Taste Life Twice

Interview with Zetta Elliott

2009-11-12T22:56:00.000-08:00

Zetta Elliott is a seasoned and decorated vet whose emotional prose will knock your socks off. You'll definitely want to pick up A Wish After Midnight. Be prepared to fall in literary love. I want to thank her for giving us an interview, and apologize for waiting an unmentionable amount of time to post it. Enjoy!

1. Describe A Wish After Midnight in 5 words or less.

That’s hard! Afro-urban magic time travel.

2. How did you choose the title of your book?

I’m so bad at picking titles for the things that I write; in fact, I hate it. I think for this novel I had the title before I’d even written very much because I knew that all the drama hinged on a single wish made late at night when the garden was virtually abandoned. What would YOU have called this book?

3. What came first, the characters or the story?

Definitely the story—I knew I wanted to write a kind of counter-narrative to all the stories I’d read as a child that only featured white children having amazing adventures. And, of course, I was inspired by Octavia Butler’s novel, Kindred, which has a modern black woman traveling back and forth between the antebellum South and her contemporary urban life. Genna was based partly on the girls in my neighborhood and my own little sister who’s tall, and slender, and dark-skinned, and very beautiful (though I’m not sure she knows it…). I did have an outline that I worked out in advance, and I stuck to it, really—leaving out just one of my intended characters; she might appear in the sequel. Genna was really the only character that mattered to me at first, and once her voice became clear, then it wasn’t hard to figure out who else needed to be a part of her world. Neo-slave narratives are “new” tellings of an enslaved person’s journey from slavery to freedom; historically, African Americans built networks, communities, bonds with other people, and THAT is how they survived and held onto their humanity. So I also knew from the outset that Genna had to have friends and elders and rivals to help her get through. I created characters in the contemporary world that would contrast and/or coincide with people Genna met after traveling into the past.

4. Who was your favorite character to write about?

That’s hard to answer…I had a LOT of fun writing this book, and the characters were very real to me for a long time, even after I stopped writing. I liked Mattie a lot, and she’s already got a few scenes in the sequel. I know readers like Paul more than Judah, and both of them were fun to write—largely because they’re polar opposites! But I guess Genna was my favorite…

5. Do you share traits with any of the characters?

…in part because there’s a lot of me in her. I felt invisible a lot of the time when I was growing up, and my teen years were pretty unhappy. I had an older sister that boys loved, an older brother in trouble with the law, and a mother who wasn’t really there most of the time. My dad left the country, we were broke, I couldn’t deal with my hair…but I felt like all I had to do was hold on. If I could just hold on, I’d get out of high school, move away for college, and everything would instantly get better. That didn’t happen, of course, but I did learn that TRAVEL can change your perspective. I moved around a bit, and then in my last year of college I discovered black women writers like Toni Morrison and Jamaica Kincaid. And then my imagination REALLY took flight; I moved to Brooklyn, and a new phase of my life began—one where I was more in control, which was a new experience for me. Genna’s searching for that kind of power—she wants to be in control of her destiny but there are so many forces working against her. She’s never defeated, though, and I think I share her determination to stick around until things start to look up.

6. What was your favorite scene to write?

I’m not sure I’d say it’s my favorite, but I have vivid memories of writing the scene where Genna and Mrs. Brant fight in the kitchen. I kept hearing that word: THWAP! And it all came out so quickly…I had goosebumps as I wrote! It’s so hard for us in the 21st century to understand just how a slave becomes a slave; we like to think we’d have gone upside the head of any white person who tried to hurt us, but part of becoming a slave is learning not to fight back, understanding that the price of self-defense is just too high. Not only could a slave owner sell or whip YOU, s/he could sell or harm the people you love. Women were especially vulnerable in this sense because they were often mothers, and Nannie had already seen her children sold away from her…so I liked that scene because Genna acts on her instinct and the months of pressure that have been building inside of her; she can’t STAND Mrs. Brant, and yet after the fight ends, Genna finds herself out in the street wondering just what her options are. They’re so limited, and so she returns to the Brants’ home but finds a new way to resist. I was really satisfied with that scene and how it resolved itself.

7. Your book has a lot of very emotional scenes. Did you find yourself getting emotional while writing them?

YES! At times I was laughing out loud, and then I’d get so antsy I’d have to get up and walk around, then sit back down and write before the words flew out of my head. Writing my first novel (unpublished) was a different experience; it felt more like work. This novel was a joy to write—it really was. And I tend to write in a cinematic style, I think, so the film was playing in my head as I wrote—I could see it all unfolding, and because I live in Brooklyn, I could literally walk the streets I was writing about—I could go to the garden, or Brooklyn Heights, or Weeksville (which still exists!), or I could go to the library and look at photos of Brooklyn when it was still its own city. Plus I loved my characters, so I shared their feelings—I definitely shed a few tears! I finished Wish and immediately began writing the sequel; but my father had cancer and needed my care, so I eventually put the sequel away.

8. Can you give us the inside scoop on the sequel, Judah's Tale?

Inside scoop? As in, tell you what happens? Of course not! I haven’t even written it yet, and I’m not sure which direction I want to move in. The book’s supposed to be told from Judah’s perspective, but Genna just won’t let go. So half of the scenes I’ve written so far are told in Genna’s voice; she’s living in post-9/11 NYC, and that’s really hard for her. Then there’s Judah’s ongoing story in Weeksville, PLUS his slave narrative that we never fully uncovered in Wish. I start out with some info about his family, his childhood. I’ll give you the book’s opening line (spoken by Judah): “I may be a killer, but I am not my father.” You’ll just have to wait for the rest!

9. What can we expect from you in the future? Tell us about the projects you're currently working on.

Judah’s Tale, of course. I also wrote a middle grade novel this summer called Muñecas. I just finished an essay on Afro-urban magic and the Door of No Return; it’s about “way-finding” and how I plan to draw on African & African American belief systems to open portals for Genna in NYC. I’m thinking of polishing and self-publishing my first novel, One Eye Open, and I’m in negotiations to sell the rights to Wish.

10. Is there anything else you'd like to tell the readers out there?

I don’t think so, but I would like to thank YOU for giving my book a chance and for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings with your readers. First and foremost, I’m a writer, but I also really want to do what I can to change the publishing industry. It’s just not right that stories, which might mean a lot to young readers of color, aren’t being given a chance to exist. I spent five years trying to find a publisher for Wish and was rejected more times than I can count. I know some folks are tired of “urban lit,” but I write about the city and think there are fresh ways to tell stories about the urban environment. Other folks are tired of “slavery stories,” but again—there are new ways of looking at the past. We’ve got to stop clinging to the old way of doing things—let’s open the doors and let in more writers with a wider range of stories!

Tashi <3

Review: A Wish After Midnight

2009-11-12T22:46:00.001-08:00

Fifteen-year old Genna Colon believes wishes can come true.When Genna flees into the garden late one night, she makes a fateful wish and finds herself instantly transported back in time to Civil War-era Brooklyn.

A Wish After Midnight is a tale packed with so much emotion and heartache, it will leave you racing along behind its daring characters, sharing their hopes and dreams. It deals with such heavy topics as racism and abandonment, in a way that is at times delicate and at times strikingly straightforward. Spinning a tale of wishes and woe, Elliott has certainly created a novel with important messages and hopeful characters that I will remember for that a lifetime.

Genna is a strong-willed female protagonist whose pain practically creases each page. Her drive and determination are inspiring, while her past and her thoughts create a depth that leaves you wondering if you could travel to Brooklyn and meet her. Feeling insecure and trying to carve out her place in the world, Genna is a relatable character for any teenage girl to read about. Her will to survive and ability to adapt serve as a driving force in the story, taking her from the poverty of 21st century Brooklyn, to the racism and struggle of the Civil War Era.

Judah is a character to be remembered. He is strong, intelligent, and deep. He sees Genna for what she is and loves her for it. Embracing his ancestry, he helps Genna do the same, and realize her beauty. Judah is strong, sensitive, and caring, though hot-tempered and headstrong at times. Still, he remains resilient and warm-hearted.

Paul serves as a nice juxtaposition to Judah. Where Judah has a quiet confidence about him, Paul is bold and persistent in an irresistibly charming way. He does not share the same silent connection with Genna as Judah, but he is definitely a fun character to read about, and my favorite of the two boys.

Mattie was exceptionally deep for a minor character. Showing us pieces of her past and bursts of her personality, Elliott forms a strong connection between this character and Genna, making me eager to read more about her in the upcoming sequel.

Juxtaposing each other, the characters from Genna’s 21st century life and her Civil War Era life, are rounded out nicely. There are no shallow characters to be found in this novel. Everyone has a story.

The plot moves along quickly, wrapping you in each of Genna’s worlds. After reading Part I, you won’t want to leave the 21st century of this gripping novel, but after reading Part II, you’ll be torn between the two realistic and emotional worlds Elliott has created.

Overall, A Wish After Midnight was a great story with some heavy topics that play out in a way that will leave you racing through its pages. Its cliffhanger ending will leave you yearning for the sequel. William Styron once said, “A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it.” I truly do feel like I’ve lived several lives in reading this novel. And I can’t wait to live several more.

Tashi <3

Wednesday Writing!

2009-11-04T22:39:00.000-08:00

Tell a story in 100 words or less. Use the words: cocoa, chapstick, and hollow.

Danielle laced her fingers with the curvy handle of the lukewarm mug of cocoa. She pressed it to her lips, no longer enjoying the mixture of the chocolaty drink and her peppermint chapstick. Leaning heavily on the windowsill, she tried to appreciate the twinkling icicle lights decorating nearby houses. Unsuccessful, she went off to bed, her socked feet shuffling against the kitchen’s linoleum floor. She glanced longingly at the hollow picture frame seated on the bedside table, allowing herself some sorrow. Christmas Eve won’t ever be the same, she thought to herself.

92 words! Your turn!

Tashi <3

Tuesday Taste

2009-11-03T23:06:00.000-08:00

Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Four Little Words Written in Lipstick...
mean Emily must say goodbye to everything she knows. Emily Carson has always been a good girl. So when she throws a party the night her parents leave for vacation, she's sure she'll get busted. What Emily doesn't know is that her parents will never return.

Page 159:

"'You have seven have seven unused canvases. Ten unused paintbrushes.' His lips moved silently as he counted. 'Twelve Bic gel pens. Twelve? Stacks of books and two of the same iPods. Do you like buy in bulk or something?'

I picked up the iPods. 'One is for music, one is for audiobooks.' I looked around. 'If I like something, I want to have a duplicate. You know, in case something happens to the first one.'"

<3 Tashi

Monday Musings

2009-11-02T22:38:00.000-08:00

1. Hello again. I've missed you.

2. I'm so excited to see what new books are out and what's been happening in the blogosphere.

3. I haven't stop reading, and I've read some really great books! I can't wait to share.

4. Halloween was great! I went trick-or-treating with two of my best friends. I was Freddy Kreuger. :D

5. Someone did a drive by egging. They got my ankle. My foot was sticky for the rest of the night, but it's okay. I was sticky and happy, just like most kids.

6. My Dad is trying to raid my candy. I will defend with honor.

7. I've figured out which 7 colleges I'm applying to. For most of the applications, all I need to add is my personal statement. Thank the Holy Deity.

8. I've written my personal statements, but I'm still revising.

9. Wish me luck!

10. One college has already offered me a scholarship. Problem is, it's in Alabama, and everyone in my world is in California.

11. I've caught up in all my classes. I'm drowning in B+'s though, hoping to pull them up by semester's end.

12. Except for AP Chemistry, which I'm just happy to pass.

13. I watched Corpse Bride and Nightmare Before Christmas for the first time. (Finally!) I prefer Corpse Bride. (She turns into butterflies!)

14. I also watched Rocky Horror Picture Show. Weirdest. Movie. Ever. And I usually love weird musicals. (See Rent, Sweeney Todd)

15. Speaking of, I think I will be trying out for my school's musical, to the tune of "What is this Feeling?" from Wicked.

16. Is anyone else doing college applications? We should start a Readers Against Applications Group. Haha jk

17. I can't wait for Wednesday Writing.

18. I should get some sleep. School starts way too early.

<3 Tashi

NaNoWriMo!!! :O

2009-11-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

I've decided to skip the apologies, because no one wants to read that.

My only excuse is that not blogging is as addictive as blogging. Or rather, other stuff is as addictive as blogging.

However, I'm back. No, really. Cross my fingers, hope to die, pinky promise, I'm blogging again.

When a YouTube video was the only reason I remembered NaNoWriMo, I knew something had gone horribly, horribly wrong.

I really did miss you guys, and I'm glad NaNoWriMo is giving me that window to dive in through.

I'll tell you all about my little dip into non-blogging life in tomorrow's Monday Musings.

<3 Tashi

P.S. Susan I miss e-mailing you. :( That definitely needs to start again.

Epic Excuse: NYLC

2009-09-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Soo.... I haven't posted in... 6? 7? days. I'M SO SORRY. If you were wondering, I'm still alive. Yay me! Here's what happened.

I went to this conference called the National Young Leaders Conference. I thought I would be able to go online there, but first, I left my power cord at home, and my mom had to mail it to me, and then I didn't have WiFi in my room, and none of that mattered anyway, because we woke up at six and were going until 10:30, at which point 4 girls had to use 1 bathroom to get ready for the next day (this usually took until 1 am). I had no time there and I did a lot of work and got no sleep and couldn't do any reading and it was.......THE. BEST. TIME. OF. MY. FREKKIN. LIFE.

No joke. No sarcasm. It was amazing!!

Some highlights:

Hearing Scott Beale, CEO and founder of Atlas Corps, speak, and getting to give a short spiel thanking him in front of about 330 other scholars.
Visiting all the major memorials.
Going to a workshop about Youth Venture.
Meeting my representative's assistant.
Seeing Diane Feinstein debate on the Senate Floor.
Seeing John McCain. (Some other people said they saw a very annoyed John Kerry too)
Sitting in the front row at the House of Congress, listening to Congressman Sanford Bishop speak.
Listening to The Milton Jaques Press Panel (Nancy Ambrose among others)
Having a Town Hall discussion on immigration and feeling so lucky to be in a room full of such intelligent teenagers. It was seriously amazing to be surrounded by intelligent people for 6 full days.
Performing the duties of Minority Leader for the Republican party, including choosing talking points, reviewing amendments, and choosing debate speakers, opening and closing a Model Congress Simulation, and pumping up a crowd.
Acting as an Associate Justice.
Winning a booty shakin' dance contest at our farewell dinner cruise/dance.
Meeting amazing kids from across the country who I am never going to forget.
Discovering that I am far bolder than I ever imagined, far more outgoing than I ever imagined, and a much better leader than I ever imagined.

