TV Season Wrapup 2011/2012

Well, another TV season is over. The finales aired. The cliffhangers have hung. And I'm left looking back at the season. with a befuddled feeling. Sure there were a few shows that were fun but not that many. In fact, I gave up on some shows...ME the TV addict! So here's my recap of the season for those interested. Um, let's be honest this might take awhile. You're welcome to skim or just read about the shows you watch too.

Old Favorites


House MD It was not only the season finale but the series finale. There was the scare there in the middle of the season about Dr. Chase leaving and that had me a little worked up but all in all I'm not sure what I thought of that ending. There were things that made me smile but I'm not sure House really grew as a person. Maybe that wasn't the point, though. In the end I was satisfied.

America's Next Top Model
For those of you who don't know, there's two cycles (as they call them) during a season. In the fall we had the All Stars Cycle and I wasn't overly thrilled with Lisa winning. It could have been worse but, yeah. The next cycle was the British Invasion and I couldn't be happier with who one! I won't say in case you watch it and haven't see the finale but I'm glad they chose the better girl!

The Vampire Diaries 
This season was OK. The whole "who will she choose" had me excited but...I don't know, it just wasn't THAT amazing. Still, I have a blast texting with Suey and my friend who watches it. My sister caught up and watched this season too and that was fun. As for the finale? We were all so confused. Definitely need to watch it again.

The Mentalist
Yeah, I watch this one for the back story of Red John, not the crime solving per se, though that is fun too, but I'm getting a little tired of the Red John thing. They need to kill him off already. They can't keep dragging it out! And what was with that finale?

Supernatural
I do love Dean and Sam! I'll stick with those boys through good and bad seasons. This one wasn't too bad. Not the best season ever but not the worst either. And it had the funniest Supernatural moment ever! I haven't laughed that hard for some time. It still makes me giggle. The finale was fun and had quite the cliffhanger...as usual.

New Shows

Hart Of Dixie 
I feel like I shouldn't even say anything about this one because I didn't watch the whole season. I saw enough though. And I'm so mad at the finale...actually I'm not positive it was the finale. I'm just mad that she even liked the butt ugly George! There's no freaking chemistry! Not like there is with Wade! Oh, Wade, forget Zoe, you can have me!

New Girl
This one is just fun! If you're not watching you should. I'm not sure what I think about them dragging out the romance between Jess and Nick but it's still a funny show.

Revenge
Now this show rocked! I was on the edge of my seat all season! The second to last episode of the season had more of a cliffhanger than the actual finale but still. Can't wait for next season! I do wonder where they can go from here. How much can they really drag it out??? We shall see.

Grimm
Took a tinsy bit too long to really hook me but I'm glad I stuck with it. I love the relationship between Nick and Monroe and I have suspicions about Juliette. I'm interested to see where this one goes too.

The Gave Up On


Once Upon A Time
I know! People loved this one but after just one episode I lost interest. And, no, I won't be giving it another try. I just don't care enough.

Ringer
Not sure why I gave up on this one. It had mystery and intrigue but the soap opera feeling just didn't do anything for me.

Harry's Law
:( I wanted to watch this one but it got bumped in lieu of other shows. I might try to catch up on it but I don't know.

Law and Order SVU
No one freaking told me Stabler was leaving the show! I tried to stick with it but I was just too much of a Stabler fan and his absence ruined it for me. I gave up.

The Secret Circle
Besides the fact that the MC drove me bonkers this one was just a bit hokey for me. I might try to finish the season but I don't know. Anyone out there think I should?

Favorite Show This Season!!!! 

Being Human BBC version
Holy crap! I'm so in love with this show especially this season! I loved Hal and Tom so much I can't wait till there back! And word is, they will be! Huzzah! Can't wait!

The "Fourth" Wheel

It seems most of us aren't uber fond of the love triangle in books these days. It's probably because it's so freaking overused, but, still, we find ourselves taking sides, anyway. Joining a "team", rooting for our favorite guy, hoping against hope that we and the MC will see eye to eye.

I do this mostly too. I'm team Jacob, team Astley, team Jeremiah, but quite often I find myself choosing a guy that isn't even part of the freaking love triangle! Leave it to me to be that obstinate. For example:

 Sure, I liked Gale better than Peeta but to be honest I was sorta hoping Katniss would drop both guys and end up with Finnick. Am I right? Alright then!

