freak, keep it together, throw a slawburger?

Whenever I had a grumpy or rude costumer I would smile back pleasantly and tell them I can get the manager for them if they'd like.  I figure it was always better to send them to someone higher up, that way I did have to get yelled at all day.  Even now when I encounter rude people, I try to be as pleasant as possible, but inside I'm fuming and thinking very bad things.  Then I usually call either my family or my besties so they can commiserate with me. 

2. In chapter 16 Jason is getting ready to shoot his rocking music video and perform for a crowd. Have you ever made a rock video, been in a play or anything that shows you doing something with musical talent? Extra points if you want to show us.

I was in show choir (essentially Glee) when I was in high school so I'm sure there are videos of all those performances but I have no idea where they are.  My friends and I also used to make music videos when we were bored.  We would dress in costumes, sing (or lip-sing) and just have fun.  One of my favorites was during Christmas time and we did Santa Baby.

3. Speaking of videos, the boys have a little chat about Steven Spielberg in chapter 17, what is your favorite Spielberg movie? Can't think of one...well then tell us about one of your favorite Sci-fi movies.

There are so many greats ones that I can't chose just one.  These are some of my favorites...The Goonies, Schindler's List, Twister, Saving Private Ryan, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Eagle Eye.  All great movies!

4. At the end of Chapter 17 the guys say bye to Dred who is getting ready to move, did you ever have to start over in a new school or new place when you were in highschool? Was it good, bad...horrible?

I went to a college where I didn't know anyone.  At first I hated it and wanted to quit and go home, but soon I met some people and gradually I couldn't imagine ever leaving.  My first friend at college is actually still one of my best friends and that proves the struggle was completely worth it. 

5. If you had a pet Unicorn what would you name it?

I found this site of 100 Unicorn names and their meanings.  How crazy is that?  Anyway I picked Annamika which means full of grace. 

Review of The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Title: The Lucky One
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Narrator: John Bedford Lloyd
Published by: Hachette Audio
Length: 9 sound discs (ca. 10.5 hr.)
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks's new novel believes he's found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he's never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write.

I have a confession.  I read this book only because I wanted to see the movie...umm hello did you see Zac Efron...let's just say someone isn't in high school anymore. 

Anyway I used to read a lot of Nicholas Sparks novels but after awhile they all started sounding the same to me.  I would actually get them confused myself when I would talk to people about them.  So how did The Lucky One hold up?  It was ok, but it still felt formulated and like something I read before.  What a complete and utter jerk.  Throughout the story there was good character development and Logan and Elizabeth seemed to have some chemistry.  Their interactions where a bit awkward at first, but it was the cute kind of awkward of two people who are attracted to each other and are just getting to know one another.  I like that Logan was respectful of others, but still held his own ground and refused to be walked over.  He was also great with Elizabeth's son and let him just be who he was.  I think this is a great quality in a guy that he accepts children for who they are instead of trying to change them.  My favorite character was Zeus who was great.  I only wish I had a dog that well behaved and trained.

The narrator of this novel, John Bedford Lloyd, had a very pleasant voice.  It was deep, a bit rough and slightly southern.  Of course the whole time I listened to this novel I was picturing Zac and to me the voice didn't fit him, but that is my fault for already putting a face to a character. 

While this book had some good elements it wasn't my favorite, though I am still excited to see the movie. 

Top Ten Tuesday

Today I'm participating in Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Books For People Who Like The Novels with Ivy League/Boarding Schools

I switched it up a bit this week and instead of picking one book and saying books that are related to that I decided to pick a feature of a book I like and give 10 books/series that include that feature. 

1.  The Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter.  This series rocks.  It's fun, cute and they go to a spy school for girls.  Hello, how awesome is that. 

2.  The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead.  St. Vladimir’s Academy is a hidden boarding school especially for vampires and Dhampirs, where they learn how to kick some series booty. 

3. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.  Hogwarts!!!

4.  Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld.  A small town girl from Iowa transfers to the prestigious Ault School, a boarding school for the rich and attractive elite.  

5.  Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.  Who wouldn't want to go to a boarding school in Paris?  

6.  Haven by Kristi Cook.  Winterhaven is a boarding school for people with special "gifts."  There's never a dull moment with a student body like that. 

7.  Looking for Alaska by John Green.  Miles transfers to a boarding school looking for the "Great Perhaps" and meets some pretty awesome people on his journey. 

8. The Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz.  Schuyler goes to prestigious private school where she she stands out for not only wearing thrift store clothes compared to everyone's designer threads, but also for what she is compared to everyone else. 

That's all I can think of that I've read; what are some of your favorites (or ones I could have missed)?

