Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Wish List Wednesday Twelve

So this Wednesday is sort of a no-brainer that I can't believe I've overlooked for so long. I mean, I've become completely in love with these books and I've foisted them off onto anyone who would listen and turned them into followers as well.

Of course, I'm talking about Mockingjay. Really, I can barely contain my excitement about this book coming out in LESS than two months.

Now all I need is a time machine to speed up that time... or one of those remotes like in the movie Click.


And as an added bonus this week, here's the other cover of the book. I'm not sure where the release of this one is supposed to happen... but I have to admit that I like the North American version better; it doesn't have annoying author review quotes like this one does. : )

Beauty is More Than Skin Deep

The Power of Makeup


Written by: Trish McEvoy

Released: November 5, 2003 by Fireside



Summary: Trish McEvoy has created one of today’s most successful skin care and makeup brands by relying on her instincts and the feedback of thousands of women who attend her workshops. The dream that has fuelled her success has always been to teach every woman she meets how to look her personal best. Now she presents her revolutionary new system that will help you define your makeup style and organize your makeup routine to fit your busy life, no matter what your age or ethnic background. Trish McEvoy: The Power of Makeup will arm you with the tools and knowledge you need to be your own makeup expert.


If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you might know that my other passion in life, aside from books, is makeup. Which is why, when I saw this book at Half Price Books, I jumped at the chance of obtaining it for my own thriving collection; especially since it was only $4.99. I love deals. And I love makeup, it was perfect.

Now, I don’t consider myself a guru or anything about makeup but I know enough to get by. Plus, I get a lot of practice from doing my friends’ makeup during the school year whenever they are going out and I’ve worked in cosmetics, so I’ve picked up a few things. Anyways, that’s not the point. The point is that this book is full of a lot of great information and I learned a lot by reading it.

If you’re just starting out, this is a great book about the basics. It covers skincare and the essentials to looking young and fresh. It has all the regimes to keeping your skin looking clear and clean, which are good to know when those pesky problems arise, and a lot of useful information.

With a book like this, I don’t know what else to really say about it. If it’s your type of thing, it’s worth a look, but if it’s not, don’t worry about it. Since it’s informational fiction, there’s no point in reading unless you want to know. For me, it’s a 6/10; I’ll be looking back at it periodically for a refresher.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Vintage Tuesdays - What is Beauty?

Uglies

Written by: Scott Westerfeld

Released: February 8, 2005 by Simon Pulse


Summary: Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can’t wait. Not for her license—for turning pretty. In Tally’s world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally’s new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She’d rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world—and it isn’t very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.


I don’t know why but I thought that this book was a little older than this. I guess not. Either way, I remember after reading this book that I immediately forced it upon my friend Rachelle and making her read the amazingness that is this book.

It’s just that this book has such a different look on how we as a people perceive ourselves. It’s crazy that people would perceive everyone who’s “normal” by our standards as “ugly” by theirs. Then the book makes you realize that there are extreme ideas of beautiful placed upon us already and we’re not that far off from what this book depicts.

Of course, I’m trying to be subjective only where the first book is concerned. The book is magnified as the series goes on and the series of a whole is fantastic… except for the fourth book which I don’t consider to be a part of the series as a whole but an off-shot that has cameos of previous characters. Where the series itself is a perfect 10/10 and Uglies doesn’t disappoint in that perfect score; 10/10 all the way. If you haven’t read the series put it on your TBR list, it’s well worth it.


On a side note, check out the different covers. I have the one on the right, and it matches the other books in the series that I have, but the other one really shows what a big part of the book (turning pretty) is about.

Exciting News Again!

Oh my god does this look amazing. Now I just have to read the book... and see the last movie.

Wow am I behind.







So I have a lot to do between now and then. I had better get started.

What are your thoughts on it being in both 3-D and two parts? Personally, this 3-D craze is a little annoying mostly because half the time it never seems any different and then the glasses never stay where they should. Damn things.

Sneek Peek Trois



Pardon if I didn't spell my French correctly but it's been a while since I was in French classes.

Anyways, head over to the Personal Demons blog and get your third sneak peek at chapter one of the much anticipated Personal Demons.

I know that I can't wait to read the book!

Fish or Friend?



Sea Change


Written by: Aimee Friedman

Released: June 1, 2009 by Point

Summary: 16-year-old Miranda Merchant is great at science...and not so great with boys. After major drama with her boyfriend and (now ex) best friend, she's happy to spend the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island, helping her mother sort out her late grandmother's estate.

There, Miranda finds new friends and an island with a mysterious, mystical history, presenting her with facts her logical, scientific mind can't make sense of. She also meets Leo, who challenges everything she thought she knew about boys, friendship...and reality.

Is Leo hiding something? Or is he something that she never could have imagined?



With all the hype that is surrounding this book, I was a little hesitant to go out and read it, which is probably why I waited until it came out in paperback to buy it. However, my love of mermaid fiction surpassed and hesitations that I had and I eventually caved. Now I’m not sure whether that was a good idea or not.

Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the book. I fell in love with Leo right along with Miranda and even though they were super annoying I started to like the Heirs too. Miranda was an alright character who I could see the conflicting emotions in, which made some of the rather abrupt things that she did a little easier to read while still yelling at her in my head.

It was the ending that did me in though. The book had a nice pace the entire time and then WHAM it’s done. I felt as though there were no resolution for Miranda and Leo (though technically there was enough to warrant an ending) and it made this book feel as though it were part one of at least a two-part story. I would love to see a sequel, though rumour has it that the author doesn’t expect there to be one.

I suppose that I will just have to go on not having my curiosity fully sated and some questions not answered.

Still, I’m giving this book an 8/10. It was well worth the build-up that’s been happening around the book blogging networks.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Liars Liars Five



Wicked


Written by: Sara Shepard

Released: November 25, 2008 by HarperTeen



Summary: In idyllic Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four very pretty girls just can't help but be bad. . . .

Hanna will do anything to be Rosewood's queen bee. Spencer's digging up her family's secrets. Emily can't stop thinking about her new boyfriend. And Aria approves a little too strongly of her mom's taste in men.

