Waiting on Wednesday - When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Here's a book that has me salivating. The more I hear about it, the more I want it!

When You Reach Me

Rebecca Stead

Random House

July 14, 2009

Wonderful reviews from bloggers I trust:

Fuse #8 - Review of the Day: When You Reach Me

The Reading Zone - When You Reach Me

about this book - from Random house

Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever.

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

Read An Excerpt of When You Reach Me.

::wiping my mouth:: - only 7 more days! What are you waiting on?

For more ideas, stop by Jill's at Breaking The Spine!

Blog Tour and Giveaway - Tomorrow's Treasure and The Veil

Tomorrow's Treasure
Linda Lee Chaikin
Waterbrook/Random House

Raised by her aunt and uncle at the rectory in the small English village of Grimston Way, lovely Evy Varley remembers little of her missionary parents and nothing of South Africa, the land where she was orphaned during the Zulu War of 1878. But when Sir Rogan Chantry, the arrogant and handsome son of the local Squire, accuses Evy’s mother of stealing the infamous Kimberly Black Diamond, Evy sets out to prove the rogue wrong and clear her mother’s name.

Secrets abound, however, from the diamond mines of South Africa to the halls of her own beloved rectory. Strangers come to Grimston Way for their own mysterious purposes, a stunned Evy finds that her own aunt and uncle may have concealed disturbing truths about her family, and the dashing Sir Rogan has his own reasons to seek the missing diamond.

Yet despite Rogan’s seemingly rakish ways and the class differences that render a romance between them impossible, Evy finds herself drawn to the man who was once her childhood friend and now holds the keys to her heart. Faced with a dangerous past and an uncertain future, Evy must draw upon her wits and her faith to pursue Tomorrow’s Treasure.

A story of faith, danger and romance, Tomorrow’s Treasure is a masterpiece of historical suspense fiction.

The Veil
Diane Noble
Waterbrook/Random House



But one young woman, Hannah McClary, dares to question the truth behind the shroud. Soon Hannah and the young man she loves–Lucas Knight, who has been trained from childhood to kill on behalf of the Church–find themselves fighting for their very lives.

As a group of unwary pioneer families marches into Utah toward a tragic confrontation with the Saints at a place called Mountain Meadows, Hannah and Lucas are thrust into the most difficult conflict of all–a battle for truth and justice–even as they are learning for the first time about unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness.…

The publisher is giving away a copy of each book! Just leave your email address with a comment letting me know which book you want! This contest will run until Tuesday, July 21, 2009 11:59 PM, EST. Open to US and Canada Only.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? - 7/6

This is the first Monday of July. We are halfway through the year! What have I been reading this past week? Were there any books I gave up? Any books I looked at to decide if I want to continue reading? What are my plans (which are subject to change!) It's Monday, What Are You Reading is hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog.

Finished

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiana (243/269) - loved it! rvw soon!

Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan (322) - Freaking Awesome! rvw soon!

ghostgirl: homecoming by Tonya Hurley (285) - She's over at Book Divas this week.

Started

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson (353/592) - Wow! Wrote a little about it on Sunday Salon - Books That Call To Me - great mystery, fantasy, romance, etc!

No Fear Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (12/287) - still trying to decide btwn this or Hamlet first.

Great Call of China by Cynthea Liu - (13/246) - good starting chapter but will have to abandon for later date.

Goal - Only got a 73% of goal. 1,228 of 1,683.

Upcoming

I have too much homework! How to get my required reading (blog tours), write some reviews (way behind), do homework and go to ALA for Saturday? Hmmm.

Off Season by Anne Rivers Siddons (358) - post by 7/21

Hollywood is Like High School With Money by Zoey Dean (278) - post by 7/23

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (277) - seeing her Saturday at Anderson's Bookshop.

If things go well, I really want to finish the Brandon Sanderson. We'll see!

In My Mailbox - July 5, 2009

In My Mailbox is brought to you courtesy of The Story Siren. Each week I will let you know what new Young Adult (YA) or Middle Grades (MG) books made their way into my house. These are books I bought, begged for, or borrowed and will be happy to read some day!

Bought

I'm trying to cut back, again, on buying so many books. I did well this week!

Amazing Grace by Megan Shull - @ellenpotter tweeted that she'd read this book several times. 'Nuff said.

