Characters Revealed & Giveaway Winner

Character #1

-    I'm supposed to marry my best friend.

-    My society is only allowed 100 songs, 100 poems, 100 paintings, etc.

-    I fall in love with the wrong boy.

-    I'm not supposed to know how to write, but someone is teaching me.

-    I'm really good at sorting things.

Cassia

Character #2

-    I'm a soldier returned from war.

-    I enjoy knitting and gardening.

-    An old woman gave me an invisibility cloak.

-    I want to save 12 sisters from a curse.

-    I marry the eldest sister, Rose.

Galen

Character #3

-    My story is based on a Grimm fairy tale called Maid Maleen.

-    My lady and I are locked in a tower for years.

-    I impersonate my lady while speaking with her suitor.

-    I could be killed for the things I write in my journal.
-    My songs are calming and healing.

Dashti

Giveaway Winner

Thanks to everyone who participated in this challenge!

The winner of a $10 Amazon Gift card is

Melissa from Bookmark Dragon

Congrats Melissa! You should receive an email from me soon.

You have 48 hours to reply before I choose another winner.

Utah Book Month Bash

Utah Book Month Bash

Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Wines Park in Lehi, Pavilion #1*

• Bring a small dessert to share; we'll provide plates/forks/napkins/cups/water.
• Bring ONE book (per attendee) to swap.
• We do have a pavilion with picnic tables, but you may also want to bring chairs or blankets for sitting on the grass.
• Families are welcome - there is a playground for kids.

*From I-15, take Lehi Main Street Exit. Turn west onto Main Street (toward Lehi Roller Mills). Turn right onto 100 East. Pavilion #1 is in the northeast corner at 100 East and 600 North. This is directly opposite, diagonally across the park from where we've been the last few years. Take note!

I hope to see you there!!!

House of Ivy and Sorrow

Goodreads Synopsis:    Josephine Hemlock has spent the last 10 years hiding from the Curse that killed her mother. But when a mysterious man arrives at her ivy-covered, magic-fortified home, it’s clear her mother’s killer has finally come to destroy the rest of the Hemlock bloodline. Before Jo can even think about fighting back, she must figure out who she’s fighting in the first place. The more truth Jo uncovers, the deeper she falls into witchcraft darker than she ever imagined. Trapped and running out of time, she begins to wonder if the very Curse that killed her mother is the only way to save everyone she loves.






My Thoughts:

-    I really liked how the magic worked. It would be so hard to give something in return for a spell. I cringed at some of the things Jo sacrificed. 

-    This book made me feel like I need to keep a better journal.

-    Jo was a nice character, but I didn't really connect with her. I didn't really connect with any of the characters. They were likable enough; I just didn't feel any emotion towards them.

-    I wish there had been more about Winn and his family's story. Winn's family could probably get their own book. 

-    This was a fun book, but I don't know what else to say about it. It was good. I liked it. 

Blogger Interview

 

I had the pleasure of interviewing Melissa from Bookmark Dragon. I've recently discovred Melissa's blog, and I really like her Weekly Words posts. Melissa and I haven't met yet, but I'm hoping we'll get to see each other this weekend at the Utah Book Month Bash.

1.    If you could have a story written about you, what author would you pick to write it and why?

If I could choose anyone it would probably be Jane Austen, for obvious reasons. She's the bomb. Plus, she would probably turn my life into a romantic comedy, which wouldn't make me complain one bit.

2.    What is the best and worst thing about blogging?

I think the best thing is the book recommendations I get from others! Reading a book review where the reviewer is gushing their eyeballs out is just the greatest thing. Several of my favorite books were found that way, and it's one of my favorite things when someone else tells me they loved a book they read on my recommendation!

The worst thing is probably the constraints that blogging puts on my reading time! It's ironic that I sometimes resent the hours I have to spend blogging about books when I would rather be reading books instead, but there you go.

3.    If you could meet any author (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

Definitely J.K. Rowling. I'm a die hard Potter fan, so that one's a given.

