Waiting on Wednesday #5 / WWW Wednesdays

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine where bloggers post spotlights on upcoming releases that they're eagerly anticipating.

This week, my pick is The Story of Us by Deb Caletti. Publication Date: April 24th, 2012 by Simon Pulse.

Goodreads summary: Cricket’s on a self-imposed break from her longtime boyfriend—but she’s picked a bad week to sort out her love life. For one thing, her mother’s romance is taking center stage: After jilting two previous fiancés, her mom is finally marrying Dan Jax, whom Cricket loves. But as wedding attendees arrive for a week of festivities at a guesthouse whose hippie owners have a sweet, sexy son—Ash—complications arise:

Cricket’s future stepsisters make it clear they’re not happy about the marriage. An old friend decides this is the week to declare his love for Cricket. Grandpa chooses to reveal a big secret at a family gathering. Dan’s ex-wife shows up. And even the dogs—Cricket’s old, ill Jupiter and Dan’s young, lively Cruiser—seem to be declaring war.

While Cricket fears that Dan is in danger of becoming ditched husband-to-be number three, she’s also alarmed by her own desires. Because even though her boyfriend looms large in her mind, Ash is right in front of her....

What's your Waiting on Wednesday pick?

WWW Wednesdays is a reading meme hosted by Should be Reading

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions...

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

What are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

What did you recently finish reading?

I recently re-read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter will never get old!

What do you think you'll read next?

I think it's time to read a classic - so I'll probably go through Project Gutenberg for a free HTML copy of a book. Maybe Alice in Wonderland?

How E-Readers are Changing the Way Some Read

I think technology is amazing. I still remember diligently planning with my friends and family where to meet up after school, in the mall or anywhere in general. It felt like a game of Clue. Meet me by the clock tower at 4 o'clock with the homework assignment. This was the day when there were no cell phones (smart phones? I was happy if it even came in color!), GPS systems, Kinect, e-readers, etc.

I know not many people look at and wonder what Braille is and wonder why some books have large typefaces on it, but it's because some people are visually impaired. Even though I'm an avid fan of paperback books and I do not own an e-reader, I do appreciate how the e-reader has revolutionized the way people read today.

I think it's wonderful that people created a way for blind and visually impaired people to join the fun. Please see the video below, and know that paperback or e-reader, everyone should at least have the ability to read.

In My Mailbox #5

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme brought about by The Story Siren. It's a fun way to share what you're reading, reviewing, about to read, etc. All images below are from Goodreads.

On the Bookshelf:

Looking for Alaska by John Green

The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers

What's in your Mailbox?

Want Books: Moby-Duck: The True Story of 28,800 Bath Toys Lost at Sea and of the Beachcombers, Oceanographers, Environmentalists, and Fools, Including

Want Books? is a weekly meme hosted at Chachic’s Book Nook and features released books that you want but you can’t have for some reason. It can be because it’s not available in your country, in your library or you don’t have the money for it right now.

So, I'm still a newbie book blogger and as I was looking through other various book blogs to see their designs, their reviews, etc. and I came across Sophisticated Dorkiness with a review on this book. The book title, in case you can't see it above, is Moby-Duck: The True Story of 28,800 Bath Toys Lost at SEa and the Beachcombers, Oceonographers, Environmentalists, and Fools, Including the Author, Who Went in Search of Them.

I'm hooked. I want this book RIGHT NOW. As in, if this book miraculously apparated comfortably into my lap I'd rejoice and ignore my other books and start reading it immediately. Then, I'd wonder where my letter to Hogwarts is. Once a Harry Potter nerd, always a Harry Potter nerd.

Alas, I have dozens of other books, if not hundreds, on my to-read list. I guess I should be glad, in a way, that I have no idea where to even look for this book. Ebay? Amazon? Barnes & Noble? Who knows. Maybe someone out there just donated it to a used bookstore and this little book is waiting for me to come pick it up and bring it home. And I'd pray that no one dog-eared its pages.

One day, Moby Duck, I will find you. And maybe read you while I take a bubble bath. With an actual rubber duck. And a glass of wine because that's apparently how girls read books in chick flicks.

What books do you want?

Goodreads review: A revelatory tale of science, adventure, and modern myth. A New York Times Notable Book of 2011. One of NPR's Best Books of 2011. One of Janet Maslin's Ten Picks for 2011.

When the writer Donovan Hohn heard of the mysterious loss of thousands of bath toys at sea, he figured he would interview a few oceanographers, talk to a few beachcombers, and read up on Arctic science and geography. But questions can be like ocean currents: wade in too far, and they carry you away. Hohn's accidental odyssey pulls him into the secretive world of shipping conglomerates, the daring work of Arctic researchers, the lunatic risks of maverick sailors, and the shadowy world of Chinese toy factories.

Moby-Duck is a journey into the heart of the sea and an adventure through science, myth, the global economy, and some of the worst weather imaginable. With each new discovery, Hohn learns of another loose thread, and with each successive chase, he comes closer to understanding where his castaway quarry comes from and where it goes. In the grand tradition of Tony Horwitz and David Quammen, Moby-Duckis a compulsively readable narrative of whimsy and curiosity.

Waiting on Wednesday #2

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine where bloggers post spotlights on upcoming releases that they're eagerly anticipating.

This week, my pick is Balthazar by Claudia Gray. Publication Date: March 6th, 2012.

goodreads summary: Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.

Books & Movies Mondays!

