Mini Reviews 4: Bring on the Minis!

Another set of minis today! I'm becoming really fond of this way of reviewing - it's so much shorter and easier.  Here's hoping I can say it in fewer words!


The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman by Ben H. Winters
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 2010
Pages: 256
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
For: Review

When Bethesda Fielding decides to do her secret project on the mysterious life of boring music teacher Ms. Finkleman, she little expects to uncover what she does.  A former punk-rocker and famous mystery woman, their unassuming teacher is plunged back into the spotlight.  But the discovery is not exactly as either Bethesda or Ms. Finkleman thought it would be. 

My thoughts: This is a short, sweet, and fairly funny story about the mysterious lives of teachers - what do they do outside of school?  A story that seems to not have much depth, but pulls a few surprises before it ends.  It's something to give your MG kids who like music and wonder what their teachers do in their spare time.
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Slayers by C.J. Hill
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 384
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Probably, this is Book 1

When Tori heads to dragon camp, she does not expect to find out that there are real dragons.  A spoiled daughter of a rich senator, she is discovering the adjustment to her fellow slayers, descendents of knights specially trained to kill dragons, are not very welcoming.  She is thrust into a different world and not quite sure she wants to be there.  After all, not only are dragons real, they are vicious and might just be used to take over the world.

My thoughts:  I liked how it was more than just a dragon story.  There were interesting ethical quanderies and developing relationships and realistic interactions between teens.  It was an interesting mix of contemporary and fantasy.  Explanations of the dragon and slayer histories were somewhat vague and a bit unbelievable for me.  Even though it didn't feel like fantasy most of the time, I'm anxious to see where this newly-fantasy author takes this story. 
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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: November 2011
Pages: 352
Source: Library
For: The Dystopia 2012 Challenge
Series: Yes, this is Book 1

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in over 200 days.  She's been stuck in a cell, slowly losing her mind, always fearing the power she holds in her hands.  But when the Reestablishment decides it wants to use her as a weapon, Juliette must make a decision - one that will have much more powerful repercussions than she can imagine.

My thoughts: I thought the book had some really interesting and unique aspects to it: a little paranormal, a bit dystopian, mashed together. The main characters were intriguing: Juliette and Warren especially. I was initially (and quite a bit throughout) thrown off by the writing style - the stream-of-consciousness feeling.  The strike-throughs, which bothered some, weren't the most difficult for me to deal with, it was the use of odd metaphors and strange turns of phrase that just struck me as off.  A few times, this took me completely out of the story and I think that's much of what made me not enjoy it.  I was also disappointed in the lack of details on this future world, the Reestablishment, and what was going on.  Still, I became invested in what happened to Juliette and Adam and Warren.  I may still pick up the sequel.  And I have to admit, hearing Tahereh speak at a Dark Days event (recap to come...sometime) I wanted to like it even more.  She was really relatable and funny and genuinely happy to be a YA author.  I'll be interested to read more from her.
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The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication date: August 2010
Pages: 304
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review

Balthazar and Hebe Jones have lived in the London Tower for eight years, Balthazar working as a Beafeater.  But when a small zoo is placed in his care, his rarely simple job gets even more complicated.  Soon, he's juggling exotic animals, Tower secrets, and his own grief over the loss of his small son.  Will he pull through this adventure in one piece?

My thoughts: This is a quirky, charming book filled with odd characters doing even odder things.  It is very British, though I'm obviously not a great judge of something's British-ness.  The story itself was rather fun - Balthazar dealing with all of these exotic animals being installed in various locations in the Tower.  I often got distracted because there was a lot of unrelated historical facts and stories that were inserted at random times.  Some of it was interesting, some of it just felt like a distraction from the story.  In fact, it almost felt at times that the author really wanted to write a book about weird historical facts about the Tower, but wanted to disguise it as a novel.  I think what kept me reading was really the strangeness of the characters - and also to find out about Milo.  Definitely not like anything I've read in a long time.  This is an adult book, so it has adult language (one f-word) and other mature content.  
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Ripple by Mandy Hubbard
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: July 2011
Pages: 260
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Probably, this is Book 1

Lexi has cut herself off from friends and everyone she cares about.  She has a terrible secret, a terrible power.  Drawn to the water and to singing a deadly song, she must avoid killing again.  Because last time, she killed her boyfriend.  But when things suddenly change and her life might just return to normal, will she have the strength to make her most difficult choice yet?

