inkcrush

Books of the Month: January

2012-02-01T09:44:00.000+11:00

Inspired by one of my fave bloggers, Angie of Addicted to Books, I have decided to use her feature/meme on my blog (thanks Angie)

I really like the idea of chatting about the books I read in the month, as I can casually talk about the books I have loved (ones that I may not ever get a chance to reviewing).

First off, I decided to consciously read less books this year, so I am really pleased and a little stunned with my count. This is the lowest reading month I have had in a few years. November and December of 2011 were really slow for me as well, but I am really enjoying the pace of not racing through books all the time and immediately diving into the next one.

I also decided to only read and finish books I am genuinely enjoying (I am pretty good at this, but sometimes persevere at the urgings of others who love a book I am struggling with, not going to do that any more ;)).

Just like Angie, I am going to do a quick recommendation using the * symbol.

* means I really liked it
** means it's a favourite

(both these * ratings mostly reflect my personal taste and enjoyment rather than the books brilliance)

Books I read in January:

1. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E Smith
Read this one with my book club and it didn't really charm me like I was hoping it would. Cute enough though (my review)

2.** Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
I am officially an Ockler fangirl. This one made me ache and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A n early fave for the year. (my review)

3. The Fault in our Stars by John Green
I can see how this book is (probably) brilliant. However, I must be jaded or something as it wasn't for me. Maybe more on this one later (in a full review). A side note: this took me nine days to read (and I was exclusively reading it), and not because I was savouring it :/

4. * Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
Oh, I love Kinsella. She always hits the spot for me. Have to confess, the beginning few chapters of this one were a little tedious/painful (nearly to the point of DNF) but the book got much better as it progressed. Kinsella is the master of embarrasing/humliating her heroine, but in such a fun way. I was (surprisingly) touched by Sadie's tragic love story :'( And, as always, Kinsella's leading men bring on the swoon. YUM. Also, best meet cute ever, haha. Still chuckling. If I were the editor, I would have pared some of the superfluous scenes down (especially in the first half). However, this book is as crazy, silly and fun as her other novels and is the perfect rainy day comfort read. I am seriously craving some more Kinsella now, can't wait for her 2012 release :)

5. Angelfall by Susan Ee
A self-published angel, post-apocalyptic title making some waves in the YA community. I started out impressed, had some fun times (it is compulsively readable), but in the end felt lacklustre about the whole thing. I'm recommending this to fans of (darker) angel/post-apocalyptic stuff. (some of the scenes in this one were too gory for my tastes) (my brief review on goodreads)

6. *How it Ends by Laura Wiess
Oh, I really liked this one, I just finished last night, so my thoughts are a little scrambled. Not at all what I was expecting. Hopefully more on this one later.

My Audio Books for January:

For my birthday/Christmas I (finally) got an iPod. So I tried out my first ever audio books and am really enjoying the whole audio book scene.

Both of these are re-reads (well, you know what I mean, I didn't actually "read" them ;))

1. While I Live (The Ellie Linton Chronicles #1) by John Marsden
I still love Ellie, but I think Marsden was really onto something with the whole gang dynamic in the Tomorrow series. Really missing that in this one :/

2. **Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery
Oh, I am ever so nostalgic to read the whole series now. I will revisit them throughout this year for sure. Love Anne and Prince Edward Island and the whole cast of characters there <3 (I cried in this one. every time I cry...)

Currently:

Here's my kids yesterday after their first day back at school. It stopped raining (ever so briefly) so we went to our local headland for some kite flying. Our poor beach is so trashed (see the top pic) after so much rain and some flooding :/ It's thundering down as I type this O.o (back to being on flood warning)

It's been pretty much non-stop rain for a couple of weeks now. And Coffs Harbour rain is not pretty, gentle stuff. Here's a sneak peek of my week ahead *groans*

Next up in February:

I am really looking forward to some of my February reads, a little batch of reservations have arrived at my library for me to collect, including an urban fantasy (hope I am saying the right genre, haha, that's how clueless I am about it) that is completely outside of my comfort zone, but I am going to give it a try :)

Also really looking forward to reading on of Jess's favourite YA books, The School for Dangerous Girls.

Currently listening to Kate Morton's The Distant Hours. It's al gothic-y and intriguing, but gosh, it is LONG, 24 hours, I am about 7 hours into it...

Spotted around my house...

2012-01-30T11:12:00.000+11:00

Captain Rex reading Pippi Longstocking

More Captain Rex, a knight and a skeleton

Meanwhile, Sam was inside drawing ...

The Christmas School holidays are over with school going back today, I had such a lovely time with my kids. I'll be back tomorrow sharing about the books I read in January

x Nomes

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

2012-01-27T00:24:00.002+11:00

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

The imagination and scope of Under the Never Sky is immense. Rossi’s debut is no small undertaking. It involves incredible world-building, weaving together two worlds (one super-tech-y and sci-fi, the other like an ancient/primitive civilisation but even within that there were hierarchies (blood lords), traditions, and sci-fi/paranormal elements (whew!). Add to this, the alternating of two POVs, and you have a vast, complex and unique YA novel.

Under the Never Sky is often bandied about as a YA dystopian. It is not a dystopian, IMO. It is futuristic with sci-fi elements, most surely post-apocalyptic (but an apocalypse is never referred to in detail). Despite all the techno gadgetry, it read, to me, a little like a fantasy: two unlikely companions teamed up to help each other fulfill their personal missions. There’s a lot of travel and exploration and dangers along the way. They meet different characters, all crafted with their unique, lively personalities, and stay in different places: in caves, in fortified cities, trees, and in places with earthly relics of a time long past, etc.

