Friday, December 30, 2011

Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward To in 2012




I've decided to join the Top 10 of 2011 awesomeness hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, A Life Bound By Books, Fiktshun and Two Chicks on Books! Every day this week, we'll be sharing our top 10 for various different topics. Oh my word... it's so hard to pick just 10!

Today's topic...

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Top 10 Characters in 2011



I've decided to join the Top 10 of 2011 awesomeness hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, A Life Bound By Books, Fiktshun and Two Chicks on Books! Every day this week, we'll be sharing our top 10 for various different topics. Oh my word... it's so hard to pick just 10!

Today's topic...

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Top 10 Book Boyfriends in 2011



I've decided to join the Top 10 of 2011 awesomeness hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, A Life Bound By Books, Fiktshun and Two Chicks on Books! Every day this week, we'll be sharing our top 10 for various different topics. Oh my word... it's so hard to pick just 10!

Today's topic...

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Top 10 Book Covers of 2011



I've decided to join the Top 10 of 2011 awesomeness hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, A Life Bound By Books, Fiktshun and Two Chicks on Books! Every day this week, we'll be sharing our top 10 for various different topics. Oh my word... it's so hard to pick just 10!

Today's topic...

Tune in Tuesday (20) - Concert Edition!


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music.

This month is going to be seriously epic. Why, might you ask? Because it's Concert Edition at Tune in Tuesday, of course! All month long we'll be featuring bands or musicians we've seen or want to see. So link up and join the fun!
For my last Concert Edition, I wanted to share the two concerts I would give ANYTHING to see... and bonus, the groups are still together! I've been in love with these groups since... oh man, it feels like ages! What groups am I talking about? Only two of the best in the entire world... Coldplay & Muse!! One day... one day I will get to see them in concert.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Top 10 Books I've Read in 2011



I've decided to join the Top 10 of 2011 awesomeness hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, A Life Bound By Books, Fiktshun and Two Chicks on Books! Every day this week, we'll be sharing our top 10 for various different topics. Oh my word... it's so hard to pick just 10!

Today's topic...  

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

2012 Mythology Reading Challenge!

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The 2012 Mythology Reading Challenge is hosted by For Those About to Read... and I am PUMPED! For as long as I can remember, mythology has been one of my favorite things. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, Polynesian, you name it! I adore mythology like I adore ice cream... that's a lot.

Here are my tentative picks (in no specific order and definitely subject to change):

Repeat Reading Challenge 2012!


So it begins! I am so excited to be hosting this reading challenge, you have no idea. There are heaps of books I've been dying to re-read, but the ever-increasing TBR pile is so demanding! I always felt like I was being indulgent if I wanted to set aside the new reads for an older one... this challenge definitely gives me an excuse to indulge! Haha! For more information about this challenge, click on the badge above.

I know I'm not the fastest reader, so I'm going to try for Level 2 (re-reading 10 books). As for which books I want to read, there are tons! I'm sure the list will change many times, but here are some novels I've been wanting to read again (in no particular order):

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (19) - Concert Edition!


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music.

This month is going to be seriously epic. Why, might you ask? Because it's Concert Edition at Tune in Tuesday, of course! All month long we'll be featuring bands or musicians we've seen or want to see. So link up and join the fun!
This concert edition is dedicated to the bands I was most excited to see... like freakishly excited. Out of all the bands I've seen, I was ridiculously excited to see Anberlin and Relient K! Here are a couple of my favorite tracks from them... plus a Christmas song for fun.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Repeat Reading Challenge Sign-up & Information


Have you ever finished a book and loved it so much you wanted to dive right back in? Maybe you keep thinking about reading a past favorite again, but you find it difficult to fit it in (possibly due to your ever-growing TBR pile). Perhaps there's a much anticipated sequel coming out and you'd like to re-read the first book again to refresh your memory a bit. TADA! In comes the Repeat Reading Challenge!  I decided to host this challenge as a way to help me (and you too, of course) re-read some of those books that simply beg to be read again. If you've been wanting to do the same thing, then this challenge is for you!

So... I'm sure there are a lot of questions. Hopefully the following information will answer most of them!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (18) - Concert Edition!


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music.

This month is going to be seriously epic. Why, might you ask? Because it's Concert Edition at Tune in Tuesday, of course! All month long we'll be featuring bands or musicians we've seen or want to see. So link up and join the fun!

Concert edition continues! AND - after what feels like a million years - I have internet access again! YAY! Today is a good day.

So for today's Concert Edition of Tune in Tuesday, I decided to feature some tunes from a band I WISH I could have seen in concert... but I'll never be able to due to the fact that they broke up. I was a poor college student while they were together and I was saving up for a concert in Seattle... then they broke up! Seriously hurt my heart when I found out. Anyway, what group might I be talking about? Oh, only one of my all-time favorites, a Seattle grown band extraordinaire... ACCEPTANCE! I hope you guys enjoy them as much as I do and I hope you feel the loss of what would have been an epic concert (and career, for that matter). By the way... I still totally hold out hope that they'll reunite one day... just sayin'. Hehe.

First up is the first song I ever heard from Acceptance, Different. These guys have some seriously spectacular lyrics, people... I mean, really! And Jason's voice?! Gah! So good.

Next is probably most definitely my favorite track, So Contagious. I considered using the album version of this track, but I just couldn't help showing how freakin' cute these guys are. I mean, seriously... look at them! Yowza.

On to another favorite (though, really, they're all my favorite), Permanent. I could have definitely shared every single song, but I thought I'd go a little easy on ya. Haha! But really, if you haven't picked up their album(s) yet, DO IT!