It's nice to be back, but it's bittersweet. I feel like I've crammed a month of life into six days. It was seriously one of the most mindblowing experiences out there. If you get invited to NYLC or GYLC, do it. Seriously.

Now that I'm back, I'm ready to start college applications, book reviews, interviews, and a zillion other things I've neglected for what feels like a lifetime.

Love to all the amazing followers who stuck by me in this long silent period and to the few people who actually began following me. Wowza.

Tashi <3

Katie Alender on Her Debut Novel

2009-09-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

Katie Alender is not only one of the nicest people you'll meet, but a great new YA author. Her debut novel, Bad Girls Don't Die can be found in bookstores everywhere, and it's spooky plot is definitely worthwhile. She's a fresh face to look out for.

Describe Bad Girls Don't Die in 5 words or less.
Scary sister changes everything.

Is there a story behind the title?
Actually, the title was meant to be a joke. My agent, editor, and I had been wracking our brains for weeks to come up with something that conveyed the tone of the book--a little edgy but not too dark. I was making list after list and sending them off, and on one of the lists, to be funny, I wrote "Bad Girls Don't Die (sung to the tune of...)", referring to the oldies song "Big Girls Don't Cry." So then my editor called and said, "Everyone loved one of your titles!" and she told me which one and it was a bit of a surprise, to put it mildly. But I came to love it. Now I can't imagine the book being called anything else.

What inspired you to write Bad Girls Don't Die?
I was inspired by a daydream I had about two sisters who tell each other stories, and then one sister started making the stories come true. And I love the gore-less gothic spookiness of ghost stories.

Since this is your first novel, would you say it was hard finishing the manuscript?
Actually, finishing the first draft was easy. But I knew the book needed lots of revising to be anywhere near good enough to publish. I rewrote the entire thing many times, making big, sweeping changes each time. It was a little like Novel Writing 101. A lot of authors have two books tucked away in a drawer somewhere... For me, earlier drafts of this book are my version of the two books nobody will EVER read.

How was your experience breaking into the industry?
It wasn't as traumatic as some people's. In 2005, I had made contact with a gentleman I worked with briefly a few years earlier--he was an editor with his own imprint. I asked him if he'd take a look at the book, and he told me to send it along. I never did hear back from him. After a year had passed, I was starting to feel like it was time to fish or cut bait, as they say. Surfing my high school alumni website, I happened to notice that a guy I'd known was a literary agent. I sent him an email saying hi and asking if he'd look at my book, and by the end of the week, he'd agreed to represent it. We went through two rounds of submission with a set of revisions in between, and then the book was bought in a pre-empt.

What's funny is that getting my book to print after it was bought was more of a bear than getting an agent and selling it, because my acquiring editor decided to pursue another career path. It's terrifying to be handed to a new editor, but I got VERY lucky and landed with a brilliant woman who really helped shape the book into what it is today.

Some authors say that the characters come to them before the story, was this true for you?
Yes--the sisters were where the whole thing started for me. Alexis formed while I was writing, but Kasey sort of sprang from my head fully developed--she was always a character who was disconnected to the point that she became vulnerable to evil influences.

Who was your favorite character to write about?
Interesting question! Aside from the main characters, I really liked writing Lydia and Pepper.

Do you share any of your characters' quirks, like Alexis' love of photography, Kasey's obsession with dolls, or Carter's affinity for architecture?
I took photography in high school--but I was too broke to buy film and paper so I spent a lot of time reading about photographers. Dolls, not so much. Architecture interests me in that it reflects time periods and attitudes. What people's houses look like says so much about their priorities.
I'm interested in everything, though. I love to learn.

What was your favorite scene to write?
I think the scene with Carter and Alexis in the library--or the scene with them at the park.

What can we expect from you in the future? Any new books in the works?
Yes! I'm thrilled to be working on two sequels to "Bad Girls Don't Die." They'll be in stores in 2011 and 2012.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell the readers out there?
Hmm... how about, thanks for reading!

Thanks Katie! We'll be looking out for those sequels!

Tashi <3

P.S. Read my review of Bad Girls Don't Die here.

Sunday Review: Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

2009-09-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence. Dysfunctional like her parents’ marriage; her doll-crazy thirteen-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude.

When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunction into danger. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green sometimes; she uses old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her strange behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in.

Alexis wants to think that it’s all in her head, but soon, what she liked to think of as silly parlor tricks are becoming life-threatening–to her, her family, and to her budding relationship with the student council VP. Alexis knows she’s the only person who can stop Kasey — but what if that green-eyed girl isn’t even Kasey anymore?

Bad Girls Don't Die is a great spooky suburban tale to stay up and read late at night. With quirky characters, just the right amount of thrill, and a dash of teeny romance, it makes for the perfect light, fall read. Do dolls creep you out? Well read on, my friend, read on.

Alexis was a pretty typical suburban teenager. Her view of the world is short-sighted, but this does not make for a shallow character. She's a small-time anarchist, the girl with the picket signs and spray paint, who does photography on the side.

Kasey, the doll collector of the story, was a bit of a weak character. For most of the novel, her personality is more of a vehicle for the ghost, than an actual character. She really gets overshadowed in the novel, but it makes room for a nice spooky tale. Also, despite missing out on Kasey's true personality, the reader does get to see the love between Kasey and Alexis in Alexis' thoughts and scenes towards the end of the novel.

Carter Blume, in all his blue-eyed charm, was a delicious romantic addition to a spooky tale. His fondness for architecture, dark past, and interest in Alexis lend his character depth. He's the character you're hoping will pop up in every scene and spout lovey-dovey brilliance, as he often does.

Megan was probably my favorite character. She was really spunky, and not your average depthless literary cheerleader. The ghostly story of her mother's death, and how it connects to Kasey's turmoil, makes for great reading and really thickens the plot of the novel.

The plot of this novel moves along nicely, between romantic scenes with Carter, creepy scenes with Kasey, and the quickening drip of details from a horrific past, you won't want to put this book down. The only part of the plot I found even the least bit hard to swallow was the very end, but I'm a sucker for a less-than-happy ending. It was a bit too straightforward and cheery for me.

Overall, this was definitely a fun ghost story, and I'd recommend it for late night reading when schoolwork has attacked your brain. This is a great debut novel from Katie Alender, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Plot: 7/10
Readability: 8/10
Character Development: 7/10
Ending: 7/10
Writing: 7/10

Tashi <3

P.S. Read my interview with Katie Alender here.

Wednesday Writing Contest!!

2009-09-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I've been looking forward to Wednesday. Don't know about Wednesday Writing? Click here.

Today's words are: tears, sweet, and friendship

My writing:

He's giving me that look that says he needs me. His eyes drip apology, but his tears lie. Each time he tries to convince me he’s over it, that it hasn’t consumed him, and each time I believe him. Somehow, believing him is easier. But you don’t just get over an addiction. His isn’t a monkey on his back or a devil on his shoulder. His feigns friendship as it eats first his mind, then his body, and eventually his soul. It comes in, sits with us at our table, whispers sweet nothings into his ear, and destroys us.

No one responded to the last Wednesday's Writing, so I thought, to get us started, I'd make it a contest! Just leave your 100 word story in the comments, or leave me a link to it. If it's over 100 words, or doesn't use the day's words, it will be appreciated...and disqualified.

So you're probably wondering what's up for grabs huh?

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson!

Scarlett Martin has grown up in a most unusual way. Her family owns the Hopewell, a small hotel in the heart of New York City, and Scarlett lives there with her four siblings - Spencer, Lola, and Marlene.

When each of the Martins turns fifteen, they are expected to take over the care of a suite in the once elegant, now shabby Art Deco hotel. For Scarlett's fifteenth birthday, she gets both a room called the Empire Suite, and a permanent guest called Mrs. Amberson.

Scarlett doesn't quite know what to make of this C-list starlet, world traveler, and aspiring autobiographer who wants to take over her life. And when she meets Eric, an astonishingly gorgeous actor who has just moved to the city, her summer takes a second unexpected turn.

Before the summer is over, Scarlett will have to survive a whirlwind of thievery, Broadway glamour, romantic missteps, and theatrical deceptions. But in the city where anything can happen, she just might be able to pull it off.

Be sure to leave an e-mail address! Extra entries for every time you link this! I'll pick my favorite story Wednesday, September 30th!

Tashi <3

Tuesday Taste!!

2009-09-14T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today's Tuesday Taste is a gripping, heartbreaking, soulful book.

A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott

Fifteen-year old Genna Colon believes wishes can come true.When Genna flees into the garden late one night, she makes a fateful wish and finds herself instantly transported back in time to Civil War-era Brooklyn.

From page...158

"It's a nice, sunny day, and I'm not in any rush to get back home. I'm feeling kind of open inside, like the sun is shining on all the flowers and green things I keep in that special room inside my heart."

Could I love that imagery any more?

Tashi <3

Monday Musings

2009-09-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

I was sent home from school today because my bra straps were showing. I had to miss 3rd and 4th period, and I don't even have a 6th, so I had to come back to the school for one class. I am not happy about this, especially because 4th period is AP Chem, my hardest class. Oh, and there's the little fact that there is now a one-day in-house suspension on my record.*
My friend accidentally hit me straight in the eye (and I mean perfect shot, you could hear the thwack) with a kidney bean while aiming for another friend. My eye still hurts a little, but at least it's not red or swollen anymore.
A creepy guy said hello to me out of the window of his van on my way home from school. Now, he may have been a nice guy, but if you've ever been a 16 year old girl, you know that "nice guy" turns into "creepy old man" when he's talking to you out of a van window and you don't even know him.
I came home to find a letter in the mail telling me I'm an AP Scholar with Honor, which made me really happy, until I realized that I should be an AP Scholar with Distinction, which is one level higher. I've just e-mailed the Collegeboard.
I have a lab due tomorrow and I've barely had anytime for reading, even though the book I'm reading, A Wish After Midnight, has been amazing so far.
I found this lovely post at Chasing Ray asking publishers if they just want publicity or they really want reviews that I think any book blogger will have some opinions on.
The New Moon Trailer is awesome!

Well, today has not been my best day, but it could've been a million times worse, so I thank God for it anyway.

See you all tomorrow. :)

Tashi <3

*I am really against Dress Code, because I believe that a student and their parent should be able to choose what they deem appropriate to wear, as long as it is not offensive or distracting. I think putting rules in place that coincide with conservative values that some families, but certainly not all families, share, without allowing all students and their families a vote in the matter, is unfair, to say the least. I understand that the Dress Code is in place for the emotional and physical protection of some students, but some rules are obviously in place so that the school can make sure the kids don't look "ghetto" or tawdry. But that's a whole other post.

Review: Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

2009-09-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

"What do you want from me?" he asks. What I want from every person in my life, I want to tell him. More.

Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham, now seventeen, is finally being confronted with her past. But as the reluctant leader of her boarding school dorm, there isn't a lot of time for introspection. And while Hannah, the closest adult Taylor has to family, has disappeared, Jonah Griggs is back in town, moody stares and all.

Have you read Jellicoe Road? No? You're failing at life. Ah, ah, ah...failing. I know you don't feel like you're failing, but you must be, because this book was...captivating, complicated, amazing.

When I first began Jellicoe Road, I didn't like it at all. It was so confusing. There were all of these things going on that there was no exposition for. I felt like I'd been tossed into the middle of a story. Because I had. But in the best possible way.

The story just sort of blossoms. It's so gradual that you hardly realize you're wanting to read it more and more, you're getting in trouble in class because you're reading it instead of paying attention, you're up at 3 a.m. reading it when you should be sleeping. Marchetta feeds you these delicious bits and pieces of each character's past, and they all come together in the most heartfelt and powerful way.

Taylor was a confusing character. I couldn't really understand her logic half of the time. There are these territory wars going on in the novel, and she's so worried about them. Only, I didn't see the point. Win or lose, the wars didn't really seem to matter. I think she was using the territory wars as a way of distracting herself from her real problems. They distract her from the fact that her mother left, Hannah's missing, and Jonah Griggs is way more interesting than she'd like him to be.

Jonah Griggs is such a serious, complicated character. From the beginning you can tell that while he's trying to act like a jerk, there really is a lot brewing underneath. It's obvious that he and Taylor are totally swooning over each other, and they try to stay enemies because it's easier than facing their feelings. When they finally do, their connection rips right off the page. I may or may not have a literary crush on Jonah Griggs. You can guess. :)

Raffy was the general friend character. I honestly don't remember to much about her, except that her personality was really fun and sometimes funny and she was a really caring, genuine friend to Taylor. I really liked Ben. I thought he provided a lot of comedic relief at times and his outlook was great.

The book flashes back to the past more and more as it goes on. The friendship between the characters in the past is so genuine and has so much history that I'm surprised their story and Taylor's fit in the same book. Though, in the end, their story and Taylor's story are part of the same story. I really loved how this book kept me guessing as to who in the past was who in the future.

I must say, Melina Marchetta has created an amazing work of YA fiction that is very touching and almost alive. I feel like these characters are real people, like if I traveled to Australia right now, I could find them on Jellicoe Road. I definitely commend her for making such a complicated book work so well. It must have been really hard to imagine and create two completely different story lines, making them both so full, and then connect them so perfectly.

Plot: 9/10
Readability: 9/10
Character Development: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing: 10/10

Tashi <3

New Moon Trailer!

2009-09-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

With all the fan trailers out there and sneak peeks, I seriously thought I had already seen the New Moon Trailer. :O I. Was. So. Wrong. It's AWESOME! And I can tell from just one line that Dakota Fanning is gonna be kick ass. (She's probably my favorite teen actress.)

Anyway...here it is....for now. Enjoy :)

Tashi <3

9/11, Favorite Quotes, and Vampires

2009-09-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

First of all, I'd just like to take a moment to mention 9/11 and what a huge moment it is in our nation's history. My condolences to anyone who lost family in the tragedy. I know there are a lot of conspiracy theories out there, but I think we all need to set those aside for a day and just honor the people we lost.

On a lighter note...Here's a quote Kiki and I really like:

"The main effort of arranging your life should be to progressively reduce the amount of time required to decently maintain yourself so that you can have all the time you want for reading." — Norman Rush

So true.

Moving on...The Vampire Diaries premiere.

I had homework that night so I Tivoed it (Actually, I have Verizon Fios, so I DVRed it.) and watched it today.

It was pretty good. I had never read the books, so I didn't know which qualities the vampires would have. Sort of a mix of Twilight-style vampires and True-Blood-style vampires. The vampires are hot and one's obsessed with the protagonist, but they can glamour and can't enter a house without an invitation and there was something that hinted at burning in the sun, but it was connected to a ring.

Anyhow, all in all it was pretty decent for a pilot. More than a little cheesy, but I think most pilots are, compared to later episodes. I'm excited to see what comes of it. Though, I don't see it being as good as True Blood.

