Saturday, April 30, 2011

[Review] Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Title: Forbidden
Author: Tabitha Suzuma
Publication: 15/05/10
Publisher: Random House
Source: For review from publisher
Age: 18+ mature themes across the board :P
Pages: 410
My Rating:

Summary:
She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But . . . They are brother and sister.
My thoughts: 

.4/5

This review is subject to change - so much so because I only JUST finished it an hour ago, and it was just so unbelieveable what is explored in the book. It's just really heavy, and at times I just needed to step back and take a break from the lives of Lochan and Maya, and their siblings. I can almost guarantee you that this book will numb you, and I strongly urge you NOT to read this if you are not over the age of 18. Even at the back of this book, there is a line of text - "NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER READERS". I do believe this is a book that can open peoples' minds, but there's a lot of detail with sexual scenes, as well as language and all that fun stuff. :L

Forbidden tells a story of a love between two siblings who live under the same roof. Not only will getting caught being together jeopardise the bright futures the two can potentially have, but their lovely family will fall apart. Of course, there's the father who left years ago, the mother who the kids are seeing less and less of every day, and three younger kids who just can't seem to get it together. Is sacrifice, and living a life apart, better than risking happiness? Who draws the line with incestuous relationships anyway? They're each other's best friend, and so, so much more. And that should be enough, right?

Bam! Suzuma wrote such a powerful and emotional book. This is the first of hers I've read, but after reading this, it will surely not be the last. Not only is it evocative, but it's strung together in a creative and structured format: alternating POVs between Lochan and Maya, that works really well. It provided both sides to the same story, but also showed the feelings that were elicited with their growing situation. Speaking of the writing style, it is almost poetic in the way that one sentence flows into the next one.


Despite its incredibly large length, Forbidden is just written in a way that compelled me to continue reading. That said, this book got a bit tedious in the middle, because it felt like Suzuma was repeating situations and the like. There was definitely potential for the story to have been purged; the page number intimidated me, explaining why it took me so long to get around to reading this book.

I actually believe that the family situation in Forbidden was plausible, as well as that being the reasoning behind the relationship between Lochan and Maya, and they discuss that a few times in the novel. It's a real eye-opener, and made me think about my own opinions in the matter. This book better helped me understand my own thoughts, and when a book does that, you know there's something special about it.

I really did love the family. They also developed and grew, and it was really interesting to see how the family dynamics shifted as the mother began to cut the family out of her lives. It was all those little moments that makes the ending such a tearjerker . . .

I really did like this book, but there were some really annoying bits that I need to address. If it weren't for these, I'm sure I'd have enjoyed this book a lot more, and found it even more powerful. First off, cheesy dialogue. There were just so many of those tagline/tragic movie lines in this book that brought the emotional impact over the edge from iconic to satiric. (eg. "my love", and "How can something so wrong feel so right?" - it's been done before)

Also, I appreciate that Suzuma threw in an extra factor as to why their relationship became what it was, but Lochan was just such a pansy! I'm not dissing him because of his social anxiety, because at least that can be explained. But he just blushed and cried WAY. TOO. MUCH! He was seriously, the girl of the relationship.

Will I read another of Tabitha's books? Sure. Maybe not anytime soon, but if I'm ever in the mood for a heavy book, she's my new go-to author.

Quotes:

I've finally adopted vertical strippy post-its, so I've got quotes to share. :)

First Lines

"I gaze at the small, crisp, burned-out black husks scattered across the chipped white paint of the windowsills. It is hard to believe they were ever alive. I wonder what it would be like to be shut up in this airless, glass box, slowly baked for two long months by the relentless sun, able to see the outdoors - the wind shaking the green trees right there in front of you - hurling yourself again and again that is real and alive and necessary until eventually you succumb: scorched, exhausted, overwhelmed by the impossibility of the task.