The world-building is nicely done in snatches, lots of specific lingo to grab a hold of. I felt the more interesting parts of the world Rossi has created were often sidelined by the plot always moving forward. (I would get intrigued by a concept/idea/revelation and then BAM, next scene, moving right along...)

The prose is more descriptive than lyrical. Action sequences abound, and are well articulated yet I felt no emotion/adrenalin on behalf of the characters when they were fighting for their lives.

On one hand, I am quite in awe of the fabulous premise and diverse world Rossi created. On the other, I mostly don’t care. I think this is just a case of this book is just not my thing. The only things I can critique are all pertinent to my personal reading taste. For whatever reason, I was not grabbed by this book, yet I loyally trudged my way through it, admiring it in places, yet never bonding to it.

Before I close, I have to comment on the (romantic)relationship between Perry and Aria: it didn’t work for me. For the first half of the novel, they have an antagonistic/indifferent vibe, yet even in that I felt no tension, no anticipation, no undercurrent of sexytimes to come. They were just...there. Then, like the flip of a switch, at the magical 50% mark, she noticed his smile, he couldn’t stop waxing poetic about her violet smell and BAM = love. I felt like there was no groundwork for their attraction and friendship, despite not really beginning it until halfway through the book. Baffled.

Overall: I thought it was okay. I tend to review based on how I feel about a book, not so much on the objective merit of the book > I’ll happily endorse the book as a creative and original YA read to those people who are intrigued by the premise. (I DO get those people who rave about this one, it could well be suited to you).

Under the Never Sky @ goodreads (Current rating: 4.28 stars out of 1, 183 ratings = impressive)

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the e-arc

Legend by Marie Lu

2012-01-26T01:07:00.001+11:00

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias' death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

Legend was one of my most anticipated releases for 2011. I am not easily swayed or sucked in by hype (hype most often makes me wary, sometimes entirely disinterested). However, I am SO buzzing after reading Legend and adding to any hype you may have seen: Legend was my favourite dystopian read of 2011, for many reasons.

First and foremost: I had an awesome time reading Legend. Which is, after all, why I love to read (to bask in the awesomeness). It was unputdownable (I felt increasing anticipation throughout), immensely enjoyable, completely absorbing and just plain GOOD.

I loved the blend of action with the dystopian society. I appreciated how there were dark and sinister things being hinted at, yet it was never melodramatic or crazily climatic.

I did not anticipate how much I would care for the characters. The dual POV was perfectly balanced and I never confused the voices. While I can appreciate fab plots, tension and twists, it is the characters that always resonate beyond the book for me, and I fell in love with June and Day*. I liked them separately, and also loved watching the tension between them ~ and for those who like to swoon, there's some swooning as well <3

NOW FOR EVEN MORE AWESOME: Did you know that Legend is loosely based on Les Miserables? Like a post-apocalyptic YA version. You can find snatches of themes running through the novel, subtly done. Of course, Day is like the notorious criminal Jean Valjean, and June is a female version of Javert... (anyone here a fan of Les Mis? Such a brilliant story)

While the world building wasn't nonsensical/ridiculous (like some other YA dystopias I have attempted) I did feel rather vague on a lot of the political history, which was pertinent to the present plot. Yet that didn't detract from me having a fab time with this.

Also, some of the way in which clues/mysteries are revealed > LOL. Always in movies and books are answers so perfectly coded and easily deduced (if it was left to me, I never would have found and interpreted the obscure/absurd clues on which crucial plot points relied on).

I have already happily, enthusiastically been shoving my copy of Legend into the hands of family members (teens and adults) for a guaranteed good read. I am not sure my review is shining enough for this book, which I so loved and crazily, completely recommend for fans of YA fiction, especially for all the dystopian nuts out there.

* Day was my fave. The little Robin Hood ninja genius that he is.

Cannot wait for number two.

Legend @ goodreads
Legend @ Penguin Australia
Read the first chapter @ Penguin

Thanks to Penguin Australia for my review copy

Hanging out for: five 2012 YA debuts

2012-01-17T15:08:00.000+11:00

Hanging out For is a feature of inkcrush where I chat about books that have snagged my attention. This is my numero uno post of the feature ~ and today I'm featuring:

Five 2012 Contemporary YA Debuts that I'm hanging out for...

[check out these books on goodreads by clicking on the title link]

1. Trafficked by Kim Purcell

Feb 16

Hannah believes she's being brought from Moldova to Los Angeles to become a nanny for a Russian family. But her American dream quickly spirals into a nightmare. The Platonovs force Hannah to work sixteen-hour days, won't let her leave the house, and seem to have a lot of secrets - from Hannah and from each other. Stranded in a foreign land with false documents, no money, and nobody who can help her, Hannah must find a way to save herself from her new status as a modern-day slave or risk losing the one thing she has left: her life.

Oh ~ This sounds perfectly intense and moving and I am a HUGE advocate of the A21 Campaign and am incrediby moved and incensed at the thousands of girls who are currently being trafficked (did you know human slavery is at an ALL TIME high, right now today, with more slaves in the world than throughout any time in history *steps off soap box* ;)

Anyways, very thrilled to see this premise and cannot wait to read it.

* also recommended: the movie, Taken, with Liam Neeson (LOVED it) and the captivating Tess Gerritson novel, Vanish if sexual trafficking interests you (you know what I mean)

2. This is Not a Drill by Beck McDowell

Beck McDowell’s young adult THIS IS NOT A DRILL, told from alternating viewpoints of two teens who must protect kindergarteners from a soldier with post-traumatic stress disorder who opens fire in the classroom,for publication in Fall 2012.