Now that Ali's killer is finally behind bars, the girls think they're safe. But those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. And they should know by now that I'm always watching. . . .



Well, I was a little worried after the fourth book that Shepard wouldn’t be able to keep my attention but these books just keep getting better and better. In fact, I’ve already turned a friend of mine onto the books and within not even two weeks she has surpassed me in the series for how far along she’s read. Crazy.

I wish that there were more to really say about the books without giving away too much.

The characters are, at least I find, always growing while still seeming to face the same problems which, now that I’m thinking about it, always seem to center around their parents:

Spencer’s hate her for some unknown reason and favour her sister Melissa above all else.

Aria can’t seem to be able to tell her parents secrets that would change their lives… which can be both good and bad.

Emily’s parents don’t know what to do with her no matter what Emily does.

And poor Hanna has terrible Daddy issues and her mother left for overseas.

Then there’s the love drama and, or course, Ali’s murder mystery.

I can’t wait to see how the next book plays out since this one was a firm 9/10 amazing! Seriously, if you haven’t checked out the series yet you should. Then if you still want some Pretty Little Liars action you could watch the amazing new TV series on ABC Family (in the USA) or Much Music (in Canada).

Movie Monday - Cementing My Beliefs in Sparks

The Last Song


Written by: Nicholas Sparks and Jeff Van Wie

Directed by: Julie Anne Robinson

Rated: PG

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Miller’s life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Tybee Island, Georgia. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father ...until her mother decides it would be in everyone’s best interest if she spent the summer on Tybee Island with him. Ronnie’s father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story about love in its myriad forms - first love, the love between parents and children - that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that deeply felt relationships can break our hearts ...and heal them.




A few months ago I reviewed the book and was highly anticipating the movie but boy do I regret it. Sure, the movie was alright as far we representing the book went, but one would think that since the screenplay was written first, the movie would have been better. Disappointing.

Don’t get me wrong, the movie was ok. If I hadn’t read the book going into it, I think that it would have been better, but it just left out SO MUCH information. So many details were left out that, though I was able to follow, it left a lot to be desired.

Ok, this review feels like it’s going around in circles.

Basically, to sum it all up, the book was better hands down.

Now, then there’s the whole Miley Cyrus debacle. I don’t get where people get off thinking that she’s this great actress when she was absolutely horrible in this role which was made specifically for her. And she had zero chemistry with her leading man. Seriously, they were supposed to be falling in love both on and off the camera? It sure didn’t look like it.

Then there was that younger brother who I just wanted to slap the entire time because he just annoyed me so much. Oh my god who casted this movie? They should have been fired. The only good actors were… well none of them really stood out all that much but Cyrus was the worst.

Plus, she looks like a chipmunk. I’m just saying.

If you can watch this movie for free, have at it. I personally wouldn’t pay money to watch it and I am thankful that I didn’t have to pay to see it the only time that I did. I’m giving it a 4/10. Read the book and call it a day.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

In My Mailbox (9)

In My Mailbox is a fantastic meme that’s hosted over at The Story Siren by Kristi. You should definitely go over there and check out her blog and all the other amazing links in her Mr. Linky for IMMs.


This week is going to mark the last week that I’m going to buy books for a while… Ok, as long as I can withhold from buying books anyways. We’ll see how long that lasts, especially since the last Luxe novel, Splendor, is supposed to come out in paperback some time next week according the Chapters.

Anyways, this week I got some amazing deals, hence the books. So here they are:



The Adoration of Jenna Fox – Mary E. Pearson
She’s So Dead to Us – Kieran Scott
The Deadly Sister – Eliot Schrefer



Sea Change – Aimee Friedman
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie – Alan Bradley



Airhead – Meg Cabot
Being Nikki – Meg Cabot


So that’s what’s in my mailbox. Let me know what you got in yours!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Summer Reading Break Challenge Activity #2

Summer Break Reading Challenge


So for this part of the challenge, You have to go and use wordle, an online text thinger (what would you call it anyways) that showcases a book that you have reviewed or a publisher's book description that you're interested in. So, I chose this book:

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones was one of the very first books that I ever reviewed on this site. This was way back when I really had no idea what I was doing on blogger and I was slowly picking my way through what I thought I should do.





Wordle: Howl's Moving Castle



So there it is. This was really fun to do so go check it out even if you're not participating in the challenge. I just hate how it transferred to my blog; it's so blurry to me.

Revenge is Best Served Cold

So, the last time that I was in Chapters I could not for the life of me remember what this book was that I knew I wanted to read. Needless to say, I walked away without seeing it, but then I stumbled across it again over at I Just Wanna Sit Here And Read! and I gave a sigh of relief.

One of the things that I hate most is not remembering something that I know I know.

Anyways, there was also an absolutely hilarious book trailer for the book, Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood AND as a bonus, a link to the author's (Eileen Cook) website where you can read the first chapter of the book.





Of course now I can't wait to go out and read said book. I guess that's what comes with being a complete Book Nerd like I am...

Until then I'll have to make due with this genius book trailer and the first chapter online.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Birth of the Death Squad

Zombie Blondes


Written by: Brian James

Released: June 24, 2008 by Feiwel and Friends


Summary: From the moment Hannah Sanders arrived in town, she felt there was something wrong.

A lot of houses were for sale, and the town seemed infected by an unearthly quiet. And then, on Hannah's first day of classes, she ran into a group of cheerleaders — the most popular girls in school.

The odd thing was that they were nearly identical in appearance: blonde, beautiful, and deathly pale.

But Hannah wants desperately to fit in — regardless of what her friend Lukas is telling her: if she doesn't watch her back, she's going to be blonde and popular and dead — just like all the other zombies in this town....


Reading this book was like watching a really bad horror movie, which probably explains why I was so enthralled while reading it (I have a horrible passion for those really bad, low budget horror movies). I also couldn’t help but think of the first Goosebumps book Welcome to Dead House and the ‘90s Disturbing Behaviour movie starring Katie Holmes.