I love weekly features. There. I said it. I think they're fun, informative and a great way for bloggers to reach out and meet new people. I love the other ones I'm doing (IMM, Teaser Tuesday, Waiting on Wednesday, Foreign Cover Friday) but I think it would be fun to create my own. Thus, the birth of:

Books & Movies Mondays!

B&M Mondays (for short) dives into comparing the book vs. the movie adaptation. What happens when a favorite book is transformed into a movie (Harry Potter), television show (Dexter), broadway musical (Wicked, anyone?) or even when the reverse happens. The evolution of Sex and the City from newspaper column to book to TV show to movie is amazing. Or has anyone seen Castle, perhaps?

Every week it'll be a different topic. The official launch of Books & Movies Mondays will start next Monday, January 16th.

Let me know what you think!

Book Review: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Goodreads summary: She's just a New York City girl living with her artist mom...

News Flash: Dad is prince of Genovia. (So that's why a limo meets her at the airport!)

Downer: Dad can't have any more kids. (So no heir to the throne.)

Shock of the Century: Like it or not, Mia Thermopolis is prime princess material.

Mia must take princess lessons from her dreaded grandmére, the dowager princess of Genovia, who thinks Mia has a thing or two to learn before she steps up to the throne.

Well, her father can lecture her until he's royal-blue in the face about her princessly duty—no way is she moving to Genovia and leaving Manhattan behind. But what's a girl to do when her name is Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo?

my review: This is one of those rare cases where I've watched the movie before I read the book, and I have to say, I enjoyed watching the movie better. Mia Thermopolis has a unique voice that perfectly embodies the essence of a high schooler, with typical problems like finding a date to a dance, doing well in school and getting into fights with best friends. Mia was humorous, oblivious to love like most high school girls are, and naive to what being a princess really means.

Mia's grandmére is overly strict and tries to whip Mia into a princess, her father comes to New York City to help in the transition, and her mother is dating Mia's Algebra teacher. Not to mention, her crush Josh Richter doesn't notice her until she's a princess and her best friend's brother, Michael, secretly likes her.

Even though Mia's voice in the book was great, I thought the movie had a better execution of what a princess's role would be. She was more gracious with her responsibilities, you could visually see the transformation from Mia Thermopolis to Princess Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo, and there seemed to be an actual climax and resolution in the movie that the book seemed to be lacking and trying to imagine Julie Andrews as a heartless grandmother was a bit hard while reading the book. Also, the ending had an uneven flow right up to the very end and the 'Blind Guy' was a loose string that did not need to be tied.

Overall, I love the concept of a typical teenager finding out she's a princess. I love the voice (I can't say it enough) but there were other things that were lacking that were filled in the movie. I understand it's the first book of a series, but I think even in a series, each book should be a stand alone as well. But, taking into consideration that the movie was so well done and because I saw it first, I'm giving The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot a 5/5.

A Book as A Piece of Art

http://pinterest.com/pin/208291551485363118/

Even though I feel like a little part of me dies inside every time I see a book mutilated like this, I secretly do appreciate the fact that maybe, as a book's dying wish, it would've liked to have been viewed as a piece of art rather than as a piece of literature. And then I think, aren't written books a piece of art in it of itself?

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I've been in a Harry Potter mood lately. Maybe it's because I miss Hogwarts so much and am still peeved I haven't received a letter yet stating my magical background, the fact that I still haven't been able to figure out Pottermore, or because I love J.K. Rowling's writing style incredably much and I'm trying to emulate it into my own writing.

Nonetheless, I'm re-reading the books and I'm on book 5, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Now, as I'm pretty sure most of you have read this book (I hope) this teaser shouldn't come as a complete surprise. Although, I think it was in the movies but I love it so much I'm going to put it here anyway:

Albus Dumbledore: You must be wondering why I brought you here.
Harry Potter: Actually sir, after all these years I just sort of go with it.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme brought about by The Story Siren. It's a fun way to share what you're reading, reviewing, about to read, etc. All images below are from Goodreads.

For Review:

Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy by Bil Wright

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Currently Reading:

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Tweetheart by Elizabeth Rudnick

Teaser Tuesday (and yes, I realize today is Wednesday)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser:

"He was talking to a girl with cranberry-colored hair and green eye shadow. It was clear from 180 feet away that Gleason could have been reciting the thirty-six most commonly used prepositions in alphabetical order and she would have been mesmerized."

-pg. 132 Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy by Bil Wright

Book Review: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

goodreads summary: When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

From New York Times bestselling author Megan McCafferty comes a strikingly original look at friendship, love, and sisterhood—in a future that is eerily believable.

My Review: I think the concept is great. To me, it’s a mix between The Girl who owned a City and Children of Men. I preferred reading Melody’s point of view, as Harmony’s was over-the-top preachy and I’ll be happy never hearing her say ‘Oh my Grace’ ever again. Everything about Harmony really irritated me, from her mannerisms to clothing to her thoughts that maybe, just maybe, she could convince Jondoe that procreating for money is morally wrong, and that she could come back and live with her in Goodside.

The writing was painful to get through, and having terms like “neggy,” “fertilicious,” “MiNet,” and “breedy” that didn’t make sense added to my annoyance. McCafferty made Melody and Harmony, as well as every other teenager in Otherside, completely obsessed with sex, pregnancy, and either being am/pro (amateur or professional).

My favorite character is Zen, and he is the one who makes me like this book. I understand that the book is a satirical dystopian YA novel, and she does convey the world very well, but because of the new words and the clever displacement of information, it was a bit challenging to get through. I’m really sold on the concept but even though I’m curious about what’ll happen in the sequel (THUMPED, 4/24/12) I’m not sure if I’ll read it or not.

Rating: 3.5/5.