This also sounds intense and dramatic and compelling...

3. Fall To Pieces by Vahini Naidoo

Seventeen-year-old Ella Logan knows that Mark and Petal are lying about the night their friend, Amy killed herself. But Ella won’t let them bury the truth along with Amy’s body – she’ll do anything to unearth what they’re so desperate to keep secret. Even if it means a fake friendship with a new boy, who reeks of gunpowder and
treachery. Even if it means throwing herself off bridges and into the face of deadly questions. Was Amy’s death really a suicide?

Cheating with this one as I read an early draft and Vahini Naidoo writes SO gorgeously. She is one debut author to watch out for (also, wrote the first draft while still in high school - WOW). Although I read an early version, I am still pumped to see the final product.

4. Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

June 19

A powerful debut novel about a young Marine's return home from Afghanistan and the new life and love he finds while fending off the ghosts of war.

When Travis Stephenson returns home from Afghanistan, his parents are on the brink of divorce, his brother has stolen his girlfriend and his car, and nightmares of his best friend getting killed keep him completely spooked. But when he runs into Harper Gray, a girl who despises him for trashing her reputation with a middle school lie, life actually starts looking up. As Travis and Harper see more of each other, he starts falling for her and a way through the family meltdown, the post-traumatic stress, and the possibility of an interesting future begins to emerge.
His sense of humor, sense of his own strength, and incredible sense of honor make Travis an irresistible and eminently lovable hero in this fantastic and timely debut novel.

This one already seems to be high on people's radar. The first chapter is on Trish Doller's site (very compelling male POV) and early reviewers have confirmed this is something to genuinely be excited for. I'm thinking I'll break out the saving ans indulge in a hard cover for this one :)

5. Butter by Erin Lange

A boy everyone calls “Butter” is about to make Scottsdale High history. He’s going to eat himself to death live on the Internet – and everyone will watch.

He announces his deadly plan to an army of peers and expects pity, insults or even indifference. Instead, he finds morbid encouragement. When that encouragement tips the scales into popularity, Butter has a reason to live. But if he doesn’t go through with his plan, he’ll lose everything.

Wow ~ this is different and the stakes sound high and I am anticipating some great emotional moments. Really excited that Butter is finally nearly here :)

What about you?

Are any of these books on your radar?

Comind up next in my 'Hanging Out For' is a bunch of Aussie YA 2012 releases (and once I started the post, I realised just how mucb Aussie goodness we are in for this year. It's going to be a fab reading year)

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

2012-01-12T17:04:00.002+11:00

Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances… a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life…and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last….

Sarah Ockler has secured herself a place on my must-buy author list. I really enjoyed her previous two novels Twenty Boy Summer and Fixing Delilah but I think her third release, Bittersweet, is my favourite.

On the surface, there is not big drama or conflict in the book: it is a coming of age book involving ice skating, friendship, cupcakes, hockey boys and family. Yet, Ockler masterfully builds tension, in a quiet and compelling way the whole way through (with an achey mess of a climax, poor Hudson). It's not just the tension that kept me reading all night long (I finished at 4am), it is the way Ockler writes: her prose is gorgeous, rich but never overbearing, her sentiments so beautifully expressed it is easy for me as a reader to get swept up in the characters lives.

But for me, my favourite part of this book is, by far, the characters. Each character, whether major or minor, was so nuanced, so lovingly crafted, that the whole book springs to life. The relationship between Hudson and her mum and her brother so perfectly depicted. The friendships, their good times and bads, so real and achey and fun and true.

The whole book feels incredibly vivid ~ from the people to the winter-y setting, to Hudson's emotions ~ all of it, just truly wonderful.

For those who know my reading taste ~ this book completely delivered for me. Compelling characters, vivid setting, engaging drama (without being melodramatic) and gorgeous, envy-inducing prose.

And I saved the best until last (because loving a book is not just about falling for the boy...): Ockler knows how to create her love interests. There's plentyof swooning and aching between Hudson and Josh, co-captain of the ice hockey team. Josh has made it securely onto my swoon-y hall of fame - loved all of Josh's scenes ;)

Oh, how I love this book ~ this is one for all fans of contemporary YA at its finest.

Bittersweet @ goodreads

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E Smith

2012-01-11T16:34:00.000+11:00

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a story that takes place entirely over a 24 hour period. Hadley is flying to London to attend her fathers wedding and misses her original flight by 4 minutes ~ which means she meets cute British boy, Oliver, instead (and spends the red-eye with him).

Despite the cover and title of the book, the main tension driving the story is not the (fall in love in one day) love story, but the story of Hadley and her father, presented through flashbacks and Hadley's constant glowering about it, and her difficulty in forgiving him and letting him move on after he had an affair, leaving her and her mother behind.

The love story was cute enough, although I found Hadley and Oliver's interactions rather bland ~ sweet dialogue with no real tension or mystery. Oliver has all the right things a male lead needs to be swoony, yet I thought there was a lack of chemistry and everything was so predictable (cliche, even).

The adult characters were, to me, either unlikeable or just plain one dimensional (making it hard for me to connect or even care). The resolution was too tidy, the family conflict built up and then nearly disregarded in favour or giving readers a happy (unrealistic, easy) ending.

I think this is a case of this book just not being my thing: too cute, too shallow, too convenient ~ my preference is for more a story that has an emotional undercurrent with a lingering vibe. However, it is light and fluffy and entertaining enough and would probably make a cute transition to the big screen (it does read rather like watching a movie).