At what point does a fly give up trying to escape through a closed window - do its survival instincts keep it going until it is physically capable of no more, or does it eventually learn after one crash too many that there is no way out? At what point do you decide that enough is enough?"

(p. 1, Lochan)


Favourite Quotes

"You think no one understands, I want to tell him, but you're wrong. I do. You're not alone."

(p. 29, Maya)

"Her school pinafore is stained with yesterday's lunch, her school coat is missing its hood, her book bag is falling apart, her red tights have a large hole behind the knee, but she never complains. Even though she is surrounded by mums and dads hugging their children goodbye, even though she hasn't seen her mother for two weeks now, even though she has no memory of ever having a father. She is only five, yet already she has learned that there is no point in asking her mother for a bedtime story, that inviting friends over is something only other children can do, that new toys are a rare luxury, that at home Kit and Tiffin are the only ones who get their own way. At the age of five she has already come to terms with one of life's harshest lessons: that the world isn't fair."

(p. 149, Lochan)

""There are no laws, no boundaries on feelings. We can love each other as much and as deeply as we want. No one, Maya, no one can ever take that away from us.""

(p. 253, Lochan)

Buy:

Live in Australia?
Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?
Amazon | The Book Depository


Links:

Official Site
Goodreads Page


I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: --


Sunday, April 24, 2011

In My Mailbox (30): Magic


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren, and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie! Participants are required to tell all about what they've received in the mail--anything bookish!

~~~~~

HAPPY EASTER!

Whether you celebrate the holiday, festive or religious,
I hope you are enjoying your break if you have been granted one. ;)
Me? I'll be having a memorial for my ancestors tomorrow - relatives are travelling over here.

~~~

I am now officially NOT buying anymore books. :/
I have more than enough great books to keep me busy for a year!
But of course I'll be back to buying more next month. Hahahah.

Continue! :D

Friday, April 22, 2011

[Re-Review] Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Publication: 2009
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Source: Won, thanks Jay Asher!
Age: 14+ (some sexual content and language, but the issue explored needs to be heard by younger teens)
Pages: 280
My Rating:

Summary:
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several 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.
My thoughts: 

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher spun me around and around--so much so that I felt just as lost and confused and hurt that Clay felt as he was listening to the suicide tapes of a girl he could've loved. Asher does not shy away from exploring the painful but gripping issue that comes attached with growing up and feeling as though reality is slipping away from you. Hannah Baker earned herself a reputation that she by no means deserved. A reputation that she earned through a rumour based on just a kiss. Clay Jenson is a protagonist and narrator both reliable and realistic in his portrayal, and Asher made a great decision to choose such a character to drive this narrative.





Clay Jenson comes home from school to find a mysterious box, full of audiotapes, each marked numerically by nail polish. Once he finds a way to listen to said tapes, he makes a remarkable discovery: these tapes outline the thirteen reasons why Hannah Baker, the girl who killed herself two weeks earlier, came to her life-ending decision, "and if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why".

The scenes and 'reasons why' are told with great care, and I think it's only after I've re-read it that I was able to piece things together a lot better than I did the first time around. Many people have criticised Thirteen Reasons Why, as supposedly the reasons listed should not, would not, have been enough for someone to end their life, but while I was reading it, I could feel it. How trapped and devoid she was of anything secure or safe in her life, that she so needed, especially then. People were continuously letting her down, and she continued to believe that maybe someone could've helped her to not give up on herself. The reasons, every action, in itself are for the most part seemingly harmless. But when you look at the full picture, the links add up and it's astounding to think that this does happen in real life. That one small action could start a "snowball effect". If there's anything that I'll be taking away from this book, it's that "everything . . . affects everything" (which is what Asher signed my book with)



Hannah Baker was unlucky, in that she was targeted for unfair ridicule and judgement, just so that kids at school could have a good laugh every now and then. And at its core, that is what many, many high school kids would actually do, without really thinking about how that could affect someone's mental state. Clay Jenson is the average all-around good guy at school. His interactions and stories seemed true to life, and in the back of my copy, Asher does say that some of these events are based on his own experiences, which I always appreciate. The thing I love about these types of books, is that there is such an obvious space for character development, and that is what Clay does. He develops into a wiser, stronger, narrator--even in his strife and fury.



