1 {A}The Help - by Kathryn Stockett

The Help by Kathryn Stockett


I picked up this book merely because I heard its title a bunch. Um, there is a reason. It is great. Yeah, not a good adjective, but it really is. I laughed and cried, held my breath and let it out. I don't want to summarize the book because I hate reading summaries before I read a book. Let me just say, this should be required reading. For everyone. It made me look at myself differently; as a friend, as a neighbor, and a mother...mostly as a mother, but that is the 'season' I'm currently in. You should read this book. Now. (I have a copy to lend even)


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0 {C-} Hold Still - by Nina LaCour

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

I have many mixed feelings about this book. It was very sad and I took a few days to read/process it, however I didn't walk away at the end depressed. I do want to warn you. It deals with suicide and mental illness. There is some rotten language and a brief sexual encounter (I wished I'd read it with a black marker to edit my copy). All that said it was an emotional read that took me on a journey. I don't think I'll re-read it and I'm not sure I suggest you read it, but if you want to borrow, I've got a copy...maybe I will go back and edit it anyway.


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0 {A} Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2 of 3+) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick


Okay, just read the last page and COME ON! Another twisted cliff hanger? NO! The next installment isn't due out till Oct. 18, 2011. I really shouldn't read a series until all the books are out. I just can't take it. I hate waiting a year to see how things turn out.  UGH!


Some people rag that this series is a Twilight knockoff, but I disagree.  (I'm trying not to leave spoilers below)

• Nora creates drama.  The author seemed to be trying a bit too hard not have her NOT be a spineless clingy girlfriend, but I wanted to yell at her at times to not be so gullible or create so much drama.
• Patch is "the bad boy Edward wishes he was".  One one side he is tempting (hottie), but on the other hand why does Nora like him so much?  I think I need to reread the first book for that.
• I wanted to kick Marcie's bully bum (until the very end).  No spoilers here, but I am really looking forward to her story continuing in the next book. 
• Vee is major comic relief. I laughed at/with her so many times, but she did feel a bit hollow.  Like a side-kick, which I guess she is.  Still, I wanted to know more about her feelings, history, ect.
• Don't get me started on Nora's mom.  She has a lot of explaining to do in the next book. 

Yeah, the characters and plot aren't real life, but hey this is a fun fantasy story set in high school. In 'Hush, Hush' I groaned at the end; it was a bit much to take...somewhat overdone. However, this installment was much better that way. I read it in one day and didn't want to put it down.
(As of a month ago, Becca didn't know if book #3, "Tempest", will be the last book in the series)


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0 Mini-Shopping Spree

Yesterday I hopped on my favorite book-buying site ( www.half.com ) and got a bit out of control.  I ordered SEVEN books!  Granted they were all under a dollar each and from the same seller (Snow Lion Books).

I jumped on thinking of getting the 3 books in the 'These is my Words' series, but #2 & 3 couldn't be found for CHEAP.  'The Help' wasn't cheap either.  I'll have to check back another day.

It makes me SICK to see that the shipping cost triple the price of the books.  I just have to tell myself that I got 7 books for $21, or $3 each. That less then anywhere except the Jenson Book Warehouse (which I need to post about).

 

     Fever 1793                                                 1    $0.75

     These is My Words                                     1    $0.88

     The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel...     1    $0.75

     Gathering Blue (Readers Circle)                   1    $0.75

     Emma (Penguin Classics)                             1    $0.75

     Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)                       1    $0.75

     Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2)                        1    $0.75     ____________________________________________

     Subtotal:                                           $5.38

     Shipping:                                           $15.93

     Order Total:                                        $21.31

Oh, and 'Eragon' and 'Eldest'  are even hardbacks to match book #3 that I already have!

0 {A} MAGIC OR MADNESS SERIES, #1-3 of 3 – by Justine Larbalestier

 

by Justine Larbalestier

 

#1) Magic or Madness,   #2) Magic Lessons,    #3) Magic's Child     

I really enjoyed the Australian slang the author uses for the appropriate character's voice. It also tickled me that the main character is a math prodigy. Even though the magic is fantasy, the characters feel real. They are flawed in ways that real people are. I really liked that this trilogy has a start, middle, and end. So many series don't ever seem to end, they just drag our the middle. I'd definitely have all three books lined up before starting on the first.

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0 {A-} The Scorch Trials (Maze Runner Series , #2 of 3)- by James Dashner

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

WOW! This series is intense! Intense like 'Hunger Games.' I'm AGAIN waiting for a book #3. I do not like cliff hangers that last a year plus. If you liked Hunger Games, pick this up too. I'll lend you books #1 & 2


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2 I am cheap!

This is the second episode in a series called 'I'm cheap'.  Click on the tab at the top labeled "I'm cheap" to see the all such episodes summarized plus links.