Tashi <3

P.S. For some reason, every time I hear the word "American" now, I think about that part in Inglorious Basterds where the shoot out in the tavern has just happened and the German guy asks "Are you American or British?" and Brad Pitt yells "We're Americans!" in the most proud and hilarious accent ever.

I Have a Bone to Pick :/

2009-09-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

Music on book blogs. grumble grumble With very few exceptions, music on book blogs has become very annoying in my life for a few reasons.

We don't have the same taste in music, and your choices are making my ears bleed.
Why is this page taking forever to load....? Oh. >:[
How am I supposed to focus on reading what you wrote with that playing?

Basically, things that slow loading time annoy me. By all means slap a couple widgets and buttons on your page. But do you have to literally fill your sidebar with them, plus have a zillion buttons, plus have music? Seriously, coming from a reader, you'd get more comments if the page didn't take so long to load. By the time it's done I'm so frustrated that all I'm willing to wait for is the window to close.

No offense to anyone in particular. I know. I'm impatient. Is it just me? Let me know in comments.

Tashi <3

Waitng on Wednesday

2009-09-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

The book I'm positively drooling over is Fallout by Ellen Hopkins.

It doesn't have a cover or a synopsis yet, but according to Ellen Hopkins' interview with By The Book Reviews, it will be a sort of continuation of Crank and Glass' Kristina's story, through the eyes of her three children.

Must...have...more...Ellen...Hopkins. lol Seriously, though, there are still two of her books floating out there that I haven't read. This makes me a sad camper. :(

Tashi <3

Tuesday Taste + Rearranging Bookshelves + Vote for Color Online!

2009-09-08T20:05:00.000-07:00

Today's Tuesday Taste is....

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender, who pretty much rocks. :D

Page...138:

"Oh God, was it obvious that my heart was pounding? It was like those scenes in movies where the girl thinks the guy's going to kiss her, so she closes her eyes and puckers up. Except I wasn't just puckering my lips-I was puckering my whole soul."

Ok how adorable was that??

Moving right along...

Bookshelf Rearranging!!

Before............................................. After

Before it was just alphabetized, now the top shelf is books I need to review, the second is my TBR pile, the third and fourth are paperbacks, the fifth is hardcovers, and the sixth is textbooks.

Haha! Is your head tilting? Yeah...unfortunately I didn't realize as I turned my camera to the side that the picture would end up sideways.

And now...my invisible bookshelf!! Look at the amazing floating books. Ooooo. Ahhhh. Yes. My wall is yellow. No. Not this odd color yellow. It's better in real life. Just trust me. Free imaginary cookies if you can guess which books are on the invisible bookshelf!

Last but certainly not least...get your but over to the BBAW polls and vote Color Online most altruistic blog! Seriously. Susan puts in a lot of time and effort gathering columns and reviews from others and writing a bunch of her own. Why? Because she's being the change she wants to see in the world! Go now! Vote for all your favorites!

Tashi <3

P.S. If you want to build your own invisible bookshelf like I did, find out how here. Or you could, you know, buy one, like normal people do. lol

Review: Defining Twilight + Contest

2009-09-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

Brian Leaf was kind enough to send me a review copy of his vocabulary workbook Defining Twilight.

The basic premise of this workbook is pure genius. You look up a word in Twilight, guess what it means based on context, then check to see if you were right. Then you take quizzes on the words.

Honestly, I feel like I don't really have a grasp on a word until I see it in context, so this kind of vocab book is perfect for me. It really drives the definitions home.

There was only one concern I had with this book. I thought that if it only pulled words from Twilight, I wouldn't be learning much. But just flipping through, I saw plenty of words I didn't know.

If you're looking for a vocab book, this is as good as any. Actually, it's better because you'll probably grasp words easier if they're connected to something you're interested in. Every word counts, and you never know what collegeboard will throw at you.

Also, Defining New Moon comes out in October, for all the Jacob-lovers like myself out there. I really hope they start to Define the Classics, like Defining Crime and Punishment.

If you'd like this book, become a follower, then leave your e-mail below for 1 entry.

+1 follow Reading in Color
+1 follow Color Online
+1 refer someone
+1 if you were referred

Contest ends September 20th!

Tashi <3

P.S. Free Rice is a great study tool, and for every word you get right, they donate 10 grains of rice to the needy. Also, it adjusts difficulty as you get words right or wrong.

Saturday Review: Duplikate

2009-09-05T16:21:00.001-07:00

This book was provided by 1 ARC Tours :D

Duplikate by Cherry Cheva

Getting into Yale has been Kate Larson’s dream for years—and being overworked and under-rested is the price of admission. But when she opens her eyes after falling asleep on her keyboard one night, she comes face-to-face with, well, herself.

Meet Kate’s computer-generated twin. Kate doesn’t know why she’s here or how to put her back where she belongs, but she’s real. And she’s the last thing Kate has time to deal with right now. Unless. . .could having a double be the answer to Kate’s prayers.

Duplikate was a pretty fun and interesting read. It was light and humorous, a perfect book for summer. It truly depicts the stresses of Senior Year. Although it doesn't seem so at first, the novel is really about enjoying the present, and not getting so focused on a goal that you forget why it was your goal to begin with.

Hardworking is an understatement in describing Kate Larson. She was focused and stressed to the point of mania. I found a paradox in reading about Kate because, while I found the character flat, I truly identified with her. Kate is so focused on one goal for most of the novel that I really didn't feel like she developed a personality until the last quarter of the book. Also, though she seemed to be a very serious, focused, and conservative character, some of her thoughts and conversations don't quite fit those descriptions. However, I found her very relatable. I feel like she was dealing with the same sort of stresses I'm dealing with, trying to get into a good college, and, overall, I think Cheva really nailed the mindset of a classic overachiever.

Rina was a fun character to read about, with her preppy personality and body glitter. I couldn't help but to find her naive, excited nature endearing. I also liked that she wasn't exactly what I expected. Reading the synopsis, I thought someone exactly like Kate was going to pop up and automatically start helping out. However, Rina was quite the opposite of Kate in many ways, and Kate was truly reluctant to let her help. The only thing I disliked about Rina's character in the novel is that, at one point, she seemed to do an abrupt 180 personality-wise that didn't enhance the book.

I really liked Jake. I feel like there was this wonderful guy lurking around the whole book that we didn't get to see enough of. He's the tough-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside guy that you just want to hug.

Paul was adorable and supportive, but I found him flat. I feel like he was more of an obstacle to cause struggle in the novel than an actual character.

Overall this was a light, fun read that I would recommend for a day when you're busy loafing. It carried a really great message about prioritizing and reflecting on life, while still being humorous. (The author writes for family guy!! :D)

Plot: 7/10
Readability: 8/10
Character Development: 6/10
Ending: 7/10
Writing: 7/10

Tashi <3

New Meme!: Wednesday Writing

2009-09-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

In honor of a new school year (My first day starts in an hour!) and in honor of me thinking school started at 7:30, when it really starts at 9, I'm starting a new meme. This one is for all the writers and wannabe writers (like me) out there.

Wednesday Writing: You come here Wednesdays and I'll give you a few words to write on or a picture to write about (Or you could choose your own.) You interpret the picture as you like. But there are a couple catches.

You must include the 2-3 words I choose or write about the picture I post.
You must tell a story.
You can't write more than 100 words.

Leave a comment with a link so I can head over and comment on your wonderful creativity. Someday I'll have a contest for the best one...but who knows when that'll be. I may just surprise you!

So are you ready? This Wednesday's words are:

clock (because I obviously can't tell time)
first
school

My Writing:

Angie punched the clock, hoping her time card would read 9:00 a.m. Angry red numbers screamed 9:17. Late on her first day. "You're late," a peevish voice grumbled from behind her. Mr. Sneely. His reputation had almost made her reconsider switching publishing houses. Almost.

"Hello Mr. Sneely I'm-"

"Don't let it happen again." His impatience was palpable as he waddled off to his office with a grumpy look on his face. Great, thought Angie. Four years of school and two years in publishing and this is who I have to deal with everyday. I should've majored in biology.

Tashi <3

P.S. This meme was inspired by my lovely no-longer-my-english-teacher, :( Ms. Fletcher's assignmet for her Expository Reading and Writing Composition class and Susan Adrian's Tiara Day Contest.

Monday Musings

2009-08-31T22:35:00.001-07:00

Me: Hi...ummm....

Also Me: You haven't posted in five days!

Me: But I had summer homework to finish and my best friend that I hadn't seen for a really long time moved back and....

Also Me: No. You have responsibilities. Interviews and reviews and columns to write, e-mails to respond to, books to read. This is inexcusable.

Me: But...But....

Also Me: *shaking head*

Soo...basically I've been fighting with myself. The problem is I left all of my summer homework to the last minute. *sigh* As always. I still have an essay, 15 or so math problems, and an entire novel to read in about two days. Boooo. But I will get everything done this week-for school and Taste Life Twice. So there will be posts!

In less depressing musings...

The novel I have to read, Naked Economics, is actually pretty interesting and humorous, for an economic text. I like it better than Crime and Punishment.
Anne Hathoway is always doing movies that used to be books...Ella Enchanted, Princess Diaries, The Devil Wears Prada, Alice in Wonderland.
School shopping is just not fun.
I rearranged my bookshelf and built something cool, which I will show you this week.
I want to have a huge contest, but I'll probably do it for Christmas.
I'm 22 books into my Read 50 Books in a Year Goal.
I recently discovered Swaptree and OMG I love it!
I am really tired.
Time to go write an essay on the purpose of government....wish me luck! :D

Tashi<3

Waiting on Wednesday: Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

2009-08-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Five teenagers from different parts of the country. Three girls. Two guys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching...for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don't expect, though, is all that can happen when those powerful little words "I love you" are said for all the wrong reasons.

Five moving stories remain separate at first, then interweave to tell a larger, powerful story -- a story about making choices, taking leaps of faith, falling down, and growing up. A story about kids figuring out what sex and love are all about, at all costs, while asking themselves, "Can I ever feel okay about myself?"

Drooool. Okay, so this book has been out for about two days already, but I haven't gotten to a bookstore.

Ellen Hopkins is the author I always end up reading when I'm supposed to be doing other things. (I can't help it!) If there's an unread Ellen Hopkins book near me, nothing gets done. So I'm waiting until the school year to buy it.

I seriously love books in verse. When I read Crank, the first book I had ever read in verse, (I think) it was like WHAM! Where have you been all my life? So now I own all her books, except Identical. And Tricks.

I'm actually thinking of dedicating a whole segment on here to books in verse. Does that sound like a good idea? Let me know in the comments. And if you have any suggestions of books that are in verse, (other than Ellen Hopkins and Sonya Sones) let me know.

Tashi <3

Review: If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

2009-08-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

Jeremiah is confident about who he is -- that is, when he's in his own Brooklyn neighborhood. But when he starts attending a fancy prep school in Manhattan, he realizes that black teenage boys don't exactly fit in there. So it's a surprise when, during his first week of school, he feels an immediate connection with a white girl named Ellie. In one frozen moment their eyes lock, and after that they know they belong together -- despite the fact that she's Jewish and he's black. Their worlds are so different, but to them that's not what matters. Too bad the rest of the world feels differently.

There are three words that describe this novel perfectly: Epic Romance Win. This novel is so heartfelt and lovely, you'll feel like it's someone you know. The characters are deep, which is surprising in such a quick (181 pg) read. While this is mainly a love story, both Ellie and Miah are people in their own rights, with different issues at home. I really loved both of these characters.

Miah is a very likeable character. The way he feels about being black and what it means to him is depicted in a real way. It's interesting to hear his voice and understand how he sees the world. I also loved Miah's relationship with his mother. It was charming and authentic, showing a real connection between the two characters.

Ellie is also a very likeable character. She seems to understand what a heavy subject race is in her relationship with Miah, and she notices how people react to the two of them. Her broken relationship with her mother is depicted in a way that makes you empathize with her, and it's great to be able to crawl inside of her head.

I admired both of these characters for their bravery. They were fairly well-developed, though there was a little mystery left in them at the end of the novel. This novel's writing was gorgeous and flowed nicely.

The only thing I disliked about the novel was the switch from the first-person point of view of Ellie, to the third-person point of view of Miah, chapter after chapter. I would've preferred that the entire novel be in first-person. The switches really threw me off and interrupted the flow of the novel as a whole. Other than that, the book was glorious.

If you're looking for a sad, interesting love story (I always am!) head over to Amazon (less than a dollar!) or you're local bookstore and grab a copy. It is humanly impossible not to love this novel. Seriously.

Plot: 8/10
Readability: 9/10
Character Development: 8/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing 9/10

Tashi <3

P.S. If you didn't know yet, some big time YA authors have gotten together to change the world. And of course they're giving away FREE BOOKS! Get over there to enter and Live Your Five.

Muse- to the-ic Mon-to the-day

2009-08-24T17:19:00.001-07:00

Ok, so here's my Artist of the Week!

TOGUNA!!!

This band I found so interesting I just had to share with you guys my discovery!

The sound is very different than what's going on in Southern Cali. It's more of a mixture of Folk Rock, Reggae, and Soul. I absolutely LOVE IT! When I hear their music, I think of a warm, hot, and sunny day in a unique, down-to-earth town shopping in an open-air market having a great time. I picture the ocean somewhere near-by and nice, friendly faces laughing lively and enjoying themselves. And there'd be music all around; music that flow the colors red, green, and black as I glance at a pair of sea shell necklaces. Where the air smells of sea salt, happiness and sunshine.

Basically, TOGUNA puts me in a good mood. =]

So, you must hear them out!

You can find some things on youtube.com, but if you'd like a clear song, check them out on www.myspace.com/toguna.

Here's a song they did live in France.

Yes, its in french, but that just makes them more unique. =]

[but if you are wondering, yes, they do sing and have songs in english]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUX4YfUr7u4

And here's an acoustic, live clip of the song Only One

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUeHmsiQ2A8

I hope you guys like them!

Don't forget, I love listening to all kinds of things, so if you have any suggestions whatsoever, I would gladly listen. Leave comments or send a message!

<3 Kiki

Freestyle Friday: 10 Ways to Tell You're a Book Blogger

2009-08-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Freestyle Friday is pretty self-explanatory. Its basically IDOWATIWANT day. lol

10 Ways to Tell You're a Book Blogger

You're writing reviews in your head while you're reading.
You have to find new and creative ways to house your books.
You'd rather be reading blogs and books than watching t.v.
You've found your self saying "Crap! I forgot to post today!"
You know what an ARC is.
You drool over covers.
You've e-mailed or interviewed some of your favorite authors.
You're following a ridiculous number of book blogs.
You check your e-mail and blogger first when you get on the Internet.
When you walk into a bookstore, you feel like you've been wanting SO MANY books for so long, even though you've never seen any of them in person.

C'mon! Add to my list! How do you know you're a book blogger.