Last time I gave this book a 4.5/5 (and yes, I am embarrassed by my earliest reviews, as all bloggers would be), but this time I cannot give it anything lower than a 5. It's one of those life-altering novels, but it was a real page-turner despite how hard it could be to read at times. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me disgusted and angry and hurt and annoyed and feel as though I were right in Hannah's, and Clay's, shoes, feeling her pain and stifled cries for help. 


It's a book I would urge everyone to read. Please, put this book on your bucket list.

Quotes:

First Lines

""Sir?"she repeats. "How soon do you want it to get there?"
I rub two fingers, hard, over my left eyebrow. The throbbing has become intense. "It doesn't matter," I say."


Favourite Quotes

"I guess that's the point of it all. No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people. Oftentimes, we have no clue. Yet we push it just the same."

(pg. 156, Hannah)

"You can't go back to how things were. How you thought they were.
All you really have . . . is now."

(pg. 206, Hannah)

Buy:

Live in Australia?

Live elsewhere?
Amazon | The Book Depository


Links:

Official Site
Goodreads Page


I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: --

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (29): Sequels, Part 1

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


This week's theme is

SEQUELS


There were so many I've no choice but to split it up into two parts.


(in order of release date)


Title: It's Not Summer Without You (#2, The Summer I Turned Pretty) {goodreads}
Author: Jenny Han
Release Date (dd/mm/yy): 05/05/11 (UK PB)
Publisher: Razorbill UK

Why am I waiting on this?

I've already pre-ordered a copy, but how pretty are these covers? I used to prefer the US ones, but I'm a fan of the embossed patterns on the cover -- and the way it feels!

I wanted to wait until the last book (in UK PB) to release, but I don't think I can wait quite that long. Looks like so much fun!

Links:




Title: Circle of Fire (#3, Prophecy of the Sisters) {goodreads}
Author: Michelle Zink
Release Date (dd/mm/yy): 01/05/11
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Why am I waiting on this?

I loved the first book so much, and just received a copy of the second book (thanks, Skye!). If anyone knows the ISBN for the US PB (not the UK PB), please let me know! I want my covers to match. ;)

Links:





Title: Never Have I Ever (#2, The Lying Game) {goodreads}
Author: Sara Shepard
Release Date (dd/mm/yy): 02/08/11
Publisher: Harper Teen

Why am I waiting on this?

I'm not sure if this series is a keeper just yet. I wasn't over the top impressed by what Shepard offered in the first book. I liked the first four books of Pretty Little Liars, but this is definitely not top priority . . . .

Links:






Title: All You Desire (#2, The Eternal Ones) {goodreads}
Author: Kirsten Miller
Release Date (dd/mm/yy): 09/08/11 (US HB)
Publisher: Razorbill

Why am I waiting on this?

I loved The Eternal Ones. These new covers are beautiful. I totally dig them. I think that it could've been a standalone, and all of us thought it was for a while, but sneaky Miller wants to torture Beau and Haven and Iain even more! Can't wait. [I'm waiting for the Aussie paperbacks - no release date announced]

Links:





Books without covers that I still want to mention (these will be featured at a later date):

- Pandemonium (#2, Delirium) by Lauren Oliver
- A Million Suns (#2, Across the Universe) by Beth Revis
- Frost (#2, Stork) by Wendy Delsol

I have also mentioned a handful of sequels in previous WoWs. And there are many sequels I want to read the previous books of, still! (such as Vixen, Ingenue)



Next week, I will be featuring SEQUELS, Part 2!