My favorite place to buy books online is " www.half.com ."  You can find almost any book every published from the comfort of your own computer.  Best of all, most books that have been out for a while can be purchased for $0.75!  Amazing!!!

But, wait you say.  There must be a catch.  You are right.  Its call 'shipping and handling'.  Not only do you have the WAIT for your books, but you have to PAY a bunch to get them to your house.  How much?  Well about $4 per book.  The good news is that if you can find books from the same seller/shipper you only pay $4 for the first book and about $2 for each additional book (paperback are a bit less than hardback).  So if you have several books you want and you can find them for cheap AND from the same shipper you can still get a great deal.

This means I have to watch out because once I get a book form a seller, it is easy to add additional books at about $3 each.  Sounds cheap, but it adds up in a hurry when your "to buy" list is as long as mine.

Oh,  and there is a new feature called "Buying Wizard". I LOVE it!!!  Instead of adding books to your cart, you click on the 'buying wizard' button in blue right under the picture of the book.  You set the minimum condition you are willing to accept (I always go for 'good+') and the minimum seller feedback (l use the default of '100+' and '98%+).  You can continue shopping and add all the books you are interested in (up  to 10, I think) and then click 'find deal'.  The computer will find the best deal, as in TOTAL COST:  price + shipping', by trying to use the same shipper, as much as possible.  I like to do this if I'm looking for a series.   Once I have added my selected books to my cart, I click on the seller's name and SEARCH THEIR SHOP to see if there are any $0.75 books I want.  The name of the game is to reduce shipping costs.




Example 1: New series by Becca Fitzpatrick

#1 Hush, Hush  (out for about a year)  about $4 for hardback or paperback
#2 Crescendo (out THIS week) listed for $10+

So that would be $14+ + $6 s&h = MORE THAN  $20 for 2 books.  
I could probably pick them up locally for about the same amount and not have to wait.




Example 2: My most recent purchase on half, 
I was looking for the magic trilogy by Justine Larbalestier

#1 -  Magic of Madness  (paperback) $0.75 + 3.49 s&h
#2 - Magic Lessons (paperback)  $0.75 + 1.89 s&h
#3 - Magic's Child  (paperback)  $0.75 + 1.89 s&h
The Scarlet Pimpernel  (paperback)  $0.75 + 1.89 s&h

Total = $12.16 for 4 books, not bad - and they were all in fab conditions, listed as 'good' condition.

0 {A-} The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #1 of 3+) - by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

WOW! This is one intense book!!! I was impressed at how much I like a book about zombies. The characters are well depicted. The main character is so flawed, but that is life. Life is hard and sometimes we make the wrong choices. Book #2 is actually out now, but I'll probably wait to read it till February when it comes out in paperback. Darn that OCD thing about having a series either all in hard back or all in hardback.

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0 {B+} The Diamond of Darkhold (The Ember Series, #4 of 4) - by Jeanne DuPrau

The Diamond of Darkhold (The Ember Series, #4) by Jeanne DuPrau


It was good to get back to the characters from books #1-2. The characters were true to themselves and I enjoyed seeing how things ended up. I really appreciate a complete ending to a book. Nice way to end it all.


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0 {C+}The Prophet of Yonwood (The Ember Series, #3 of 4)- by Jeanne DuPrau

The Prophet of Yonwood (The Ember Series, #3) by Jeanne DuPrau

This is actually a prequel to the first book in the series, although the series stands alone without it just fine. It was an interesting story, but didn't seem to have much to do with the other books...which was disappointing to me. OCD me would never read the series without book #3, but you might want to.


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0 {B+} The People of Sparks (EMBER SERIES, #2 of 4) - by Jeanne DuPrau

The People of Sparks (The Ember Series, #2) by Jeanne DuPrau


This book is light, but deep. I really enjoyed it. I'm excited about the next two. Good stuff.


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0 {A} The City of Ember (EMBER SERIES, #1 of 4) - by Jeanne DuPrau

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

I really enjoyed reading this book. Even though the main characters are young (12-ish), the author doesn't treat the reader as juvenile. I like how the details were relieved. Even though it is set in the future, it feels like a classic. I finished this afternoon and launched right into the sequel. I'm glad I have all four books on hand since they are such quick reads.



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0 {D} The Englisher (Annie's People, #2 of 3) - by Beverly Lewis

The Englisher by Beverly Lewis


I did NOT like this book. Don't bother reading it; you'll be disappointed. The author set up lots of foreshadowing and dropped the ball completely. It left an empty taste in my mouth. In the end nothing happens to any of the charters. They all pretty much dismiss all their experiences. There is no resolution. AND all the romantic pairings split up. So pointless!