No Fear Shakespeare: Hamlet - for the Shakespearean Summer Challenge

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - for the Everything Austen Challenge

Begged

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga - signed! Barry Lyga has is giving Free Books to Bloggers either to give to their readers or to keep for themselves! I've already given away one copy with a signed postcard. This one will go soon...

Borrowed

Working in a library is dangerous and not because of the kooky patrons. I did better this week and only brought home two books.

Wings by E.D. Baker - I've read Wings by Jason Lethcoe, I'm reading Wings by Aprilynne Pike, this will complete the Wings Trifecta!

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon - she is a Word Ninja!

Good week! I 3> reading! When I grow up, I want to get a job where they pay me to read books and talk about them...

So, what's in your mailbox?

Sunday Salon - July 5, 2009

Has a book ever called your name? Have you ever been drawn to a book, knowing that you don't have "time" to read it because you have other books you need to read? Well, this week TWO books called out to me. They were books I planned on reading, eventually. But they couldn't wait, so I stopped resisting and picked them up. Really glad I did!

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

This book was all the rage early in the year, but I found the cover too corny. Then, in April, it made my Waiting on Wednesday post and I've been salivating after it ever since. I borrowed it from the library and put it In My Mailbox June 21st which usually means I won't get to it for another 6 weeks! But no, I couldn't wait, I had to know, what did that cover mean....and it was well worth it. Great book! There has to be a sequel. There has to be.

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

I saw this book on a sidebar in Shelf Awareness back in early May and added it to my Wanna Read It list. I didn't request it because I wasn't sure when I could read it. Then, the most wonderful thing happened: Dot Lin, Mr. Sanderson's publicist, asked if I wanted to receive a copy. Ha Ha! Why do they ask - of course I want a copy!!! And she sent this beautiful, HUGE, hardcover and I posted it In My Mailbox - June 15, mere days after it was released. But alas, that translates to "I will read it before year's end because it is not a library book nor is it a blog tour just some wonderfully pleasant reading to look forward to". Yes, it means all of that! But, it wasn't to be - I picked it up a mere day after I finished The Demon's Lexicon and Big Stone Gap. It wasn't even in the pile, I had to go and get it and WOW! It is wonderful.

I haven't finished it yet but I will tell you a little about it:

on pg. 278 of 592

We are introduced to two kingdoms: Idris and Hallandren. In Idris they believe the Royal Family are the true rulers who should also control Hallandren. In Hallandren they have The Returned and the God King and they want to keep control of their kingdom as well as destroy the Idrians and control that land.

The Idrian king designed a treaty that has staved off war for twenty years. In order to continue doing so, he has to send his daughter, Vivenna, to marry the God King and bear an heir. He decides he can't do that, he loves his daughter too much. So he sends his youngest child, the redundant one, Siri, instead!

Siri uncovers some interesting mysteries in the City of Gods, the least of all being the Returned God, Lightsong. Lightsong is my favorite character in this book. He is funny and witty and tries hard not to do anything...until he has no choice.

Vivenna decides to run away to Hallandren and rescue her sister and, hopefully, take her rightful place beside the God King. She was raised to be the God Queen and she wants to fulfill her duties. She gets to Hallandren only to find that everything she thought she knew, was actually nothing at all. She starts questioning her father, her faith, and her very existence.

Ok, that's where I'm at now. Here is one of Lightsong's comments that make me like him:

"That's a charming concept, Blushweaver. But I believe the universe and I are in slightly different weight categories."

"I think you're wrong"

"Are you saying I'm fat?" (p. 145)

And here is Nightblood the sword talking:

"You didn't use me much...You could have used me. I'm better than a shirt. I'm a sword.

...I really am better than a shirt. I would have killed them. Look, they're still breathing. Stupid shirt." (p. 207)

I know, funny right? You weren't thinking that? Maybe you need to read the book. No, really. Get it. It's a mystery, a fantasy, it's humorous, it's witty, it has great new ideas, and makes you think! What more could you ask for from a book?

Have a wonderful Sunday - see you next week!

Challenges! Update on my Reading Challenges

I don't join many challenges - I have this thing about wanting to do something vs. having to do something - a challenge usually makes me feel as I have to do it - so, of course, I don't want to do it!