4.    What is your favorite thing about Utah?

My favorite thing about Utah is Zupas. I know that's kind of a lame answer, but I lived in Indiana for three years before moving to Utah, and I really missed it! I could eat their cranberry turkey sandwiches and cauliflower soup FOREVER.

5.    What do you like to see on other blogs?

I'm open to a lot of different kinds of content, but I get really excited when I see posts that analyze book covers. Book covers are incredibly influential on readers' perceptions and expectations, and as a result, on their experience with the book, and I feel like it's rare that a cover just NAILS the feel and content of a book. So I like reading people's thoughts on covers: what works, what doesn't, what differences are made on the cover art from country to country and from decade to decade. The topic just fascinates me, and I love reading what others think!

6.    A lot of people feel like the blogging world is dying. What your thoughts on that?

i sure hope not, because I just got here!! There are still hundreds of active book blogs out there, and so long as people are reading them, I think we can safely say that book blogging is alive and well!

7.    What are the top 5 books that influenced your life?

Each of these books changed me in a real and profound way at one point in my life.

- The Giver by Lois Lowry

- Life of Pi by Yann Martel

- Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn

- Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

- The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

8.    What is your bookish pet peeve?

I really hate it when people disrespect other people's reading choices. Whether you're a sci-fi fan, or a romance fan, or a Dickens fan, or whatever else . . . I wish we would all just live and let live. I recently wrote a whole blog post on the subject, actually!

9.    Do you have a bookish quirk?

I always flip to the back and read the author bio before starting a book. I just like knowing a little about who's head the story came from!

10.    Who is your literature crush?

Your question assumes that I have just one crush . . . just kidding. :)

My literature crush is probably Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. Phew that's one smoking Scot!

Thanks so much for letting me interview you Melissa!!

Keep in touch with Melissa

Blog - Twitter - Google+

The Bravest Princess

Goodreads Says:    Sleeping Beauty's younger, non-magical sister, Annie, still can't rest while trouble in the kingdom threatens her good friend, Snow White. Snow White's evil stepmother has disappeared, and her father wants her married off right away--but who should she choose? How can she tell which prince is best? It's Annie and her good friend Liam to the rescue! A hilarious and and fantastical romp through a fairy tale landscape from beloved author E D Baker.









My Thoughts:

-    I love that there is a third book in this series! These are so fun and charming. I can't wait to share these with my daughter when she is older.

-    The cover is awesome!

-    I really like Liam and Annie's relationship. They are friends and companions, and they are sweethearts. 

-    I like the way Liam looks out for Annie. He is so chivalrous. Sometimes he can be too protective, but it's isn't too bad.

-    The map in the front gives a few plot points away.

-    I liked the different competitions the princes had to do. They were clever and fun to read.

-    I love that Annie doesn't fit the typical mold for a princess. She is curious, brave, and smart. I love how she takes matter into her own hands.

-    Overall, I was very pleased with this story. It was fun and cute.

Series Info:

This is the 3rd book in the Wide Awake Princess series. Click on the cover below to see my thoughts on the previous books.

 

The Lego Movie

My Thoughts:

-    This was the spazziest movie I've ever seen. It was crazy. 

-    That was a horrible HORRIBLE Batman. I didn't like Han Solo either. Bad Batman + Bad Han Solo = TERRIBLE! You can't mess with two of my favorites!

-    I thought the talking legos would bug me, but I was actually okay with it.

-    I liked the way the legos moved around and fell apart. That was fun.

-    Yes, the Everything is Awesome song got stuck in my head, and I didn't hate it.

-    There was a lot of Will Ferrell, and I hate Will Ferrell!

-    I liked the end messages of the movie. At least there was some moral value after this acid trip.

Maleficent

My Thoughts:

-    It was dark and bit creepy. I liked it a lot!

-    I'm not an Angelina Jolie fan, but I thought this was a perfect role for her. She looked the part, and I loved the way she delivered her lines. 