It's not as if Logan really has a shot yet he's part of the love triangle in this series. Personally, as hot as Zachery and his Scottish accent is, I'd prefer Aura just choose Logan's younger brother Dylan.

Yep, I know I'm being brave here but my favorite Austen male character ever is Colonel Fitzwilliam! So yeah, I think Elizabeth should have told Wickham where to stick it and Darcy where to go and choose the higher, much higher road.

Tell me I'm not alone here! Are there characters that aren't love interests that should be in your opinion? Do you agree with me on any of my choices?

Review: Stolen

Title Stolen a letter to my captor
By Lucy Christopher
Genre YA Contemporary
Pages 301
Recommended by Me

First sentence You saw me before I saw you.

Synopsis
Written in letter form, Gemma writes to Ty,the man that kidnapped her from an airport in Bangkok, whisked her away to an Australian desert, and held her captive for over a month.


What it has going for it
I needed something more engaging than the current books I was reading to entertain me on my flight. I hate flying, I get a bit claustrophobic, so I needed something engaging and Stolen fit the bill. I've always had an obsession with stockholm syndrome, probably because it messes with the reader, or watcher's head and I kinda like that, and while this book didn't exactly claim to be about stockholm syndrom, it was a letter from a girl to her captor. Interesting right? It was, very interesting and very engrossing. It did a stupendous job distracting me during my flight. I was entranced from the first page. Gemma was believable and sympathetic, thank goodness, because if she hadn't been I might have found her gullibility at the beginning of the book infuriating. Her strength and determination throughout the book was also admirable. Ty, oh, Ty, if Gemma didn't suffer from stockholm syndrome, I certainly did! I felt for him, I really did! The author did an amazing job of creating a bad guy with a story worth pitying.

What's lacking
The style, sort of a second person, confused me sometimes. I don't know why, I don't consider myself that dense but, yeah. This is a heartbreaking, depression inducing story. There is very little hope and no joy to be found within these pages. The ending frustrated me too, there wasn't enough closure and I wasn't happy with Gemma's decision. I'm afraid the ending sorta ruined it for me.

Favorite moment
When Gemma finds out about Ty's role in her life before being kidnapped. Specifically the almost rape.

Yea or Nay?
Yes, it's a very fast, engaging read, but don't expect a joyous ending.

Sunday Salon

Welcome to the new Sunday Salon. A weekly update post about my boring life. ;)

Weather Small Talk: As I'm writing this it's Saturday evening. We had a huge rain storm earlier today and now it's freakishly windy. I'm hoping by the time this is posted, the rain will have stopped and the temperature is warmer. 

Music Discoveries: I can't get enough of Primadonna by Marina and the Diamonds. The lyrics don't fit my personality at all but they still make me giggle.  

On The Idiot Box: I've seen all but two of my shows finales and I'll be doing a post on my thoughts on the cliffhanger endings (or lack of) soon. It's so sad when they all end for the summer. :(

Weekly Reads: I finished Happyface by Stephen Emond but am still working on Spartacus by Ben Kane. I did read Stolen by Lucy Christopher on my plane ride to and from California and will have my review up soon.  

Crazy Kitty: My kitty totally survived me being away! She always gets so lonely and clings like crazy when I get home from anywhere. This time she didn't even act concerned at all. What a relief! 

This Week: You may have noticed it's been awfully quiet around here this week. It's been kinda crazy...for me anyway.... I didn't get home from my trip till Tuesday night. On Thursday I spent the day painting my moms house and on Friday my mother came back home for the summer and my nephew got back from his mission for our church. Anywho, it's just felt crazy! 

Movie of the Week: I finally forked over the money to see The Vow even though I suspected I wouldn't like it. The story was fine but the acting did little to involve my emotions. I just didn't care about the characters. :( I also watched New Years Eve. That one wasn't amazing or anything but it was cute.  

Food Talk: Oh my gosh! I ate so much crap in California I was sure I'd gain weight. Surprisingly, I didn't . Phew! My friend made these totally delicious lemon cookies while I was visiting and we ate about a hundred of them! I couldn't stop thinking about them so I got the recipe from her and shall be making more. Once again, if you want the recipe, say so in the comments and I'll share the joy.   