My thoughts: I really liked the idea of this book - a siren who inadvertently kills the guy she likes.  It felt unique and different from most of the paranormal romance books out.  And it did have some original things, I think.  I liked how a lot of the book focused on grief and guilt and its effects on her relationships.  But there were a lot of small things about it that bugged me.  One of those things, the way the moon always seemed to be rising at sunset, is just the astronomy-major in me being bugged by something small.  I was also a bit thrown by learning that Steven and Cole were best friends, but Steven was a senior and Cole a sophomore.  Not that it isn't possible, but it was a bit odd to me.  Where were Cole's parents?  And I could kind of see the twist coming a long way off.  Generally, just not the right book for me.  Still, I think it will hold some appeal for fans of paranormal romance.  A note on content: language (one f-word), mature content: one scene in particular, and violence: a few grisly parts.

It seems despite my attempts to say less, I still manage to say a LOT in these "mini" reviews.  Do you like them more or less than my regular (long-winded) reviews?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


Book Review: Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Vanish: A Firelight Novel by Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 304
Source: e-book from NetGalley

For: Review
Series: Firelight series, Book 2


*spoilers for the first book quite likely*
When Jacinda and her sister and mom return to the pride, she knows things won't be the same.  But it is worse than she imagined.  Her sister is no longer at home with her and her mother is unable to bear the pride's contempt.  Cassian and his cousin Corbin are both paying too much attention to her.  And most of all, Jacinda misses Will.   Will they ever see one another again?  Has she lost her chance at love forever?

Things I Liked:
I still enjoyed the family dynamics, though they kind of took a back seat in this book.  The plot was pretty interesting too, with enough action to keep me reading and wondering just where she was taking her characters and how they would get there.  I still like the idea of Draki and what they are, what they do, their mythos, etc.  It's an intriguing concept.

Things I Didn't Like:
Really, it just doesn't stand out in a crowd of paranormals, despite its unique type of creature.  I didn't really care what happened to Jacinda and I really wasn't fond of either of her love interests.  The plot was fairly exciting, but I just struggled to get through the book.  It will be enjoyed by those who can't get enough paranormal romance, but it just wasn't the book for me.

Read-alikes:
Read the first book, Firelight
Lots of other paranormal romances: Hush, Hush, Twilight, Mortal Instruments, etc

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 

maybe one or two


mrg-factor: none 
mostly it's kissing

v-factor: -> 
a little bit of action, but nothing graphic

Overall rating: ** 


How far into a series you don't enjoy do you go before giving up?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


Listless Monday, Music Books Edition


Listless Monday was inspired by both Amanda at A Bookshelf Monstrosity's feature Books by Theme and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature.  Be sure to check out their lists!

Listless Monday and Name That Book have kind of been on break for a while.  Not sure when I'll get back to Name That Book, but I did manage to get a new Listless Monday together finally.  Today's list is one that I'm hoping you will have suggestions for, since I don't know many books with a musical element. But, I know lots of people will!  Doesn't have to be a specific type of music or anything, just some aspect of music incorporated into the story.

Music Books

Audrey, Wait! by Robin Fenway
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby
Countdown by Deborah Wiles
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban
Drums, Girls, And Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John
For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart by Elizabeth Rusch
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Saving June by Hannah Harrington
The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman by Ben Winters
Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Struts & Frets by Jon Kovron
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
The Vinyl Princess by Yvonne Prinz
Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez
We Shall Overcome by Stuart Stotts


Any suggestions?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


I Actually NEED It 12

I Actually NEED It is an extremely irregular feature where I express my desire, or rather need, for certain books that haven't come out or aren't available at my library yet.  To learn about the reason behind the name, check out my inaugural I Actually NEED It post.

It's about time for a new year's post about books I NEED.  Here they are, taunting me with their publication dates:



The Agency 3: The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee
The Agency series is one of the few straight-up mystery series I've been able to read and enjoy.  So excited for more Mary adventures!  Coming February 2012.



Partials by Dan Wells
This sounds like an interesting premise for another dystopian/futuristic book riding the wave of popularity.  What can I say, I'm still addicted to them!  Coming February 2012.



A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont
Dropping into the pages of Jane Eyre?  Yes, please.  Plus, it fits so nicely with my Classic Double Challenge.  Coming March 2012.



Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
I've slowly been sucked into the secret world of the Gallagher Girls and the last few in particular have been increasingly exciting.  Finally coming March 2012!



The Savage Grace by Bree Despain
Final book in the Dark Divine series, one of the few paranormal romances I've been able to handle lately.  Coming March 2012.



Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
I really enjoyed the first Beyonders book, and its a fun new series from the Fablehaven author, so yes please to this one, coming March 2012.