Thanks for visiting my weekly WoW post. ♥

Comment with your WoW post and I'll check it out!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

[Review + Giveaway] Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Title: Forgotten {goodreads}
Author: Cat Patrick
Publication: June 2011 [AU PB]
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont (AU)
Source: For review from publisher
Age: 14+ mild/moderate sexual references and violence
Pages: 270
My Rating:

Summary:
Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.
My thoughts: 

Wow, this book is amazing. I cannot believe how well Cat Patrick told this story. This is her debut, and already it's set for worldwide release in June, with a movie on the way! If that doesn't promise a bright writing future for Patrick, then I don't know what is.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

In My Mailbox (29):


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren, and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie! Participants are required to tell all about what they've received in the mail--anything bookish!

~~~~~

Great, great books this week!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

[Review] Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Title: Where She Went {goodreads}
Author: Gayle Forman
Publication (dd/mm/yy): 05/04/11
Publisher: Dutton (HB)
Source: Netgalley (ARC); Won (HB-preorder)
Age: 15+ mild language, drug use and sexual scenes
Pages: 260

My Rating:

Summary:
It's been three years since the devastating accident ... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.
My thoughts: 

Read at your own risk if you have not read If I Stay!!!

I have been anxiously waiting for the release of Where She Went, the sequel to Gayle Forman's If I Stay, ever since I heard that the story of Mia and Adam was going to continue! If anything, Forman surpassed what I could have expected of the sequel, or just what was going to happen after the events of IIS. Really, it's just amazing.

The majority of this book is set in New York, and I really got a feel for the setting when . . .  (spoiler) Mia takes Adam on a tour of New York's biggest landscapes. Just, New York! :D


Once again, Gayle Forman hits the spot in the characters department. In Where She Went, not only did she completely alter the way I felt about all of the characters I'd met in If I Stay, but she then changed it back around again to allow me to sympathise with them. Take Adam for instance. Three years after the events of If I Stay, and he's a druggie; narcissistic, wry and sarcastic. Yet, I couldn't help finding him endearing in a way, and especially when I read into what his behaviour represents and roots from. I really like how there are definite links from the two books; the family make a few appearances, in Forman-style memory fashion.

Can I also say that I'm glad that Adam turned into a total ass? He's broken: both due to his rising stardom and his losses. In his flaws, he actually became more fleshed out as a person. I mean, if he was still that sweet Man he was in IIS, after all this, then I'd start thinking he was in need of a backbone. But no, he's snarky and does what he wants. Kind of.

The colossal outpour of emotions that flow seamlessly, packed tightly in yet another little book. You'll want a couple of tissues to get through this book. While I personally think that If I Stay holds more weight to it, Where She Went is beautiful in what the heartbreak and anger represents. All that tension in the three years that the couple is about; revisiting the family home and coming to terms with what happened . . . .

*sigh* This book is just so powerful. Its characters all have their strengths and weaknesses, making them multi-faceted, complex and fleshed out so that they are realistic and relatable. Of course, it's hard to relate to them on an extremely personal level, but I was so able to empathise with them. It was refreshing to read about Adam's thoughts on the events, how he seems to bluntly talk about the situation in his mind as opposed to Mia who seems to embrace it as part of her life. That her family still lives on, which is an uplifting take on Mia's part: I appreciate Forman for expressing Mia as someone who has developed and strengthened, taken the accident in stride; rather than falling apart and losing it all. She finds her way back to music: and through Adam and her encounters, Adam, too, is found again with music.

I thought that If I Stay ended in just the right way, but I found the continuation of events profound and eye-opening. The future. There is so much tension that exists, and I love when things finally reach breaking point. I really bawled my eyes out during this one scene (which Forman commented was 'satisfying to write'). The ending is also just so satisfying, that makes me glad that their story is at an end. Really? I can imagine this being an amazing movie.