It was a bit disappointing seeing all the hype around this one had me convinced I would love it. It is a short 200 page breeze of a read which could appeal to readers of younger contemporary YA looking for something light and easy.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight: @ goodreads

Faves of TwentyEleven: The Covers

2011-12-25T21:54:00.002+11:00

Faves of TwentyEleven Series

Is an event I ran all last week... until internet dramas had me missing my own event, haha :) Sorry for my absence ~ here is my final post (which I had in drafts but couldn't publish until now). Also ~ won't be able to visit all you guys but I am linked up to check you all out in the new year. I am equally excited and humble at all you awesome book buds who have joined in and made this whole event so. much. more. fun. *hi five*

Day Five (the sheepishly late edition): The Covers

TEN favourite covers selected from books you read in 2011

These covers are from books that came out whenever, but that I read this year...

Burn Bright really is a stunning cover, especially in the flesh. It's got a gorgeous waxy texture. It's striking and dynamic and pretty much perfectly suits the gothic and enticing read inside.

Oh this cover really shines. It's perfectly summery and smiley (the watermelon is smiling) and the hues in the blue are pitch perfect. I love the title font and the little book slogan thingy too. (Also a fan of his 2011 release which I also read this year: Black Painted Fingernails)

I didn't know how much I would love this cover until I saw it in person. Also, the fact that I love the book really helps in furthering endearing the cover to me (I just want to hold this little gem tight to my chest). This cover is pretty much perfect to me and I would love to see more simple and meaningful gorgeous little covers like this in the YA genre.

Oh ~ I REALLY love this cover. The girls expression (and her cute dimple), the sunny/summery vibe. Also I love what's going on with the title font <3 This cover just completely appeals to me
Note: I also gave this book 5 stars. Oh, I love it so...

This cover has nothing to ddo with the book (well, if it does, I still haven't figured it out) BUT I love it regardless.

Sure, it looks like a movie poster ~ but it is completely visually arresting. I LOVE the stormy tones against the red flare <3

I like the simplicity in this. Also, the purple font for some reason :)

I think this stock photo is evocative. Completely appealing...

Guys, you really have to see this one in the flesh. It shines. Completely, utterly captivating. The inside is just as gorgeously designed.

Oh, Froi of the Exiles is SUCH a beautiful book. I love the colour scheme and the scope in this cover. I love the font and the illustrative touches. And Froi looks fab ;)

a few runners up:

Bizarrely, as I was perusing all the covers of the books I realised there are a lot more covers I don't like than do. So many of then make me cringe, smirk or just turn me off in general. (That is for YA covers and adult). I'd never realised that before, just how many covers I do not like... haha

I guess we all have different tastes in covers so I hope you've liked seeing a few favourites of mine from this year. Can't wait to check out all your posts. Thanks to everyone who joined in and sorry I went awol on my own event ;)

I am off to the mountains until 2012 and will be relaxing with family and not going online for a week or so (As much as I love my online life, I also love breaks from the internet = bliss). See you all in 2012

*also, am on a mates Mac and I have NO IDEA how to format on here, haha. So ~ just chucking it up as is. Hope you've all had a brilliant Christmas ~ it's all over here for us Aussie, and mine was SO fab. Looking forward to kicking back and doing nothing for a while x

Faves of TwentyEleven: The Random

2011-12-22T22:52:00.000+11:00

Faves of TwentyEleven Series

Day Four :) All about random (I love this day as I can spread some more book love around in some more random categories... Love all the books following in my post)

Day Four: The Random

1. fave first sentence

for some reason, i just love this opener:

"Natalia and I stole her mother's new blue Cadillac and drove out to Overpeck to find Tommy."

2. fave book title

God is in the Pancakes

Every Little Thing in the World

John Belushi is Dead

The Art of Racing in the Rain

My Beating Teenage Heart

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else

How To Say Goodbye in Robot

The Hypnotist's Love Story

3. fave reading experience (ie: created a great reading memory)
I loved Reading Saving June with Nic and Jess :) Such a swoony good good book to read together. I also had a lot of fun reading Froi of the Exiles with Flannery :D (hi guys!)

4. book with the best food in it (made you so crazy-envious-hungry)
Oh my gosh ~ The Girl Who Chased the Moon = crazily ignited my taste buds fr food so delectable I will probably never each such sweet goodness (definitely living vicariously through the characters :)

The Secret Ingredient was truly divine :)

5. book with the most sensual weather (made you shiver/sweat)

I nearly felt like I was freezing to death in both these books. Extremely talented authors at writing that sensual stuff...

6. most embarrassing book cover (feeling sheepish in public or just plain ugly)

Oh ~ these kissing covers are awkward (although I do understand the marketing, etc). However, these two books are so much better than their covers may imply :)

7. can’t believe you waited this long to read the book (!)

Winter of Fire! I LOVE Sherryl Jordan, so I should really have prioritised tracking down a copy of this (out of print) post-apocalyptic dystopian fantasy much sooner. I 5 star loved it.

Enclave was not with me for long before I gave it a go ~ but had I seen more buzz I maybe would have made sure I got a copy sooner. I really enjoyed it, hey.

8. book you'd give your mum/sister to read

9. book you'd give your dad/brother to read

10. book you'd like to give your past-self to read (ie, me, when I was 15)

okay, I did not really enjoy this one (not to say it isn't a good YA book). I couldn't gobble up the premise so blindly, plot holes jarred me. I completely wish I could have shut off my logical adult thingy and gobble it up because it delivers with action and stuff. As a teen, I would have loved this: factions, initiations, being gifted, challenges and all that shizz. I really want a do-over on reading this, so I could maximise on the fun. What better time to read this book than when I was an actual teen?

11. book that lived up to (or superseded the hype)

so eerie and captivating and just plain GOOD.