Oh wait!  I just noticed that this is book #2 of a trilogy... okay, it makes more sense reading the synopses of the other two books.  I bet I know exactly how book #3 goes.  I bet it has the ending book #2 is leading up to.  Hum, I'm still not sure I'd take the time to read either of the other two books.  Too many other good options out there.  


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0 {I am cheap!} #1 - SAM'S CLUB

I love books!  I love buying and owning books.  I know that the electronic readers are all the rage now, and I can see why so many of my friends and family like them.  They have some NICE features for sure.  However, there is just something about the SMELL & FEEL of a book in your hands.  I love my wall of bookcases in my basement.  It just feels COZY. 

I also feel that having a library of good books in your home is great for your CHILDREN.  They can see and feel the physical books everyday.  My husband doesn't exactly agree with me.  He always says 'check it out from the library', but seeing how Smithfield has the most pathetic library on the planet that isn't usually possible.  And I'm not going to even bring up the fact he voted AGAINST the bond for a new library a few years ago.  Now that he has a few books of his own, he is experiencing the joy of sharing a good book with others.  I LOVE sharing books.  Ah, the JOY.


Okay, off my soap box.  Lets address one of the major DRAW BACKS to owning physical books...the COST!  Yes, buying books at full price can add up in a hurry.  Even though book buying is my most expensive hobby, I still try to be as thrifty as I can.  I plan on writing several posts on how to get books for less.  Today I'll just fill you in on one.

SAM'S CLUB

This is my first stop when I'm looking for a newer, popular release.

The selection might leave something to be desired compared to a real bookstore or online, but they tend to have the popular new releases in quick and CHEAP!  Especially the paperbacks.  Typically, they are a few bucks cheaper than Walmart and are cheaper than using a 40% off coupon at Boarders.  

Last night I picked up the two titles below in paperpack for $6.42 & $6.48 respectively.  I usually can find older titles on Half.com for $0.75 + $2-4 shipping, per book.  But since these two books are both the first installments of series that are still being written, the cheapest I could find them online was $4.93 & $4.11 respectively, plus S&H.

0 {?} The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide - by Stephenie Meyer

The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide by Stephenie Meyer


see: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/ for more info!

Won't be out till: April 12, 2011

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0 {?} Crescendo (HUSH, HUSH, #2 of 3+ ) - by Becca Fitzpatrick

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Just a reminder this is coming out Oct 19th!

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0 {?}The Scorch Trials (MAZE RUNNER, #2 of 3) -by James Dashner

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Just thought I'd remind you this book is coming out next week (Oct. 12th). 


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0 {B+} Torment (FALLEN SERIES, #2 of 4+) - by Lauren Kate

Torment by Lauren Kate


Ugh, once again I'm stuck waiting for the next installment. I really shouldn't read series unless I have all volumes in my hands. I do not suggest you read this book until the series is complete...and GoodReads lists titles for books 3 & 4.


I enjoyed this book and will impatiently wait for the next book(s) to see what happens. That said, below are my complaints...

the following text contains SPOLERS, 

so you must highlight it to read

I know many feel that Bella (Twilight) was not a good roll model due to her unquestioning obsession with Edward, but this book almost went the other way too far. Luce constantly states she knows she is in true love with Daniel (based on past lives she can't remember & her magnetic pull to him), but they never seem to do anything but make-out or fight when they are together. As soon as they are apart, she childishly acts out against all the promises she;s made with him regarding her own safety.

The cryptic reasoning/lack of information Luce is given left me in the dark as the reader too much. I felt like this book was almost just time filler till the real conflict is presented and resolved in the next book or two. The main goal of this book seem to be introducing more characters and countering the 'blind love' camp. 

MAJOR SPOILER IN THIS QUESTION:

It is clearly stated and restated that the starshot arrows can only kill angels and not mortals (illustrated when Callie is grazed), BUT Daniel asks Luce to stay away from them in the battle in her backyard. Then, when Cam shots the mirror image of Luce, everyone (especially Daniel & Cam) 'know' this has killed her. Does this mean that Luce is an angle instead of the mortal we are lead to believe? Is this what she has to 'figure out' on her own? Is this whey she could fence so well??? So many questions. I wish the next book was in my hands now.

0 {B+} Clockwork Angel (INFERNAL DEVICES SERIES, #1 of 3) - by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

This is the first book of the prequel-trilogy to the Mortal Instruments series.

At first I thought this was going to turn into a re-write of the original MI series, but I was pleasantly surprised by its individuality. The plot wasn't too deep, but I am looking forward to the next installment, mostly to see the further character development though.