Black Heart by Holly Black
I'm also addicted to this Mafia-magic series and looking forward to the final book in the Curse Workers series.  (But what's with the funky cover? I totally prefer this one that matches the other two books.) Coming in April 2012.


Insurgent by Veronica Roth
One of my fave dystopians from last year has a sequel?  Well, of course it does!  Anxiously awaiting May 2012!


The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi
This book is considered a companion to Ship Breaker (which, in and of itself makes it more desirable to me than a straight-up sequel).  I'm certainly hoping we get a little more Tool in this book!  Coming May 2012.



Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
Yeah, everyone has already talked about this one, but just in case you missed it, the last in the sorta-series with Graceling and Fire, two fabulous fantasy books.  Finally coming May 2012.

What books do you NEED this year?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


Book Review: He's So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott

He's So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: June 2011
Pages: 368
Source: e-copy of ARC provided by GalleyGrab

For: Review
Series: He's So/She's So, Book 2


Ally's life has certainly gotten a lot more complicated.  After the disaster at Shannen's party where she realized her friends really don't want her, she retreats into a different life.  In order to avoid her almost-boyfriend, Jake, she will do almost anything - including possibly spending the summer on Long Island where all of her former friends will be.  Can things get any more complicated?  Of course they can.

Things I Liked:
I'm kind of hooked on the twisty, soap opera-y life that is displayed here.  The rich, the poor, the envy, the malice, the hate and the hurt - all so engrossing.  It's so horrifying that it's interesting.  I really don't much like Ally in this book.  She acts like a jerk almost through the whole thing, treating her friends and family like dirt and then wondering why they're angry.  The book almost seems like a manual for how to be selfish.  Still, it's like I can't look away from these teens who struggle to figure out themselves while making tons of awful mistakes.  It's definitely got that real feel to it!


Things I Didn't Like:
I really was annoyed with how stupid the characters acted sometimes.  Yes, it is very likely realistic, but it still bugs.  I got very tired of Jake swearing every other word.  Seriously, I get it, he swears, but do I have to keep getting hit in the face with it?  I'm not sure I can handle another book of this, but of course this one ends on a ridiculous cliff-hanger revelation.  We'll see.


Read-alikes:
Read the first book, She's So Dead to Us first
Populazzi by Elise Allen
The Real Real by Emma Mclaughlin and Nicola Kraus

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#$%
a lot with numerous f-words


mrg-factor: XX
plenty of page time, though not a lot of descriptive material


v-factor: none
but I thought I'd mention lots of underage alcohol consumption here


Overall rating: ***

Not exactly something I'd "recommend," but somehow it's addicting, like bad reality TV.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


Top Ten Tuesday: More Please

 

It's time for another Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week, the prompt is what authors you want more from.  Essentially, if it's not asking too much, could you please squeeze out another book for me?

Markus Zusak
Seems like I've been waiting forever for something more.  Mind you, I haven't read all of his books, so I need to get that done, but I think there is (finally) another book coming, Bridge of Clay.  Crossing my fingers!

Jane Austen
Really, I don't think six complete novels are enough from one of my all-time favorites.  I see no problem with a zombie Jane, since she's already got the Bennett sisters reincarnated to combat them. Plus, I need at least one more heroine to love (and hero to drool over).

Elizabeth Gaskell
What, you let a little something like death prevent you from finishing Wives and Daughters? I'd like another great story, if you don't mind (and if it's not too selfish, something BBC could do a fabulous miniseries for, ok?)

Harper Lee
Admittedly, it would probably be difficult to live up to your first (and only) book at this point, but we could sure use another Atticus.

Megan Whalen Turner
So even if we "just" had one not too long ago, with her usual half-decade between each book, I just don't think my patience will last quite long enough.  And is there more for my favorite thief?

J.R.R. Tolkien
True, LOTR will always be your masterpiece, but I think it would be lovely to have another spanking good adventure of epic proportions from you.  Or maybe just the lost stories of Aragorn?

Nancy Farmer
Seems like it's been a while since we've seen something new and specifically, I'd like a House of the Scorpion sequel, if you please.

Margaret Mitchell
This woman left us with the ULTIMATE cliffhanger and no sequel has done it justice. A little post-mortem writing seems in order, I think.

Moira Young
Having been blown away by your first book, I'm ready for more! Could we speed things along a bit?

Shannon Hale
What, having twins is an excuse? And, ok, she has two books coming this year, one this month, but still! I need them NOW!

