January 28, 2010

So…let’s talk about Sea Change by Aimee Friedman. I wasn’t even looking for a new book to read, I already have way too many in the queue as it is. But, Sea Change caught my eye. I’m a sucker for a great cover. So, I took the book on my break with me, thinking that I would read a chapter or two, just to get a quick feel for the book. So, I started it. I wouldn’t say that I loved it right away. I like it a lot, but it didn’t totally pull me in. I put it back on the shelf, thinking “I’ll get to it eventually.” The truth was I was kind of overwhelmed at the moment with all of the other books that I had to read. Well, a few weeks went by, and I read some of the other books I had piled up waiting.

Fast forward to this Monday. While I was at work, I walked by and saw Sea Change on display again. This time, I grabbed it and checked it out. Let me tell you, it was like Magic, I couldn’t put it down. Granted, it’s not the greatest book I’ve ever read, and a lot of the story and plot are predictable, but I got so caught up in the story of Miranda and Leo, and everything else going on in Miranda’s life. Maybe it was the setting. Selkie Island seemed like a dream, especially during the dreary days of January. Maybe it was Miranda, I really liked her character. Maybe it was Leo. Whatever it was, it worked, and I could barely put it down. So, if you’re looking for an escapist summertime story, with great characters, this is the book for you. I will say, without giving anything away, that the ending left me unsatisfied. I want to know more about Miranda and Leo, not only as a couple, but as individuals. I guess that is the highest praise that I can give a book. I wish that it hadn’t ended. So, Aimee, if you’re out there somewhere reading this, please write a sequel! 

January 26, 2010

Hello, sorry it’s been awhile, since I’ve posted, but I have so much to share!

OK, first things first. I finished Blood Promise, the fourth Vampire Academy novel. Of course, it ends in a cliffhanger, and now I have to wait for the next one! It’s called Spirit Bound, and comes out May 18, 2010. Blood Promise was pretty good. It was neat to see Rose’s world expanded as she traveled internationally. It’s also nice to see her mature and grow, become less selfish and more confident, but retain that fire that makes her Rose. I hate the tension and fighting between Lissa and Christian, I love them as a couple, and I hope things get resolved in Book 5. I mean really, who doesn’t like a Happy Ending?

So…I’m in the process of listening to the audio book Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. This was one of my favorite books growing up, and there are so many new books to read, that I hate to re-read books, even my favorites. So, I compromise, and I listen to them. Anne is as good as I remember. The books are simply told, and take you back to an earlier time, but they are so well done. And, there are 6 books in the series, and then 2 after that about Anne’s children (hope I didn’t give too much away, yes, Anne grows up and gets married, but I won’t tell you to whom!). So, if you read and love Anne of Green Gables, don’t stop there, read the rest!

Last Weekend (15-18th), I was at the American Library Association (ALA) Mid-winter Conference and Meeting. It was such a good time! I got to hear several authors speak, and see lots of new titles that will be coming out this spring and summer. One of the authors that I heard speak was Kristen Cashore, the author of Graceling and Fire. Both, especially Graceling, have been on my to-read list forever. I finally checked out Graceling, and I should be starting it soon. Kristen Cashore seemed so young and down-to-earth. You would never believe that she was a famous, best-selling author, which I thought was super cool. So, all of you out there, start writing! You never know, you could be the next Kristen Cashore or J.K. Rowling!

I also heard Adriana Trigiani talk, and she was fabulous. She is probably best known for her adult novels set in Big Stone Gap. She was so funny and personable. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never read her books, but now I definitely want to read all of them. Luckily, she has also written a YA book, Viola in Reel Life, which I will also be reading ASAP! 
My other YA books that I have currently checked out to read are Venomous by Christopher Krovatin and Sea Change by Aimee Friedman. You know I’ll keep you posted as soon as I finish them! 

January 14, 2010

Done, done, done with The Hunger Games! OK. This book was really good, but…I did think at times there were too many coincidences. I’m not going to say any more here, I don’t want to go into too much detail, and give anything away. If you want to know more about what I think, or if you agree or disagree with me, come to Book Club Saturday, February 6th at 3:30pm and discuss The Hunger Games. 

I’ll be starting Blood Promise soon. It is the fourth book in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series. If you’re not totally sick of Vampires, give these books a shot. They’re pretty good, and, strange enough, I like the sequels better than the first book. 

I’m also finishing up a book called The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and a Forty-Year Friendship. It’s not a Young Adult book, but is an awesome story of friendship, if you get a chance, you should check it out. 

Don’t forget, this Saturday, January 16th, from 2:30-4:00pm, the Anime/Manga group meets in the Logan Auditorium! 

January 12, 2010

OK, I have been caught up in finishing a book for an adult book club that I'm also in, so sadly, Hunger Games had to take a backseat while I finished up my book for Book Club. Trust me, I was not happy about this, no matter what, I will finish Hunger Games tonight! 

But, I did want to take a minute and remind everyone about some awesome events happening at the library this week. Thursday, January 14, at 6:00pm, we will kick-off our new series, "Books That Have Been Made Into Movies." Our first movie will be Friday Night Lights. Come watch the movie, have some pizza and game-day snacks, and try your hand at some NFL trivia.

Saturday, January 16, from 2:30-4:00pm, the YA Anime/Manga Club will meet in the Logan Auditorium. If you like to draw, and enjoy Anime and Manga, this is the group for you. Snacks and drinks are always provided! 

Remember-library events are always free!

One more thing...if you have a Twitter account, follow us! 

January 9, 2010

OK, I'll admit it. I'm one of "those" people who didn't finish The Hunger Games. But, I am making good progress. I'm about 2/3 done with it, and I still think it's amazing, and so well written. I recommend it to anyone. 

Random thought for the day: I still adore Harry Potter. Hats off to JK for being such a genius! 

January 7, 2010 

I finished Splendor! I actually didn't mind the ending. I don't want to give it away here, but I will say, I'm glad the author didn't take the traditional way out. I thought her endings (with Diana especially) gave her characters more depth, credit and personality. It wasn't a pat, perfect, happy-ever ending, and I think that helped make the books more realistic.  

I'm LOVING Hunger Games. Why did it take me so long to read this? I'm not even worried about finishing it too fast, and going through withdrawal, because the sequel is already published! Have you read this book? If so, tell me what you think! Not everyone got to finish Hunger Games, so we will discuss it at Literature Club, Saturday, February 6th.  

January 5, 2010 

I'm currently reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Splendor: A Luxe novel by Anna Godbersen. The Hunger Games is our Book Club pick of the month, we are meeting this Saturday, January 9, 2010 to discuss this title. I am only on Chapter 2, so if you respond, don't tell me what happens!! 

I've heard through the Grapevine that I am not going to be happy about the way Splendor ends. I loved the first and third books, wasn't crazy about the second, can't wait to finish this one though!