Really, what can I say to convince you how amazing this book is? Where She Went and Gayle Forman are prime examples of the highlights of contemporary YA fiction. Painted with a lyrical prose that leaves readers with satisfaction and with an intrigue of the notion "after tragedy strikes, what happens to those who are left behind?" Character-driven and chilling, Gayle Forman's sequel is emotional and uplifting, stifling and perpetually stimulating. Love love love. Can't wait to finally see what new story Forman has in store; though I'm sad to finally have to say goodbye to those Oregon-originated characters.
 
Quotes:

First Lines


"Every morning I wake up and I tell myself this: It's just one day, one twenty-four-hour period to get yourself through. I don't know when exactly I started giving myself this daily pep talk--or why. It sounds like a twelve-step mantra and I'm not in Anything Anonymous, though to read some of the crap they write about me, you'd think I should be. I have the kind of life a lot of people would probably sell a kidney to just experience a bit of. But still, I find the need to remind myself of the temporariness of a day, to reassure myself that I got through yesterday, I'll get through today."

Favourite Quotes

"I feel this mad rush of anticipation, even though I know that unlike that night, tonight I won't kiss her. Or touch her. Or even see her up close.
Tonight, I'll listen. And that'll be enough."
(p. 38)


"What are you sorry about, Mia?
Even if I could bring myself to ask that--which I can't--she's jumping out of the booth and running toward the bathroom to clean the beer off herself like she's Lady Macbeth."
(p. 104--love the Macbeth reference :))

Buy:

Live in Australia?

Live elsewhere?
Email | Facebook | Twitter

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: --

Friday, April 15, 2011

[Re-Review] If I Stay by Gayle Forman

I thought to celebrate the release of Where She Went (in stores now!), I'd re-review If I Stay, which I've only ever reviewed one before, and I believe that was on Goodreads. My review for Where She Went goes live same time tomorrow. I'm sorry--I kind of went nuts and just kept on typing, so I think just this review alone is 500 words.



Title: If I Stay

Author: Gayle Forman
Publication (dd/mm/yy): 09/04/09 (HB); 10/04/10 (PB)
Publisher: Dutton (HB); Penguin Speak (PB)
Source: Bought (HB); Won (PB)
Age: 14+ mild language, violence and sexual scenes
Pages: 230

My Rating:

Summaries:
"Mia has no memory of the accident that changed her life. This inexperienced 17-year-old only recalls riding on that slippery Oregon road with her family, then, in an instant, seeing herself lifted from the twisted wreck. This affecting story of one young woman's struggle through tragedy and grieving will appeal to readers of books like Thirteen Reasons Why."
"In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...
A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands."
My thoughts: 

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK: POSSIBLE CHANCE OF SPOILERS.

Everyone said it was because of the snow.

In Oregon, the unthinkable happens: it snows. An innocent family trip to visit grandparents is cut to a halting stop when a 3-tonne truck rams through the family car's driver's side. Now orphaned musical-prodigy cellist Mia will have to make a choice: will she stay, or will she go? How can she even possibly think of leaving her family behind?

Wow. It's hard to write some form of a synopsis for this book. Without giving anything away. Anyway, you're not reading this for the synopsis, you want to get some dirt on this book right? Well I have only good things to say.

Seriously? Even after 3 reads of this book it hasn't lost a bit of its charm, and the only reason it might have is because we know there is a second book and therefore to the question "Does she Stay", the answer leans to a "yes". Still, the little moments and the chilling silences cut through me like a razor. I don't think that effect will ever be diminished.

The story is unconventional and formatted in unique 24-hour timeframe fashion. I love it. There's just something about the setting and situations that compel me time and time again to sit and read this book, even when I have other books that I must get to. If I Stay has a strange mystique about it that just drives the book. I appreciate the flashbacks, because they provide a sort of intermission between hospital scenes, all exhausting in and of themselves. Unlike many other dead people contemporary books, the tragedy that befalls this family is so innocent that it makes everything that happens later on that much harder to swallow and comprehend. I love the congruence that is shared among the family at the beginning. It's just all very well constructed.