ZOMG!! We've Been Nominated!!

2009-08-21T18:34:00.001-07:00

Some amazing person out there nominated us for the BBAW award for Best Blog Name. To whoever it is thank you, thank you, thank you!! You rock!! If it was you, please feel free to shout it from the rooftops.

So besides that lovely piece of news, we've also gotten a couple other awards that I've been neglecting, namely our very first one from the lovely and talented Ari at Reading in Color. I'll be posting those up soon.

Throwback Thursday!

2009-08-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

Reasons why this is late: I NEED TO FINISH MY SUMMER HOMEWORK AND CHOOSE COLLEGES AND APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND READ AND STILL HAVE TIME TO EAT AND SLEEP AND BLOG AND GAHHHHHHH!!!

However, I will set aside my freak-out and do this post if it kills me. Someone needs to learn to do reviews in advance.

Today's Throwback Thursday is a wonderful novel full of adorable little quirks by the name of Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis.

Ten-year-old Bud, a motherless boy living in Flint, Michigan, during the Great Depression, escapes a bad foster home and sets out in search of the man he believes to be his father--the renowned bandleader, H.E. Calloway of Grand Rapids.

Honestly, I love male narrators, but I don't think I've ever loved a male narrator more than I love Christopher Paul Curtis' male narrators.

But, Not Buddy, while being a great book for reluctant readers, is really a heartfelt story. It's sometimes humorous, sometimes saddening, and always satisfying. I especially loved Bud's "Rules and Things" There are funny ones like "Rules and Things Number 83: If an adult tells you not to worry, and you weren't worried before, you better hurry up and start, 'cause you're already running late." There are also really true ones like "Rules and Things Number 63: Never, ever say something bad about someone you don't know--especially when you're around a bunch of strangers. You can never tell who might be kin to that person or who might be a lip-flapping, big-mouth spy."

Honestly, the only character I really remember is Bud. He was very street-smart for such a young kid, and unafraid of the world. Still, he was childish, naive, and hopeful, making him all the more lovable. Also, like Kenny of The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963, he was just really funny at times.

The reason I only remember Bud is because this novel was quite the adventure. Bud is an orphan who jumps from place to place, so he was the only character we stayed with throughout the novel.

But don't think my lack of memory points to dull characters. There were some lively ones. There was his temporary foster family, all of whom were positively horrible, not to mention Herman E. Calloway and his band, whom I vaguely remember being enamored with.

Bud, Not Buddy is just a really great kids book that will make you laugh and almost cry. And the folks that run both the Newbery and the Coretta Scott King Awards obviously agree.

Tashi <3

P.S. Check out that super-schnazzy cover! And look at the one over at Barnes and Noble, too! While you're at it, this book would be a great gift for any elementary-age kid.

Wednesday Wonder

2009-08-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

So I've been wondering...does anyone notice that extra entries for contests aren't exactly beneficial? Think about it. If anyone can get the extra entries, it doesn't actually up your chances. It just means you're doing more work to have the same amount of chances as everyone else. On the other hand, it means the harder you work, the better your chances for reward. And that, my friends, is capitalism.

I'm wondering for the book bloggers...do you notice that you read WAY MORE now that you blog? I was keeping a list of books I've read, because I wanted to read 50 books in a year. In the months of January-June, I read a total of 9 non-school related books. Pitiful. In only half of July and little more than half of August, I've read 10 non-school related books. And that is while I'm in the clutches of summer homework. That's at least a 60% increase. Just sayin'.

Tashi <3

Megapalooza Giveaway!!

2009-08-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

If you've been under a rock and haven't heard....Bloody Bookaholic is giving away:

Signed copy of Dreaming Anastasia + Goodies
- Hardback Another Faust
- Hardback Prophecy of the Sisters
- ARC Eyes Like Stars + Backstage Pass Bracelet and some Theater-Theme Swag.
- ARC The Dark Divine
- ARC Hush Hush
- ARC Give Up The Ghost
- ARC Ash
- ARC Behind Every Illusion
- ARC Shiver
- ARC The Demon's Lexicon
- ARC Betraying Season
- ARC Any Given Doomsday
- Dead Until Dark
- Gossip Girl 1st Book
- The Black Tatto + poster
- Vampire Academy
- Frost Bite, a Vampire Academy Novel.
- Shadow Kiss, a Vampire Academy Novel.
- Blood Promise, a Vampire Academy Novel.

Now I know what you're thinking: Holy Crap what a giveaway! Remember to say I referred you so we both get extra entries!!

Tashi <3

Tuesday Taste, A Short Explanation, and Me? A Writer?

2009-08-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marcketta

Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham, now seventeen, is finally being confronted with her past. Beut as the reluctant leader of her boarding school dorm, there isn't a lot of time for introspection. And while Hannah, the closest adult Taylor has to family, has disappeared, Jonah Griggs is back in town, moody stares and all.

Page 144: "The room goes sickeningly silent except for the sound of Choi's footsteps hurrying toward us, like he knows what Grigg's next move is going to be. But he is too slow, because Griggs has me pinned against the wall, my feet dangling so that we're eye to eye."

Now...why wasn't there a Monday post? Simple. Kiki and I were together, and when we get together, nothing gets done. lol

And...I've only been toying with the idea of being a writer for about a year now. When I was little, I wanted to be a veterinarian, then a dentist, then a pediatrician. Then I realized I cannot handle needles or blood or any sort of human secretion. Also, the older I got, the more I started to hate math and science. History is still okay, but as I get older, I'm becoming more and more obsessed with English. Why am I telling you all this?

It's because I've decided to start writing a novel! Yay. It probably won't be good, but it'll give me some experience. From what I've heard, writing a manuscript can take anywhere from 4 months to six years. So when I'm done with the first or second draft, (in 4 months or 6 years) I'll post some of it up so I can get some feedback from all of you learned readers.

That's all that's interesting me lately. Well, that and the soon-to-be-start of senior year and finishing Crime and Punishment (blech, it's leaving me no time for fun reading)

Tashi <3

Be Prepared to Drool

2009-08-17T01:19:00.000-07:00

And appreciate the awesome and frustrated poetry that Doret at TheHappyNappyBookseller wrote. It is so swoon-worthy. I want to write like this!

While I'm at it, have you ever heard this poem:

One bright day in the middle of the night,
Two dead boys got up to fight.
Back to back they faced each other,
drew their swords and shot each other.
A deaf policeman heard the noise,
and ran to save the two dead boys.
And if you don't believe it's true,
go ask the blind man, he saw it too.

I heard it in The Haunting in Connecticut and pretty much fell in love with its creepy contradictions. Doret's poem is far more serious and relevant, though, so go read it!

Tashi <3

P.S. Click the link...click it...click it.

Sunday Sum-Up

2009-08-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies! Here's this week's sum-up.

Music Monday we introduced you to There For Tomorrow.
Tuesday we let you Taste If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson and introduced you to this ridiculously HUGE contest!!
Wednesday we Wondered about bookish deja vu and reviewed Cabin in the Sky.
Throwback Thursday was The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah.
Freestyle Friday was all Never Shout Never goodness.
Silly Saturday was Panic! At The Disco.
And now we're summing it all up.

See ya tomorrow. Don't forget to follow us on twitter. Tweet tweet.

Tashi <3

Tweet Tweet!!

2009-08-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

That's right. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. We've given in to twitter. Haha Follow us @taste_life_2x We'd be glad to follow any other book bloggers,followers,publishers,authors, and literary agents, so let us know where you tweet!

Tashi <3

Contest Ends!!!

2009-08-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

Woot!! So I pulled a name out of my super cool (haha as if I've ever liked anything cool) pink-pinstriped fedora and the winner is......Shadowofwonder, who chose Played!! I'll be e-mailing the winner soon! Check back for more contests! Yay!

Tashi <3

Silly Saturday- Kiki's invasion

2009-08-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Panic! at the Disco is back at it again!!!!!
I always loved them, both cd's and what-not, and even after the broke up [TRAGIC D=!!!!] they still still bring it back making great music.
Here's a video of Brendon Urie playing their new song New Perspective acoustic and you'll see why I love them so much. Brendon Urie's voice is just purely amazing. <3
Enjoy!

New Perspective (acoustic)

<3 Kiki

Freestyle Friday: Music Status

2009-08-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard of the band Never Shout Never! ?
He is brilliantly awesome!
Basically a one man band [well, with each video I see of him], Christofer Drew is one extremely talented dude. He usually is accompanied by his ukulele or his acoustic guitar, and those three friends make the sweetest music. The song Hummingbird on his Summer EP is one of the most beautiful acoustic love songs I've ever heard, especially to the ears to a teenage girl dreaming of love, like myself. =]
Most of his music is sweet and simple, not with all the fancy guitar solos and such, but with pure Indie music like that, it's truly a comfort and pleasure to listen to! His voice is highly recognizable and lovely to hear, and with the down-to-earth lyrics of love, peace, and friendship, it's a sheer joy to listen to him!
Check him out! He has a website!!! It's http://www.nevershoutnever.com/ and you can also listen to him on http://www.purevolume.com/ and
www.myspace.com/nevershoutnever . You can see videos on youtube.com and purevolume.com! =D i hope you all enjoy him!!! Leave a comment or something and tell me what y'all think!
Much loves!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FToDIdtYzQM <---- to watch Hummingbird <3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI0-Q4Ub21w <---- Trouble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bv_pWyNIW8 <----- Big City Dreams
<3 Kiki

Our Blog Makeover!!

2009-08-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Woot! Our blog is now officially changed! I'll be playing with font colors, trying to make a third column, and adding cool new gadgets for awhile, but the big stuff is done.

And it's all thanks to Kelsey over at Just Blinded Book Reviews! She rocks! She's a great blogger, so check her out!

Are you in need of a blog makeover, too? Head on over to Just Blinded Blog Makeovers!

Tashi <3

Throwback Thursday! + A Reminder

2009-08-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah

Ghetto-born, Winter is the young, wealthy daughter of a prominent Brooklyn drug-dealing family. Quick-witted, sexy, and business-minded, she knows and loves the streets like the curves of her own body. But when a cold Winter wind blows her life in a direction she doesn't want to go, her street smarts and seductive skills are put to the test of a lifetime. Unwilling to lose, this ghetto girl will do anything to stay on top.

Disclaimer: The Coldest Winter Ever is a novel with some very adult scenes and topics. This is definitely for older, more mature teens and adults.

This novel's harsh realities were almost painful to read. Winter's perspective is so twisted she can't see straight, and everyone around her is either as blind as she is, or trying to protect her. This novel is a roller coaster that drags you through the ups and downs of Winter's life. If you want a novel that will have you up at 3 a.m., dying to know what happens next, and a novel that you have to chew on for a day or so to fully grasp, this is definitely it.

Winter Santiaga is an incredibly complicated character. While her personality and perspective are shallow and materialistic, what she represents is something much deeper. Winter represents everything wrong with the current generation of youth, specifically black youth. She can't see past her own world of drugs, crime, and material possessions. She doesn't understand the value of working, learning, or caring for other people. For her, school is a fashion show, and her whole life is focused on looking better than her peers. This is all encouraged by her mother.

The fact that I can't remember Winter's mother's name is a testament to how shallow her character was and how little family meant in this novel. While it is apparent that Winter's mother loves her husband and daughters, she steers them all completely wrong. She instills in her daughters ideas that money and physical beauty are the only things important in life, that richer means better, and that a woman's job is to be beautiful. While she occasionally cares emotionally for Winter, we never see her care for Winter's younger sisters this way. It seems that the family is, for the most part, separated.

Ricky Santiaga, Winter's father, is slightly better. While he is more level-headed, he allows his silly wife to steer him wrong. Although it seems he wants to be there for his family emotionally, he has no time, because he's busy running a huge illegal drug business. He encourages materialism in his daughters, because this is the only way he can show his love for them. Unlike Winter's mother, he does want a better life for her, moving his family out of Brooklyn, and telling her to marry a doctor or a lawyer. However, he never suggests that Winter should go to school and try to become a doctor or a lawyer.

Bullet, Winter's love interest for a time, is just plain ignorant. He tries to fill some ever-present need to feel masculine with Winter's devotion and affection. Mostly, though, he sees her as a possession, one that he's finally earned with money. In the end, he's just a scared little boy who covets others' possessions, and tries to get them by dealing drugs.

Midnight seems like the only character in the book with some sort or perspective, other than Sister Souljah herself, who plays a minor role. Born in Sudan, he sees the world much differently than the locals. While still quite sexist himself, he at least tries to get Winter to respect herself and dress appropriately. He even introduces her to Sister Souljah, who can help Winter find her way. (Winter is too screwed up to take advantage of this.) He keeps his hands clean of any connections to actual drugs, and makes money as a sort of assistant to Santiaga.

This novel really represents a terrible mentality that some people live in. Winter is constantly disrespecting herself, and cares about no one but herself. When her family is all but destroyed, she moves on without a shedding tear, only thinking of herself. Winter's story is wildly interesting and infinitely sad, on a base level, and a universal one.

I highly recommend this book. If you're old enough and mature enough to read some very adult scenes, and understand the messages embedded in it, I definitely suggest you grab a copy. You will not be disappointed.

Plot: 9.5/10
Readability: 10/10
Character Development: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
Writing: 9/10

I will be reviewing Midnight by Sister Souljah next Thursday. It's listed as a sequel but plot-wise it has absolutely nothing in common with The Coldest Winter Ever, except Midnight.

Tashi <3

P.S. Our contest for your choice of either Played or Jason and Kyra, both by Dana Davidson, ends tomorrow so hurry! hurry! hurry!

A Very Special Review!

2009-08-12T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is our 50th post! That, however is not why this review is special. It's a movie review!

Not just any movie either...one of the first black major motion pictures.

What movie has Ethel Waters, Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, amazing music, the first moonwalk on film (way before MJ), and zoot suits? (Why don't guys wear those anymore?!) Cabin in the Sky!(1943)

Based on the Broadway musical by Lynn Root, John LaTouche, and Vernon Duke, the film tells the story of Joe (Eddie "Rochester" Anderson), a shantytown denizen torn between the affections of faithful wife Petunia (Ethel Waters) and slinky seductress Georgia (Lena Horne). Seriously injured in a barroom brawl, Joe dreams that he is the centerpiece of a celestial power struggle between a heavenly emissary (Kenneth Spencer) and Lucifer Jr. (Rex Ingram), who ironically had played "De Lawd" in The Green Pastures). Joe is given another chance to redeem himself on Earth, lest he fall into the clutches of the Devil's little boy. Louis Armstrong briefly shows up, appropriately cast as "The Trumpeter.

This movie was positively swoon-worthy. I am not big on old movies, but this one was tops. While some scenes seemed a bit scattered, the story was still amazing. It was packed with love, devotion, temptation, and the afterlife.