A lot of this book was predictable but the ending was a little off from what I thought it would be. I mean, there’s only so much that you can do with zombies, so there were only so many paths that this book could have taken.

The characters too were predictable but enjoyable. I liked Hannah, though at times I found her a little shallow in her want to be a pretty, popular cheerleader. I can see the appeal though, even if zombies didn’t enter into the equation. Who I really fell in love with was Lukas; he was so protective and watchful. All he wanted was for Hannah to escape the clutches of the zombies, but alas he was shoved aside for a hunky zombie jock.

Then there were the Blondes, a.k.a. the Cheerleading zombies. Other than Maggie, the queen bee, and Morgan, the mean girl, I could never keep them straight on who was who since all their names started with M and sounded the same. When Hannah was choosing her M name I hoped that she went with the Montana option… like Hannah Montana. The thought of that made me chuckle while reading.

I did enjoy the book though I wish that there had been more to it at the end. It was left open quite nicely for a sequel. I don’t know, I just wanted to know about what happened a little further in the future. Or, if there was an entire sequel, maybe is Hannah found a way to overcome the entire Zombie thing.

Overall, I’m giving this book a 6/10. I sped through it in a few hours and it was entertaining enough. I think that it would be a good book to read while on the beach or somewhere like that.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

It Stops Here

Ok, this really needs to cease and desist. It was fun when it was just Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, but they’re taking the whole “let’s turn the classics into something with monsters” waaaaaaaay too far now.


I mean, look at this. They’ve made Romeo and Juliet into VAMPIRES!!!! Ok, well Juliet is the vampire by the looks of it, but HELLO this has been done; it’s called Twilight. Or any of the other countless vampire romances that are out there now where a human falls in love with a blood sucker.

If they really wanted to make a whole new Romeo and Juliet with vampires, why doesn’t someone just write a tragic love story a la R&J and slap on some bloody goodness? Why must they desecrate the classics in this way?

To be honest, I can tolerate the Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter, but that’s taking a historical figure and making them into something cooler. It’s complete fiction that’s ORIGINAL in its content… though not the underlying monster idea. In fact, my friend Raffia wants to make an Andrew Jackson; Werewolf novel (said idea being right now copyrighted or whatever. I had better not see this in the bookstores unless I know the author!), which sounds like it would be amazing. But I really draw the line at Shakespeare.

Really, people, come up with something original!! Still, the R&J is totally dragging me in... Sigh. Damn my love of tragedy and romance... with vampires.

To Cook is to Eat

Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat


Written by Megan Carle, Jill Carle, and with Judi Carle

Released: July 1, 2004


Summary: Written by two teens who know what teens do and don't know about cooking, TEENS COOK is an instructional cookbook that teaches young adults how to make great meals—and be confident and independent in the kitchen. Authors Megan and Jill Carle are teenage sisters with nothing much in common when it comes to food—except that they both know how to cook really well. One buys ingredients she likes and figures out what to make when she gets home; the other follows every recipe to the letter. One is a vegetarian who's drawn to ethnic food; the other prefers all-American comfort food. Together, they're a dynamic duo who have created and mastered more than 75 recipes for breakfasts, snacks, sides, family meals, dinners for one, and desserts. In TEENS COOK, the Carle sisters also share their kitchen know-how on averting and fixing disasters, dealing with cookbook math (fractions and metrics—ugh!), deciphering culinary vocabulary (all those terms we kind of know, but not really), explaining chemistry (why and how stuff goes right and wrong in the kitchen), and avoiding accidents (can you say "grease fire"? oops!). For teens (and tweens) who are tired of eating what their parents decide to fix, TEENS COOK offers foolproof advice for whipping up some tasty home-cooked meals of their own.




I know, I know, this isn't my usual fiction review, but I needed to share this amazing book. I got this book as a Christmas present from my friend Amy a few years ago and I’ve only recently re-discovered it. Boy, am I glad that I did.

This is by far the easiest cookbook that I have ever used in my life. I mean, I like to cook and bake, especially for larger crowds, but this book makes it so easy to make a one person meal too. It goes over breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, soups, salads, family meals, and individual meals. Honestly, it does it all plus it has both your comfort favourite foods like mac and cheese along with foods that I would never even consider like vegetable maki rolls.

What I really like about this book is how user friendly it is and how easy they make it so that you can take a recipe and substitute a lot of ingredients. My favourite is the seven-layer bars (which I think I’ve gotten up to over 10 layers) which I also make into just s’mores bars and other things. Seriously, this recipe is gold. I used it to bribe two guy friends of mine to help me move out of my last apartment; meaning that the only payment they got was this baked deliciousness. And one of them got a case of beer. But still, that is the power of these bars. Though they can also put you into a diabetic shock, so be careful what you put in them.

As far as cookbooks go, this is a 10/10 for me. Aside from the cream cheese brownies, I’ve never had a failed recipe from this book (though I was able to turn those brownies into a different desert which was even better). So if it’s your first time at college, or you’re newly on your own, or if you just want some really easy recipes to make for your family, this is a great book to pick up. In fact, I want to get my hands on the other ones that these girls have done. Except for maybe the vegetarian one…

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Wish List Wednesday - Number Eleven

So, I thought that I would change up how Wish List Wednesday is done this week. Meaning, that I'm super lazy on this day off of mine and I don't feel like actually searching for book covers...

BUT! I have an amazing alternative.

Over at Bloody Bookaholic, Natascha has done two posts on the upcoming books of Fall, which, of course, are on my wish list.

So click here for post one.

And click here for post two.

Of course, I'm not going to leave you completely hanging. No, since Ascendant is coming out this fall and I want to read about man-eating Unicorns, I really want to read Rampant first. Here was where I was going to post a link to the Goodreads page and show the book cover, but my Internet has decided to not work properly.

Oh, no, wait. There it goes.

And since I'm feeling slightly shamed for my sluggishness, here are TWO covers for Rampant.





Personally, I like the one on the right better. The one on the left just seems too cartooney. Plus, the one on the right has the really pretty reflection of the unicorn in the sword and it's just so pretty!

Exciting News!