But there are some challenges that are not too bad - so I joined some!

2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog - my goal is to read 50 library books by the end of the year. This helps support libraries while keeping cash in my pocket. My only hesitation being will I remember to return the books on time? Since I work in a library and knew I had to do an internship in yet another library I figured I would give it a try. So far I've read 31 of 50 library books and owe 12.00 in fines. Hmm...not really keeping cash in pocket?!? j/k

Diversity Rocks Challenge hosted by Diversity Rocks - my goal is to be more aware of my reading and try to read at least ONE book by an African-American writer per month. I've since decided to make sure I'm reading multiculturally with an emphasis on African American. I've only read 5 books that fit my criteria. This is out of the 60 something books I've read so far this year. Not too good. Need to step up on this!

A Shakespearean Summer Challenge hosted by Liv's Book Reviews - my goal is to read 3 of Shakespeare's plays that I don't remember ever having read even though I know the story. This short contest is part of The Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev release celebration that the Word Ninjas are putting together. It's over in August. So far I've read nothing. Noted and correcting!

The Everything Austen Challenge hosted by Stephenie's Written Word - my goal is to read 5 books and watch 1 movie by challenge's end which isn't till January! Yeah! I've watched Pride and Prejudice four times this month and it's only the fourth! Pretty good!

Newsweek 50 Books for Our Time Reading Challenge hosted by My Friend Amy - I only have one book to read for this new challenge: Brooklyn by Colm Toibin. I'm so excited because this book is on my Wanna Read It list! 50 bloggers are each taking one book to read by year's end and then decide if Newsweek was correct, are these really the books of our time. There were four books left when I wrote this!

Along the way I've participated in the Dewey 24hr ReadAThon and MotherReader's 48hr Book Challenge. Now that I've put this in the open, I'm hoping this will help me reach my challenge goals! Somehow, I also need to start on my 20 books I want to read plus all of the possible Newbery books, EEK! What have I gotten into? There has to be a way to link them all together....

Are you participating in any challenges? How are you doing? If no, why not?

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence Day! Today is the day we celebrate our country's independence by eating Bar-B- Que and wathing fireworks! Why? I don't know why we celebrate that way and right now I have no desire to find out. Maybe next year!

Relaxing day today - watching some movies: Tales of Despereaux and Pride and Prejudice, paying some bills then going to see friends for the all important BBQ and fireworks! And of course, somewhere in there is reading and the all-important napping!

Hope you are having a wonderful day wherever you are!

Friday Five - July 3

Happy Independence Day Weekend! Looking forward to relaxing this weekend. Any big plans? I want to read and catch up on reviews.

1. Contests - I want to apologize to those who haven't received their books yet. I promise. You will. I will also try to have one international contest per month, If I can. Remember: poor school librarian. Here's what I have

Contest Monday Winners
Signed ARC of The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong - Linna from Live Through the Pages
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga with signed bookplate - Sharon from Sharon Loves Books and Cats
Signed HC of Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison - Lauren from Shooting Stars Mag
ghostgirl and ghostgirl: homecoming by Tonya Hurley - open till July 5 - 11:59 PM EST

Blog Tour Giveaways
Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Gunn - Kristi from Stamped With Grace and Lenore from Presenting Lenore
The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul - open till July 8 11:59 pm EST

For July, I plan on having Contest Mondays for Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev (ARC), Hollywood is Like High School with Money by Zoey Dean (ARC), The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand (HC) and Fade to Blue by Sean Beaudoin (ARC) and a Blog Tour giveaway where you can win either The Veil by Diane Noble or Tomorrow's Treasure by Linda Lee Chaikin.

2. Game On! - this is our first week doing the Game On! challenge and I must say it's been an adjustment! I've adapted to the 3L of water but the eating five meals a day is very difficult. I'm sleeping better though last night I took a night off cuz I stayed up late reading Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson.

3. ALA - Next Saturday I get to go to ALA. I've started receiving postcards and emails from the various companies that will be there. They are more your reference material type companies than trade book companies. Although I'm excited, BEA seems as if it was a lot more fun! I will be making a side trip to Anderson's Bookshop to see Laurie Halse Anderson and Sarah Dessen though, yay!