Well, the characters . . . . I can't say too much without giving the book away, because much of this book is strung along because of the strong cast of characters that Forman has created. They're like real characters, and the good thing about books is that you're able to imagine what the characters look like for yourself. Mia is honest and passionate and a great narrator and protagonist. Her life rests on music and her cello, and with that, her family and Adam and Kim. Adam is so, so sweet in If I Stay that it's pretty shocking to see what he becomes in Where She Went. Anyway, there's so much room for fleshing out of the characters, even with 230 pages these characters held real emotion to their names. They weren't just names on a page.

I remember in my first reading I thought the writing was perfect. It is, but certainly not in the way I first thought. It reflects the mood of the book perfectly. It's brutally honest and easy to read but also hard to read. It's poetic, but only in its simplicity and quiet temper.

Before you dismiss If I Stay is just a sappy contemporary read, there ARE funny parts. There's the unique and freaky sex scene between Adam and Mia, Adam jumping through hoops to look at Mia in the ER . . . . Through all my readings, I've only ever cried through two parts of the book. Every single time. All the rest of the time during, I share my thoughts and feelings with Mia as she explores her memories and sees what is happening in her comatose state.

Love it, read it. If you didn't read it before Where She Went, then you're a wee bit silly. It doesn't matter that there is a second book. This book will still be able to be amazing and an all around powerful, emotional read. Gayle Forman is a force to be reckoned with, with a writing prowess that cannot be touched.

You know what? I haven't heard much about Gayle Forman's other, earlier books. Anyone read any?

Quotes:

First Line
"Everyone said it was because of the snow."

Favourite Quotes:

Too many spoilers! Every one of my favourites are spoilery. Censored haha.

Buy:

Live in Australia?

Live elsewhere?
Amazon | The Book Depository


Other:

Goodreads Page

I have received this review copy in return for an honest review.

Challenge: --

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (28): Sisters Edition!!!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


I thought I'd go for a theme this week, so.

SISTERS


(in order of release date)


Title: Then I Met My Sister {goodreads}
Author: Christine Hurley Deriso
Release Date (dd/mm/yy): 08/04/11
Publisher: Flux

Why am I waiting on this?

Maybe I'm the only one, but this just sounds interesting. It's about a girl who has always been overshadowed by her "perfect" sister, who died before she was born. Then, she finds her sister's diary, and finds that her life was troubled and perhaps her death was more than just an accident.

Links:




Title: I'm Not Her {goodreads} -- preordered
Author: Janet Gurtler
Release Date (dd/mm/yy): 01/05/11
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Why am I waiting on this?

The main character's limits are tested when her sporty, popular, stronger sister falls fatally (?) ill. People are starting to take notice of her, and her family is falling apart at the seams.

Enough said! Though the cover would've been nicer if there were a face (not a fan of cut-offs!), I like the trail of daisy petals on the grass, and the girly, soft colours used.

Links:





Title: The Magnolia League {goodreads}
Author: Katie Crouch

Release Date (dd/mm/yy): 03/05/11
Publisher: Poppy


Why am I waiting on this?


Well, the Magnolia League is a sisterhood, so I'm going to count it. Looks good doesn't it? Looking forward to it!

Links:






Title: Sweet Venom {goodreads}
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Release Date (dd/mm/yy): 04/10/11
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books

Why am I waiting on this?

Three strangers who all look the same -- they're actually triplet mythological creatures, destined to live their lives fighting monsters. I like the premise, and the cover is pretty awesome.

Links:




Next week, I will be featuring SEQUELS!



Thanks for visiting my weekly WoW post. ♥

Comment with your WoW post and I'll check it out!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Teaser Tuesday (17): Forbidden

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.
Grab the book you are currently reading and randomly post two non-spoiler sentences.

The Book

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
Pages: 410
Release date: 15/05/10 (PB AUS)
Genres/Themes: YA, contemporary romance, incestuous relationships, forbidden love
Ages: Older teens and up