Who do you need just a little more from?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


Book Review: Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication date: June 2011
Pages: 304
Source: Library
For: Fun

Series: Heist Society, Book 2


Kat's reputation, since the last major break-in she planned, has preceded her everywhere.  But, when she's asked to steal the Cleopatra Emerald - steal it and return it to its rightful owners - she's just a little bit nervous.  Not only is it hard to get a public glimpse of the emerald, it is also cursed.  Can she and her crew manage to get their hands on this slippery jewel or will the game finally be up for Kat?

Things I Liked:
Ally Carter has the ability to make a smart, fun, action-movie-like plot into a fantastic book.  I loved reading this, figuring out what Kat would do next and how she would pull off another fabulous heist.  I especially loved that Kat was doing all of this while trying to figure herself out.  She's vulnerable and she makes mistakes, and she's not sure who she is, but she knows what she's good at too.  I just had such a good time reading it that I can't wait for more thieving action.

Things I Didn't Like:
I did have some of the heist figured out (though, I was really thinking "she should have done this" and then learned...she did).  But none of that spoiled it for me.  Especially because Carter made me doubt what I thought before the end and managed to keep the intrigue and suspense all the way through.  Great story!

Read-alikes:
Start with Heist Society by Ally Carter
A bit like the Curse Workers series by Holly Black


BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 

if there are, they are few and far between


mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
some action, nothing graphic

Overall rating: **** 


Why are books about thievery and mafia-ish societies so appealing to this law-abiding girl?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


Book Review: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
Publisher: Atria Books

Publication date: April 2007
Pages: 560

Source: Library
For: Book Group

Nell was abandoned on a ship to Australia when she was only a little girl.  Found by the dockmaster with only some clothes and a book of fairy tales, she remains ignorant of her past until he tells her on her twenty-first birthday.  This launches Nell on a quest to find out about her real parents, a journey that lasts through decades and into her granddaughter's life after Nell's death.  Will they ever know the truth of their past?

Things I Liked:
This was one of those books that intrigues you with family mysteries.  I was really interested in the family history and the processes Nell and Cassandra took to find out about their family.  I must admit, though, that I was more interested in reading the first hand stories of Eliza and Rose than in Nell or Cassandra.  The historical details and the crazy family secrets drew me in more than the other stories.  I also really enjoyed the fairy tale aspect - several stories weaving in and out.  I thought the Frances Hodgson Burnett detail was fun too, what with a bit of secret garden going on.  A complex and interesting story from beginning to end.  I liked this detail:

He was a scribble of a man.  Frail and fine and stooped from a knot in the center of his knobbled back.  Beige slacks with grease spots clung to the marbles of his knees, twiglike ankles rose stoically from oversized shoes, and tufts of white floss sprouted from various fertile spots on an otherwise smooth scalp.  He looked like a character from a children's story.  A fairy story.  p 101
Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit that about 1/3 of the way in, I had already figured Nell's history out.  Perhaps not to the precise details, but I knew a few of the key facts.  That made it slightly less interesting for me, not to mention I wanted to smack Nell and Cassandra for being so blind.  I did not like how much the story jumped around, what with flashbacks right in the middle of backstories during current stories.  I don't mind duel history viewpoints, but when they jump so much, I find it distracting.  There were only a few places in the book that made me want to stop reading because of it, though.  A good story, but not one of my favorites.

Read-alikes:
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman
A little The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett tie-in too

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@

scattered here and there, nothing too strong

mrg-factor: X
a bit of implied stuff, not much on page

v-factor: -> 
just a little bit

Overall rating: *** 


Do you find yourself liking fewer adult books if you usually read YA or does it still have a draw for you?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


(Still) Wrapping up 2011: Stats and Challenges

You know, if I were more on top of things, I'd have done all this stuff before today.  Alas, I'm not. 

I really love to analyze the stats from my reading during the year, so here are a bunch of numbers (and a few more graphs) that show a bit more about what I read.

Total number of books read: 150 

(my favorites of the year are listed here)

Fiction: 142, 95%
Non-fiction: 8, 5% (ouch, I really need to up this number)



Age Range:
Middle Grade (or younger): 56
Young Adult: 78
Adult: 16


Sorta Genres:
Historical Fiction (ish): 19
Mystery (vague, I know): 2
Realistic Fiction: 20
Sci-Fi (ish): 2
Paranormal: 22
Horror (ish): 1
Magical Realism (in my opinion): 5
Fairy Tale Retelling (straight up, anyway): 3
Steampunk: 1
Fantasy (ish): 44
Dystopian: 20
Graphic Novels or Illustrated: 11
(Of course these "genres" won't add up to 150, since some cross over and some don't fit and so on.)

Authors:
Male: 38
Female: 114 
(Also not adding up because there are one book with a male and female author, three books with two female authors, one book with two male authors, and one book with three male authors.) 