Soccer Sightings: No soccer to report but the EURO Cup is coming up and I'm sure you'll hear far too much about it then. Let me just apologize in advance. ;)Oh, and PS, Chelsea beat bayern Munich in the champions league final! Yay! Wouldnt want Schweinsteiger getting even more arrogant.

Plans For The Week: Not too much, thank goodness. I do plan on beginning to learn my moms method of tutoring reading so I can try my hand at that...or at least have the knowledge. Someone ought to know what she knows. ;) 

Review: Star Crossed

Title Star Crossed (Thief Errant 1)
By Elizabeth C. Bunce
Genre YA Fantasy
Pages 359
Recommended by Melissa

First sentence I couldn't think.

Synopsis
Digger is a thief and a spy, it's how she survives in a kingdom in turmoil. While on the run from the Greenmen, guards with a vicious streak, she hides among some nobles and playing a ladies maid for a girl on the brink of womanhood. Hoping to just stay out of trouble and stay hidden is all Digger cares about but trying to keep out of political intrigue is harder than she thought it would be.


What it has going for it
The first part of this book throws you straight into this whole new world and it's a bit confusing but as soon as you get into it, and believe me, you will, it becomes amazing! The twisting plot just keeps getting more and more twisted with more and more intrigue that blew my mind. I really liked Digger. She was spunky and determined to stay alive and under the radar, but as she becomes more involved and concerned with the people around her, she grows as a person and uses her skills to help everyone, not just herself. Watching her juggle everything that she had to was a blast. She had me holding my breath, laughing out loud, and growling in frustration. I'm much more of a plot girl and this one did not disappoint in that department but it also had an awesome MC. I couldn't ask for anything more.

What's lacking
The only two things that bothered me were there was no map ( I hate that!)  and things could often get a little repetitive. We don't need to hear Digger explain how much she hates being so involved in everything over and over again! Two things that didn't bother me but might bother others is there was no romance and it might be a little too political for some people.

Favorite moment
I can't tell without giving something away but I loved any moments between Digger and a certain other character. ;)

Yea or Nay
Yea verily! Read and enjoy this YA fantasy done right.

And Now To Eat!

K, so most people don't go on vacation to eat but I'm not most people. ;) I'm off to eat Boston Market cake,

 Willow Street garlic fries

 and who knows how much other crap!

Have a great weekend, everyone!  See you on the other side of a lot of food!

Review: On The Bright Side, I'm Now The Girlfriend Of A Sex God

Title On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God (Georgia Nicolson 2)
By Louise Rennison
Genre YA contemporary
Pages 243
Recommended by Me

First sentence 5:35 PM

Synopsis
The ridiculous, hilarious adventures of Georgia continue. Georgia is bemoaning the fact that her family is moving temporarily to New Zealand but, as the title points out, she's now the girlfriend of a sex god. But when the sex god isn't calling Georgia starts to wonder what's really going on.


What is has going for it
These books take the words "light fluffy mind candy" to a whole new level. If you're in need of a good laugh, pick these books up. Georgia's ridiculous ideas and thoughts are so fun to read about. Her family and cat crack me up and I'm always wondering what she'll get up to next.

What's lacking
The problem with light fluffy books is, beside being good for a laugh or a smile they're pretty pointless. This one seemed to have even less of a point than the first one, which is pretty sad, actually. I'll still probably read the rest of the books eventually because they make me laugh but I'd like a little bit more of a plot. Nothing huge, I know these books aren't really about the plot, but just a little something more.

Favorite moment
When Georgia put the underwear/knickers on her head. I laughed so hard I think snorting was involved!

Yea or Nay?
Meh, this one wasn't my favorite but I'd still recommend it for a laugh. Just don't expect much more than that.

In My Thoughts This Fine Day

Just a few random things on my mind lately.

I need to start working on my arms again and I don't want to!!!! I hate lifting weights, especially with my arms. I have the most pathetic arms ever! I want to look good in a swimsuit though, and flabby arms aren't so very attractive. You guys ever work your arms? What works best for you?

I know that we're all sick of the stupid captcha security codes. I am too, however, in a rare show of optimism, I've decided I'm going to write and epic fantasy book using captcha codes for my characters names. Fantasy books always have the weirdest named characters and I think the captcha codes will work beautifully. What?! They have to be good for something! 