Though the group broke up to pursue other things, they were kind enough to share the last song they were working on Not Afraid. If this track is any indication, they were simply getting better and better with age. 'Tis a shame they ended it so soon.

And just because it's the Christmas season, here's Acceptance performing Happy XMas (War is Over) originally by John Lennon. Enjoy!! :)

Happy listening!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (17) - Concert Edition!


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music.

This month is going to be seriously epic. Why, might you ask? Because it's Concert Edition at Tune in Tuesday, of course! All month long we'll be featuring bands or musicians we've seen or want to see. So link up and join the fun!

For this week's edition, I decided to share music from the first concert I ever went to. Then I had a problem... what was the first concert I ever attended? Curse this horrible memory of mine! I shake my fist at you. Anyway, after trying to go back through the years, I think I've finally remembered what my first concert was: Sugarcult headlining, with Quietdrive and All Time Low opening. The concert was on my University campus - in 2006, I think?? lol! - and only cost $5, so that was pretty sweet. AND I got to go with two of my good friends, Stephanie and Adam. Steph and I were able to get right up against the stage, smack dab in the center... it was awesome. From then on I was hooked on concerts... I still love jammin' out, though it's been over a year since my last concert. Withdrawal! So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite songs performed during the concert... I think one from each band should be fun. Happy listening!! :)

First up, Memory, from their album Palm Trees and Power Lines. I had a tough time choosing which was my favorite from their performance. I mean, Memory is such a classic Sugarcult song! However, when I attended this particular concert, their album Lights Out was getting ready to be released (or they were working on it or it had just come out... I can't remember) and I absolutely fell in love with The Investigation. I mean, really? It's fantastic! So, I'm going to post TWO Sugarcult songs. They were the headliners, after all... so why shouldn't they have two songs?! Bwahah. Enjoy!

Next up we have Rise from the Ashes from Quietdrive's debut album, When All That's Left Is You. This whole album is freakin' awesome. If you haven't already, you should totally check it out. I love this song! Another one of my favorite tracks they performed that night was a cover of Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time. It took a while for this awesome cover to get the notice it so deserved, but I'm sure everyone's heard it by now. If not, go here to listen to it!

And last, but not least, we have Break Out! Break Out! from the EP Put Up or Shut Up. Oh the early All Time Low... lol. ATL was totally new to me (and I think most people) at the time of this concert, but I remember liking their sound and thinking that they seemed super fun. Now practically everyone knows who they are! Strange how quickly things can change, huh!? Good times, good times.

So... what concert(s) rocked you?!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Extree Extree, Read All About It!

Greetings you wonderful followers, you!

Things have been super quiet around Kaleidoscopic Reveries lately and I just wanted to apologize for my lameness. I'd also like to shed some light on a few reasons why the posts have been a little trim. First of all, I'm getting ready to move to a new house, so packing (or procrastinating the inevitable) and hauling stuff over has been taking up a lot of time and energy. Secondly, I just got a job! Woo hoo! Okay, to be honest, I was offered the job last Tuesday and started on Wednesday, so I guess I can't use that as an excuse. Dang. Anyway. Another reason is the holidays and I've been spending a lot of time with the family! I guess that's one good thing to happen since moving back to the surface of the sun, aka Arizona: family time! I've also kind of been in a reading funk... I just haven't felt like doing a lot of reading. I mean, I have been reading, just not a lot. AND I've been able to read some pretty awesome books, too! I guess it happens to everyone once in a while, right? Buuuuut, my reading bug has started biting again, so that makes me extremely happy. Thank goodness for memes (which I'll continue to post faithfully... I might even join another one on Fridays!) and giveaway hops or I might never have posted anything this last month.I don't know how long it will take for me to pick things back up, but I'm going to try my hardest once things finally settle down.

Now for some announcement-ish stuff! I have some ideas brewing in this quirky little mind of mine and I'm really excited about them! They might be ideas involving giveaways or reading challenges or read-alongs... you'll just have to stick around and see! Thank goodness for my sister and her willingness to let me bounce ideas off her! Well, not literally, but you know what I mean. Sillies. SO! I hope you can be patient with me now so you can see what's to come!

Thanks for sticking around! You seriously rock my mismatched socks!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Gratitude Giveaway Winner!


And we have a winner! I wanted to thank everyone for entering and participating in the blog hop. Thanks also go to our wonderful hosts, I Am A Reader Not A Writer and All-Consuming Books! Okay, okay... now for the winner. Congratulations...

Again, thanks to everyone for entering and congratulations to Melanie for winning Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs! I had a blast and I hope you guys did too!

Tune in Tuesday (16)


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music. So link up and join the fun!

I'm super excited Darling Parade recently released their newest EP, Until We Say It's Over! I'm even more excited that one of their songs, Remember, features Stephen Christian from Anberlin!!!! I'm a HUGE fan of Anberlin, so this pretty much rocks my polka-dot socks.

Never Wrong is their first video and single from the new EP, so I thought I'd share that as well.

I also wanted to share a song from their first album, but I couldn't decide between Far Away or Bells Are Ringing... so I picked both! Now maybe one day they'll release a full-length album. Happy listening!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Gratitude Giveaway Winner TBA, I promise!

Hi all! I'm sure everyone who entered the Gratitude Giveaway is eager to know who won... but you'll have to wait a bit. Sorry. I don't want to announce it until I have a confirmed winner, so it might take a little while. But don't worry, I have emailed the winner and they have 48 hours to email me back with their choice of book... and then I'll make the big announcement. I'm so excited!

So yeah, I didn't want to leave ya hangin' so I figured I'd drop a quick little note. While you're waiting, feel free to wander around my blog, check out some reviews or featured music, and have fun! And as always, thanks for following. You're amazing!