12. book you stayed the latest to finish (confess!!!)
oh so many. Not so much because they are oozing with suspense, but more because I was just having the best time reading them:

13. book you were *dying* to get your hands on the most

Two series books, one sequel and one companion novel. Did they deliver for me?

I loved two of them.

LOATHED one of them,

and thought one of them was just okay...

Also, I was so stoked to have two Elizabeth Scott books coming out this year. She is one of my fave comfort read authors <3

14. fattest brick of a book you read (by page count)

SO bizarre ~ I have a tie. Both In The Woods and Froi of the Exiles have 593 pages. What are the chances, eh? :)

15. killer cliffhanger award

you've probably already heard about this one... ;)

Loving all you guys who are joining in (and also, thank you all EVER SO MUCH for the comment love) HOWEVER ~ I am having some internet dramas and having trouble getting online to visit everyone so please be patient with me as it may take me a few days to get a handle on things, haha. Thanks xx Nomes

(Also, thanks for the inks in the comments. You guys are geniuses like that, haha. See you all soon (and my ten fave covers tomorrow (which is only an hour away, LOL...)

Faves of TwentyEleven: The Scenes

2011-12-21T10:24:00.000+11:00

Faves of TwentyEleven Series

My answers for
Day One: The Books
Day Two: The Characters
Tomorrow will be Day Four: The Random

Day Three: The Scenes

1. best first chapter
Split: Oh ~ pitch perfect male POV and full of ache and intrigue, I love Jace from the first few pages.
Virtuosity: Opens with a prologue ~ and it is stunning.
Past Perfect: oh, Leila Sales, I clicked with your sense of humour from the first page and grinned my way through the first chapter. Love knowing I am about to fall in love with a book.
All I Ever Wanted: YES, sublime writing, cute guy and cycling <3

2. best climax

God is in the Pancakes: I seriously had NO IDEA which way things were going to go down. That is a perfectly suspenseful climax.
The Chosen One: the tension in this book was text-book perfect and then some ~ all the way up to it's breath-taking climax where stakes were the absolute highest.
Virtuosity: another one where I was clueless to how it was all going to play out. Niiiicely done.

3. best ending
in searching around for this category I found I could MUCH easily choose books for worst ending, haha. So many endings had me gnashing my teeth, wishing for an epilogue or leaving me still unresolved. So, here's a few endings I thought were handled with such finesse :)

Genesis: OMG
Her Daughter's dream: made me cry
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else: it was different :)
How To Save A Life: in hindsight, well, obviously it would be the perfect ending. But while I was reading it I was edging towards., well, just how is this going to end?

4. best plot twist/revelation (no spoilers!)
Genesis: perfectly handled. Mind = blown

Froi of the Exiles: no particular one, but the plot kind of weaves and twists constantly. My fave plot revelations were always to do with the characters, their connections and back stories...

5. scariest/most disturbing scene

6. steamiest scene (or sweetest/sexiest kiss award)

Okay ~ so FIVE books is a bit much, eh? (and this is only in the YA scene, gosh). Here's my reasons...

I REALLY liked Connor in Not That Kind of Girl. In fact, Siobhan Vivian has a gift with crafting her love interests and writing those sexy scenes (aspiring writers: take note, haha). Some of the best YA stuff I have come across ;)

Hunting Lila was all about that swoony/sexy stuff ~ constantly delivered in such a fun and flirty way (okay ~ so I have already reread a few of those scenes...and am getting nostalgic now just thinking about it)

Saving June: Hannah Harrington makes you wait for it (the tension builds like crazy) but then when it comes, mate, does it deliver *fans self*

Fixing Delilah: my gosh, the swoon. Some gorgeous kissing scenes in there.

Chasing Brooklyn: much tamer than the other four here ~ but the first kiss was just so sweet and sexy (one of my fave YA first kisses). And it had thoughts from both the male and female POV <3

8. biggest nail-biting moment
Where She Went: Ugh. Those of you who have read it. Gayle Forman nearly killed me.
The Chosen One: well, pretty much the entire book, LOL.
The Queen of Attolia: More too stunned to even move to bite the nails. Early on, it was hard to believe what happened, really happened...

9. most hilarious scene
Oh, pretty much all of Three Wishes. Completely my thing. I grin, ridiculously so, in that book.
Slice: classic Herrick humour in such a brilliant and endearing male POV
The Good Daughter: oh, some more Aussie YA love ~ I love so many parts in this book. I especially laughed in a certain scene with Larry Emdur on The Price is Right. Such a classic!

10. most heart-breaking/tear-jerker moment*
AM I REPEATING MYSELF TOO MUCH ABOUT THIS BOOK?

*which is on a bargain January 2012 preorder for the paperback price...(you know,. FYI)

BONUS: favourite meet cute
Oh, definitely Past Perfect. Grinned and sighed and then had great anticipation for further appearances from Dan in the book.

Shout out to There You'll Find Me. For gorgeous dialogue and getting me to swoon and grin from the meet vute (and any other time Bentley showed up...)