Ethel Waters is magnificent as Petunia. Her devotion to Joe seems real, aside from her fake crying, her entire performance was wonderful to watch. Her singing is phenomenal. It will definitely make you want to look twice at music of the 40's.

Eddie Anderson plays a humorous Little Joe, struggling with temptation, while trying to stay good for his wife's sake and his own. His reactions are great.

Rex Ingram and Kenneth Spencer play off of each other well as the devil's son and an angel, and their rivalry is fun to watch. I found Rex particularly entertaining.

And last but not least...Lena Horne as Georgia. I have a total girl crush on Lena Horne.
I liked her already, because of her role as Glenda in The Wiz, but this movie and Stormy Weather have seriously made me a fan. She is infinitely poised, humorous, and plays the "seductress" role quite well. Not only that, her voice is amazing. It's sweet and pitch-perfect.

Overall, this is a great look into the past. Though it does dabble in the blackface comedy arena (not in the actual appearances of the characters, but in their words and actions), as most old movies tend to do, it is altogether enjoyable to watch and an important part of black culture and history.

Check back later, because I'll also be reviewing Stormy Weather, The Wiz and Wicked, the musical. None bookish, all fantastic.

Tashi <3

P.S. Check out its super-old movie trailer!

Wednesday Wonder

2009-08-12T21:51:00.001-07:00

I'm wondering...Do you ever get Deja Vu sometimes, only to realize it's because of something you read in a book? Do you ever think you had a dream of something, only to remember it was a scene in a book?

Sometimes I feel like my mind mashes fiction with reality.

Tashi <3

FREKKIN HUGE CONTEST!!

2009-08-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Head over to Princess Bookie RIGHT NOW, who's giving away:

1. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC
2. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC
3. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC
5. Troy High by Shana Norris ARC
6. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC
7. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC
8. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
9. Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)
10. a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)
11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)
12. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
13. Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC
14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS.

Please, please, please! mention that Taste Life Twice sent you so we both get extra entries!

Tashi <3

Tuesday Taste

2009-08-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

A beautifully bittersweet novel, If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

Page 96:

"Was it lying that I didn't tell him Jeremiah was black? Why should that matter? Why did any of it matter? Outside, the sun was setting over Central Park. I pressed my hand to my lips-wondering what it would feel like to kiss Jeremiah. Wondering if I'd always be wondering."

I 95% sure I went over the sentence limit. Oh well, happens.

Tashi <3

Help!!

2009-08-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not following any blogs?! That's what my dashboard says. It is SO wrong. I was following over a hundred! Anybody know what I should do?

Lunes de Musica <3

2009-08-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Today, I shall be talking about my favorite band I discovered who isn't quite known, but wonderfully great nevertheless. They are called..

dun dun dunuh! [trumpets playing]

There for Tomorrow

What can I say about this band??? Well, they are a young group from Florida, with absolutely AMAZING talent! Of course, some of you wonderful music lovers might not be a huge fan of rock music, but I highly suggest you open your heart and give the a listen because I ended up falling in love with them and I hope you do, too. =] Their full debut albumn just came out on June 9th [ A Little Faster ] and as soon as I found out, I had to buy it!

The cd A Little Faster is memorable and awesome, with mixtures of acoustic and Indie/Rock with the wonderful sounds of Alternative. The lyrics are real and down-to-earth, the sort of lyrics all teens can relate to. Their self-titled albumn is also spectacular! They've won the MTVU Woodie Award for breakout artist of the year, beating the amazing bands All Time Low and We the Kings.

Maika Maile and his beautiful, soaring voice is the lead vocalist of the band, along with Guitar and Programming.

Christian Climer does Guitar and Vocals.

Christopher Kamrada does Drums and Samples.

Jay Enriquez does Bass and Vocals.

Have you ever found that crush you play games with, the kind of games where we pretend and play around the bush, trying to make the other one cave in and make a move because we're afraid of what might happen?

Or the person who's alone and confused with how they feel and depend on other people for the happiness and get away they need?Or even where you don't know who's winning the game that got out of control, you or your crush?These are explained in the catchy metaphors and rythmns of There for Tomorrow. That we all feel that way in some point. Actually, they highly remind me of the band My Chemical Romance, but not so violent. It's more about the games we play with love and basicaly are for the teens who use music to explain how the feel. I highly recommend them and hope you fall in love with them, too. To find more information about them, you can find them on http://www.purevolume.com/therefortomorrow or www.myspace.com/therefortomorrow and check out interviews and music videos on youtube.com and mtv.com . I hope you enjoy!!!!

<3 Kiki

P.S.- Who else here likes to use music as a way to explain how we feel inside??? I know I do!

P.P.S- Here's one of my favorite songs from their new cd.

Where Have I Been?!

2009-08-10T01:35:00.000-07:00

So around Thursday, I kind of gave up on vacationing and blogging at the same time. Sorry, but it's been all fun and sleep.

I'm usually an all or nothing sort of person, so once I didn't post one day, I didn't really want to post the next. I felt like I'd have to do all the posts.

But I have decided....to throw them to the wind. Throwback Thursday, gone. Freestyle Friday, next week. Saturday Review, kaput. Sunday Sum-Up, what's to sum up?

I'm starting fresh with Monday Musings.

Hereeeeee we go. (Once upon a time not long ago, when people wore pajamas and lived life slow. lol)

The new Liar cover makes me happy. I feel like I had a small part in a little change.
I'm going to miss my sister. :(
A blog makeover is coming soon. :)
Books will be waiting for me when I get home. :D
Ellen Hopkins inspires me.
All this time in Cali, I've been wondering where the cute boys were. Now I see. New York.
If it's not NY pizza, it's not pizza.
Subways: not as exciting as tourists think.
Tourists....so....annoying.....o.O...so....slow....and.....gawky
Chinese food delivers out here, like in the movies. :D
My sister is a scientist. Seriously.
Slurpies are best at 2 a.m.
Central Park is pretty.
Washington Square is alive.
The Met is amazing.
Sauerkraut isn't so bad.
I went to see Wicked.
Wicked was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.
More amazing, Oprah was there. I was literally six feet from her walking out.
Snuck into the Times Square Marriott. Rode to the top floor.
Saw Jojo (Rev Run's son) in Dave and Buster's today. My sister and I were the only ones to recognize him. We didn't bother him.
I <3>
Must pack now. Angry sister. lol I'll miss her.

~Tashi

New Liar Cover!

2009-08-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

If you've read my previous posts, you know that I was pretty outraged about the Liar cover controversy.

There's a new cover now! :D

It comes out in October. I'm buying two copies.

Thanks to Ari, who's blog I first saw this on.

Read Justine Larbalestier's post about it. She had a hand in designing it.

A Question: If Bloomsbury really didn't see anything wrong with the first cover, they would have stuck to their guns, claiming it represented the book. I guess this is their backwards way of apologizing. It almost makes me not want to buy it. Almost.

And am I the only one that realizes this girl has light skin, hazel eyes, and hair that isn't exactly cut short to her head or nappy? One step at a time.

Six Flags, Dunkin Donuts, and Indigo Prophecy + a Wednesday Wonder

2009-08-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

New. York. is. Amazing!! AJA;GRIANJRDNAI;O!! And that's all in dinosaur, not lion. :D

So far I've:
Discovered that Dunkin Donuts (should be its own food group)
Had fresh bagels.
Gone to a mall so big even I "[cried] out hold, enough". (Reference)
Had Italian ices. (pretty good, very drippy)
Gone across the Brooklyn and the Manhattan Bridge.
Gone to a Barnes and Noble (bought and finished Burned)
Gone to Six Flags Grand Adventure (rode all the hugest roller coasters)
Accidentally ended up in Alphabet City (Rent!)
Gone to Ralph's! (a small sandwich shop in NJ; Best. Sandwiches. Ever. Period.)
Played Indigo Prophecy (swoon-worthy and movie-like)

Did I mention I did all of this with my only sister? The one I haven't seen in like 2 years? Bliss.

Anyhow, that's why there's no Tuesday post. On with Wednesday...

Wednesday Wonder
What books do you bring on vacation? Do you buy books while you're on vacation? Do you ever get the chance to read them?

Tashi <3

Music MONDAYY!!!!!

2009-08-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hello dear followers!!!

This wonderful Music Monday will be:

Artist of the Week!!!!

Asa!!!

This week's artist of the week for you music lovers will be an artist recommended to me by zettaelliott. As promised, I took a listen to Asa and I loved what I heard. I liked how it's very cultural.. and catchy!!! Her voice rings in your mind for a long time, and it's amazing. She's a wonderful Nigerian singer and if you're up to keep your mind and heart open, you'd give her a listen; just in case you might like it. ;] Her stage name, Asa, means "hawk" in Youruba. She's very interesting to listen to! I enjoy the stories her music tells, and with the drums and guitar playing in symphony, it created something beautiful. Check her out on http://www.itunes.com/asa/asa or www.myspace.com/asaofficial !!

Now, if you like what you heard, please feel free to tell me your thoughts and recommendations of other artists, anybody. =]
Thanks!!!

<3 Kiki

Winners!!

2009-08-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

I'll e-mail the winners tomorrow because:
1. I'm too tired to do it now.

2. It's always more exciting to read it in a blog than an e-mail.

36 People entered and 3 won.

The winner of Evermore is...Crystal!!

The winner of 24 Girls in 7 Days is...Jessica!!

The winner of Just Listen is...BrittLit!!

Congrats!

Tashi <3

Sum-ups, Apologies, and NY

2009-08-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

Here's what we've been up to this week:

Monday we Mused and asked you what kind of Music you listen to.

We added a book to our contest on Take it Tuesday.

Wednesday we Wondered about prologues, epilogues, and series.

Our Throwback Thursday was The Watsons go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis.

We began a new contest for Free Friday!!

And now we're Summing it all up.

Moving on to apologies.....no Saturday Review :( but you'll get one out of me next week for sure! Even if I am in New York.

New. York. Is. Fun. I have yet to take pictures. I went to a mall so big that I went on overload and had to leave. It was SO HUGE! I also got a massage and ordered Chinese food. (It actually came to the door like a pizza!) Oh, and Dunkin Donuts is UHMAZING.

Tashi <3

Free Friday!!

2009-07-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

How awesome is Susan from Color Online? So awesome she's giving us a free book to give to you! That's pretty swoon-worthy.

Now, I've always been bad with decisions, so I'm letting you decide! Let me know in your comment which you'd rather have.

Played by Dana Davidson (Read my review here!)

When one of Ian's boys dares him to get plain-faced Kylie Winship to sleep with him in just three weeks, he thinks it'll be a breeze. Tall and fine, with honey-colored skin and eyes, Ian is used to getting what he wants from girls. And if he succeeds in playing Kylie, he'll be down with most popular crew in his high school. But this girl who everyone considers a nobody is turning out to be more surprising than he ever could have imagined.

Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson

Kyra Evans isn't popular, or a girl who you stare at when you are walking down the hall. So why can't Jason-basketball star and the hottest guy in school-get her out of his head?Under normal circumstances, Jason and Kyra would live in their separate worlds up until graduation. But fate intervenes and the unlikely duo is paired up for a class project. Preconceived notions abound on both sides.but Kyra soon realizes that Jason is not the dumb jock that she had assumed him to be. And Jason finds himself telling Kyra things he can't even tell his best friend. As the two become friends and eventually start to fall in love, no one in school can believe it-especially not Jason's ex, who is determined to break them up. Being together means navigating the obstacles that are coming their way-but staying apart may be impossible.

Contest open to followers in the U.S. only! Contest ends August 14th! (My mom's b-day. There's an extra entry if you remember to wish her a happy b-day!)

Entries! Oh how I love entries!:
+1 for telling me your e-mail and which book you want
+2 for following Reading in Color
+2 for following Black-Eyed Susan's
+2 for thanking Susan for this lovely contest at Color Online
+3 for following Color Online
+4 for linking this contest
+10 for accepting the Color Me Brown Book Challenge
+1 for not complaining about me going overboard with the entries lol

You don't have to leave separate comments! How much of a pain would that be?

FYI: I am planning on throwing a FREAKIN HUGE celebration contest once we get a hundred followers.

Tashi <3

P.S. Our Contest for Evermore by Alyson Noel, Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, and 24 Girls in 7 Days by Alex Bradley ends Friday at 11:59 p.m. There's a link to it in our sidebar!

Grrrr. This post won't let me add spaces. >:[ Sorry guys.

Throwback Thursday!

2009-07-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

*Yawn* Another late post.

The Watsons go to Birmingham--1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis.

A wonderful middle-grade novel narrated by Kenny, 9, about his middle-class black family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. When Kenny's 13-year-old brother, Byron, gets to be too much trouble, they head South to Birmingham to visit Grandma, the one person who can shape him up.

What the....? That's not the book I remember. *Goes to bookshelf. Looks at back cover.*

Enter the hilarious world of ten-year-old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. There's Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron, who's thirteen and an "official juvenile delinquent." When Momma and Dad decide it's time for a visit to Grandma, Dad comes home with the amazing Ultra-Glide, and the Watsons set out on a trip like no other. They're heading South. They're going to Birmingham, Alabama, toward one of the darkest moments in America's history.

Now that's the story I remember! Barnes and Noble=Synopsis Fail. On with the review...

This book is hilarious. I first read it in 5th grade and the first chapter STILL cracks me up. It's just plain funny. At the same time, it deals with the subject of racism in the South during the Civil Rights Movement and specifically with the church bombing in Birmingham, when four little girls were killed. This book is the definition of heart-warming, in more than one way.

I don't remember much about specific characters, except that Kenny's perspective is funny, Kenny's Dad's reactions are hilarious, and Byron is just fun to laugh at because of his serious, brooding, I'm-a-tough-man-act. Mostly, I remember the family relations being pitch-perfect. You could just feel the love between the pages.

I also remember very little about the plot, since I reread this about 4 years ago. All I know is that the handling of the church bombing issue made me want to cry and most of the scenes were either hilarious, in that "Kids Say the Darndest Things" way, or they made you feel all warm and gooey inside. I seriously connect a lot of this book with memories from my childhood, so it's hard not to love it. That being said, as a fifth grade reader, this really made me want to read everything I could get my hands on.

This was just an excellent book. I'm planning on re-reading it, just because it's so special. It's definitely for yougner kids, though. I'd say 3rd-6th grade. If you have a reluctant reader, this is a great one to give them. Plus, it is a GREAT book to read aloud.

Don't just take my word for it. I'll list a few of it's many awards.

A 1996 Newbery Honor Book

A 1996 Coretta Scott King Honor Book

An ALA Top Ten Best Book

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

An ALA Notable Children's Book

An IRA Young Adults' Choice

A New York Times Book Review Best Book

A Publisher's Weekly Best Book

And that's just to name a few.