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0 {B+} The Visions of Ransom Lake - by Marcia Lynn McClure

The Visions of Ransom Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure

Okay, I must admit that I had a HARD time with the first 20 pages or so. This book starts out so cheesy. In fact it took me a few days to get that far, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Ransom is a hottie and the romance was fun, even if it was completely predictable. I just want to know where did he learn how to kiss a woman like that if he was a hermit since the age of 16? LOL  If you need a romance with a little 'clean steam', this is it.

0 {?} Magic or Madness, Magic Lessons, Magic's Child (MAGIC OR MADNESS SERIES, #1-3 of 3) – by Justine Larbalestier

Here we go again, another YA series to put on my ‘to-read’ list.  Read THIS review of the first book.  It was enough to convince me to check it out.  Luck would have it, its the start of a trilogy!

0 {A} Poison Study, Magic Study, & Fire Study (STUDY SERIES, #1-3 of 3) –by Maria V. Snyder

Now THIS was a great series!!!  Thank you Micki, my sister-in-law, for suggesting these.  I rolled through the 3 books in a couple days.  It was a full-out Sarah Book Binge.  I’d call these a cross between the Queen’s Thief series and the Gemma Doyle series.  There is a bit of magic in the books, but I wouldn’t call it true fantasy.  The books are a bit violent, but nothing like Hunger Games.  There is a little romance, but not much steam (hints, but blacked out). You should read them!!!

Oh, and now Hanne, my neighbor, tells me the author has another series that she loves.  Many of the characters in the ‘Study Series’ return in the ‘Glass Series’.   Guess I’d better read those too.  Man, my ‘to-be-read’ list is growing. 

*** click on any book cover above to link to the ‘Good Reads’ summary page for each.

0 {A} Mockingjay (HUNGER GAMES SERIES, #3 of 3) - by Suzanne Collins

I really enjoyed the Hunger Games Series.  But I haven't been able to sum up my feelings in a review.  Thanks to Stacey, at 'My Lucky Lemon' for posting this LINK to  a GoodReads review I too completely agree with.  Wish I could express myself so well.
First two books in the ‘Hunger Games Series’:

0 {?} The Decolration, The Resistance, & The Legacy (THE DECLORATION SEREIS, #1-3 of 3) - series by Gemma Malley

Here's a new series I read about on 'Wondrous Reads'.  Usually I agree with their reviews, so I'm ready to try this new series.  Not sure when I'll get to it, but these book are going on my list.

#1 - The Declaration          #2 - The Resistance        #3 - The Legacy

Note: book #3 just came out in the UK a few weeks ago (that's why its cover doesn't match the first 2), 'The Legacy' won't be out in the US till Jan 4, 2011

0 {?} Torment (FALLEN SERIES, #2 of 4+) - by Lauren Kate

 

Look what came in my mail yesterday!  I've had the sequel to ‘Fallen’ pre-ordered for months.  YEAH!!!  Guess what I'll be doing this weekend?

   #1 – Fallen    (A-)
    #2 – Torment  
    #3 – Passion (2011?)
    #4 – Rapture (???)

0 {?} I am Number Four (LORIEN LEGACIES, #1 of 2+) - by Pittacus Lore

I just heard about this new movie coming out Feb. 18, 2011.  Of course it was a book first (it just came out last month!), and I always want to read the book before seeing the movie. Oh, and it gets better...there is a book #2 (The Power of Six) is coming out next year!  To add even more intrigue, the author is actually a character in the book...or so they say.

Do you think it will live up to the hype?  I'm willing to give it a go!

click HERE to see movie trailer
click HERE and HERE to read a book reviews
click HERE and HERE to read more about the author
The Lorien Legacies: 

1. I am Number Four 
2. The Power of Six (2011)

0 {B+} Uglies, Pretties, & Specials (UGLIES SERIES, #1-3 of 4) - by Scott Westerfeld

Enjoyed the first book the most.  Wasn't interested in the 4th additional book, "Extras".  Nate even read these!

 

#1 – Uglies      #2 – Pretties     #3 - Specials

0 {B+} The Girl Who Chased the Moon - by Sarah Addison Allen

This is Sarah’s third book and it just came out this month. I loved her fairy tail, magical first two books ‘Garden Spells’ & ‘The Sugar Queen’ and have been waiting for this one. They are really quick reads that are fun.
By the same author (not a series)

0 {A-} A Conspiracy of Kings (THE THIEF SERIES, #4 of 5+) - by Megan Turner

This is the 4th book in a series of potentially 6. I read the first 3 a few months ago after my sisters and mother suggested them. This one just came out this month, too. They are really good books, although they do start off slow. Give them a chance!

#1 – The Thief   #2 – The Queen of Attolia   #3 – The King of Attolia  

 

  #4 – A Conspiracy of Kings    #5 – Untitled