Gah! Linky drama. Link in the comments, or whatever. Love you guys

xx Nomes

Faves of TwentyEleven: The Characters

2011-12-20T16:03:00.000+11:00

Faves of TwentyEleven Series

My answers for Day One: The Books
TODAY: Day Two: The Characters
Tomorrow will be Day Three: The Scenes

Day Two: The Characters

1. favourite female main character

There's a lot I met and loved this year ~ but Mim was my first definite choice. She's fierce, smart, funny, brave, bold and incredibly endearing. I think she's exactly the kind of character I would aspire to be when I was a teen <3

2. favourite male main character
I think I could change my answer here, but I only recently met Nico from Chasing Brooklyn (so he is most prominent in my head) and he got under my skin so completely. he is incredibly likeable even while hiding all the ache inside. Also, sexy.

runners-up: Jace from Split and Mason from The Lighter Side of Life and Death and Adam from Where She Went

3. best couple <3

I put my top ten couples of the year in this post and it really is hard to choose here because I love all the couples in different ways.
Best couple for hanging out together:I'm going to go with Clara and Tucker <3
Best slow-burning chemistry couple: Saving June

Having chosen them, my favourite characters as a couple (as in, I REALLY love the guy and the girl as individuals and loved they finally made coupledom) are Nico and Brooklyn. Oh! And the book I am reading right now (The Survival Kit)? It's SLAYING me ~ I think Rose and Will would make this list for sure. So. Seriously. Good.

4. who i so want to be best friends with

Oh, so many new literary best friends this year ~ but who I really would like to hang out iwth would by Kyra from The Chosen One. She is so gorgeous ~ and she really needs a friend, hey :) Love her.

5. who i fell completely in love with (new literary crush)

My top three literary crushes of the year:

Nathan (Psych Major Syndrome)
Jake (Saving June)
Tucker (Unearthly)

6. worst (best & baddest) villian

7. best character twist (who you loved then hated or vice versa)
Neither of these did I hate ~ but both had characters created so masterfully that I had ambiguous feelings towards them. Jeremy from Virtuosity had me wondering if he was a good guy or a bad guy. Jill in How To Save a Life wasn't always the most likeable, but somehow she completely crept into my heart <3

8. best kick-arse female
Maybe an odd choice, but I REALLY liked Elaine ~ she was quietly spunky and full of courage. Love her <3

9. best kick-arse male
Two YA boys I LOVE: Day from Legend and Fade from Enclave (he was really great)

10. broke your heart the most

Definitely Jace from Split O.o (have I pimped out the book enough? It is So good. Also, Nico from Chasing Brooklyn had me aching and even had me feeling teary at one point (I love him so) [Looks like it guys breaking my heart this year ;) ]

11. favourite pet/animal character award

Well, this seems obvious ~ I met Enzo this year ~ the narrator in The Art of Racing in the Rain

12. best YA parents award

ahh! I cannot believe how hard this was. So many YA books I read this year either had only one parent or parents who hardly feature in the book. My fave parents would have to be Lou's mum and dad perfectly formed characters outside of their parental status. Also, they have Lou as a daughter, LOL

My fave overall mum is actually a step-mother from Lisa Schroeder's Far From You. I really liked the tenderness and emotions of their relationship. I also liked the relationship between Clara and her mum in Unearthly (which feels like the Gilmore Girls) but then they annoyed me in Hallowed, LOL. (always keeping secrets from each other drove me crazy).

13. favourite sibling relationship

YOU GUYS ~ THIS BOOK. I practically want to join the family with Gemma, Cat and Lyn ~ oh I love them so. All so different and vibrant and they way they all interrelated with each other was so spot on. Did I mention they are triplets? LOVE

14. favourite best friends/friendship award

I REALLY liked Holly and Miles in Nothing Like You. Weirdly, I am also choosing a zombie friendship: R and M, two zombie mates who communicate largely through grunts, LOL. It was surprisingly tender and touching ;)

15. best/worst character names

I don't know why I invented this category as I never really pay attention to names. So this isn't exactly a well thought out list ~ just the ones that immediately come to mind :)

Worst: Calliope from Lola and the Boy Next Door
the siblings in Forbidden: Kit, Tiffin, Lachan, Willa...
Beatriss in Divergent (nothing personal)

Roger from Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Best:

Catcher from The Dark and Hollow Places

Finley (girl) from There You'll Find me

Bonus: best love triangle
Perhaps this was too easy as I hardly read any love triangles this year :/ BUT the love triangle in Cynthia Hand's Unearthly series handles the conflict and emotions really well.

OKAY so my linky thing is LAME, haha. I don't have time to fiddle so PLEASE leave a link in my comments if you have joined in x Nomes

Faves of TwentyEleven: The Books

2011-12-19T11:20:00.000+11:00

Day One of My Faves of TwentyEleven Book Awards

1. favourite book read in 2011

this one is WAY too hard, so i am going to TWEAK the question and choose my favourite Aussie YA book of the year, which goes to All I Ever Wanted by Vicki Wakefield

2. most powerful book

I LOVE this book, so much. It breaks my heart yet fills me with hope and the overwhemling theme/message SHINES brilliant: Split by Swati Avasthi

3. brilliantly funny

Oh, I read so many funny books (I am drawn to them, so). For my sense of humour ~ here are some of the books that had me reading with a ridiculous grin on my face the whole time :)

4. best ache-y, heart-breaking, tear-jerker read

Two equally stunning little books ~ each in their own way... Both genuinely moving.

5. most beautiful story

LOVE this love story. LOVE the taking of a prostitute and restoring her. Gorgeous read.

6. delicious rainy day comfort read

Hunting Lila: not my usual rainy day comfort: but it was so fun and swoony

The Day Before: any of my verse books deliver for this category. Lisa Schroeder is pretty much my new fave author in this genre.

LIANE MORIARTY: I love you.

7. adrenalin-fuelled, unputdownable award

This one is hard for me as nothing I read this year felt pumped full of adrenalin, not even the 7 or so adult suspense thrillers I read. I'm going with Legend as I really enjoyed it and read it in one day ~ although it's not all heart-pumping action :)

8. the beautiful prose award

Oh, Vicki Wakefield ~ I ADORE how you write.