In the meantime, watch the brand new book trailer for Clockwork Prince. It's AWESOME!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (15)


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music. So link up and join the fun!

Who Needs Air by The Classic Crime


I am very much in the mood for one of my favorite Seattle bands, The Classic Crime. This was the first song of theirs I ever heard, and I fell in love with it instantly. Really, everything they've released is spectacular. I seriously love this song and I hope you will too!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

I'll Forever Be Grateful For...

As many of you know, I am a HUGE fan of everything to do with books. While wandering around some of my favorite blogs, I noticed there was this awesome giveaway being held by the ever-amazing Beth Revis. She wanted us to give thanks to the book we are most grateful for and, in return, we could win a sweet pack of books! Amazing, right?!

Yeah, I thought so too... until I had to think of that ONE book I'm most grateful for. One book? Oh man. Tough! It seemed near impossible to narrow it down to just one! GAH! Then my Mum reminded me of the one book that helped reignite my love of reading: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling. That's right, Harry Potter will forever be a book I will love, cherish, and be grateful for.

So why is Harry Potter such a cherished series for me? I was a "reluctant reader" in school. Growing up, I devoured books like they were as important as oxygen. Even before I knew how to read, I could be found surrounded by books - there's even a picture of me sleeping on a bed covered in my books, hugging one close to me, when I was no more than three years old! I'll have to find that picture... Anyway! Though I loved reading, once I got into school, things changed. Suddenly I was forced to read what my teachers wanted me to read. They made us read out loud in class (which, for a painfully shy child, was torture), write book reports, have assigned reading... I hated that! I wanted to read what I wanted to read, when I wanted to read it! So, what did I do? I stopped reading all the time. Yeah, I was stubborn. As for school reading, I did as little as possible to get what the teacher wanted me to do and that was it. There were a few books that I opened long enough to capture my attention (and heart): Tuck Everlasting, The Outsiders, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Phantom Tollbooth. I mean, I was still a reader at heart, even if I was being dumb.

I had heard of Harry Potter when it first came out. I heard how people were raving about some wizard boy and his friends fighting evil and going to school with other wizards. I heard the controversies too, of course. I just couldn't imagine why this book was such a big deal. At that point, I didn't really pay attention to "the next big thing."

My second year in college, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire came out. I went up to Phoenix to visit some family friends and we went to a bookstore that was going out of business, so they were having a massive sale. Well what do you know, but they had the first four Harry Potter books on sale as well. I figured getting the first book (hardcover, too!) for a mere $6 wasn't that big of a loss if I didn't like it, so I bought it. We had some downtime for some reason or another, and I decided to pick up the oh-so-famous-and-raved-about Harry Potter... the next day I went back to the bookstore and purchased the other three books. Yeah, I read it that same day. Knowing I had to wait a WHOLE YEAR for the next book to come out, I was crushed! How could I wait that long? What would I do to help fill the void now?? Well, I read another book. And another one... and another... and, you get the picture.

Since that first day I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I haven't stopped reading. I'll have short periods of time where I won't be reading much, but I still have something I'm reading. I will forever be grateful for the Harry Potter series and J. K. Rowling for reigniting my lifelong love of reading.

I'd love to hear what book you are most grateful for, so please leave a comment and let me know!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Gratitude Giveaway Hop!

*GIVEAWAY IS OVER*


It's here! Welcome to my stop on the Gratitude Giveaways blog hop hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and All-Consuming Books. What better way to thank all my wonderful followers than by giving stuff away?! I am so excited for this giveaway hop, you have no idea.

For me, this has been such a wonderful year for blogging, reading, and making new friends! I have decided that I will give away one book from a list of my favorite books read (or reread) this year. If the winner would like another book in the series other than the one pictured, just let me know! AND just because I'm curious, if you'd like to leave a comment letting me know which book you're interested in, that would be awesome... but it's not for an extra entry, sorry. I just like comments. :) I wanted to be sure any international followers would be able to enter as well, so I've decided to make use of The Book Depository (just make sure they ship to your country by clicking here). Seeing as this is a follower appreciation giveaway, there is only one mandatory entry: you MUST be a follower of this blog. So just enter your information in the Rafflecopter and good luck!

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater




Click the links below to enter more giveaways!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (14)


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music. So link up and join the fun!

Hey Na Na by Katie Herzig

I've been in such a happy, goofy mood the last couple days and I think Hey Na Na is a perfect fit for it! This is one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE songs! EVER! Yes, it does deserve all caps. She is such a nutter and I can't help but sing loud, dork dance, and act like a loon when I hear this song... just like Katie in this video. Love it! Dork dancing rocks!

Monday, November 14, 2011

The Hunger Games Theatrical Trailer! FINALLY!

Do you remember this lovely teaser trailer Lionsgate released ages ago? It definitely left me wanting more, that's for sure. Yeah... it doesn't even show a glimpse of the District 12 male tribute, Peeta! So not fair.

Then, not too long ago, they released some character posters. I was excited, but at the time I was more like, "These are all well and good, but where's the trailer?!"
 


Well, now we have a full-length theatrical trailer! AHHHHHHHHHH!! I'm just a little excited, if you can't tell. Watch it! Watch it now! Watch it over and over again (like me... ahem)!

So what did you think? I still don't know that I'm totally sold on Jennifer Lawrence, but Peeta and Prim are perfect! When they call Prim's name in the reaping? Oh man, rip my heart out, why don't you?! I'm also not sure about the look they gave Haymitch, but whatever. I'm really liking it for the most part... so far anyway.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (13)


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music. So link up and join the fun!