For all you bloggers/readers out there who are my fellow Canadians, Chapters is having an AMAZING sale where you buy three books and you get the fourth for FREE!!!!!!!!

So, of course, I took advantage of this. I probably shouldn't have, but what's done is done. It's just so hard to pass up an amazing deal like that!!!

So go, GO NOW! If you're in Canada that is.

Sneek Peek Deux

Well, it's time for part two of chapter one over at Personal Demons, the blog of author Lisa Desrochers whose debut novel is hitting stores this September.

Either way, this chapter is shaping up to be very interesting. It's definitely making me want to know what's going to happen next!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Vintage Tuesdays: She Sleeps No More



Waking Beauty

Written by: Elyse Friedman

Released: June 22, 2004 by Three Rivers Press


Summary: “What a great book! This isn’t chick lit; it’s human lit about a fantasy everyone has had: How different would life be if I woke up one day flawlessly gorgeous? The narrator is a sarcastic genius with a black outlook on life that only deepens when the world begins to kiss her formerly repulsive, now-perfect ass.”—Poppy Z. Brite, author of Liquor






I read this book in eleventh grade after I saw a classmate of mine reading it at a table in the atrium during a free period. I had borrowed it from her to read the first few pages and I was hooked; which resulted in my buying a copy for myself and then loaning it out to all my literary friends.

I remember when I was reading this book I thought that I was slipping into an alternate world where it was perfectly possible to wake up looking like a Victoria’s Secret model. Of course, that was only at first. As I read the book, I was so torn about Allison being pretty or her being ugly, which made me question if it really was greener on the other side. So much happened to Allison that made me wonder if she had been better off staying how she was originally, but then there were those moments where you could see that true happiness no matter what had happened.

This is a completely unrealistic book, though. I mean, it’s a really modern-day, more adult fairy tale where the ugly duckling turns into the proverbial swan. So, if you’re looking for a more adult read, because this one deals with a lot of issues and situations that aren’t meant for those who are younger, this is a pretty good book. It’s an easy read that makes you ponder the important things in life. I’m giving it a 7/10.

Monday, June 21, 2010

And the Award Goes To... Three!

I have some seriously amazing readers, you all have no idea.

This week was a below average week as far as books went – my reading has been nonexistent lately – but these made it all the better.


From Camisadomind I was awarded the Versatile Blogger award. Thank you so much! Even though I’ve gotten the award before, the fact that I was given it again is absolutely amazing.


Then, from A Reading Kabocha (what’s a kabocha anyways?) I was awarded the Honest Scrap award. Wow. Thank you too, so much. However, this means that I now have to share ten honest things about myself.

1. I pick my nails. I sometimes bite them too, but mostly I pick them when I’m really frustrated, bored, sad, angry, irritated… the list goes on. Basically it’s an emotional reflex.

2. I get really bad cravings for salty food. Seriously, I keep a bag of regular Lays in the house just to munch on… like I am right now. However I don’t add salt to my food. Weird.

3. I name my personal electronics. My computer is Gustav, my iPod is Charlie, my car is Sherlock, and I have three flash drives that are named but I haven’t seen them in a while so I forget. I think that there’s an Oliver, Charlie and Edward? My Bluetooth and cell phone are a matching pair with Cleopatra and Caesar.

4. I have a Labyrinth movie poster right next to my bed and a David Bowie record album over my bed. I love Bowie and I’ve seen him in concert. *sigh*

5. I procrastinate. A lot.

6. I am really bad for starting one project and then moving to a different one before the first is complete.

7. I’m always multitasking. In fact, as I am writing this I am watching a movie on my computer. The book was better…

8. When in school, I was a part of a sorority. It was both the best and worst experience of my life. Then again, that’s life isn’t it? (And before you ask, no, there was no hazing. We went to Build-A-Bear… true story)

9. The movie has ended and I am now watching random episodes of South Park online. I love South Park; it’s one of my favourite TV shows. Cartman always makes me laugh.

10. And finally, I am a huge pack rat. It’s horrible how many boxes I have yet to unpack from when I moved out of my last apartment… last summer. And even then I still had boxes from first year.

So, there you go, you know a little more about the enigma that is me. Trust me, there’s a lot more left to find out.

As for passing these awards on, well I’ve already done that with the Versatile Blogger award, but for the Honest Scrap award I’m passing it on to every one of my readers, but especially my fantastic followers.

Movie Monday - A Sexy Sequel


Sex and the City 2

Written by: Michael Patrick King, Based on the Characters by Darren Star, Based upon the book by Candace Bushnell

Directed by: Michael Patrick King

Released: May 27, 2010 by Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema

Rated: R


Summary: Two years have passed since Carrie Bradshaw finally bagged John “Mr. Big” Preston, the man she was always meant to be with. Just as her friend Charlotte must deal with her young daughter’s “terrible two’s”, Carrie must deal with her relationship taking a turn for the worse - Big likes to watch old black-and-white movies on TV and eat take-out food, which prevents Carrie from feeling like the free-wheeling party girl she used to be. Meanwhile, Miranda copes with a new boss that can’t handle an intelligent, powerful woman, and Samantha works a public relations angle that gets the fashionable foursome an all-expense-paid trip to Abu Dhabi.



Ok, I admit that the first movie was an event. I went with a group of people and we dressed up in fancy dresses and heels with our make-up all done and we made an entire night of it. This time, yeah, not so much. I was wearing a ratty pair of sweats and my “Miranda” t-shirt that my friend Amy had made me for Christmas a few years ago. It says “Love Stinks” on the front and she painted “Miranda” on the back like a sports jersey. Apparently I’m a Miranda when compared for the four Sex and the City characters.

I don’t know but I think that the allure of the whole franchise has run its course and it needs to be put to rest. Really, what happened in this movie? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It just sort of happened while not doing anything. It was a waste of my time.

However, it was entertaining at parts. I feel so badly for Charlotte’s character since she always seems to be the butt of the joke… but those moments are funny. And, as always, Samantha’s character was rude and obscene in only the way that she can be.