Plot: 8/10

Readability: 9/10

Character Development: 7/10

Ending: 7/10

Writing: 9/10

Tashi <3

Wednesday Wonder

2009-07-29T23:38:00.000-07:00

Okay so I took a nap, and when I woke up, Wednesday was almost over. Yikes! So here's the Wednesday Wonder.

I wonder...Do you read prologues or epilogues?

Personally I rarely read prologues but I always read epilogues.

Also...How do you feel about series (What's the plural of series?) that never end? Do you cherish life-long characters or cry for stand-alones.

Personally, I think there's a four book maximum. I love this series called Fearless by Francine Pascal, but there are over 50 books. I own 15. Everything started going downhill around #9.

~Tashi

Take it Tuesday!!!

2009-07-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Did I just invent this meme so I could knock out an announcement and make it my actual post for the day? Why yes, I did!

We've reached 50 followers! Admittedly, 2 are related to me and one is me, but who cares! Balloons, streamers, those thingies that unravel when you blow on them, take it all out and let's celebrate!

As promised, the contest that originally featured one book now features 3!! And the new book is....drumroll please.....Just Listen by Sarah Dessen! Yay!!

Personally, I thought it was a superfluous version of Speak, but it does have that certain Sarah Dessen flair, and I will be a little pouty boxing it up and sending it off. lol

Nehow, keep following because we'll have more awesome contests in the future!

If you haven't entered this contest, comment here. If you have, then yay! Extra entries!

Tashi<3

Music Monday!!!

2009-07-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Why ello there, dear followers! I have now decided I will try to type in a British accent because:

A- I find accents absolutely AWESOME! and

B- I had just woke from a nap where, in my dreams, I happened to be living back-in-the-day in Britain living the story of Pride and Prejudice written by the famous Jane Austen [who happened to be British]

A random dream, yes, but a dream nevertheless.

Anyhow, it is the marvelous Music Monday!

And the Taste of the Week is... Mystery Flavored Air Heads!!!!

Of course, allow me to explain myself..

Last week I sort of jumped ahead and decided to talk of lyrics. Yet, as I soon figured several hours after the fact, I knew nothing of what you dear people liked to listen to! Dear me! I'm so sorry!

Therefore, I would absolutely love to hear from you!

What type of music do you like to listen to???

Who is your favorite artist(s) and what do you adore about them??

Don't be afraid to leave a comment of message nor be afraid to tell your favorite genre because Miss Kiki here happens to love and find something beautiful of ALL genres. Therefore, comment away, and with them I shall see who the wonderful Artist of the Week shall be!

Much love, darlings!

<3>

Monday Musings

2009-07-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

We're 3 followers away from our 50 follower goal!
Southern California is positively sweltering right now.
There's a first look at the Volturi out now.
I'll be drooling over Alice in Wonderland until its midnight premiere in March.
I've gotten all kinds of bookish goodies, but I can't be bothered to do Mailbox Monday.
I've finished all the books from the previous Mailbox Monday and will be reviewing them sometime in September.
In the meantime, I'll be delighting in Susan's Color Me Brown Book Challenge.
Despite all the delicious books I've got right now, I have to focus on reading Crime and Punishment for school. I'm on page 64, and so far it's been nothing but monologues.
I'm building something super secret that I won't even tell Kiki about. I'll show it to you later this week.
I'll be visiting my sister in New York very soon. I'm super excited! My laptop's coming with me. I'll try to take some cool pictures.
I should be researching colleges, but I'm having some serious anxiety issues over it.
I think I'll go get a popsicle now. :)

Tashi <3

Sunday Sum-Up

2009-07-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a summary of what our second week in the blogosphere was like:

Monday we brought you our first Music Monday.

Tuesday we gave you a Taste of 24 girls in 7 Days by Alex Bradley.

We WoWed Rachel Vincent's My Soul to Take, showed you our interview, and linked you to Justine Larbelestier on Wednesday.

Our Throwback Thursday was 24 Girls in 7 Days. I gave you our opinion of the Liar cover controversy, and asked White readers to speak up.

Friday we showed you a Favorite Quote and shook our heads at a Twilight Google.

Saturday I took a writing challenge and dove head first into the Color Me Brown Book Challenge, reviewing Played by Dana Davidson. We reminded you that we needed 9 more followers (now it's 5!) to add another book to our contest.

And now we're summing it all up.

Thanks for another great week, guys! You'll see us tomorrow.

Tashi <3

Attention Followers!!!

2009-07-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

You have a little less than a week to help us gain 9 more followers so we can add yet another book to our contest!

My dad even helped you guys out. He's my 41st follower. *embarrassment* haha jk but I'd really like to gain 10 followers, since my dad only half-counts, but nine will do.

I'll post a reminder the day before the contest ends! (Can you tell that I'm excited?)

Tashi <3

Color Me Brown Book Challenge + Saturday Review

2009-07-25T20:26:00.001-07:00

We're accepting Susan's challenge, and committing to reading and reviewing books by and about people of color, during the month of August, and beyond. Accept the challenge, too! Bonus: Drawing for free books!

We're Kicking it off with a review of Played by Dana Davidson. It's Delish. ( I adore alliteration.)

When one of Ian's boys dares him to get plain-faced Kylie Winship to sleep with him in just three weeks, he thinks it'll be a breeze. Tall and fine, with honey-colored skin and eyes, Ian is used to getting what he wants from girls. And if he succeeds in playing Kylie, he'll be down with most popular crew in his high school. But this girl who everyone considers a nobody is turning out to be more surprising than he ever could have imagined.

When I think about the book Played, all I can think of is, real. This story feels like something that could have actually happened to me, or my friend, or a girl from my school. The basic synopsis doesn't feel new, but that isn't because I've read something like it. It's because this is a story we've heard a million times in everyday life. Seeing it from the inside, and placing yourself inside the characters' shoes is almost surreal. This was a quick read, with some depth. It was a realatable story and a warning.

Kylie Winship is definitely a likeable character. Unlike the Gossip Girls or Bella Swans of the world, you don't find yourself thinking, "This is completely illogical." I could see myself in Kylie's situation. I could see myself having the same thoughts. Her mind is wrapped up in something that all girls have experienced, infatuation. Sometimes she makes stupid mistakes, but they are stupid mistakes that I think most girls could find themselves making. They say wise people learn from the mistakes of others. Reading this novel, you can see Kylie's mistakes, and avoid them. I think this is what the author intended.

Ian Striver is the type of boy your parents are always warning you about. He's gorgeous, persuasive, and smooth. Too smooth. In a novel like Played, it's easy to hate a guy like Ian. He's trying to use a girl for his own personal gain. He doesn't care if he hurts her. All he cares about is what his friends think. But Ian is deeper than that. Reading the novel from his point of view, we see that he has an extreme need to be accepted, which I feel is related to his absentee-father issues. However, I feel that this relationship was not explored enough in the novel to make me excuse his actions.

Tracy and Dez, Kylie's best friends, are loyal and honest. They warn her about Ian's bad reputation and wily ways. Both of them, Dez especially, try to keep Kylie's head out of the clouds and remind her that she's only known Ian a short while. They are excellent friends to her throughout the novel, and their relationships are real and adorable to read about.

I have seriously found a new fictional crush in Terrance. We don't get enough face time with him in the novel, but when we do, we find that he is caring, compassionate, attentive, and sweet. He's totally prepared to be the kind of guy Ian isn't willing to be. I rooted for him the entire novel. Does Kylie end up with Terrance? With Ian? Someone else entirely? Alone? You'll have to read it for yourself.

The FBI, your standard popular male click, and the popular girls, were one-dimensional and annoying, just like they were meant to be. At one point we see a hint of something deeper: compassion from Tricia, a need to be accepted from Michael, but other than that they're your average jerks.

I found the relationships between parent and child in the novel especially fantastic. The relationships between Kylie and her mom and Ian and his mom were adorable, real, and even heart-warming, and the absentee fathers added some depth to the characters. I also found Kim, Ian's sister, down-to-earth, sensible, and very likeable.

Overall, this was a very good novel. It was easy to place myself in Kylie's shoes. More than once, I flung this novel down in anger at Ian. (Dramatic irony can be very frustrating.) It was a very good read.

Plot: 7/10 It's probably a story you've heard before in real life.
Readability: 8.5/10
Character Development: 9/10
Ending: 7/10
Writing: 9/10 It felt very real.

You can read the first chapter of Played here for free! Or you can buy it for as little as $3.50 off Amazon.

Tashi <3

Water and a Teenager

2009-07-25T00:39:00.000-07:00

Sallyhanan's Blog issued a challenge. Don't look at your screen. Write something about a teenager and water for 10 minutes. Edit Later.

I've always liked a challenge, so here it is. You can give me you honest opinion. Amateur would be a compliment for my writing. Seriously.

Drip.

Drip.

Drip .

The leaky faucet was driving Lina crazy. Between the telephone call in the middle of the night from some unnamed stranger and that damned faucet, she hadn’t gotten any sleep. She decided to get up and see what she could do about it. She let her foot press gently against the cold floorboards of her room, hoping they wouldn’t let out a groan and wake her sleeping family. Sleeping. Lucky them.

She felt her way to the kitchen, and placed a bucket beneath the leaky faucet. Better, she thought. Water burst from a hole to her left, jutting straight out of the wall. Why would water pour in from the side?, she wondered. Before her mind could even wrap around the word flood, the water began to pour from the ceiling.

Not from the sky above, but from the ceiling itself. A gushing waterfall of salty liquid, closing in around her, suffocating her. She tried to call out for help, but no one could hear. Why could no one hear? She was drowning, drowning in an ocean that had come out of nowhere to seal her in its grasp. “Angie!”, she cried out. But Angie couldn’t hear her. Angie was far away, drowning, drowning with no one to save her. Just like before. Just like always. Just like that night.

She gave up. Guilt was far heavier than the waves lashing against her face. She let herself sink to the bottom with a gurgle. She let all her hopes and dreams for the future slip away into black peace she found in the depths of the ocean.

Lina awoke with a start. Just a dream, she promised herself, just another bad dream. It was the same bad dream she’d had over and over again. The dream always ended the same way, with that last, slow gurgle.

She had to fix that faucet. She didn’t want its slow dripping seeping into her subconscious, igniting memories she’d much rather forget.

That's all folks. It's your turn now.

If you accept the challenge, let me know. I'd love to read it.

Tashi <3

Twilight Google?!!

2009-07-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

Edward Cullen has his own Google. He is officially on a whole other level. This is ridiculous.

The bigger Twilight gets, the less I like it.

Favorite Quote Friday

2009-07-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here's one Kiki and I found amusing and oh so true. :)

"The main effort of arranging your life should be to progressively reduce the amount of time required to decently maintain yourself so that you can have all the time you want for reading." — Norman Rush

Seriously, It's like eat, sleep, blog, pretend to be normal in social situations, read. And soon I'll eliminate the social situations. Very soon. Haha

Tashi<3

Throwback Thursday!!!!

2009-07-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

24 girls in 7 days by Alex Bradley.

There are a few things sadder than Jack Grammer's love life.

So when his friends take it upon themselves to get him a date to the prom by placing an intensely humiliating ad in the school paper, they think they are doing him a favor. Jack doesn't agree. But then the most amazing thing happens: Responses to the ad are overwhelming. So overwhelming, in fact, that Jack must narrow the list down. A lot. Not an easy task. Turns out, the girls at City High are quite the competitive bunch. From drive-by flashings to breaking and entering to cellphone stalkers, these potential prom dates will stop at nothing to snag the suddenly popular Jack. How will he ever chose just one?

I absolutely adored this novel! It's a completely realistic view into the opposite sex's mind of an average High School Senior guy. The way Brad

Why We Need White Readers to Pay Attention

2009-07-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

If you saw my last post about the cover of Liar, you know that the publishing company put a picture of a White girl with long hair on the cover, while the character describes herself as a Black girl with short hair. The publishing company claims that the character is a liar, and this is just another one of her lies.

However, if you look at Justine Larbalestier's post about it, which I included in my last post, this was obviously not her intention. She was against the cover in the first place, and the publishing company knew it. Why did they use it anyway? Because white teens simply don't buy books with black people on their covers. I asked why in my last post, but I suspect I will never get an answer.

I've got a challenge for you. Read Collen's post about it at Chasing Ray, and make a decision for yourself. I think that any sensible person who is for equality will care about this issue.

Next, e-mail Deb.Shapiro@bloomsburyusa.com in PR and tell her that you think this is wrong. Because it really is just wrong.

Why do we want White readers to do this? Because we want to show this company that this isn't just a Black issue. We want to show them that White teens, the people they think won't buy a book with a Black girl on the cover, care about this issue too. We want to show them that they can make money, while staying true to characters of all races.

This could be one small step toward demolishing the separate African-American Lit section in bookstores. We got rid of "separate but equal" bathrooms and restaurants. Why are our bookstores still "separate but equal"?

Please e-mail Ms. Shapiro. That's really all I can say. The decision remains yours.

Tashi <3

P.S. Read what Ari at Reading in Color has to say here, Shalonda's opinion here, what Susan at Color Online thinks here, and what Reviewer X adds here.

A Question for White Readers

2009-07-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

Would you buy a book with an African-American person on the cover? I'm guessing most people would answer yes. Now go look at your bookshelf. How many books have African-Americans or any people of color on them? I'm guessing, not a lot. Why is this? I really want to know. I really don't believe people would be opposed to buying a book with a person of color on the cover, but why don't people take that extra step and actually buy it?

This was prompted by Justine Larbalestier's post here about why the cover of her book, Liar, looks nothing like the character described in it.

An excerpt: Every year at every publishing house, intentionally and unintentionally, there are white-washed covers. Since I’ve told publishing friends how upset I am with my Liar cover, I have been hearing anecdotes from every single house about how hard it is to push through covers with people of colour on them. Editors have told me that their sales departments say black covers don’t sell. Sales reps have told me that many of their accounts won’t take books with black covers. Booksellers have told me that they can’t give away YAs with black covers. Authors have told me that their books with black covers are frequently not shelved in the same part of the library as other YA—they’re exiled to the Urban Fiction section—and many bookshops simply don’t stock them at all. How welcome is a black teen going to feel in the YA section when all the covers are white? Why would she pick up Liar when it has a cover that so explicitly excludes her?

Someone might ask, why would a White teen pick up a cover that's Black, when it excludes them. I think people need to stop worrying about being excluded. When you look at a cover, you should see another teen girl, just like you. Why do you have to feel excluded because their skin is different from yours? There are far more ways in which we are alike.

I really would like a response to this from all my readers, but especially from a White reader. Tell me something, anything. I won't attack you. I'd just like to know how you feel about this. Is there anyone brave enough?

Tashi <3

Protagonists of Color

2009-07-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Justine Larbelestier, author of How to Ditch Your Fairy explains why none of her protagonists are White, despite the fact that she is White.