Yeah, OK, auto correct can be infuriating at times (and funny) but I actually rely on it big time. I hate my stupid touch screen phone. I must have big fat finger to go with my flabby arms cause I'm always hitting the wrong keys. So, yeah, auto correct is quite handy. However, I do find myself wondering why my computer isn't fixing my mistakes. Sigh, stupid auto correct is making me lazy!

Oh yeah baby! I'm going to California this weekend!!! What does that have to do with Boston Market? Well, unfortunately for whatever reason, there isn't a Boston Market in Utah. It's probably a good thing, though as I LOVE their chocolate cake and would eat it three times a day if I was able. Oh man, just looking at that picture is making my mouth water. Can't wait!!! 

Review: Life As We Knew It

Title Life As We Knew It (Last Survivors 1)
By Susan Beth Pfeffer
Genre YA post apocalyptic
Pages 337
Recommended by Susan Bloggin' 'Bout Books 

First sentence Lisa is pregnant.

Synopsis
It was supposed to be an exciting astrological event. A meteor hitting the moon. But no one predicated it would actually knock the moon out of orbit, knock it closer to the earth causing earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions that coats the sky in ash and blocks out the sun. Miranda journals the whole event and describes how her family survives after the horrifying event.

What it has going for it
First of all, I loved reading a book that was actually taking place DURING an apocalyptic event. Usually it seems these books take place after, sometimes years, after the event. Seeing how it all unfolded was terrifying and fun all at once. I was impressed with Miranda's mother and her quick thinking that definitely saved their lives. The journal style was a great choice for this type of book, as well. It brought you right into the action and made the emotions that much more potent. I'm not sure how scientifically accurate everything was but I never questioned anything and that alone impressed me. I loved how the characters desires, reactions and attitudes were realistic. It made for a very believable story that, if nothing else, entertained.

What's lacking
Miranda was sixteen...around there, anyway, but she came off like a twelve year old. I could relate to her frustration and angst but she just sounded a little younger than sixteen to me. My biggest issue with the book, after some reflection, was there just wasn't a heck of a lot of hope. I get that having any sort of hope in this type of a situation is probably near impossible but it made for a really depressing read. People say it made them want to get some food storage and prepared but it just made me horribly depressed. It didn't help that the end wasn't much of a resolution. I might read the rest of the series just to see if it comes to a happier ending, but I'm not sure I can handle any more of the smothering depression it inflicted.

Favorite moment
I'm not sure why but chocolate chip eating scene was so vivid and scary and funny all at once that it evoked the strangest feelings in me so, yeah, it takes favorite moment.

Yea or Nay?
I would recommend it as it seems to encourage most people to be prepared, but be get ready for a rather depressing read.

Sunday Salon Mother's Day Edition

Welcome to the new Sunday Salon. A weekly update post about my boring life. ;)

***In honor of mothers day I'm filling out my usual prompts highlighting my awesome mom...Yeah, that's probably all she'll get from me. ;)***

Weather Small Talk: Despite the allergies, my mother enjoys spring and summer much better than winter. She hates the cold and the long dark nights. I'm sure she's enjoying the lovely weather we've been having. 

Music Discoveries: I can think of several songs my mom likes from the beautiful to the hilarious. I'll share one we both like. 

On The Idiot Box: My mom claims to not like TV but she used to religiously watch House and The Mentalist with me. She also likes Lie To Me and Harry's Law. Sure, she rolls her eyes at the "drama" and growls through the commercials but we have fun all the same. 

Weekly Reads: Hmmm, not sure what my mom has been reading this week. She's probably re-reading Alas Babylon, The Little House books or The Witch of Black Bird Pond. (really, mom, really?!) She does keeps telling me about a book called Bad Kitty that sounds rather amusing. I've asked her to bring it to me when she comes home for the summer. 

Crazy Kitty: My kitty used to like my mom but now that my mom's been living in southern Utah and isn't around as much, my kitty is acting all scared of her again. We'll have to rectify that this summer. ;) 

This Week: I called my mom so many times to whine and harass her I'm sure she's about ready to kill me but you would never guess it. That's why I love her. Besides, she gets even with me by making me call the bank for her and telling me all about her tutoring. ;) 

Movie of the Week: My mom, believe it or not, loves James Bond movies. If you knew her you'd laugh. She also loves Shooter which is fine by me. I can admire Mark Wahlberg and she can enjoy the story. 

