1 Find me on www.GOODREADS.com

This blog was a fun idea.  I really liked it.  BUT now that GoodReads has added so many awesome features, I was finding myself just trying to duplicate everything here.

If you haven't checked it out already, I highly suggest you join GoodReads.  Not only can you catalog books you own and wish-to-read, but you can see what your friends are reading.  There are reviews galore by your friends and other readers.  You can hunt for new books are read about authors.  It is my favorite website right now.

So join and request to be my friend.  See you there!

1 {A} Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

I love picking up a book with no idea what it will be like. I'd hear of this title, but hadn't read the synopsis. I was immediately swallow up. The writing is so good, I FELT like I grew up in Miri's world. It was so tangible, including the bits of magic. Truly a "good book". This is a book I could read my kindergartner and we would both enjoy it. Lovely, really lovely.

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0 {B+} Austenland by Shannon Hale

Austenland by Shannon Hale

Of my goodness, I laughed while reading this book. It was unlike anything I've read before. If you are a fan of Jan Austen's classics, then you MUST read this book (my sisters were right). Yes it was silly, but it was fun. However, it is not a deep thinker and did not creep into my thoughts after I was done. It was just a quick fix for this reading addict.

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0 {B+} The Raging Quiet by Sherryl Jordan

The Raging Quiet by Sherryl Jordan

I enjoyed being swept away in this book. It wasn't as intense as some other books I've read lately and I enjoyed the change of scenery. It was emotional and touching. Some have called it simple, but I think it is more a fairy-tale romance (without any fantasy characters). Although the plot and writing could be considered young adult, there is sex...at two ends of the spectrum (although only at the first and end of the book).

"An ageless troy about the power of love that should leave a satisfying and lasting impression on its readers" - School Library journal


"This tale belongs to any time, even out own; it is a bout prejudice and ignorance, and a young woman wrongly accused, who is guilty of only one thing -the unforgivable crime of being different." -Sherryl Jordan

PS - I have an extra copy if any one wants it (ended up with 2)

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0 {A-} Gathering Blue (The Giver, #2) - by Lois Lowry

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

I love Lois' distinct language. The characters take on such depth in a just a few pages. Very though provoking. The ending is a bit chopped. (not a true sequel to 'The Giver')


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0 {A} The Giver (Giver #1) - by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry

I picked this up again after reading 'Matched' by Ally Condie. Some claim that Condie copied Lowry's premise and setting, but I don't think its plagiarism. Yes, there are many similarities, but I'm okay with them. I loved both books for different reasons. 'The Giver' is a true classic, full of depth. 'Matched' is more of a romance that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Have you read them both? how do you think they compare?


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0 {A-} Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, #1) - by Kami Garcia

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia


I guess I'm lame. Throw me a bit of romance and a bit of fantasy and I'm happy. I'm not sure what the title has to do with anything, but the cover is beautiful and the story kept me turning pages so I'll overlook it. Good book. Glad there are more. The end.


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0 {B-} Fever 1793 - by Laurie Halse Anderson

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

I can't remember how I heard about this book, but I'm not sure if I loved it. Of course it was well written and the main characters develop well, however it felt a bit simple after all the wild fantasy I've been living in lately.


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0 {A} Matched (Matched #1) - by Ally Condie

Matched by Ally Condie

I admit I read this book in one sitting (10pm-2am). I just couldn't find a good place to put it down at. Lots have criticized it for similarities with 'The Giver', but I don't mind too much. I'm in a book for an escape, and escape I did -love triangle and all. I'm most glad for the ending...there was one. Although I'm dying for the next installment, at least I can breath while I wait.

Hand decision:  I borrowed my sister's copy, but do I buy it?  I know I'll be buying the next installments and probably in hardback as they come out, so should I just buy this hardback now???



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0 {A} Captivate (Need, #2) - by Carrie Jones

Captivate by Carrie Jones


This is NOT a good way to end a middle book of a series. I REALLY need the next one now. My OCD prevents me from mixing book types in a series, but I may just have to buy the hardback of #3. I don't think I can wait a year for it to come out in paperback, like my copies of #1 &2.

I think that I liked the second installment even better than the first - rare!. In the first book the new world is revealed, but here Zara had to really deal with it and make some tough decisions. I like a brave author!!!


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0 {A-} Need (Need #1) - by Carrie Jones

Need by Carrie Jones


A great start to a series. I liked that the first book ends, a rarity for book #1's. I liked the balance of romance and fantasy. Looking forward to the rest of the books.


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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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