Review of Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Narrators: Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan
Published by: Penguin Audio
Length: 7 CDs, 9 hours
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths--until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

I love stories that are told in alternating points of view.  There is something about knowing both sides of the story that I find extremely intriguing and it gives me a better understanding of who the characters are.

Marie Lu wrote her characters with much depth and personality. Day and June are two characters that will instantly make an impression on you.  Even though Day is a criminal, the first time you meet him you'll know that he isn't a bad person.  He is strong and self-sufficient.  The government may have cast him aside, but he's not working to take them down, instead he's just trying to keep his family safe.  June on the other hand, starts off as a government prodigy who believes in organization and structure.  She's smart, lethal and is out to hunt down Day.  Girl out to kill cute boy...always a favorite storyline in my book.

Dystopian novels are known for their world building.  Legend was no different.  There is a central government who controls it all and there are rebels trying to overthrow them.  While I did enjoy this part of the novel I didn't feel like there was anything that set this world apart from the other Dystopian novels.  I would have liked to see a more unique world. 

The narrators did a wonderful job.  I loved Stephan Kaplan interpretation of Day.  His voice was soothing and smooth.  I think he made Day's personality stand out and gave us the impression he wasn't one of the "bad guys." At first I wasn't sure about Mariel Stearn who read the part of June, but after a while her voice grew on me.  Her pitch seemed kind of young for how advanced June was suppose to be, but then it helped to remind me that June herself was fairly young. 

If you are a fan of Dystopian I would try Legend; especially because the alternating POVs adds so much to the story. 

Reading Road Trip and Giveaway



Hi Everyone!  Today is my stop on the Reading Road Trip 2012 hosted by I Like These Books and Icey Books.  I have the State of Illinois.  What are some fun facts about Illinois (provided by http://awesomeamerica.com/illinois/)?

• The tallest building in the U.S. is the Sears Tower in Chicago
• Chicago is the nation's third largest city
• Illinois is the sixth most populous state in the country
• A replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa stands in the town of Niles
• he Dairy Queen franchise was first opened in Joliet, Illinois, on June 22, 1940

Want to know something else that cool about Illinois?  One of my favorite authors lives there (and the some of her novels are set in that state as well)!  Any guess?  It's Simone Elkeles.  

So what am I giving away?  One of Simone Elkeles's books of your choice! 

Giveaway Rules:

 

The contest runs until Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 11:59pm (CST)

You must be 13 years of age or older to enter

Leave a comment with your name, the book you'd like and your email address to enter.

 

This contest is open to participants both from the US and internationally

Once the email is sent to the winner they will have three days to respond or a new winner will be chosen

 

**I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items. (I haven't had any lost or damaged and I really hope that none will be)

 

 

Fairy Metal Thunder Read-Along: Week 2

The Fairy Metal Thunder Read-Along & Scavenger Hunt is hosted by Missie of The Unread Reader, Kelly of Reading the Paranormal, Tina of Tina’s Book Reviews, and Jen of In the Closet With a Bibliophile.

Questions for Chapters 7-13 of Fairy Metal Thunder:

1. Unfairly grounded by his parents, Jason decides to lie to them so he can go to the audition in Minneapolis. Unfortunately, not only does the audition end poorly but his parents discover his lie and things go downhill from there. Tell us the most outrageous lie you've ever been caught in. Bonus points if you can provide pictorial proof. Reenactments eagerly accepted.
I don't ever remember being caught in a lie or lying very much in particular.  I can be kind of ditsy at times so I stick with the truth (besides the little white lies of liking someone's haircut, outfit, etc.) because otherwise I'd forget the lie and then it would all crumble and burn.

2. In Faerie, Aoide is summoned to see the Faerie Queen. Have you ever met someone important like the Faerie Queen? Someone famous? Tell us the story behind how it happened. Once again, pictures are a plus!

When I was a junior in high school President George W. Bush come to my school and delivered a speech on Educational Accountability for the No Child Left Behind campaign.  (Yes we did get patted down by tall, dark and handsome secret service men).  Does that count as meeting a famous person?  I've also met some wonderful authors, but I have no pictures of that. 

3. Caught lying to his father about his non-existent job at the car wash, Jason has now found gainful employment at Buddy McSlawburger's - where he's forced to wear "the funny hat" as part of his uniform. What's the worst job you've ever had? Did it involve a particularly noxious uniform? Tell us about it - in riveting, full-color detail!

I sound kind of boring this week, but I haven't really had any horrible jobs.  I did work at Shopko (a short description for those of you who haven't heard of Shopko...little higher up than Wal-Mart, but not as nice as Target) and we had to wear khakis pants and a red polo shirt.  To this day I will not wear a read shirt and khakis colored pants or skirt together because it reminds me of working there. 