If you’re looking for a girly movie to go see, this would be a good one, but I would go on cheap night if you haven’t already seen the movie. Or, if you’re not opposed to it, stream a version online and watch it for free at home. Or just wait to rent it when it comes out on DVD in the next few months. I’m giving this movie a 4.5/10.



On a side note, I think that Sarah Jessica Parker is hideous. I know that there are going to be many people who disagree with me, but did you see her in Hocus Pocus (I love that movie, by the way, it’s a favourite of mine)? She was completely type casted.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

In My Mailbox (8)

I love Sundays. Of course, they also mean that I have to work from 10-4, but I can deal with that. No, I love Sundays because all around the book blogging world it’s the day of the week where basically everyone shares what they got in their mailbox for the entire previous week. Thus, the eventual birth of In My Mailbox happened over at The Story Siren, a website that everyone should check out, and even though it was inspired by Pop Culture Junkie, it was genius.

This week I was very frugal and only bought books for ridiculously low prices or at stores where they were more than 25% off. Hey, at least I can say that I’m trying to curb my addiction in these trying economical times. So, I got;



Starbucked by Taylor Clark
It’s autographed!
Fighting the Current by Heather Waldorf
Both these books I got at… you’ll never guess. At the freaking DOLLAR store! No lie. I was buying supplies for work (while getting paid, woo!) and I stumbled across these two books so I bought them after I bought all the work stuff. Both look really good and the Starbucked one looks really interesting.



Cum Laude by Cecily von Ziegesar
I’m so happy that I didn’t get this at Chapters because I got a way better deal at Shoppers Drug Mart.
The Daughters by Joanna Philbin
Another one I’m glad that I didn’t get at a different store. Go Wal-Mart for having books at 30% off.
Sisters Red by Jackson Pierce
Another Wal-Mart find at 30% off. I’m really interested to cultivate my own thoughts on this one since it seems as though there are opposing views on it.



So this is what I got in my mailbox this week. What’s in yours?

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Here Come the Hurl Scouts!

Whip It

Written by: Shauna Cross

Released: September 15, 2009 by Square Fish


Summary: Skirts, Skates, & Scrapes!
All the old school skills with a new punk rock attitude
Come see The Lone Star Derby Girls
Austin’s All-Girl Roller Derby League
The Holy Rollers vs. The Fight Crew
Halftime Concert by the Chimney Sweeps
This ain’t no cheerleading clinic, y’all!

Meet Bliss Cavendar, an indie-rock-loving misfit stuck in the tiny town of Bodeen, Texas. Her pageant-addicted mother expects her to compete for the coveted Miss Bluebonnet crown, but Bliss would rather feast on roaches than be subjected to such rhinestone tyranny.

Bliss’s escape? Roller Derby.

When she discovers a league in nearby Austin, Bliss embarks on an epic journey full of hilarious tattooed girls, delicious boys in bands, and a few not-so-awesome realities even the most hard-core derby chick has to learn.


So I saw the movie when it was released and I loved it. Seriously, I’ve been wanting to go to a roller derby match ever since and I haven’t been able to; the next time that I’m able to go to a home game (heck, the next one that’s playing since I just missed the last one… damn website not being updated) is in October. Then there’s another one just days before my birthday, so you can guess what I’ll be doing.

Anyways, when I first saw the movie, I had no idea that it was based on a book. In fact, it was only recently that it came to my notice that there was a book about it. No, wait, that’s wrong. A few months ago I found the book at Chapters but I thought that it was a novelization of the movie and not the other way around, so I never gave it another thought. Thankfully, I saw the light and read this book.

I don’t think that I’ve enjoyed a teen-speak book as much as I enjoyed this one. Normally, the lingo really gets on my nerves but this one just added to the awesomeness of the book. I don’t know, it just went well with the entire vibe, or something.

The characters in this book were just so loveable, though I couldn’t help but picture the actors from the movie (sigh), and the characters you weren’t meant to love, well, you didn’t. I completely fell in love with Oliver as Bliss did and I was heartbroken when she had a fight with Pash. I also loved how the characters were described; it was so realistic and detailed without being overly so. The balance was terrific. And Bliss’ mom, she really grows on you; that’s about all I can say about her. By the end of the novel I loved her and thought that she was just the coolest mom ever.

I thought that one thing that really made this book something spectacular was that it was written by a real-life derby girl. I don't think that it would have had the same feel if it had been written by someone who wasn't a part of that world to begin with. I don't know, it just gave the book a complete sense of authenticity.

One thing that I didn’t like about this book was how it was the ‘Whip It’ version. I would have rather bought the ‘Derby Girls’ one, it just seems more original, but I made do.

Overall, this book is an 8/10 and letting you all know to read the book before watching the movie. The book is so much better in so many ways, but the movie has its own merits as well.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Books of the Future

So while browsing around Goodreads I came across this book;


Liar Society

Written by: Lisa Roecker and Laura Roecker

Released: March 2011

Summary: Kate Lowry didn't think dead best friends could send e-mails. But when she gets an e-mail from Grace, who died mysteriously a year before, she’s not so sure.


To: K8Lowry@gmail.com
Sent: Sun 9/14 11:59 PM
From: GraceWlsh13@gmail.com
Subject: (no subject)
Kate,
I'm here…
sort of.
Find Cameron.
He knows.
I shouldn't be writing.
Don't tell.
They'll hurt you.

Kate has no choice but to play detective and prove once and for all that Grace’s death was more than just a tragic accident. The emails continue and Kate is forced to confront the school's resident druggie, a sketchy administrator and even her own demons.

As she moves closer and closer to the truth, she teams up with a couple of knights-in-(not so)shining armor--the dangerously attractive, bad boy, Liam and her love-struck neighbor, Seth.

The three uncover an ancient secret lurking in the halls of their elite private school with the power to destroy them all.

But the truth doesn’t always set you free. Sometimes it’s only the beginning.

Sounds really interesting, doesn't it? Unfortunately, there isn't a cover image yet, but I'm going to keep an eye on this one. It sounds amazing. Plus, it's the first in a series (at least a trilogy) by the looks of it, so that means that there's more to come.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Sneek Peek

Today just seems like one of those giving days, so here I am giving more information about amazingness on a blogspot.