Synopsis:

She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed.

He is seventeen; absolutely gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future.

And now they have fallen in love.

But . . .

They are brother and sister.

Forbidden will take you on an extraordinary emotional journey. Passionate and shocking, this is a book you will remember long after you have put it down.

The Teaser

"I know all about being ashamed of a family member - the number of times I've wished my mother would act her age in public, if not private. It's horrible, being ashamed of someone you care about: it eats away at you. And if you let it get to you, if you give up the fight and surrender, eventually that shame turns to hate."

(p. 35, Lochan, 3 sentences)

I love the quiet introspective sensitivity that Lochan's narrative voice provides. Right where I am in the book, he remains to be seen as immature and rash, though that's sure to come soon.


Thanks to Random House Australia for sending this one along for review. :)


 Hope you enjoy this week's Teaser Tuesday!


This week's question:


What do you think about Forbidden's cover? Dig or dud?

I personally love it, and think it's so suited for the kind of book it is.




Sunday, April 10, 2011

In My Mailbox (28): Paranormologically Speaking


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren, and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie! Participants are required to tell all about what they've received in the mail--anything bookish!

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I know the title suggests all of my books this week are paranormal, when in fact only 4 of them are. But I have a couple of fantasy, so if you want to count that, feel free! If you've been here before, you might know that paranormal is a rarity for me (to actually get to reading :P).

I'm a bit worried because I just bought 2 more books online yesterday. There's a free shipping thing going on with Basement Books. I know that the shop is on the way to my uni, but by then my books might have been snagged, so I just bought them! Found some bargains, but only bought two -- a hardcover for $1.20! :D *fingers crossed for decent quality.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

[Giveaway News] Have you FORGOTTEN?


Here's the thing about me:
I can see my future, but my past is blank.

I see the future in flashes, like memories. I remember what I'll wear tomorrow, and a car crash that won't happen till this afternoon. But yesterday has evaporated from my mind - just like the boy I love. I can't see him in my future. I can't remember him from my past. But today, I love him. And I never want to forget how much.

In September 2009 the entire team at Hardie Grant Egmont paused for two days and read Forgotten. Nights of sleep were lost. We grappled with the concept over morning coffee and we couldn't stop wondering what it would be if we all had memories like her.

It was a unanimous decision. We had to have Forgotten

In a heated bidding war we won the ANZ rights and we are delighted to join the worldwide release of Forgotten in June 2011.

Forgotten is one of those rare stories that stays in your mind and touches your heart long after you've read it.



We all know that this book has already been given film rights (Paramount), even before its release date!

Are you waiting for the largely anticipated release of Forgotten by Cat Patrick? I know I am! Luckily I was given a copy of Forgotten to review, but it only seems fair that my readers get a chance to read this book BEFORE the release date! -- That's right! A giveaway.

Now I'm still currently reading Forgotten as I write this post. My review is scheduled for the 19th of April, which will include the giveaway. Make sure to fill out the form to be in the running! As this is Australia only, I'm not expecting a huge amount of entries--more chances for YOU to win!

What you can do now, though, is "like" the Official Facebook Page over at http://on.fb.me/forgottenbook. What I need YOU to do, is help SPREAD THE WORD! Everytime you mention ANY Forgotten contest or the Facebook page, you will get an extra entry*. As always, you'll need to be at least 13 years of age to enter. More details will be included with the review/giveaway post. :)

GOOD LUCK!


Meanwhile . . . 

There are heaps of international Forgotten giveaways popping up everywhere. If you head over to the facebook page, you can start spreading the word for extra entries! ;) Make sure you record every link.




* Valid forms of mention include: blog, twitter, forums and discussion boards, facebook and other networking sites, youtube videos. Basically, if you can post a direct link to prove that you have spread the word, it is valid.

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