I Was Broken by Marcus Foster


Holy spite, I love this song. It's so wonderful! And the video? He really looks so broken! What a cutie. I have to credit the wonderful Michelle Hodkin (author extraordinaire of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer) for introducing me to this great song... and I owe it to my obsession with compiling author playlists. I think I have a problem. Ahem. Anyway... I hope you enjoy this wonderful song!

*EDIT* They finally have the album here in the US!! Woo woo! Check it out on iTunes or Amazon. So happy!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (12) - Extended Soundtrack Edition + Guest Post!



Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music. So link up and join the fun!

The month of October was extra exciting on Tune in Tuesday. Why, you ask? Because it was Soundtrack Edition! October was such a fun theme that my sister, Sarah, had all sorts of ideas for soundtracks she would love to share if she had a blog... so, naturally, I asked if she wanted to do a guest post here at Kaleidoscopic Reveries! Without further ado, here are some of Sarah's favorite soundtrack tunes. Take it away, sister!
Hello all! I'm Melissa's little sister Sarah and I'm very frightened and excited to be here. So as my sister already said, I saw that she was part of this awesome idea of Tune in Tuesday and naturally I couldn't hold back my suggestions. I threw out little hints like, "Oh sister, if I had a blog I would use this song" or "I love this song! You should use this for your blog!" until she finally asked me to guest post. (Thanks a heap SEESTAR!) I was nervous because I never know what to say, but she assured me you're all pretty amazing! 

So I have a serious obsession with anything and everything musical theatre which is why this post is full of nothing but some my favorite musicals. My sister and I don't always agree on TV and such but we do share our love of musicals and that makes me happy! Okay, I'm done talking now, hope you enjoy my picks... Woot Woot!

The Sound of Music from The Sound of Music - So for my first pick....... THE SOUND OF MUSIC! This musical is one of my oldest and most favorite musicals. Not only do Melissa and I love this one, but it will always remind me of my Grandma. This was her favorite and we would watch this everyday I went to visit.

Matchmaker from Fiddler on the Roof - So I watched this for the first time my freshman year of High School and fell in love. I laughed, I cried, I sang this song in a musical (which I believe shows my love). Sometimes I joke about needing a matchmaker, but I'm only going to be 20 so I think it'll be a while before that needs to happen. I get a little over-dramatic sometimes...

Suddenly Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors - I watched this one while I was really sick one weekend just to see if it was any good... it was. This song is probably my number 3 go-to shower song, which is impressive considering I sing at least 50 (just the parts I remember) the whole time I'm in there, but I guess you didn't need to know that. :)

Honestly Sincere from Bye Bye Birdie - Ah-hahahahahaha This is by far the funniest and best song in this movie! My favorite part? When he talks about the tree, when Ursula starts spazzing out, there's just too many awesome points to this song so just... AW SUFFER!! :D

Carrying the Banner from Newsies - I owe my love of the Newsies to my sister. She made me watch it once and from then on I was hooked. Not only is this song amazing for being the opening song but it also has lots of shirtless or semi-shirtless boys to swoon over! These boys are so talented.

Without Love from Hairspray - I know I've been throwing love around lately, but I really love this song. I love Zach Efron. I love the costumes and I love the theme of this movie. I realize this is a remake and the original is "a classic" but I like this one more!

Elephant Love Medley from Moulin Rouge - Melissa and I used to listen to this whole soundtrack over and over again in the car, so this song has good memories. I love mash-ups and since this song has a million different songs in it, it makes me happy. I also love that when you hear one of the real songs on the radio or something, you at least know a little snippet of it!

Jewish Wedding Song (Trinkt Le Chaim) from Thoroughly Modern Millie - I'll say one thing about this movie: it's very weird. This movie fits my sister and I so well! This song is amazing. I like how fun it is. I just like everything about this scene. The dancing is also a big plus. AYE AYE AYE CHITTY BUM BUM!!!! ( I know this was a random blurb, but it fits the movie)

Bye-um Pum Pum from The Happiest Millionaire - I think I should start taking advice from these two! Melissa introduced me to this musical as well and that makes her even more amazing than she already is. This is a must-see musical, and it was so hard to pick just one song to feature. Melissa and I like to dance and sing to this one. We are very strange sisters, but we like it! ( We liiike it.... inside joke hehehe)

On the Front Porch from Summer Magic - And to conclude my post, I'll leave you with this song. When I was little, my sister and I signed this song for her Sign Language class in college. It was fun because I got to do something special with my big sister. This song is so nice and pretty and....sigh. I love everything about this song.

I hope you enjoyed my songs, and thanks again seestar for letting me guest post on your sweet blog for these cool cats! Enjoy!
You are most welcome, Sarah! Isn't she awesome? I lobe my sister! She's also completely correct... we don't always agree on tv shows, but we sure do love our musicals. I'm so glad she was willing to guest post and I'm ecstatic she chose to feature musicals! I really wanted to do some of my favorites, but there were just too many... I simply could not narrow it down to a reasonable number. So thanks to my sister for her awesome post! Happy listening!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (11) - Soundtrack Edition!


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music.

The month of October is going to be extra exciting on Tune in Tuesday. Why, you ask? Because it's Soundtrack Edition! I got so excited that I prepared all of my posts for the entire month ahead of time. Yeah. That's pretty dang excited. I have a soft-spot for soundtracks and I can't wait to share some awesome tunes with you. So grab some songs from your favorite movies and/or shows, link up and join the fun!
For my final Soundtrack Edition of Tune in Tuesday, I thought I'd pay tribute to some of my favorite scores! I adore soundtracks and I believe it would be a totally different viewing experience if the score is an ill fit to the film or television show. With that said, here are a few of my favorite bits of score that I feel are simply inspired. Enjoy!