Food Talk: I worry about my mother's eating habits, I really do. She lives off toasted bread with melted pepperjack cheese, Better Cheddars and Hershey's bars. Her favorite food, I believe, is Chicken Alfredo and Yams. She'll eat almost anything, though. 

Soccer Sightings: Alas, my mother doesn't fully understand my soccer obsession. When she tries to watch it with me she see's the replay of a goal and thinks they've scored again. I get a kick out of it. She knows the players pretty well, which is rather impressive, and backs my decision of using Schweinsteiger as a swear word, though, so it's all good. ;)  

Plans For The Week: Knowing my mom, she'll be working at the school tutoring as usual, napping, eating and reading. Hmmm, now I see where I get it from. ;) 


Love you, mom! Have a great Mother's Day. Grisham published a book but it's one of those dang baseball ones. :( I'll get you something, eventually. ;)

Yep, They're THAT bad

When I talked about recommendations the other day my sister was curious what 10 books I'd "want to scream out a warning and throw my body between it and anyone even considering it." I'll TRY to keep it to just 10. ;)

 I got some nasty comments on Goodreads for my review of this one by the author's friends. I don't know why they're complaining. I paid full price for the dang friend's book! She got her money, so just shut up! Worst writing ever!  Avoid this one. Avoid it like the plague!

Anything by Brandon Sanderson I'd recommend you drop like hot iron. Oh, unless you actually enjoy self satisfied authors who let their unwarranted smugness seep into their overly detailed world building!

For two hundred pages the author introduces us to like 30 characters. No big deal right? Well it is a big deal when we not only get these characters names but an entire life history and then, those two hundred pages pass, and the author kills every single one of them off! What the heck was that?!  Too long, just way too long.

Sleepless by Cyn Balog looked good, really good. I was wrong. The story was confusing, the writing was shaky and the characters were unmemorable. Beware...BEWARE!

I'm sorry but if you're going to create a character who is cursed to kill people and who supposedly feels really sorry about it, then she should probably actually FEEL bad about it! Bipolar, psycho beotch!

 I'm going to finally say what I've been thinking for some time. You ready? You don't write a book by taking everything that's "trending" in YA literature and fling it together in some half assed manner with absolutely nothing actually making sense! Well, you don't do it and walk away with any self respect. I guess if it sells, and money is all you care about then go ahead.

Again we have a book that copy catted what was trending. Fine, whatever. But I repeat YOU CAN'T DUCK BULLETS! Seriously, people, does logic not matter in books anymore?

"Oh no she din't!" you say? Oh yes I did! I LOATHE this book! If I could stop everyone from reading it I would!

If you're going to write a book about bullying, revenge and this much anger, shouldn't at least one character walk away having learned something? Not some people's opinion. *rolls eyes*

Cliche fest in the guise of originality. :( This one broke my heart and I'm still holding a grudge.

Review: Once Was Lost

Title Once Was Lost
By Sara Zarr
Genre YA contemporary
Pages 217
Recommended by Me

First sentence The whole world is wilting

Synopsis
Samara (Sam) has easily believed in God her whole life. Being the daughter of a pastor makes it easy but things aren't going well lately.  Her mom in a treatment center for alcoholics and her dad is too busy to talk about it, and to top it all off a local girl has gone missing. Can Sam keep up hope when all seems lost?

What is has going for it
Sheesh! I'm on a roll lately! Symbolism in books and I don't usually get along but  lately I've been having wonderful luck...or maybe I'm just not as dense as I used to be. ;) Once Was Lost was so gripping for me. The whole book has a heavy undertone that seemed symbolized by the heat wave the town was having, and somewhere amidst it all you're just begging for something to give and for things to start going better. All of the characters are flawed perfection! Zarr manages to create characters so real and flawed yet sympathetic and you just CAN'T judge them; as much as you might want to. I loved the message I took away from this one. All of them, really and NO they weren't religious messages! If that's scaring you off, please don't let it. This book has a great protagonist that has you sympathizing and connecting to. Romance for the romantic, and hope for the hopeless.

What's lacking
I'm afraid the religious premise will scare some people off this one. I really hope it doesn't, though. It wasn't agenda pushy. I personally struggled with the romance in this one. I'm not sure I believed Nick would have gone for Sam. I just didn't see his motivation.