9. most atmospheric and vivid setting

For those who have read Froi ~ you'll know why I picked it. Marchetta has imagined and created an entire world that feels so vivid and realised it's easy to be transported there.

Halfway through the year I chose Burn Bright for this and it's still stunning and wild and gothicky and just a smidgen behind Froi as a runner up :)

10. i-so-want-to-go-there award

Oh, this book made me all antsy for travel :)

11. most original and imaginative

Absolutely cannot go past Burn Bright. Also, John Belushi is Dead is a book I would describe as marching to it's own drum beat ~ it's quirky and different and very cool.

12. best under-appreciated, hidden gem book

YOU GUYS. These three books from me are all on my absolute favourite shelf. Such gorgeousness. Such brilliantly talented YA authors. I feel good just thinking about these gems.

13. i-had-no-idea-i-would-love this-so award

Enclave: This was a gift from a friend & I honestly had not really seen any buzz about it, so hadn't any built-up expectations. And then I started it and completely loved it. Such an engrossing read. Have you read it? It's a YA post-apocalyptic.
Genesis: From it's bizarre narration and delivery I wasn't sure it would be my thing ~ but then I got COMPLETELY into it and it fully delivers. What a genius little book.
Violence 101: Oh ~ I still love thinking about this book. It is also very different in it's delivery ~ surprising fun in parts and completely fascinating.

14. most haunting story

Never Let me Go for it's subtle absence of hope and eerie delivery. Pure because some of those scenes and visions of the future: my gosh, it genuinely creeped me out.

15. outside my comfort zone but gosh how i loved it

A paranormal fantasy, haha. Not my usual read. But this books was so. much. fun.(with lovely dashes of swoon). Good times. Cannot wait for book two.

16. series that i’m loving

Love Unearthly and Hallowed. They delivered for me in being absorbing reads.

17. always recommending this book award

ahh! Well, there's the books I always say I LOVE (but don't imagine that everyone else will necessarily feel the same way I do ~ such as my love for Psych Major Syndrome <3). And then there's the books that I seriously think people should read such as Split. Also: only *just* recently read but I am SO going to be pimping it out as an all-time fave verse book: Chasing Brooklyn.

18. completely awesome premise award

Legend is, in part, a re-imagining of 'Les Miserables' (love that book) and Warm Bodies, LOL, the zombies got in touch with their feeling and stuff, aww...

19. would make the best movie

Wouldn't Past Perfect be a perfectly fun teenage flick?

And, although I didn't really like The Name of the Star ~ it has the premise (Jack the Ripper) and the originality to make it something fresh for the big screen (plus it's set in Britain).

20. want to re-read already

First book that came to mind: Song of the Sparrow ~ I am taking this with me on Christmas holidays :)

I will confess to already re-reading a batch of books I read this year: Psych Major Syndrome, Saving June, Unearthly and Every Little Thing in the World.

And... they're my picks for Day One :) So much fun. Tomorrow it's all about The Characters. Can't wait to check out anyone who is joining in

I haven't paid for the upgrade on Mr Linky, so it will only display one linky dooby on the site at a time. You can link up here for the next 24 hours or so, then access the links in a new window. If the option to add your link has been removed, PLEASE leave a link in the comments. Sorry if this sounds complicated O.o :D
NB: it also advises to leave a comment after linking: you so have have to do that, it's an automated message :)

xx Nomes

my fave couples of the year & inkcrush buttons

2011-12-16T21:49:00.000+11:00

Okay ~ here's a quick impromptu post inspired by the lovely Alexa (of Not Enough Bookshelves) who is currently running her annual couples Christmas countdown ~ where she features all her fave couples of the year (and also hosts many guest posts chatting about their fave couples, etc)

Who are my favourite literary couples I met this year?

First, I am going to limit my choices to boy + girl couples. Also, going with my gut and first choices (if not I tend to over think these things)

Nico and Brooklyn from Chasing Brooklyn. You guys, they broke my heart. Such a pitch perfect building of their relationship. + Nico = simply gorgeous, one of my fave male characters of the year.

Oh, you know I can't go past Leigh and Nathan from Psych Major Syndrome. This is a ditzy Sophie Kinsella style new adult book, and I loved it so much. I know a lot of my love for it has to do with Nathan...

One of my FAVOURITE literary depictions ever of a guy and girl best friend all tangled up and unsure about making it something more. Grace and Eric from God is in the Pancakes really had me feeling the ache and tension.

For best sexual tension and sexy moments of the year ~ you've got to give it to Harper and Jake from Saving June. These guys were great together. Antagonistic, fun and smouldering, haha.

For general YA brilliance, swoon and fab relationship moments, I'm thinking EVERYONE who has read unearthly cannot go past Tucker and Clara in Unearthly and Hallowed <3

Rodden and Zeraphina - they were so much fun to watch in this paranormal fantasy (Blood Song). I grinned (and smirked) my way through this one and cannot wait to see more of them in the sequel (coming out next year).

Catcher is my fave of Ryan's boys ~ so I really loved watching Catcher and Annah in this instalment Theirs is a complicated and messy relationship ~ fitting of the post-apocalyptic world they live in.

For some adult romantic suspense, Cameron and Jack had me grinning in the usual antagonistic-chemistry style showdown. This couple really heat up the pages ~ fun times.

And in the Christian fictoin scene. Woah ~ give it up for Salmone and Rahab. These guys are complicted, feisty, all jumbled up, gorgeous, heart-breaking and all round brilliant. LOVED them to pieces.

Okay, so I really have to stop here ~ these were the first ten that jumped out at me ~ below are a couple more books (but some of the couples are a surprise... so no spoilers) that had me grinning and cheering on. I really do suck at making lists :)

Who is your favourite literary couple you met this year?