I am a HUGE fan of The Lord of the Rings. I remember being a little worried when they announced they were going to make films based on one of my favorite series. Needless to say, I was terrified... but I shouldn't have worried. Man! They did such a fantastic job with this film! And the music? AMAZING! Some of my favorite pieces include anything that has to do with Rohan. There's just something about strings, I tell you! That little Rohan theme plays and I instantly get goosebumps. I LOVE it and I hope you do too!


Speaking of strings... I must say that I am still terribly in love with Lost to this day. Such an addicting, wonderful show. The music sets the tone of the show so well, that I couldn't feature scores without sharing a favorite bit of music from Lost. This often repeated piece of musical genius always calms and comforts me... I love it.


Another score that fits its film perfectly is that belonging to the live-action version of Peter Pan. I love everything Peter Pan... I've even sworn to never grow up! This score is positively perfect for the feel of Peter Pan and this particular track is one of my top favorites. To me, this sounds mischievous... playful... it sounds like adventure. Perfect, right? Yeah, I think so too.


This final one is so touching and wonderful, no soundtrack list would be complete without it. This segment plays pretty much at the very beginning and it makes me feel... it's just so touching and sweet. Up is just one of those movies that kind of plants itself in your heart and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. Gotta love it!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (10) - Soundtrack Edition!


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music.

The month of October is going to be extra exciting on Tune in Tuesday. Why, you ask? Because it's Soundtrack Edition! I got so excited that I prepared all of my posts for the entire month ahead of time. Yeah. That's pretty dang excited. I have a soft-spot for soundtracks and I can't wait to share some awesome tunes with you. So grab some songs from your favorite movies and/or shows, link up and join the fun!

This week I'll be showcasing the amazing soundtrack from Adam. So what is this sweet, touching movie about? Well, Adam is a brilliant guy with Asperger's Syndrome and a strong passion for astronomy, but he's struggling to cope after the loss of his father. His new neighbor, Beth, comes into his life and helps him learn how to open up and make sense of the world. In turn, he helps her see life in a whole new light. If you have yet to watch this movie, I definitely recommend it. It's absolutely wonderful... and not just because Hugh Dancy is in it. The music for this film is spectacular and fits the tone of Adam so perfectly. Not to mention, Christopher Lennertz really knocks it out of the park with the score. So lets listen to some tunes!

First up is Gone Away by Lucy Schwartz. Seriously, this song is just beautiful. The feel of it is so Adam it's ridiculous. A perfect choice for the first track of the album.

There is no way to fully convey my elation when I was watching the movie and BAM! I hear The Weepies! I must have Weepies Radar or something because the second Can't Go Back Now (one of my top favorite Weepies tracks) started, my eyes lit up and my love for the film grew exponentially. I'm not even remotely joking. The Weepies is one of my favorite groups of all-time. They're pure musical geniuses, I tell you! *le sigh* Man, I freakin' love them... can ya tell? AND this song is absolutely perfect for Adam... I love when that happens.

Can you ever go wrong with Joshua Radin? Yeah, I didn't think so either. His voice is so soothing and this song is a beautiful addition to the film. So without further ado, enjoy When You Find Me!


To hear more wonderful tunes from Adam, click the links below or give it a listen on Spotify. You could always watch the movie, too. You know you waaaaaaant to.
Track Listing:
1. Gone Away - Lucy Schwartz
2. Someone Else's Life - Joshua Radin
3. Plastic Flowers - The Hiders
4. Into the Light - The Alexandria Quartet
5. Beautiful Day - Miranda Lee Richards
6. When You Find Me - Joshua Radin featuring Maria Taylor
7. Can't Go Back Now - The Weepies
8. Prologue Main Theme (Score) - Christopher Lennertz
9. Planetarium Suite (Score) - Christopher Lennertz
10. Courtroom Suite (Score) - Christopher Lennertz
11. Adam's Journey (Score) - Christopher Lennertz
12. Reflection (Score) - Christopher Lennertz

Monday, October 17, 2011

Review: "The Scorpio Races" by Maggie Stiefvater


The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Reading Level: Young Adult
ARC: 416 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: 18 October 2011


It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
(Goodreads)


What an enchanting, breath of fresh air! The Scorpio Races is unlike any book I have ever read, and I couldn't be happier. I finished it earlier this morning and I've been mulling it over in my head all day, trying to put to words just how much this book has become a part of me. Now how am I going to explain it in this review? Gah! I had a similar difficulty after reading Maggie's The Wolves of Mercy Falls series earlier this year. In fact, those reviews are still waiting to be posted! Dang. I don't want that to happen again, so I may as well jump right in!

Maggie Stiefvater is truly a master at weaving words, as I like to say. She has this ability to take hold of your heart - your soul - and weave it within the pages of her novels, making you feel like you're so much a part of everything. You can't help but marvel at the atmosphere she winds around you and the whimsical, beautiful writing on nearly every page. You can't resist falling in love with her characters and embedding them into your very being. I have absolutely no idea how she does it. Frankly, I don't care how she does it as long as she keeps on doing it.

The Scorpio Races was such a thrilling ride. The setting was so vivid, it seemed to be alive! The island of Thisby was like a character in and of itself, with its storms, fog layer and other qualities... which was spectacular. I found it a smart move that Maggie made Thisby in an ambiguous country - it could possibly be risky, but she really gives her readers credit and lets them picture it themselves without being bogged down by predetermined locales. And the water horses, the Capaill Uisce, were beautiful and terrifying all in one. I was both fascinated and completely freaked out by these mythical creatures with a deep, magical connection to the water. I mean, seriously... carnivorous horses that pop out of the ocean? Crazy awesome! Then add in the part where, every year in the Scorpio Races, people RIDE these man-eating creatures? Talk about a heart-pounding adventure! If the story centered around that aspect alone, I would have loved it.