Favorite moment
Lots of little things touched me. I loved the moment between Daniel and Sam when Daniel was upset at the youth meeting where they were making brownies.

Yea or Nay?
Yes, yes, yes!

Recommendations

Alright, people, I've been thinking about recommendations amongst us book bloggers. And now I'm going to talk about it and you have to listen. ;) Alright I suppose you could click away but I can pretend!

So, here all us books bloggers spend a ridiculous amount of time reading books and reviewing them...why? Well, sure, it's a fun hobby for our own benefit, but I think we also write reviews to share our opinion whether good or bad in the hopes of encouraging others to read or avoid a book. Right? Well, that's what I'd like to think anyway. We've all had those books we read, hug to our chest and then being pushing on all our friends. In contrast, we've had books that we read that are so dreadful we want to scream out a warning and throw our bodies between it and anyone even considering it.

And yet....and here's where I get confused...no matter what someone says about a book, if I have the desire to read  it, I read it. If they warn me that it sucks and I should run, run for my life, I'll still usually read it to see for myself. If they tell me about a book that I've avoided and go on and on about how amazing it is, I probably still won't read it no matter how great it supposedly is.

It's not always true, I sometimes find myself persuaded to read something or not read something but, for the most part, I'm pretty determined to stick with my opinion. But that seems silly! Shouldn't I be taking your opinions a little more seriously? Especially if I know you and know that our opinions are usually the same?

I know and you know I'm constantly raving about certain books *cough cough Matthew Swift Series cough* but I don't see any of you racing out and reading it. I don't blame you. Everyone and their dog loves Divergent and I HATED it. I'm weird, you can't really trust my opinion. It does make me wonder why I bother recommending books, though. I suppose some books I recommend people read but would they have chosen to read them anyway, even without my recommendation?

So I ask you, does reading book reviews ever change your mind...really change it?! Does a review ever convince you to read a book you don't want to, or shut down a book you were going to read.? Am I even making sense? Opinions?

Review: Saving Francesca

Title Saving Francesca
By Melina Marchetta
Genre YA contemporary
Pages 243
Recommended by Confessions of a Readaholic

First sentence This morning, my mother didn't get out of bed.

Synopsis
Francesca has to leave behind all her old friends for a school that used to be boys only. With 750 guys and only 30 girls things are bad enough as it is, but when Francesca's usually upbeat mother suddenly won't get out of bed, things are about to get a lot worse.


What it has going for it
Seriously, people, what is it with these magnificent Australian authors?! I've only read one other book by Marchetta before, but I intend to read all her books now that I've read the awesomness that is, Saving Francesca. This story had me laughing and crying and cringing. It made me angry and sad and ridiculously happy. Any book that can do all that AND has a good story to back it all up, goes on my favorite list. What I really love about Marchetta's books is how real they are. Seriously, let's think about this for a moment. If I wrote a book about reality, my horrendously boring reality, or, let's face it, your boring reality, no one would want to read it. Books, even contemporary books, are written with only the exciting or important things in a moment in time and are often unrealistic. I don't know how Marchetta manages to write totally mundane events that might be tragic or romantic or funny,  but are still just that, mundane, and yet, are so freaking awesome! I may forget the stories and what exactly happened but I don't forget Marchetta's beautifully flawed characters. Such truthful, realistic stories like this should be consumed and then consumed again and again.

What's lacking
For me? Nothing.

Favorite moment
Oh, so many, but I had a good giggle when Francesca answers the door in her Harry Potter pajamas and it's Will.

Yea or Nay?
You don't even have to ask. Just read it...or any of Marchetta's books!

Review: Notes To Self

Title Notes To Self
By Avery Sawer
Genre YA contemporary
Pages 158
Recommended by Jessica

First sentence I don't know if the lighting was actually there or if my brain added it afterward, when I searched it over and over for what Emily had said that night.

Synopsis
Best friends Robin and Emily were in a horrible accident, they fell from a ride at an amusement park after climbing it after hours. Robin wakes up but Emily is in a coma and Robin can't remember what happened that night. Did they fall? Did they Jump? In an effort to remember what happened, Robin learns more about herself as well.