-    The story was intriguing. I really love anti-hero tales, and this one was no exception. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie.

-    The CG was good. I liked the scenery and creatures a lot. The fairy's faces were a little weird, but the rest was good.

-    I loved the scenes with Maleficent flying. I want wings!

-    I noticed a few Middle Earth people in the wood creatures. There was a balrog and Sauron. 

-    The kissing scene took FOREVER!! Phillip took his sweet time, and it was ugh!

-    I wish they had used Tchaikovsky's music in the film. It would have been awesome. 

-    Overall, I really enjoyed this movie. I'll probably buy it. 

Fan Art Friday: The Maze Runner

Since it is Utah Book Month and the movie is coming out soon, I figured this would be a good book to showcase today.

From now on, I'm going to try to give the artists credit for their pictures. If you click on the picture, it will take you to where I found the picture. Hopefully I can go back and do this for the previous Fan Art Fridays.

I like the one with Thomas running, and he is highlighted in green and blue.

I also like the last one a lot.

Which is your favorite?

Signed, Skye Harper

Goodreads Synopsis:    In trying to reunite with her mother, Winston discovers the many meanings of family and finds friendship in an unexpected place in this coming-of-age novel from the author of Waiting, which Kirkus Reviews, in a starred review, called "exceptional" and Glimpse, which Booklist called "gripping."

Life is just fine for fourteen-year-old Winston. She loves her dog, Thelma, and although she never knew her dad, and her mom left ten years ago in search of Hollywood fame, Winston has family with Nanny, who is in her forties, and that doesn't even make her old. But a "just fine" life gets a lot more exciting when a letter arrives from Skye Harper, aka Judith Fletcher, aka Winston’s mother. She needs help, and Nanny says the best way to give it is to take a cross-country road trip—in a "borrowed" motor home—to go find Mama once and for all. Winston’s not so sure about this plan, but with a cute stowaway named Steve along for company and an adventure on the horizon, this is sure to be a summer to remember.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a cute and quick book.

-    I love how Carol plays with writing styles with each of her books. The short chapters are fun and more meaningful. Sometimes a few sentences builds more emotion than a whole chapter. 

-    I LOVE the dog and the rooster. I have no idea why they brought a rooster on a road trip, but it was awesome!

-    I don't know how I feel about Steve. He seems nice now, but I feel like he'll break Winston's heart later on.

-    Grandma is awesome! I loved her stern and quirky personality. 

-    There is a lot of talk about Winston's boobs. It got tiresome. I get it! You have big breasts!

-    I can't believe Winston likes to keep her bra in the freezer. That would be so awful to put on! I don't like wearing bras either, but it is embarrassing to not wear one.

-    I liked the ending. I knew what was coming, but I was surprised by the last letter Skye sent. It wasn't really a happy ending, but it was satisfactory. I felt peace for Winston and her Grandma in the end. 

Utah Book Month Guest Post

I'm doing a guest post about my favorite Utah Blogs!

Head over to the Utah Book Month Blog and check it out!

Evertrue

Goodreads Says:    Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she’s begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die.

Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki’s fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn’t the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki’s treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?

In this stunning conclusion to the Everneath trilogy, Brodi Ashton evokes the resiliency of the human spirit and the indomitable power of true love.

My Thoughts:

-    This was probably my least favorite of the series. I was okay with ending, but it wasn't as awesome as I thought it would be.

-    I really didn't like the love triangle aspect of this book. I could handle it before, but it was aggravating in this one. I didn't like that Jack, Nikki, and Cole spent so much time together. It bugged me that Nikki would feed/kiss Cole and then turn around and make out with Jack.

-    There was too much kissing.

-    Jack kinda bugged me. I didn't know how to picture him in my head. Was he big and muscular like the hulk or was he just bigger? Jack was too protective of Nikki and a bit possessive. Nikki went through a lot. She is a tough girl. She can handle stuff.