Most Read: Catherine Fisher (4 books, the Relic Master series)

Most Read Runners-Up in a ten-way tie with 2 books each:
Richard Peck, Christopher Paolini, Lois Lowry, Kieran Scott, Jonathan Maberry, Cinda Williams Chima, Mary Pearson, Stephanie Perkins, Sophie Jordan, and Ursula Vernon

Source:
Books read for review: 69, 46%
Books from the library: 73, 49%
Books from my collection not for review: 7, 5%
Books borrowed: 1, <1%


Format:
Audiobooks: 14 
E-Books: 18
Print: 118

Other:
Published in 2011 (US): 72, 48%
Debut Authors in 2011: 23, 15%
Debut Authors in 2012: 1, <1%
Rereads: 10, 7%
Did Not Finish: 6, 4% (out of 156)
Books part of a series: 80, 53%

And while I'm wrapping up, here are the challenges I signed up for in 2011.  I just wanted to say: I finished them all!  The only one I nearly didn't was the historical fiction challenge, which definitely challenged me to pick more HF books.
 
Debut Author Challenge, hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren:
completed with 22 debuts (see the list here).
 
Middle Grade Book Challenge hosted by Cindy's Love of Books:
completed with 45 books (see the list here).
 
YA Historical Fiction Challenge hosted by YA Bliss:
completed with 11 books (see the list here).
 
2011 E-Book Challenge hosted by The Ladybug Reads:
completed with 18 books (see the list here).
 
100+ Reading Challenge, hosted by Home Girl's Book Blog:
completed with 150 books (see the list here).
 
I was also "participating" in two perpetual challenges, which I didn't do so well with.  The Local Author Challenge, hosted by Suey at It's All About Books, I read at least 2 by authors from my new locale, Arizona:
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann and Slayers by C.J. Hill
And I think I got about 5 or 6 Utah authors too! (Ok, this year it will only be Arizona authors that count.)
 
For the Printz Project, I only managed to read one Printz book, the winner for the year, Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi.  I've gotta work on that a little better this year!

Whew!  Now maybe I can get some reviews posted.  Congrats if you made it this far!  What stats do you love to keep? 
 
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


Classic Double Challenge: January


The Classic Double Challenge has officially started! Though it is the first month and I don't expect many of us (including myself) to get the reading done for the challenge right away, I'm including a linky for any reviews or other discussions you have about the books you're reading that you may want to link to. Also, feel free to comment if you don't have a blog or goodreads account or other forum for discussing your book pairs. At the end of the month, I'll choose a winner from those participating in the challenge and send them some kind of bookish prize yet to be determined (bookmarks, swag, a book or two, etc). If you do happen to link up or discuss in the comments, I'll give you an extra entry for the monthly prize. I'm so excited to have so many participants (you can check out their posts/comments on the Classic Double Challenge sign-up page). Also, check out the (growing) list of possibilities for the Classic Double Challenge.  And if you haven't signed up and want to, you are welcome to join in any time this year!

Discussion question: What classic book do you wish there was a contemporary retelling (or more retellings) for and why?


If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


Everneath ARC Winner!

Just wanted to let you all know, I did pick a winner for the Everneath by Brodi Ashton ARC and it is...
 
Cheyenne T.
 
I've contacted Cheyenne and I'll be sending the book out ASAP, so she can get it read right away.  Thanks to everyone for entering and I hope you all get a chance to read the book when it comes out later this month.  It's worth it!
 
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


2012: The Books I Read

Since I decided not to join one of those big number challenges this year, I realized I still needed to have a post where I could keep track of what I read in 2012.  Since I started my new job, I've had a lot less time to read, but I'm hoping to read 100 books, since I think I can still manage that :)

Read in 2012

1. Legend by Marie Lu
2. Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
3. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
4. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
5. The Inquisitor's Apprentice by
6. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
7. The Cheshire Cheese Cat by
8. The Dragon's Castle by Joseph Bruchac
9. Tris and Izzie by Mettie Ivie Harrison
10. Prized by Caragh O'Brien
11. Ivy and the Meanstalk by
12.
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


Happy Cybils New Year!

Just dropping you a note to let you know the Cybils finalists were announced today! Yeah! What a fabulous bunch of books they are too. I'm judging on the Middle Grade Fantasy/Sci-fi panel again this year and I've read three of the seven finalists, which means I get to discover four more delightful books! Be sure to check out all the finalists in the other categories, since there are loads of great books to be found.
Hope you are all enjoying a great start to 2012!


If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


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