I think she's enlightened in a lot of ways, and you should read what she has to say. And I mean people of all colors should read what she has to say. Form your own opinion about it.

The post is here.

Tashi <3

We've Been Interviewed!

2009-07-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

We were interviewed by Steph Bowe over at Hey, Teenager of the Year. Here's how it went.

What book or movie is most like your life and why?
Kiki- A Series of Unfortunate Events haha jk Knowing You by Maureen Child, minus the happy ending.
Tashi- My life isn't really like a book or movie. It's way too boring.

Name one book you’ve read in the past year that made you go ‘Wow’.
Both- ANYTHING by John Green!
Kiki- and Nothing to Lose by Alex Flinn.
Tashi- Midnight by Sistah Soulja

You might have read Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. If you haven’t, the basic premise is that this guy can read books aloud, and it cause characters to come out of the story, and people in our world to go inside. Though this happens randomly in Inkheart, imagine you’re able to choose what character would come out of what book, and who, that you know, would be sent back in their place?
We've agreed- Jacob Black comes out for me, Kiki goes in, so that she can go after Edward.

Where will you be and what will you be doing in 2050?
Tashi- Hopefully, I'll be a Nobel Prize-winning author. haha And a cougar. Rawr ;) lolz
Kiki- Hopefully, I'll be married with a successful career and a house. I'll just be happy.

Zombie apocalypse scenario: What is your last meal before you turn into a zombie, and all of your meals become brains?
Kiki- It just has to include brownies and hashbrowns.
Tashi- It has to include brownies and french fries.

Now it's your turn to be interviewed! Comment here with your e-mail.

Tashi <3

Waiting on Wednesday: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

2009-07-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

I read My Soul to Lose, and now I can't wait for this book! It comes out August 1st, and it's sure to be amazing. I've been seeing good reviews.

Also, Maureen Johnson announce a sequel to 13LBE on her blog. There's no title, cover, or date yet, but I'll be WoWing this one for awhile.

Aprilynne Pike has announced second, third, and fourth installments for the Wings series, and I am so excited! There's no title, cover, or date for these yet either.

Tashi <3

Tuesday Taste!!

2009-07-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a lil' taste of el libro 24 girls in 7 days by Alex Bradley.

Page 193 =D

"All my life I'd looked into the future and thought, hey, things are going to be great then. Then. Like, hey, once I get to junior high, everything's going to be cool and people are going to be smarter and nicer and my life will really start. And later, hey, once I get to high school, everything's going to be cool and people are going to be smarter and nicer and my life will really start. Well, junior high was over, and it hadn't been the wonderland I hoped it would be. Now high school was nearly over, and it had been basically the same as junior high, but with cars. And college was next. Now I was dreaming about college, fantasizing about what it would be like and how it would be great and how I would finally be in the place that I loved. But I knew it would turn out just the same: it would be just another insipid popularity contest."

I hope you liked that passage! I randomly opened the book and it happened to land on my most favorite paragragh in this book. =] I completely felt the same way when I read this. Ever since I was a kid, I always dreamed of the wonderous things High School or Junior High would bring. Sadly, it always ended up being a huge disappointment. Those dreams of falling in love proved to be false! And that was the biggest disappointment! Yet of course, there were always those "mean girls" or the "boy every girl wants" and all that jazz we always read about. But in the end, I guess its worth it, to teach us unheard lessons only experiences can teach. =]

<3 Kiki

Keeping My Word: Our Contest Includes Another Book!

2009-07-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

I've always had this little problem. I'm impatient. One instance? If I buy a gift for someone, I want to give it to them. That Moment. It takes a lot of restraint for me to wait. And it seems to be that way with contests for our followers!

So, rather than forcing you to wait until Free Friday to find out what book I'm adding to our contest, I'm telling you now. Although, you can probably guess from the picture.

24 Girls in 7 Days! by Alex Bradley

Jack Grammar, average American senior, has no date to the prom. Or so he thinks. Percy and Natalie, Jack's so-called best friends, posted an ad in the classified section of the online version of the school newspaper. They figured it couldn't hurt-after all, there's not much in this world sadder than Jack's love life. Soon Percy and Natalie have assembled a list of girls eager to go to the prom with Jack, including one mysterious girl known only as FancyPants. He has just seven days to meet and date them before he will ask one special girl to the prom.

I've only read the first 10 pages or so, but Kiki tells me its hilarious and awesome. Laugh out loud funny. Hopefully, she will grace us all with a Tuesday Taste and review it for our Thursday Throwback.

Haven't entered our contest yet? Want an extra entry for this fun, funny read? Just comment here!

I only have one problem....should both books go to one winner, or should there be two winners, one for each book? Let me know in the poll on this page! It'll close the same day as the contest.

Oh, by the way, which cover do you like best? The winner will get the cover on the left, but I prefer the cover on the right.

I'll see you all Wednesday!

Tashi <3

P.S. If we get 50 followers befor July 31st, I'll add another book. You guys are seriously cleaning me out.

MuSiC MoNdAy!!!

2009-07-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Taste of the Week!.....

Ice Cream!!!

Ok, Kiki in the house here, and I just would like to forwarn you that i compare music to food.

I know, I know, weird right, but works like this--

Music=Love

Love=Food

Food(love)=Music(love)

Soooooooo a=c, c=d, ac=cd, so ad=cc and that must mean a=d ;]

It's all the same! [Especially if you're a math geek like me =D] So, I enjoy comparing the two.

And this Taste of the Week! is Ice Cream.

Have you ever noticed when it comes to a song, it's like a big, delicious scoop of your favorite ice cream?? You just take a bite and all the sudden you're in this beautiful ice land of amazing happiness!!! Your muscles relax, you smile and giggle a bit, and for a short while, the world stops spinning and there's no reason to worry about the things we shouldn't even worry about [and we all know we do]. Ice cream's our little escape and so is music in my opinion. Hence, why our taste of the week is ice cream.

So! Ice Cream is made of many things, and I'd like to talk about one of it's main ingredients- sugar AKA the lyrics =D Lyrics are awesome! Without the lyrics, the song won't even be half as sweet!

Here are just 3 of my favorite lyrics from a few of my FaVoRiTe bands:

"I like you.
Girl you don't got nothing to prove to me.
I know that times have been rough for the both of us.
But I'll pray for change
You see this world has lots to offer but at times it will go dark And if this love is what we say it is
I'm sure it will go far and with a girl as sweet as you
There's not much else I can do.. but fall for you."

-Hummingbird by Never Shout Never

"To wake up knowing you've got the day
To take on without feeling okay
To make yourself unwilling to sleep away(Sleep away the pain)
Don't take off running without my say
Don't pay that price
You thought you'd pay
You've got the choice
You've got the time of day
Just don't sleep away the pain"

- The World is Calling by There for Tomorrow

"There's only us

There's only this

Forget regret

Or life is yours to miss

No other road

No other day

No day, but today"

-No Day, but Today by the musical cast of RENT <33

So! leave a comment or what-not, telling me what your favorite lyric is! =D

What lyric or lyrics make's your favorite song sweet?

<3 Kiki

Sunday Sum-Up

2009-07-19T04:07:00.000-07:00

Well it's been an exciting first week of blogging, to say the least. For the 10 followers we have, I hope you're enjoying this blog. I also hope that one day I can reward my special first-weekers. Anyhow, here's a summary of what we've been up to.

This Week's Tastes:

Monday we brought you our very first Mailbox Monday.

Tuesday we let you Taste Evermore.

We WoWed Will Grayson, Will Grayson on Wednesday and Wondered if you use bookmarks and how you read. Later, we introduced ourselves and gave an opinion of a Miley Cyrus style Wings movie.

We reviewed My Life as a Rhombus for the very first Throwback Thursday, and got excited about a Twilight graphic novel.

We threw you a comic and a contest on Friday and called you out for the Diversity Roll Call.

We saved you a Saturday review of Evermore and gave you a chance to snag it.

And now, we're summing it all up.

Be sure to check back Monday when Kiki brings you the very first Music Monday. I can't wait to see what rockin' new music she has in store.

See you soon,

Tashi <3

Review: Evermore by Alyson Noel

2009-07-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.

Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.

Reading the synopsis for this novel, I was extremely intrigued. How could a character who reads minds and auras be boring? However, this novel disappointed me. It wasn't the whirlwind I expected, and there just wasn't enough magic. The mind reading and aura reading wasn't cute or shocking, it just was. It didn't spice up the story like I would have liked.

Also, the plot seemed quite predictable, and even though there was a twist, it seemed contrived and pointless. You think Damen is one thing, and he turns out to be something slightly different, but it really makes no difference to the story. It seemed that many plot points were disjointed, having nothing to do with the story, and were never explained. Not only that, but the explanations for certain important things, like Damen's motives for playing mind games with Ever, or the villain's reasons for wanting to be rid of her, didn't seem totally logical or parallel.

Despite the predictability of the novel, and the uselessness of some of the scenes, I couldn't put this book down. I had my suspicions, and I needed to be sure they were correct before labeling the novel "predictable". I figured, either my suspicions would be correct or incorrect, and either I would feel I had predicted the ending or be shocked and amused at a surprise ending. However, I got neither. Instead, I found that I was only slightly wrong, enough so that there was no triumph in the predictability, but not enough so that it changed the plot and shocked or amused me. In a way, I felt trapped, reading a novel that I knew would disappoint me, but unable to stop.

I guess my main problem was the book's ending. It just left a lot unexplained or poorly explained or illogical. Not only that, but it seemed rushed, as if the author had to squeeze the entire climax, explanation, and resolution into the last pages.

As for Ever, I found her character amiable, if dull. She seemed very wishy-washy and not exactly likeable, while not being annoying either. She wasn't totally underdeveloped, but she wasn't developed enough for me to feel compassion for her. Also, her reaction to her family's death seemed more accepting and guilty than sorrowful, which made me care less about it.

I really didn't like Damen. He had all the personality of Edward Cullen. On top of that, rather than focusing on Ever, as Edward does Bella, he just seemed like your average player until the end of the novel, and even then, his motives aren't totally logical. He seems to toy with Ever's heart, flirting with other girls and the like, but he never really explains why. He only says he didn't mean to hurt her. When he was with Ever, he was charming and likable, but as a whole, he just fell short.

Riley, Ever's sister, and Miles, Ever's best guy friend, seemed to me the shining light in this novel. Riley's situation was interesting, cooky, and heartbreaking all at once. She was the perfect sardonic little sister, and I really loved her. As far as Miles, I just wanted to be his best friend the whole novel. He definitely didn't get enough "camera time". He was funny, supportive, entertaining, charming, and lovable. In fact, he was my favorite character. If he hadn't been gay, I would've been rooting for he and Ever to get together.

The mean girls in the novel, who's names I can't be bothered to look up, were depthless and unimportant, just vessels for Damen to flirt with and Ever to worry over. Haven, Ever's best girlfriend, just seemed like someone who helped the plot along. Ever's aunt seemed to be necessary for Ever's living situation to make sense.

All in all, this novel seemed like a bad version of Twilight to me. It just didn't hit it's mark. There were some shining moments, a few adorable or interesting scenes, but I just didn't like it very much. Let's just say this, it wasn't absolutely horrible, but it wasn't good either. I wouldn't buy the second book, but I might read it if it fell into my hands. Then again, I might be afraid of getting trapped again.

But the fact that I got trapped is a compliment to the writing, I suppose.

Plot: 6/10

Readability: 6/10

Character Development: 5.5/10 Miles gets a .5 all to himself.

Ending: 6/10

Writing: 6.5/10

Don't take my word for it though, snag my copy here, and tell me how you felt about it. Maybe I've got it all wrong.

Tashi <3

A Response to Susan

2009-07-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

Susan's Unofficial List of Great YA by or About Women of Color

Not too long ago, I completed a fun exercise about YA literature. I think it said something about being well-read. Well, the list was light on writers of color so I’m offering a list of my own.

Put an ‘X’ by what you’ve read, “#” by what books are on your tbr and “!” by books you loved. This list in very short and focused on women writers of color. Feel free to add titles in your comments. The list sorely needs works by Native Americans and Latinas for example.

Susan’s Unofficial List of Great YA by or About Women of Color:

1. When Kambia Elaine Flew In From Neptune by Lori A. Williams

2. Every Time A Rainbow Dies by Rita Williams-Garcia

3. No Laughter Here by Rita Williams-Garcia

4. Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia

5. If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson #

6. The House You Pass On The Way by Jacqueline Woodson

7. Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

8. From The Notebooks of Melanin Sun by Jacqueline Woodson

9. Sold by Patricia McCormick

10. Heaven by An Na

11. The Parable of The Sower by Octavia E. Butler

12. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

13. Persepolis by Majane Satrapi

14. The Rock and The River by Kekla Magoon

15. Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins

16. Mare’s War by Tanita S. Davis

17. A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott

18. Down To The Bone by Mayra Lazara Dole

19. Don’t Get It Twisted by Paula Chase

20. Jason & Kyra by Dana Davidson

21. Forged by Fire by Sharon Draper

22. Kendra by Coe Booth

23. Shine, Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger #

24. Does My Head Look Big In This? By Randa Abdel-Fattah

25. Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier

26. Skunk Girl by Sheba Karim

27. The Meaning of Conseulo by Judith Ortiz Cofer

28. In The Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

29. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

30. First Part Last by Angela Johnson

31. Pemba’s Song by Marilyn Nelson

32. Wanting Mor by Rukhsana Khan

33. M + O 4EVR by Tonya Hegamin

34. Lucy The Giant by Sherri L. Smith

35. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

36. Throwaway Piece by Jo Ann Hernandez

37. White Bread Competition by Jo Ann Hernandez

38. Across A Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande

39. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

40. Ash by Malinda Lo #

41. The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake

Well I don't know about Kiki, but I feel like an epic failure. :(

I'll have to change that.

Tashi <3

Free Friday!: Contest for Evermore by Alyson Noel

2009-07-17T08:52:00.001-07:00

Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.

If you would like a copy of Evermore by Alyson Noel, snag my copy by commenting below. Just answer this question: What's your favorite mythical creature?

Contest open to followers in the U.S. only, so if you're not a follower, just hit follow and become one!

+1 entry for commenting on tommorow's review of the book

+1 entry for following Reading in Color

+2 entries for following Color Online

+3 entries for linking or blogging about this contest

Contest ends July 31st. If we get 25 followers before then, it will be a miracle, and I'll add another book.

Tashi <3

Edit: This contest now includes another book! 24 Girls in 7 Days by Alex Bradley. Earn extra entries by commenting on the announcement, or the review.

Friday Fun: A Twilight Comic I Stumbled Upon

2009-07-17T08:39:00.001-07:00

Since you can't see the wording:

Bella: Like, Hi! My name is bella and I'm a special and unique snowflake and I'm so pretty and nerds are so lame! Also, all the teachers at school think I'm sooo awesome!