-    Cole was my favorite character in the series, and I was disappointed with him. I missed my love/hate relationship with him. I know it is because of what happens to him, but it was a complete personality change, and I didn't like that. 

-    I felt like the book moved slowly. Everything happens in the last few chapters. I thought the ending was rushed a bit. I would have liked for action/fighting and struggling throughout the book. 

-    My favorite part of the book was Ashe. He was an intriguing character.

-    I was okay with what happens to Cole at the end of the book, but I think it wasn't congruent with his personality. 

Previous Books in the Everneath trilogy

(click on the cover to see my thoughts)

 

Into the Storm

My Thoughts:

-    This was a great movie! I want to see it again!

-    There was this

and this

and this

and this

and this

and this

and a lot of this

See? GREAT MOVIE!

-    I liked the action too. The twisters were cool, especially the one with the fire.

-    The didn't like the rednecks. I could have done without them. They should have been the first to die.

-    Back to Richard Armitage now! There were lots of those brooding looks I love, and then there were a couple smiles too. Those smiles are so rare and treasured!

-    I really liked the suit and the blue shirt. That was nice. 

-    This movie made me happy for the rest of the day! It was a great movie! I know what I want Santa to bring me for Christmas! 

The World's Strongest Librarian

Goodreads Synopsis:    A funny and uplifting story of how a Mormon kid with Tourette’s found salvation in books and weight lifting 

Josh Hanagarne couldn’t be invisible if he tried. Although he wouldn't officially be diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome until his freshman year of high school, Josh was six years old when he first began exhibiting symptoms. When he was twenty and had reached his towering height of 6’7”, his tics escalated to nightmarish levels. Determined to conquer his affliction, Josh tried countless remedies, with dismal results. At last, an eccentric, autistic strongman taught Josh how to “throttle” his tics into submission using increasingly elaborate feats of strength. What started as a hobby became an entire way of life—and an effective way of managing his disorder.

Today, Josh is a librarian at Salt Lake City’s public library and founder of a popular blog about books and weight lifting—and the proud father of five-year-old Max. Funny and offbeat, The World’s Strongest Librariantraces this unlikely hero as he attempts to overcome his disability, find love, and create a life worth living.

My Thoughts:

-    The first half is better than the last half. The first half of the book just flew by and was a joy. The second half was slower for me.

-    The introduction is filled with humor and insight. I was hooked from the get go. It sounds like there is never a dull moment at the Salt Lake City library.

-    The way he describes things is hilarious, visual, and awesome!

-    There were a lot of F-bombs. It surprised me. I thought this was a clean book, but there was a lot of heavy language.

-    I feel a little disappointed with the book. I thought the story was about Josh overcoming Tourette's, but I feel like Tourette's won most of the battles. Josh quit school, jobs, and whatever else because of his condition. It wasn't very uplifting or encouraging in the end.

-    I don't feel like the book really ended. I guess he did well in the Scottish games, but I don't know for sure. I didn't get any closure or peace from the way this book ended.

Crown of Horns

From Goodreads:    It's full-fledged war as Briar, the rat creatures, and the Pawan army storm the city of Atheia. The Bone cousins, Thorn, and Gran'ma Ben are all there to defend the Valley and stop the return of the Lord of the Locusts. When Thorn goes inside a ghost circle, she hears a voice urging her to seek the Crown of Horns. What follows is another dangerous journey for Thorn and loyal Fone Bone as they race to the sacred grounds of the dragons, searching for the one thing that may save them all. This is the breathtaking conclusion to Jeff Smith's nine-book graphic novel series.






My Thoughts:

-    It's over! This series was long! I think it could have been cut down.

-    There is a battle going on and all Phoney can think about is money!? He is insane!

-    Thorn needs to cover up a little more while she is in the dungeon. 

-    Since when can Thorn fly?

-    I thought this was a little anti-climactic. I was disappointed.

-    I was happy with Fone Bone's decision in the end though, and I cracked up at what happens to Phoney. 

Previous Bone Books

(click covers to see my thoughts)