What it has going for it?
This was a short story that totally engaged me. I saw Jessica's review and instantly downloaded it onto my phone. I had to know what happened to these girls. I was obsessed with the mystery. However, after beginning to read it, I saw that it wasn't just about the mystery, it was a journey of self discovery with a beautiful message of not putting off till tomorrow what you can do today. There was romance and angst and a touch of humor all combined to add to the mystery and by the end I was filled with the warm fuzzies and very, VERY satisfied. I don't want to say more, in fear of spoiling it, you'll just have to read it to see how amazing it was.

What was lacking
Nothing, I really thought it was rather perfect.

Favorite moment
The drive to the ocean, the restart theory. Teared up a little there!

Yea or Nay?
Yes, do yourself a favor and read this one. You can download it here for just .99. Now, why wouldn't you do that?!

Congrats To "My Boys"!

A Big congrats to "my boys" who won the league title and, as per tradition, were placed on display for the villagers...as it should be. ;)

You can watch a bunch of these shirtless flirts dance in celebration if you want. Don't worry, I won't tell you peeked. ;)

Review: Precious Bane

Title Precious Bane
By Mary Webb
Genre Adult classic/historical fiction
Pages 320
Recommended by Kim and Melissa 

First sentence It was at a love-spinning that I saw Kester first.

Synopsis
Prue lives with her brother and mother on a farm in England in the 1820s. Cursed with a cleft lip, Prue has little hope for romance but when Kester enters her life, she dares hope.

What it has going for it
Wow, where do I begin? I struggled through the first 120 pages of this one. The writing style and character slang was hard to get the hang of, and it said it was a romance and after 120 pages I was like, "hello, where's the romance?" ;) The funny thing is, that by the end of the book I was much more touched by the symbolism (yes, that's right, you heard me, the symbolism was done right! Not too subtle, not too blunt, just right.) than the romance. I did love the romance, though. I kept thinking it was completely unrealistic but still so sweet until I started to see the symbolism in it and realize why it seemed "unrealistic". What I loved the best, though, was Prue. Here you have a character who's looked at like she's a freak and who is even thought of as a witch by some people, that rises above all that because of how good she is. She loved everyone and was so good and kind, trying to do what's best in every situation and it completely conquers the fact that she has a cleft lip. Oh, I just can't say enough kind things about this book! You must read it!

What's lacking
Those first pages were hard to get into but they were, actually, setting up the plot, I was just being impatient for the romance.

Favorite moment
When Prue realized Kester knows it was her playing the part of Venus. I was humiliated and thrilled right along with her!

Yea or Nay?
Yes, just yes!

Look What You Made Me Do!

So, when I whined about wanting to go spend tons of money on books the other day, a ton of you suggested I go to the library instead. Good advice. I hunkered down and finished one book I was struggling with and am almost done with the other and was feeling free so I headed to the library.

Nine books later! In fact, I had ten but when I got to the check out desk, ends up one was supposed to be on the hold shelf. It's probably for the best anyway. ;)

I was actually so happy with the books that were in, and think I got quite the variety. Thanks for everyone's advice and for those of you who thought I should have bought some??? Don't worry, I will. ;)

What do you think of my haul? Think I can read them all in six weeks?

From top to bottom:
Life As We Knew It by Susan Pfeffer
Georgia Nicolson 2 by Louise Rennison
The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson
Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
Tempest Rising by Tracy Deeb
Happyface by Stephen Emond
Starcrossed by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Hmmm, now which one should I start with? Suggestions?

April Wrapup

Wow! April's over and I've done a monthly wrapup post for a whole year now!

It was a weird month. The first half went well the second seemed to drag a bit. I think that had more to do with my mood than what I read but oh well. Here's what I read this month.

The Minority Council (Matthew Swift 4) by Kate Griffin.
Awesomeness of course! If you'd give in and read these already, you'd know what I'm talking about. ;)

Black Heart (Curse Workers 3) by Holly Black
I really hope she writes more in this series. I NEED more Cassel

Watership Down by Richard Adams
500 pages about bunnies? A touch long.

The Demon's Lexicon (Demon's Lexicon Trilogy 1) by Sarah Rees Brennan
I'm intrigued, more please.

Return to Exile (The Hunter Chronicles 1) by E.J Patten
The next great MG? I can see that. Witty humor and crazy adventure.

Yeah, that's all the reading I accomplished this month. Favorites were, The Minority Council (obviously) and Black Heart. Least favorite, Watership down.