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers, which comes out this September, has the first chapter of her debut novel (this one is for sure a debut because her website even says so) up for everyone to read and enjoy. Next Tuesday there's going to be another little bit posted as well, so this is definitely a blog to watch.

And, if that weren't enough, she is also having a Debut Author contest for June where you can win an ARC of her book!

Summary: Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the king of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.


Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

Keep in mind that this is the ARC cover and not necessarily the final, but isn't it pretty? So go over there and check it out.

Free Is The New Discount: Version 3.0

Well, in the land of highly anticipated books, The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood and Jane Percy the Duchess of Northumberland is at the top of so many people’s lists. With its release not until July 20 news like this is so amazing when it’s found out.


For a limited time only, at least I’m guessing so, this debut novel (at least from Jane Percy... Does that still qualify it as a debut author novel?) is offered for free over at the HarperTeen website. If you’re not fully convinced on how amazing this is, here’s the summary so that you can see if you want to read it.



Jessamine Luxson lives with her father, Thomas, an apothecary, in an isolated cottage near Alnwick Castle. Thomas’s pride and obsession is his locked garden full of dangerous plants, which Jessamine is forbidden to enter.

When a traveler brings an orphan to their cottage, he claims the boy has special gifts that Thomas might value. Jessamine is drawn to the strange but intriguing boy, called Weed. Soon their friendship deepens into love. Finally, Weed shares his secret: He can communicate with plants. For him they have distinct personalities—and some are even murderous. From the locked garden the poisonous plants call to Weed, luring him with promises of deadly power.

When Jessamine falls inexplicably ill, only Weed’s relationship with the Poisons can save her. But Thomas is determined to exploit Weed’s abilities, even if it risks Jessamine’s life—or drives Weed to the brink of madness...


See, it sounds amazing, so go check it out. I’m sure that you won’t be disappointed.

The Voyage to Narnia

Once again Perez is the one informing me of the brand new trailers for the latest books-to-movie. Granted, this one was highly anticipated, but I'm glad that there's a trailer out there now to see how the movie is going to look.

Now, is it just me or are there parts in this that seem as though they weren't in the book?




Of course, I haven't read the books in years, aside from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which I had to read for a Children't Lit class. Maybe I'm just not remembering this book as well as I think I am. No, scratch that, I know that I'm a little fuzzy on what happened in it.

Oh well, I still can't wait to see what this movie brings to the table.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Wish List Wednesday - Number Ten

So it’s Wednesday, which means that it’s time for this week’s wish list.

There are just so many books out there that I sometimes have trouble deciding which ones to choose to feature. Usually, I try to show books that aren’t yet released, but this week I’m going way back for one book because it’s been on my wish list for YEARS. Really, years. I’m talking, like, 9 years.

Anyways, here are this weeks books;


Siren
Written by: Tricia Rayburn
Released July 13, 2010 by EdgmontUSA
This looks so pretty and the Goodreads summary makes it sound so interesting. I’ve heard some reviews from both negative and positive points of view, but I really want to see for myself what this book is all about.


Raised by Wolves
Written by: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Released: June 8, 2010 by EdgmontUSA
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book and I’ve wanted to buy it but there are NO copies at my local Chapters. NONE! I’ve actually noticed this with a lot of books lately and it makes me both angry and sad.


Silver Eyes
Written by: Nicole Luiken
Released: November 27, 2001 by Simon Pulse
Summary: Angel had no memory
of the secret message,
but the writing was hers.
It read, "Violet eyes lie."
SILVER EYES
In a world where humans work on Mars and loyalty is controlled by a brain chip, eighteen-year-old Angel Eastland can't retrieve her memory. Violet-eyed from the effects of a genetic experiment, she is hired as an investigator by the SilverDollar Mining Company. When she captures an nineteen-year-old fugitive named Michael Vallant, Angel senses an intimate connection with him -- one that disturbs her, especially when they kiss.
Angel's chip and her silver-eyed boss, Anaximander, one of the Augmented, tell her that Mike is a threat and must go through Loyalty Induction. But more secret messages compel Angel to resist and to help Mike. As Spacer terrorists from Mars attack SilverDollar, Angel and Mike race to and out who's really behind the unrest. Against an evil enemy who will kill to win, Angel has one chance to and her memory -- and to save her life.

Silver Eyes is the book that I’ve been looking for FOREVER. I read it at my local (at the time) library and I must have checked out it and the book before it a million times. I was able to fine a copy at a used book store for Violet Eyes, the first book, but never this one. Doesn’t it just sounds so good too? *sigh*

Vintage Tuesdays – The Kings Mistress

Sorry that this is a day late but I was out all yesterday with friends and I didn’t get home until really late. I’m kind of mad about it too because yesterday was the first day that I had missed posting something since I started the blog. Grrrr…


So technically this is Wednesday, but for now we’re going to pretend that it’s not!

I also missed the new episode of Pretty Little Liars, which makes me sad but I’m going to stream it in a bit so all is good.


The Other Boleyn Girl

Written by: Philippa Gregory

Released: January 1, 2001 by Scribner


Summary: Two sisters competing for the greatest prize: the love of a king When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, she catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled by the king, Mary falls in love with both her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realizes just how much she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots as the king's interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king, and take her fate into her own hands.

A rich and compelling tale of love, sex, ambition, and intrigue, The Other Boleyn Girl introduces a woman of extraordinary determination and desire who lived at the heart of the most exciting and glamorous court in Europe and survived by following her own heart.


So this was a book that my roommate in first year had read and told me was absolutely wonderful. She also offered to let me borrow it, but I politely declined since she had a bad habit of picking her nose while reading… and then sticking her finger in her mouth. Yeah, she was 18 too… I was grossed out. Anyways, the following year I was going on a spring break trip with some of my sorority sisters to Cuba and I wanted have a good book to read on the beach. This was also around the time that the book was being released in theatres as the movie – don’t get me started on how much the movie left out. So, since I like to (preferably) read books before seeing the movie, I decided to pick this one up at Chapters (or somewhere) and bring it along since by then I had heard from several people that it was a good read.