Lucky for us, there is another aspect that our awesome author excels at. In comes the wonderful characters! As with her previous novels, Maggie Stiefvater masterfully uses multiple p.o.v. to tell the story. Our heroine, Kate "Puck" Connelly, is a pretty awesome character. She has fire and determination, but she's also vulnerable and scared. After the death of her parents, she and her two brothers must try to survive on their own. To help in this, Puck decides to enter the Scorpio Races for a chance at the large winners purse. The hero of our tale is four time winner of the Races, Sean Kendrick. Also an orphan, Sean lives and works at a local stable as a horse trainer. Quiet and enigmatic, Sean has an almost magical connection to horses - especially one of the capaill, Cor. I enjoyed learning about what set our heroes on their course to the Races and watching their interactions with one another. I really don't want to give anything away, but watching these two characters develop and grow was nothing short of enchanting.

Filled with terror, adventure, sadness, joy, and the importance of relationships, The Scorpio Races has cemented itself in my favorites list. In my humble opinion, you can't go wrong with this wonderful tale of finding strength in oneself and taking the helm in your own life. Definitely go out and read this fantastic, lyrical novel... now!

A favorite quote: "It's easy to convince men to love you, Puck. All you have to do is be a mountain they have to climb or a poem they don't understand."

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (9) - Soundtrack Edition!


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music.

The month of October is going to be super fun on Tune in Tuesday. Why, you ask? Because it's Soundtrack Edition! I have a soft-spot for soundtracks and I can't wait to share some awesome tracks with you. So grab some songs from your favorite movies and/or shows, link up and join the fun!


I know this will be a bit different, but I can't participate in this edition without featuring something from my favorite TV show: Psych! Oh my word, I love this show! I like silly things and it doesn't get much more silly than Psych. Seriously. I dare you not to laugh at all the hijinks Shawn and Gus get into... whilst solving crimes! GENIUS! Words can't express how much I love this show. Or how much I love Shawn. Or how much it makes me laugh... yeah. And now for the theme song, I Know You Know by Friendly Indians!

Wait for iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!


And just because the show is THAT AWESOME, they sometimes have special intros... yes, they tweak the intro song/credits... and it's awesome. Here are a few of my favorites!

(This one comes from a Twin Peaks [Dual Spires, get it? LOL!] tribute episode... one of my favorite episodes ever! Such a strange and wonderful episode.)

(This one is just plain cool... Hindi music? HECK YES!)

(Then there's one done by Curt Smith from Tears for Fears. I just like it... so what?!! lol)

And just because I can... Shawn and Gus performing Shout! Man, I love how much they love the 80's. OH THE HILARITY!

Be sure to check out the season premiere of Psych on USA tomorrow, October 12th... I know I will! It's going to be AWESOME! You know that's right.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (8) - Soundtrack Edition!


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music.

The month of October is going to be extra exciting on Tune in Tuesday. Why, you ask? Because it's Soundtrack Edition! I got so excited that I prepared all of my posts for the entire month ahead of time. Yeah. That's pretty dang excited. I have a soft-spot for soundtracks and I can't wait to share some awesome tunes with you. So grab some songs from your favorite movies and/or shows, link up and join the fun!

It wouldn't be a soundtracks-freakin-rock-my-polka-dot-socks-off edition without a little music from the AMAZING Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging movie soundtrack! This film is based on books one and two of the hilarious Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series by Louise Rennison. Though the movie is fun and I like it, the soundtrack is spectacular and one of my all-time favorites. So, without further ado, here are a few bits of awesome from the album... because it was simply too difficult to pick just one.  Ahem. Enjoy!


First up is a song written specifically for the movie, Ultraviolet. This song is performed by a band that was dubbed the Stiff Dylans for the film... and I believe they liked the name so much that they kept it! How cool is that? My sister and I absolutely adore it and I hope you will too.

Next up, Toothpaste Kisses by The Maccabees. I find this song to be downright adorable. I love it and I love The Maccabees... they're so much fun!

Another magnificent one is She's Got You High by the amazing Mumm-Ra. I seriously love Mumm-Ra and this song is a frequently played favorite. I get it stuck in my head... a lot. (Just as a side note, I think this video rocks! I can't believe I've never watched it before now. Love it!)

Last, but certainly not least, here's Your Song from one of my favorite musicians, Kate Walsh. I adore her music, love her voice and this song is just... it's just so... it's perfect. *le sigh* And apparently it makes me sigh a lot. Hmm...

There ya have it! Amazing, no? I'm sorry there are so many, but I love every freakin' song (okay, there's one song I merely "like" instead of "love")! Though I was unable to share all of the songs, I'm sure more of them will pop up in later episodes of Tune in Tuesday. Just so's ya know, I won't make you watch the movie if you don't want to, but you should definitely check out the soundtrack. You won't regret it. Cheers!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (7)


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music. So link up and join the fun!

I've been in a serious Mother Mother mood the last couple days. So, naturally, I've picked them to feature this week. However, I couldn't decide which song I wanted, so I picked two. Hope you like them!
(Check out this awesome acoustic version!)
This very well might be my favorite song by Mother Mother... maybe. It's catchy, fun and just plain awesome. I mean it. It's like my go-to singing-in-the-shower song these days - along with the next track. Bring on the quirk!