Edward: Hi. I am Edward and I am a vampire. I have no personality and you and I are void of any kind of actual chemistry.

Bella: Oooo, you're pretty! We should be in love! Let us frolic!

Edward: Okay.

Random Girl on Phone: Okay, Father? I lit the book on fire but I don't think that did the trick. I can feel it...watching...Look would you please just come over and exorcise the thing?....Please?

Tashi <3

Throwback Thursday: My Life as a Rhombus

2009-07-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

Throwback Thursday will be a day when we review a book we read in the past or a book that was published awhile ago.Today's Throwback Thursday is a novel I truly enjoyed: My Life as Rhombus

Boys + Love = Trouble
Right?
Staying on track at school means a boy-free equation for Rhonda Lee, who spends most evenings doing homework and eating Chinese takeout with her dad. While Rhonda needs a scholarship for college, some kids at her private high school, like beautiful Sarah Gamble, seem to coast along on popularity and their parents' money.
When forced to tutor Sarah in trigonometry, Rhonda recognizes all too well the symptoms—queasiness, puking, exhaustion—that Sarah is trying to mask. On a sudden impulse, Rhonda shares her past with Sarah. Exchanging their secrets adds up to more truths than either girl would have dreamed.

My Life as a Rhombus is a rare sort of YA novel. It combines all the romantic pursuit and insecurity of a fluff novel with the depth and maturity of a serious read. This book thwarts the idea that fun novels are lacking in lessons and truth. With all the skill of a great teacher, it slips in its messages between laughs, letting the reader learn subconsciously.

This novel contains lessons about love, loss, friendship, and teen pregnancy, without feeling forced. Reading this, I felt that I was getting a peek inside the mind of an ordinary teenage girl, rather than an adult male author, writing what he thinks teenage girls are like. This is often the painful case when males try to write from the female perspective, especially the teenage female perspective. Varian Johnson doesn't give an inkling of his own gender when writing from the perspective of Rhonda. In fact, I was quite surprised to realize, halfway through the novel, that the author was male.

I found Rhonda a relatable, believable character. Though she is a math whiz, she is in no way intimidating. Unlike the fairies, vampires, immortals, and bad girls that are all the rage these days, she is just a normal girl, who's made her share of mistakes. She is very likeable and logical, never throwing herself headfirst into things like the Bella Swans of the book world. At the same time, her emotions are more than evident and are appropriate to each situation she experiences.

I found David adorable and likeable as well. He was caring and charming, but he also had flaws, making him more real. You could also clearly see that he had an emotional side and a temper.

I don't remember much about Sarah, except that her character evolved quite a bit in the novel from coarse to likeable. The transition was smooth and forced me to change my mind about her.

I don't remember Rhonda's friends, Gail and Xavier, at all, so I don't think they were very well-developed. I remember nothing about Sarah and David's mother, except that I didn't care for her.

Christopher is a huge jerk. He was totally depthless. In the character sense, he had the right amount of depth for his role in the book, but as a person, he was a depthless jerk. This was obviously Johnson's intent, and he really hit the nail on the head, making me dislike this character a great deal. And "a great deal" is an understatement.

Overall, this was a great novel, and I can't remember having any complaints. I have recommended this to multiple friends, and they all liked it as well.

If you are a Caucasian reader who would like to read books by people of color or with main characters that are of color, this is a great novel to start with. There are no heavy themes about race, and it could be a great warm-up for more serious novels.

Plot: 8/10
Readability: 9/10
Character Development: 9/10 The minor characters didn't seem too real.
Ending: 7/10 The book kind of slows to a smooth stop.
Writing: 8.5/10 The writing wasn't exactly lyrical, but it made for believable characters. An extra .5 because this is a male author writing from a teenage, female perspective.

If you would like to read another review of this novel, check out Reading in Color.

Tashi <3

Where's Stephenie?

2009-07-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Well, Ms. Meyer could be working on Midnight Sun, which is what I had assumed. But now I know she is definetely working on....Twilight: The Graphic Novel. That's right, it's like a Twilight manga.

This could either be awesome, or terrible. Time will tell.

Tashi <3

P.S. If you'd like, leave a comment with something funny Edward's word bubble could be saying.

Thank You(s)!!

2009-07-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to Sara at The Hiding Spot. I won her contest for The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen.

And another big thanks to Renee at The Book Girl Reviews. I won a $10 B&N gift card from her blog.

Thanks so much! You guys are awesome! You'll be on my blogroll soon.

Tashi <3

Just an Opinion

2009-07-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

When I told Kiki that Miley Cyrus was going to star in the movie version of Wings, her reaction was the same as mine.

What?! Noooooooooo....

And that is our shared opinion.

Love Wings, but Miley Cyrus should stick to her cool music, which I do occassionally enjoy. And I said Miley Cyrus. By no means did I compliment her alter ego, who shall remain nameless.

Tashi <3

Kiki and Tashi: The Intro

2009-07-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

Similarities:

Opinionated.
Messy.
Smiley.
Night Owls.
Musicals.
High Heels.
Chick Flicks.
Brownies. mmmm...brownies
Teddy Bears.
Beaches.
Books.
Soulmates.

Differences:

Kiki- musically inclined; Tashi- imaginatively articulate
Tashi- likes silence; Kiki- constantly listens to music
Kiki- loves children ; Tashi- finds them annoying
Tashi- loves yellows and pinks; Kiki- loves Midnight Blue
Kiki- talks to her food; Tashi- made out with her bookshelf
Tashi- lives by her laptop; Kiki- lives by her mp3
Kiki- loves romance, horror, and thriller; Tashi- all over the place
Tashi- lives like an only child; Kiki- siblings, siblings, siblings...

Kiki- loves veggies and hashbrowns; Tashi- loves candy and eggs

Tashi- needs personal space; Kiki- has never had any =[
Kiki- watching Role Models; Tashi- watching Freddy Krueger
Tashi- YouTube partners; Kiki- music updates
Kiki- passive-aggressive; Tashi- just aggressive
Tashi- a stressed out mess; Kiki- an emotional wreck
Kiki- plans ahead; Tashi- throws herself into things
Tashi- cats and rodents; Kiki- loves all animals
Kiki- a morning person; Tashi- are you kidding??
Tashi- lazy; Kiki- helpful
Kiki- active; Tashi- sleeping
Tashi- Girly; Kiki- Rocker
Kiki- Autumn; Tashi- Summer!!!
Tashi- Carnations; Kiki- Daffodils
Kiki- patient; Tashi- NOW!
Tashi- obsessive; Kiki- passionate
Kiki- Awesome; Tashi- Lame x]

There you have it. 12 similarities and 25 differences. Why are we best friends again? =p

<3 Kiki

Waiting on Wednesday/We're Wondering Wednesday

2009-07-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens-both named Will Grayson-are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history's most fabulous high school musical.Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan's collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both them legions of faithful fans.

To be honest, it really doesn't matter to me what this synopsis says. John Green always has my vote. What can I say his youtube wit has won me over. I am super excited for this book. With these two authors, there's no telling what wonders are in store.

Now for Wonder Wednesday:

I wonder... Do you use bookmarks? I never have and I never will. I just can't keep up with them and find them generally annoying. And I'm always sad when I lose the great ones. So yes, bookmarks=annoyance and loss. Anyhow....if you do use them, what's your favorite and why?

Kiki wonders...How do you read? Do you read cuddled up with cocoa? (We do!) What's your favorite hot drink to have with a book? Do you prefer to listen to music or silence? Outside or inside?

TTFN,

Tashi <3

A Huge Thanks to Katie Alender!

2009-07-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

For holding a contest for a signed copy her new novel Bad Girls Don't Die, a custom tote bag, and an eye pillow. I won! I'm so excited to read and review this novel! If you'd like to learn about Katie, her website is here.

Just check out this synopsis: To the world, fifteen-year-old Alexis Warren is just a pink-haired troublemaker. She doesn’t have any real friends, and her parents are way too wrapped up in their own problems to bother with hers. Pretty much the only things Alexis can count on are the photographs she creates in her darkroom and her little sister Kasey.

One night, to help take Kasey’s mind off a vicious family argument, Alexis makes up a story — the first thing that comes to mind, really, just a harmless fairytale about a little girl with no friends. But Kasey seems to take the whole thing a little too seriously. Before long, she’s actually bringing parts of the story to life — and people are getting hurt.

Alexis knows she has to find a way to stop her sister before something terrible happens. But with no friends and no help from her parents, she’s basically on her own — until help turns up in the unlikeliest form — Alexis’ archnemesis Megan Wiley, who happens to be the captain of the cheerleading squad.

Better yet, view this amazing trailer.

Tuesday Taste!: Evermore by Alyson Noel

2009-07-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Here's what you do. Grab the book you're currently reading. Turn to a random page. Pick two fabulous sentences.

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Page 24(As picked by the lovely Kiki.): Haven peers at me through narrowed, heavily lined eyes, her jealousy transforming her aura into a dull puke green. I take a deep breath and look at them, thinking how if they weren't my friends, I'd tell them how ridiculous this all is.

You can get Evermore off Amazon right now.

I will be reviewing Evermore sometime next week and most likely giving it away, so look out.

P.S. Is it just me, or does the Evermore cover remind you of a dark version of the cover of North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley.

Mailbox Monday

2009-07-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

As started by The Lovely and Talented Story Siren.

Here are the books I've gotten in the mail and am excited to read!

1. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb

In the class of the high school English teacher she has been haunting, Helen feels them: For the first time in 130 years, human eyes are looking at her. They belong to a boy, a boy who has not seemed remarkable until now. And Helen--terrified, but intrigued--is drawn to him. The fact that he is in a body and she is not presents this unlikely couple with their first challenge. But as the lovers struggle to find a way to be together, they begin to discover the secrets of their former lives and of the young people they come to possess.

2. Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

If Naomi had picked tails, she would have won the coin toss. She wouldn't have had to go back for the yearbook camera, and she wouldn't have hit her head on the steps. She wouldn't have woken up in an ambulance with amnesia. She certainly would have remembered her boyfriend, Ace. She might even have remembered why she fell in love with him in the first place. She would understand why her best friend, Will, keeps calling her “Chief.” She'd get all his inside jokes, and maybe he wouldn't be so frustrated with her for forgetting things she can't possibly remember.She'd know about her mom's new family. She'd know about her dad's fiancee. She wouldn't have to spend her junior year relearning all the French she supposedly knew already.She never would have met James, the boy with the questionable past and the even fuzzier future, who tells her he once wanted to kiss her. She wouldn't have wanted to kiss him back.But Naomi picked heads.

3. Wake by Lisa McMann

For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....

4. Evermore by Alyson Noel

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen. Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.

5. Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

And finally, an e-book. (Not Pictured)

6. Love Waits by Donald James Parker

Cheri is an innocent fourteen-year-old raised in a small town in Nebraska. Her father lands a promotion, demoting her to a status of ‘nobody’ in a much larger and inhospitable city. One of the few people she connects with in her new school spills the beans that Cheri is still a virgin. Some of her cool schoolmates frown on that condition and exert pressure on her to ditch her inhibitions. Faced with the loneliness of the new environment coupled with relationship problems with her father, Cheri finds the temptation growing strong. When her father assigns an older babysitter, she is ready rebel. However, she finds that Jean Macalester is no ordinary sixty-year-old, especially to a girl with aspirations of resuming a love affair with music. Jean's womanly wisdom, background as a flute teacher, and love of God provide a counterweight to the peer pressure of Judy Green, the girl who goes on a personal crusade to convert Cheri to coolness. When Cheri and Duke Williams, Cheri's new crush, discover the church youth group planning a chastity pledge, they have to decide whether to join. In addition to dealing with guarding her own purity, Cheri tries to help friends in distress, win top chair in the band, and set her dad up with the teacher from the chastity class. Everything comes to a climax when two of her friends are brutally assaulted, and they all look to the peace that passes all understanding that only God can provide.

First Review: My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent

2009-07-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Synopsis:It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

My Soul to Lose is a prequel to Rachel Vincent's upcoming novel, My Soul to Take. It introduces Vincent's writing style, as well as the main characters and a small portion of the plot. It is available FREE at eHarlequin right now.

My Soul to Lose is 70-page publicity stunt to entice the reader into buying My Soul to Take. And it totally works! I want my copy right now. I plan on buying it the day it comes out, if I can't find some way to get it sooner. I just know this novel is going to be an interesting read.

My Soul to Lose chronicles the main character, Kaylee's, trip to a shopping mall with her best friend Emma, and gives the reader a glimpse at Kaylee's "special ability". I find Kaylee quite lovable and relateable. I found humor in her aversion to sparkles, and I can't wait to read more of her thoughts in the upcoming book.

I found Kaylee's best friend, Emma, less lovable, however. She is a good friend to Kaylee, but her personality rubs me the wrong way. Although her actions ooze loyalty, her words make her seem like the type to turn easily.

The character Lydia was mysterious and interesting, and I can't wait to dive into her story and figure out her "abilities".

My favorite character, however, probably won't make an appearance in My Soul to Take. I found Mandy, a minor character and another psych ward patient, humorous and inviting, and I'm sad that she most likely will not be included in My Soul to Take.

All in all, My Soul to Lose was a great prequel that has me geared up for My Soul to Take, which I have no doubt will be a thrilling and successful novel.

Also, I recently found out there will be a second installment called My Soul to Save, and the cover art is slightly more to-die-for than My Soul to Take's, if that was even possible.

Plot: 7/10 Very interesting, but we haven't seen much yet.

Readability: 8/10 It kept me interested.

Character Development: 70 pages is not enough to develop characters.

Ending: 9/10 It really made me want to go out and get the next book.

Writing: 8/10 I particularly loved the way Vincent described Kaylee's panic attack.

Tashi <3

Unread

2009-07-12T00:52:00.001-07:00

Booking Through Thursday has given me a reason to write what I consider my very first Book Blog post.
Yes, I'm starting a book blog, and my friend keundria aka kiki may be joining me.
Anyhow, here is a list of my unread books. It is extensive.
These are either school books or books I just picked up at a dollar book store. I need to read them, but somehow they've been put on the backburner.
School Books:
Antigone by Sophocles
Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky
Naked Economics by Charles Wheelan
Book Club Book:
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Just Books:
Accountable by Tavis Smiley
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Audrey Hepburn's Neck by Alan Brown
Candide by Voltaire
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Stevenson
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Iggie's House by Judy Blume
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Night by Elie Wiesel
Quinn's Book by William Kennedy
Running With Scissors by Augusten BurroughsShe's Come Undone by Wally Lamb
The Bad Place by Dean Koontz
The Book of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King
The Ruins by Scott Smith
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Utopia by Thomas More
That's 18 books. Perhaps I'll give some away? Check back and see.
Now, let me hear about your unread.