I then spent my entire time on the beach reading this book. Honestly, it was so amazing and involved. I just got so caught up in the story, the romance, the betrayal, the wickedness. Oh it was just so good. Which, of course, meant that while my friends were frolicking in the water, I was dry and sitting on a beach lounger, reading in the shade of an umbrella (see, I really don’t go in the sun).

I just completely fell in love with Mary and her story; how she was forced to become basically a prostitute to the king even though she was married. I wanted her to get a happy ending so much that I was almost crying at parts, while on the beach, in public. Really, I just couldn’t put this book down at all. I think that I finished it just as we were about to leave for home, which was good since I didn’t want to be caught without something to read and be forced to read my Psych 101 text book that had been brought along by one of my friends.

I give this book a 10/10. It is by far the best in the series, at least that I have read, but the writing is so addictive that I’m warning you in advance to make sure that you have the time to finish reading it.

Monday, June 14, 2010

And the Award Goes To... Two


Wow, honestly I can’t believe that I have gotten two blogging awards within the last year let alone the last few days. I mean, I’d never had one and then BAM there’s two. I am so thrilled and amazed that people like my blog and it’s a little wondrous to me even now. Ok, that’s a complete lie. I’m totally shocked, flabbergasted, thrown, all those other amazing descriptive words that people even read my blog let alone comment, follow, or award ME an award.

So thank you, everyone, for your amazing support, but especially thank you to Amanda from Another Book Junkie who has passed the Versatile Blogger Award on to little ole’ me. Thank you.

Of course, as awards are, there are a few rules that I have to follow, so here they are;

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award  well, that’s already done.
2. Share seven things about yourself  see below
3. Pass this award along to fifteen bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order…)  I’ve decided against fifteen because I really can’t choose. But I have five amazing blogs to share with everyone!
4. Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know about the award  that’s going to be done as soon as I post this


Ok, so here are the seven things about moi;

1. My dad has racehorses and when I’m not working, reading, hanging with friends, or being completely lazy you can find me at the barns.
2. I have some of the most amazing friends in the entire world… though most of them have absolutely no idea that I have this blog.
3. I’m a HUGE insomniac. Basically I’m more of a night person and I would rather sleep during the day. Everything is just so calm and quiet at night…
4. Because of number three, my mother has accused me more than once of thinking that I was a vampire. Honestly. No lie. I just laughed and retreated away from the sunlight.
5. Further “evidence” that causes my mother to think that I’m a vampire; I’m a complete introvert and I hate being out in the sun. However, I don’t want to get skin cancer or more freckles. Plus, it’s too bright.
6. I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to do in my life, but I know that I want it to either involve books or makeup.
7. My second obsession in life is makeup. Seriously, walking into a MAC store is almost as bad as walking into a book store; it’s complete wallet suicide too.



So there you have it, seven things about me.

Now on to those who I am awarding this to. You special few are;

Swimmer from Books, Writing, and More, Oh My!!
Miss Ali from Love Miss Ali
BCLEMENT412 from Abyss
Morgan from The Paperback Princess
And finally,
Allison from Read Into This!


Congratulations to everyone who has won this award in the past and who it will be given to in the future. Ever notice how these awards are like a chain letter though? Weird...

Movie Monday - Girl Rock



The Runaways

Written by: Floria Sigismondi based on the book Neon Angels by Cherie Currie

Directed by: Floria Sigismondi
Released: January 24, 2010 (Sundance Film Festival), April 9, 2010 (worldwide)

Rating: R

Summary: The movie chronicles The Runaways from 1975 - 1977; formed by teenage girls living near Hollywood, CA. the band ultimately succeeds on their own merits as musicians, becoming the first all-girl rock-band to ever break into the world of arena-filling hard rock acts.



Ok, the one bad thing about this movie, straight off, is that its “wide” release wasn’t all that wide; which means that I didn’t watch it in theatres. Yep, I watched a streaming version online that was not a bootleg. Anyways, the good thing is that this is supposed to be released on DVD July 20. So that’s next month.

Ok, on to the actual review.

I hate Kristin Stewart. I think that she can’t act, she has absolutely no talent, and that she’s always a washed-up has-been. However, she didn’t do that bad of a job in this movie. Maybe it’s because her character was a butch coke-head (no offence Joan Jett), but Stewart was able to actually portray her character pretty well. I have to admit that I’m not a follower of The Runaways, the actual band, and they were a little before my time, so I have no idea how accurate this movie is to how things really happened.

As for the other characters, Dakota Fanning was superb in her portrayal of Cherie Currie (once again, I have no idea if this was how it really was) and I could easily believe the events in the movie that revolved around her. Plus, kudos to the young starlet for being able to act in such a mature roll in which she dealt with a lot of different issues. The rest of the cast was ok but forgettable. The most outstanding of the supporting cast was the actress who played Fanning’s on-screen sister, but even that was a bit part.

For all the hype that surrounds this movie, I would have to say that, in my opinion, it lives up to it pretty well. It doesn’t shy away from the nitty gritty of the era nor does it try to sugar-coat things. I also enjoyed being able to watch the movie and not feel as though I was lost for not knowing anything about the band or the people behind the characters.

I’m giving this movie a 7/10. If you have the chance, give it a try. It offers a lot more than Stewart’s horrible acting abilities.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Double You Tea Eff?

So, I was browsing around Goodreads and I came across this book;




Bitter Frost

Written by: Kailin Gow

Released: June 1, 2010 by The EDGE

Summary: All her life, Breena had always dreamed about fairies as though she lived among them...beautiful fairies living among mortals and living in Feyland. In her dreams, he was always there the breathtakingly handsome but dangerous Winter Prince, Kian, who is her intended. When Breena turns sixteen, she begins seeing fairies and other creature’s mortals don t see. Her best friend Logan, suddenly acts very protective. Then she sees Kian, who seems intent on finding her and carrying her off to Feyland. That's fine and all, but for the fact that humans rarely survive a trip to Feyland, a kiss from a fairy generally means death to the human unless that human has fairy blood in them or is very strong, and although Kian seemed to be her intended, he seems to hate her and wants her dead.