What did I tell you? Quirky, right?! I love Mother Mother. I can remember driving home from a particularly bad day and this song popped up on the radio (I miss you The Peak FM! *sniff* You'll always be my favorite radio station!). You just can't feel bad when this song pops up, it's so... bouncy! Gotta love Canadian music. :)

Review: "The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer" by Michelle Hodkin


The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Reading Level: Young Adult
ARC: 450 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 27 September 2011
Source: Borrowed from the supremely fabulous Kimberly

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong. (quoted from Goodreads)


A week later and I still don't know what to say about this fantastic novel; but, seeing as today is the release day, I figured it was high time I posted this review. OH MY WORD! I feel like I've been steamrolled, scraped up, sauteed, swallowed and spit right back out... all in the best possible way, of course! Wait. Was that too graphic? Oops. Moving on... ahem.

I started this book not knowing a single thing about it and I think that's a perfect way to approach The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Whatever you do, don't go around trying to find out information about what to expect. Honestly. Just do yourself a favor and go in totally blind. Trust me, even knowing nothing going in, Mara Dyer is bound to suck you in before the first chapter begins; it's just that good. With that said, this review is going to be quite difficult because I don't want to give anything away. AH!

Now, where to start...? Mara is now one of my favorite lead characters/narrators. There is so much going on, yet she still has a killer sense of humor, snarkiliciously (yeah, that's what I said) awesome comebacks and is one smart, talented cookie. I could really feel for Mara as she struggled to figure out what the heck was going on... whether any of it was real or not. There is A LOT of bizarre stuff that happens, let me tell you. Also, PTSD is seriously awful and terrifying - especially when combined with amnesia - but Mara is bent on figuring out what happened the night her friends died AND get some semblance of a normal life back. She rocks! (That's about as spoilery as I'll get, just so's ya know.) Besides, she's an artist, loves books and music, and seems like the kind of person I'd be friends with. I always like when that happens.

You know who I also loved? Mara's brothers! Especially Daniel; he seems like such a nice guy. Those boys are a perfect compliment to Mara and I really got the feeling that these three siblings would do absolutely anything for one another. Their loving relationship is just one of the gazillion things that made this an enjoyable read. I'm a fan of her friend Jaime, too. I wish there was more of him, but perhaps he'll pop up again in book two. Right?! Then there's Noah Shaw. Oh Noah, how you intrigue me. At first, I did not find Noah the least bit appealing. I've never been one for the bad boy, jerky kind of guy who thinks he can get any girl and do whatever he wants, but might possibly have a heart of gold. Ugh. Well, I thought Noah was going to be one of "those guys" and I was fully prepared to loathe him. Imagine my surprise when I ended up kind of liking him. Shocking, right? Without going into any detail as to why, I want to say that he really surprised me and I hope he keeps to do so.

Michelle Hodkin is a genius. Her writing is fantastic and it painted such a vivid picture for my visual mind to devour. Though I had absolutely no idea what was going on - what was even real! - I have become a HUGE fan of Mara Dyer. This awesome novel freaked me out and gave me nightmares (honestly, not too hard to do, as I'm the biggest scaredy cat ever), but it also made me think for ages afterward. It's definitely a "What the heck!" kind of book and I absolutely have to read it again! And the ending? OH MY WORD, the ending! Just you wait. You're in for a seriously spectacular ride. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer left me feeling totally steamrolled. Gobsmacked. Mind completely blown... and I wouldn't have it any other way. Bring on the sequel!

A favorite quote: "Thinking something does not make it true. Wanting something does not make it real."

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Tune in Tuesday (6)


Tune in Tuesday is a weekly music feature hosted by the fabulous Ginger at GReads. As some of you may know, I am ridiculously addicted to music. One of my favorite things to do is share new and favorite songs with anyone willing to listen. Or not so willing. I'm not picky. Anyway... Each week you can post a song and share the love of music. So link up and join the fun!

Anything by Mae



This week in Tune in Tuesday is dedicated to one of my all-time favorite bands, Mae. There aren't words enough to explain how much I love this band. Honestly. I wouldn't joke about something so important as music. Pretty much every song of theirs is a favorite (because they're spectacular!), but I think this one is right up at the top of the heap. Oh my word, I just love everything about it! I can't listen to this track without getting sweet chills. It's even in my ever growing WIP playlist, Songs To Smile By (title is also a WIP... ahem). Only playlist requirement? The song has to make me smile every single time I listen to it. Does Anything fit the bill? You betcha. So sit back, relax and enjoy the magnificent Mae. Happy listening!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

YA Scramble Giveaway and Guest Post!


Greetings YA readers! I'm so excited to be part of this event and I hope you have an absolutely spectacular time. Check out the information below to get started. Good luck! (And pssst... check out my Timeless YA Titles hosted by T. R. Graves right HERE! Please and thank you!)

***Event Closed***
(But feel free to read the articles!)

Instructions for the YA Scramble:
1) Visit the first blog (based on list below).
2) Read the guest post.
3) Identify the PURPLE word.
4) Pick out the 3rd letter from the PURPLE word.
5) Go to the next blog.
6) Repeat #3, #4, and #5 until you visited all 14 sites.
7) At the end, take all 14 of the 3rd letters from the PURPLE words and figure out the message near and dear to our hearts.
8) You will enter that unscrambled message ONCE into this form
as your official entry for a chance to win some great prizes from fantastic authors and bloggers. You have 24 hours to complete the Scramble.