4. In an effort to regain their stolen instruments, Aoide and Rhodia travel to the sugar swamp to hire a hunter. Wouldn't you love to live somewhere where the water is sweet and the grass is made of sugar cane? Show us a picture of you enjoying your favorite sweet treat. Or, rewrite history and tell us how your version of the sugar swamp would differ from the one in the book.

My sugar swamp would be exactly like Candy Land only more popcorn and ice cream.  I was imagining the Candy Land in Katy Perry's music video for California Girls, except no bra shooting whip cream (though at times I'm sure that would be fun).  I love popcorn and the crazier the toppings the better.  But since it's summer I can't get enough of ice cream...especially in the form of an ice cream sandwich!  Yummy!  (Enjoy the crazy angle...my 23 month old niece wanted to take the picture.)

Review of The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Published by: HarperTeen
Pages: 327
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

The Selection is reality TV meets YA literature. 

The whole time I was reading The Selection I felt like I was watching The Bachelor.  There is definitely a reality TV vibe going on where all these girls are competing to be queen...oops I mean to win the princes heart.  Of course there is the sweet girl, the jealous one, the backstabbing witch and the one you hope is going to win.  Plus their wardrobes sounded amazing.  I was quite jealous of their dresses include to one on this cover. 

After finishing this novel, I'm still not quite sure how I feel about America.  At times I loved that she didn't conform to people's opinions or get swept up in the drama, and others times I found her whiny.  She's indecisive and not fair to Maxon or Aspen.  Maxon on the other hand is everything you want in a prince.  He's handsome, diplomatic, observant, and really cares about all castes in his country.  Kiera Cass gives you a sweet, hero with a heart of gold. 

But then...the dreaded love triangle.  Oh how I'm sick of the love triangle...anyone else?  Aspen or Maxon?  One is below her caste and the other way above it.  New twist, but same story. 

At times I forgot this was a dystopian novel, because I got swept up in the drama of the Selection but other times it was front and center.  I enjoyed the world that Kiera Cass slowly built and it was interesting to see throughout the novel how the governmental situation was escalating.  She left many questions and hooked us with some mystery surrounding the rebels and the contestants.  I think we will definitely see more of this unfold in the next novel.   

For some odd reason I didn't realize this was going to be a series so when I got to the end I had one of those "are you kidding me" moments where you want to know where the rest of the story is.  Just thought I should warn you in case you are having a ditsy moment like me. 

Review of A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

Title: A Midsummer's Nightmare
Author: Kody Keplinger
Published by: Poppy
Pages: 304
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  Whitley Johnson's dream summer with her divorcé dad has turned into a nightmare. She's just met his new fiancée and her kids. The fiancée's son? Whitley's one-night stand from graduation night. Just freakin' great.

Worse, she totally doesn't fit in with her dad's perfect new country-club family. So Whitley acts out. She parties. Hard. So hard she doesn't even notice the good things right under her nose: a sweet little future stepsister who is just about the only person she's ever liked, a best friend (even though Whitley swears she doesn't "do" friends), and a smoking-hot guy who isn't her stepbrother...at least, not yet. It will take all three of them to help Whitley get through her anger and begin to put the pieces of her family together.

Kody Keplinger doesn't shy away from the awkward and uncomfortable situations people get themselves into...instead she makes them into fascinating and a bit scandalous YA novels. 

A Midsummer's Nightmare is a great contemporary read.  The characters themselves are realistic and even though Whitley and Nathan's situation may be a little extreme, they are both common teenagers.  They are not the type of people to be worshiped and put on a pedestal, instead they are real and flawed.  And the best thing is they change.  It gives hope to people that no matter what stereotype you may get filed under, you can still change and become the person you want to be.   

You cannot read a Kody Keplinger novel and not applaud her for the scenarios she puts her characters in.  There are edgy and saucy.  They are not a love affair at a boarding school, where everyone is perfect and very swoon worthy.  Instead she writes her stories as if she walked into the local area high school and just immersed herself in the culture.  Some of the character's you'll hate and some you'll love; there will be ones who annoying you and ones you want for your best friend.  You may not always agree with them or approved of them, but they are real.  To me this is a huge part of what makes a contemporary YA novel great. 

Though her novels do feature more swearing than I'd like, they also focus on sexual relationships of young adults.  This is a very touchy subject with many people and I know some parents would rather their children not be exposed to it.   I am not a parent so I cannot say what I would do in the situation, but I do know that by the end of the novel there is always a strong female empowerment and self-esteem message.  For me instead of focusing on the sexual aspect of the novel, it's more about the main characters realizing that they are women of worth and dignity; for me that's powerful message I want all young adults to know.