4. Word Ninjas! - I'm excited to belong to this group! We are a group of book bloggers and debut authors who are trying united ways to get books read and publicized! It is so awesome. For each book release there are virtual and street parties, contests, swag giveaways, etc! Each author decides what they want to see happening. The bloggers get to Opt-In if they want to participate, so no pressure! Then you get to decide which activities makes sense for you to do depending on contacts and what time you have available. As of right now, there are nine books involved, five which have upcoming releases:

• Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev - July 7


• Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink - August 1


• Ash by Malinda Lo - September 1


• Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron - November


• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - December 1

Books already out and you should read:

• Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon


• Sliding on the Edge by C. Lee Mckenzie


• Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler


• Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog (4 copies, rvw soon!)

Find them on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and other social networking sites. Friend them, please! These authors also have a charity initiative and are helping out libraries which is doubly important now with all the library budget cuts in Ohio!

5. @SummerofSeven - another group of great authors! They are giving away 7 books with either a UK or US cover! Check out Escape With The Seven. Full Disclosure - Only read The Forest Of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (4 copies), The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan (4 copies and more!), and in the middle of Wings by Aprilynne Pike. I truly loved The Demon's Lexicon, it had my favorite things - good-looking guy and quick-witted humor! Review coming soon!

That's it for me this week. Tune in next week for more winners and some other fun stuff! Have a great holiday!

Review - Reality Check by Peter Abrahams

Readin'
Reality Check
Peter Abrahams
Harper Teen
330 pgs.
5 hrs.

Writin'
Cody and Clea are opposites. She's smart and rich. He isn't. He decides that he is holding her back from everything she could be, so he breaks it off with her. But he still loves her. Clea's dad never liked Cody and has decided to send her away to boarding school to finish her high school education. Clea moves across the country to Vermont to attend Dover. Then she disappears. It's in all the papers. And Cody knows that something must be going on so he packs up and heads to Vermont. Hoping that he's not too late.

'Rithmetic
May I just say I loved this book. I fell in love with Cody myself. His self-deprecating manner, his determination and persistence. It was hard to tell who was on his side and who was against him.

"It's hard to know who to trust sometimes." (91)

This theme runs throughout the book and just when you think you've figured out the good guys, Abrahams gives you a little more rope. I thought the story moved quickly and kept me involved and guessing.

"Meaning, you think whoever we're looking for is close by?" (242)

Abrahams did a great job of giving Cody a voice. I knew what he sounded like and his going to Vermont made sensee with the way the story had been setup.

Great mystery! I give it 4 copies and will be recommending it for the 7th grade mystery series!

Mini Review - Being Nikki by Meg Cabot

Readin'
Being Nikki: An Airhead Novel
Meg Cabot
Scholastic, Point
182 of 336 pgs (Abandoned)
1 1/2 hrs.

Writin'
Being Nikki continues the story of Em Watts who has fully taken on the body of Nikki. She is trying to keep involved with her family, do the modeling for Stark Enterprises, attract the attention of her former best friend, Christopher, and find Nikki's real mom. Christopher, whom she's in love with, has decided that he's in love with Em and would like to bring down Stark Enterprises as a way to avenge her death. Nikki has to find a way to stop him, even though she agrees with him. She knows that Stark Enterprises is the reason she's alive.

'Rithmetic
Let me just say that the Amazing Dancer was shocked I didn't like this book. And so was I. I've been waiting for this book since I'd read Airhead. I booktalked Airhead along with The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson and Unwind by Neal Shusterman. I believe those three books open up a great discussion on identity. So, I was looking forward to see Cabot's answer to the question of "what makes you, you".

I was put-off by the whiny, unrealistic tone - did Nikki really think she could travel to visit her Grandmother in Florida without arousing suspicion? And the thing Nikki has about anyone who kisses her - she can't control herself and wants to sleep with them- sounds very dangerous. Her interest in Christopher wasn't very evident to me in the first book nor was his interest in her. I just didn't buy that he loved her enough to bring down a company and she loved him enough to risk everything. And it all seemed so repetitive. It felt like a chore to read and I was happy to stop.

Here's where things get complicated: my personal feelings for this book aside, I think my students would enjoy it. I'm going to give it 2 copies. Which is one more than it deserves.