Participating Blogs (all must be visited):
Kaitlin Simpson
PJ Hoover
Cary Cummings
Heather Cashman
Kathleen Tucker
Jennifer Morris
Cyndi Tefft
Irish/ Gail
Danielle Bunner
Melissa Layton  (Surprise! You're here.)
T.R. Graves (Hosting my topic!)
Megg Jensen
Amy Jones
Laura Elliott


HUGE Grand Prize including:
- ARC of The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab (with signed bookmark)
- Ebook of Soltice by PJ Hoover (with trading cards)
- Ebook of The Space Between by Alexandra Sokoloff
- Paperback copy of Perception by Heather Cashman
- Signed paperback ARC of Anathema by Kathleen Tucker
- Chronicles of Vladimir Tod Gift Set (Trade Paperback of Eighth Grade Bites, Vlad Journal, Minion Bling Buttons and Vlad Tote)
- Signed paperback copy of Between by Cyndi Tefft
- Signed hardcover of Clarity by Kim Harrington
- ARC of Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
- Signed ARC of Fury by Elizabeth Miles
- Signed paperback of Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
- ARC of Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
- Copy of The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
- Winner's choice of 5 ebooks from a list of indie authors
- Signed paperback of Sleepers by Megg Jensen
- Ebooks of Soul Quest and The Guardian of Souls by Amy Jones
- Kindle copy of Winnemucca by Laura Elliott (plus a guest post spot on her blog!)
- Paperback copy of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare


Books That Changed Me
by Danielle Bunner
“In the case of good books, the point is not how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.”
Mortimer Jerome Adler (B. 1902)American Author and Philosopher
I don’t know much about the person who said this, but I completely agree with the quote. We read books because they have this incredible power over us. We turn pages hoping to find an escape, a truth, hope. We want to connect with someone else who’s troubles are greater than ours or lives are better than us or have the things we only dream of having. There are so many things books can teach us, so many things books remind of us and even more ways they affect and change our lives.

I know they have completely changed mine.

It’s because of YA books that I’m exactly where I am in my life. YA books opened my world to magic, to stories from teenagers that I never had the power to face in my own life. They’ve inspired me. They’ve taught me. YA saves and YA matters. The reason these books contain so much power is because people speak out about them. Each person has a different story to tell about how which stories have affected their lives—and these are a few of mine.

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

I don’t know if you’ve read this book, but I read it in college. It was sitting on a FREE table outside one of the main buildings, and I was the lucky person who picked it up. At the time (sophomore year) I had never read YA. I mean, Harry Potter, yes. But I didn’t know what YA even was. I read A Northern Light and it was so fantastically written, so beautiful a story about a girl who wanted to make her own way, who wanted to go to New York, who wanted to be someone else completely. Never in my life have I related to a character like I did Mattie. Those were all things I wanted my whole life. I finished that book and I cried because it was so much all the things I wanted—including to write a book like Donnelly did. This book changed my life because it pushed me to pursue my dreams (Writing!!).

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

This was one of the first books I read when I was introduced into YA. It was actually the 4th book. There was (and is) something about it that will always give it a special place in my heart. It didn’t save me—but it taught me a lot about writing good characters and world building. It’s not even my favorite of the series (that would be City of Glass or Clockwork Angel) but when I need something that makes me smile, I can turn to Jace and Clary. Plus, I like ADORE Cassie. I met her once and could barely talk because she is a remarkable.

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

The quote above mentions books that “get through to you” and when I think of that, I always think of The Mockingbirds. This was a brave, beautiful story about a girl who was date raped. But it’s so much more than that. It’s about dealing with the truth, about moving on, about speaking out. I wish I’d been able to read something like this book earlier in my teen years. When I was a child, I was sexually abused—and Alex’s story really affected me. I never told anyone—not for a long, long time. When that happens to someone, it’s a really life-changing thing. It can be bad or good in the way it changes you, but it always changes something. For me, The Mockingbirds was inspiring. It’s a constant reminder to SPEAK OUT, and that’s something you can never hear enough.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

I don’t handle grief well. Grief is one of those things that doesn’t fit in a box. My life tries to be a box. I separate as many things as possible, to try to MAKE life easier and organized. Grief always spills out. It spills out and overflows and seeps into all the other boxes. So instead of boxes, I trap grief in jars…and I never open the jars. I only pray they don’t break. If they break then everything falls apart. I fall apart. I know this is probably not healthy but it’s the way I was taught. Un-teaching takes a long time.

That’s what Sky is about. It’s about the way you can’t do that! Lennie can’t do that. She tries to act like everything is fine and amazing but really it’s not. She’s broken and cracked. She’s lost someone she allowed her whole world to revolve around. That loss has changed her. It’s changed everyone in her life. And for me, it was exactly the book I needed to be able to understand my own grief. My grandma died when I was in high school, but sometimes all you need is to see someone else grieving to realize what moving on is all about.

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

This is a book about a girl who’s kidnapped. I’ve never been kidnapped. (Yay for that!) But the voice in this book makes it amazing. I read it last year and still, still to this very moment, I don’t know how I feel about Ty. I hate him. I love him. I want him dead. I understand him. When a book can do that to you—when it can make you feel and think and be so unable to sort out how you feel and think—you know it’s gotten through to you.

How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford

A book about friendship and loss and what life is all about. I love this book so hard because it’s real. It’s about the people who come into your life for a season and leave it when you don’t want them to. It’s honest and connectable and shows what it looks like to truly love a friend.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This book comes out in November. I was lucky enough to get an ARC at BEA—and let me tell you: it’s amazing. I put it on this list because Tahereh Mafi makes words do this thing—this incredible, unbelievable, unexplainable unless you read it thing. I really connected with it. I haven’t felt what I did for a character like Juliet in a long time. Shatter Me also reminded me of what a book can be, of what it means to fight for things you want, of hope.

These are the books that have saved me in some way, and the point of a book is to share it. So, I'm going to giveaway ANY book from this list. Seriously. Any book you want. All you have to do is fill out THIS FORM!

What are some books that have inspired you?
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