Well, I haven’t read it and it sounds like it would be interesting, but doesn’t it also sound just like The Iron King by Julie Kagawa? Granted I have yet to get around to The Iron King, but from the reviews and opposing team rants that I have read… yeah…

Will someone let me know if they’re read either or both and what this sounds like to them? Thanks!

And the Award Goes To...

Well, I was absolutely floored when I opened an e-mail and got the news that I had received a blogging award. My many, many thanks goes out to Swimmer from Books, Writing, and More, Oh My!! for bestowing this award onto me. It really is an honour.

Now, there are a few stipulations that come with this award, which I have copied from Swimmer’s blog and they are here;

If you are given this award you must first accept it by leaving a comment on the post you were nominated on. Then copy and paste the post and add it to your own blog. Make a list of the last 5 books you read and pass the award on to 5 other bloggers (no backsies!). Please also identify the blog from which you got the award and don’t forget to tell your picks that they have a blog award!

So there you have it. I’ve fulfilled the first, second and fifth requirements, so here are the third and fourth;

The last five books I read are:

Thirteen Reasons Why – Jay Asher
Unbelievable – Sara Shepard
Princess of the Midnight Ball – Jessica Day George
Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang – Chelsea Handler
And I’m currently reading;
Wicked by Sara Shepard.
Does that one count? If not, then let’s go with;
Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins

Wow, I really haven’t been reading all that much in the last few weeks. That makes me a little sad.

Anyways, now I must pass this on to some amazing bloggers. Hmmm… who should I choose? I’m going to pass this on to;

The Book Fairy’s Haven
The Page Flipper - (Buffy week ROCKS!)
Another Book Junkie
Storywings
and
WORD for Teens


Congratulations to you all. You all have amazing blogs.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Let Down Your Hair!

So, I was just on YouTube when this came onto my list



All I could think was; OH MY GOD!! They finally made a Rapunzel movie. Plus, it looks funny. I have to wonder, though, how far they're going to stray form the original fairy tale. I hope that they don't mess it up...

In My Mailbox (7)

I know that this is a day early, but I work tomorrow and I know that I'm going to be sooooo tired when I get home.

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren; it's an amazing blog, go check it out. It’s one of those great memes that lets you see who’s buying what and it introduces you to some amazing new blogs as well.

This week was a great week for book buying since I was able to hit up some used books stores along with Half Price Books and Chapters.

On a side note about Half Price Books, I’ve never seen one in Canada other than the one that’s here where I am, and I’ve been all over Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Are there any other Canadian bloggers out there that have been to a Half Price Books in Canada? I know that they’re popular State-side, but not here I guess.



Anyways, here’s what I was able to pick up at Half Price Books;



Something Borrowed – Paul Magrs
I have been looking for this book for MONTHS ever since I read the first one. I can’t wait to read more about Brenda and her supernatural town.
The Power of Makeup – Trish McEvoy
It was a pretty book and makeup is my second place obsession. Seriously, I have a spending problem whenever I walk into a MAC store.





Here there’s a Goodwill that’s only books. It’s AMAZING and you can find some really great older books there along with some newer ones. Plus, it’s always changing and there are always new books there.



Deja Dead – Kathy Reichs
I got this one out from the library a while ago and never got around to reading it though I really wanted to. Now I don’t have an excuse!





Then it was on to Chapters where I splurged in honour of my first paycheque from my new job and got;



Wanted – Sara Shepard
It is any wonder that I got it since it just came out? I can’t wait to read it.
Birthmarked – Caragh M. O’Brien
I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book.



Dust of 100 Dogs – A.S. King
I stumbled across this one and it sounds like it’s going to be a great pirate read. Plus, it seems like it’s a very original book.
Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea – Chelsea Handler
I enjoyed Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang so much that I had to get this one. Technically I got it at Coles in the mall, but it’s only because no one could find the book in Chapters when there were 8 copies available. Weird…
Whip It – Shauna Cross
I loved the movie and the book sounds like fun. Stay tune for a review asap!





So this is what I got in my mailbox this week. What’s in yours?

Friday, June 11, 2010

The Reason



Thirteen Reasons Why

Written by: Jay Asher

Released: October 18, 2007 by Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated


Summary: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.



Ok, I can understand why people think that this book is too self-absorbed and petty with Hannah’s character narrating the reasons why she committed suicide, but I really have to disagree. Where some see her reasons as stupid and pointless, I see them as layer upon layer that built up on top of her until she collapsed. I think that’s how it usually is when people kill themselves; it’s the little things that build up rather than just one really big thing.

Which leads me to Hannah as a character; I didn’t find her whiney. In fact, I thought that she was incredibly truthful and, as the book develops, you see how she came to terms with her suicide. She wasn’t necessarily going around dishing out blame for the reasons that she committed suicide, though she was (hence the title), but she was also taking blame onto herself. She was letting these specific people know that, sure some things could have happened differently, but you never know until after it happens. Hindsight is always 20/20 though, isn’t it? No, I don’t think that the tapes were her placing blame solely on one person but they were meant to show that what a person does can reflect on someone else’s life without anyone knowing. I think that the tapes were meant more as a warning than anything.

Which brings Clay into the picture. I think that he may be the only one who ended up taking Hannah’s words to heart, which is shown at the very end of the book, since some of the others seems to be pushing the tapes aside and claiming that it wasn’t their fault. I think that this is what makes Clay such a good narrator to counter what Hannah says. Between the two of them you get alternating sides to the same story and the reader can really see the different perspectives.

The book as a whole was amazing and it really opened my eyes. I don’t think that I’ve ever really read a book like this before. If you haven’t already read this, try picking it up next time at the library or the bookstore, especially if you want a break from the paranormal, dystopian books that are conquering the bookshelves right now. I promise that you won’t (shouldn’t) regret it. I’m giving this book a very high 8/10. Where I don’t think that I’ll ever read it again, it was truly amazing.