And...it's a few months off my 2nd blogoversary and I finally made a couple of buttons. I don't know why it took me so long to get with the program *grins sheepishly*

I made a few so you can choose whichever one you prefer, if you're interested in using my button that is...

Instead of me creating an html code thingy, please just copy and paste, and link my blog to the button/picture :)

I don't have anyone's buttons on my site yet (actually, it's not something I tend to pay attention to when I visit blogs, if there is a button or not... [great syntax, there]) BUT if you have a button, and would like me to feature it ~ PLEASE leave me a comment (and a link if necessary). I'll work on getting a page of blog buttons up :) It's on the Great Blogging To Do List ;)

(Here they are in small)

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

2011-12-13T16:57:00.000+11:00

Clara Gardner knew that as a part angel she would one day have to fulfill her purpose, rescuing Christian from a forest fire...what she never considered was what might happen if she were to fail.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend Tucker, Clara must deal with the repercussions of what happened the day of the fire as the two boys vie for her heart. And, as she is drawn further into the world of angels and part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain after a shocking revelation, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning...

My instant reaction after finishing: My gosh. What an outstanding sequel. This broke my heart :'(& kept me captivated, also, swoon). Full review to come.

Review:

When HarperCollins released Hallowed on netgalley, it seemed all my reading buddies stopped whatever they were reading and charged straight into book two. After Unearthly was so universally loved (by hard core critics, fans of YA paranormal and non-fans of YA paranormal, aka: me) Hallowed was an insanely anticipated released.

Guys, it delivers.

It is a compelling and unputdownable read that evokes a whole gamut of emotions.

For me, it was the complete package as far as reading experiences go:

I read it in a single day, absorbed and hopeful. I swooned (plenty more gorgeous kissing scenes). I felt for the characters (as a whole, Hallowed is a sad, sombre kind of book that induces an achey feeling...). I LOVED the love triangle, which feels true and complicated, achey and not sensationalised at all. I particularly love Christian in this installment. Tucker is still awesome as well. I still love Clara’s voice. She sounds so teenagery without ever falling into overly-done YA snark. She’s moody and funny and sad and ever-so-likeable (if clueless at times ;)).

There may be some things I am still unsure about (the angel mythology and the whole rules around purpose). I missed seeing more of Wendy. I am wondering why Jeffrey feels like such a loose canon ball and no seems to notice (?). It drove me CRAZY how Clara’s mum was never straight up with her about some of the mysteries of all the angel stuff. Some of the twists seemed inevitable to me, but that was cool. But all of these ponderings didn't detract from my enjoyment AT ALL. I seriously LOVED reading it.

For a second book, there is no slump. It rolls straight on from Unearthly and sets up book number two for Clara’s next adventures: heading off to college (yay for heading into new adult territory!). I really cannot wait to follow the characters on and see what is in store for them, hey.

If you haven’t read Unearthly yet (!) now is the time to get on board. Hallowed will be out in Australia on January 1 (although last year, HarperCollins released Unearthly early, making it available for Christmas ~ so keep an eye out!) and in the US January 17.

Hallowed has my golden, shining seal of approval. The Unearthly series is fast becoming a fave of mine and I SO recommend them to all fans of YA ~ and any teens you know (it’s a breezy, engaging read).

Thanks to HarperCollins and Netgalley!

The covers of Hallowed:

US // UK // AUS

Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson

2011-12-11T20:40:00.000+11:00

Christine wakes up every morning in an unfamiliar bed with an unfamiliar man. She looks in the mirror and sees an unfamiliar, middle- aged face. And every morning, the man she has woken up with must explain that he is Ben, he is her husband, she is forty-seven years old, and a terrible accident two decades earlier decimated her ability to form new memories.

But it’s the phone call from a Dr. Nash, a neurologist who claims to be working with Christine without her husband’s knowledge, that directs her to her journal, hidden in the back of her closet. For the past few weeks, Christine has been recording her daily activities—tearful mornings with Ben, sessions with Dr. Nash, flashes of scenes from her former life—and rereading past entries, relearning the facts of her life as retold by the husband she is completely dependent upon. As the entries build up, Christine asks many questions. What was life like before the accident? Why did she and Ben never have a child? What has happened to Christine’s best friend? And what exactly was the horrific accident that caused such a profound loss of memory?

Every day, Christine must begin again the reconstruction of her past. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more un- believable it seems.

So far this year I have read 40 adult fiction books ~ I really enjoy splicing up the YA reading with adult fiction and one of my favourite go to genres is psychological suspense ~ which really delivers in unputownable, absorbing reads. Before I Go To Sleep was one of my faves this year.

Did you check out the premise for this one? It's like '50 First Dates' ~ onlt not a romance, haha. I really should make a shelf for books centred around amnesia as I seem to be drawn to them :)

This UK debut is making some very big waves around the globe. Weirdly, I cannot remember why I first added it to my TBR, but I did wait a few months to get through the reservation queue at my library and there's still months worth of people waiting behind me :D

I do love the thriller/suspense genre. What I love about it this: once I start a suspense novel such as this, with mystery elements and an undercurrent of unease, I get sucked in. Before I Go To Sleep is hugely compelling and I read it in two sittings.

It's a brilliant reading experience in the sense that I was caught up in the book and really wanting to not put the damn thing down ( 'please, kids, can't you see I'm reading?' ;)). Very mesmerising.

The thing that always gets to me about the thriller/suspense genre though: those twists (!) the climaxes (!) the revelations (!) and ... the melodrama.

Before I Go To Sleep was pretty typical fare: well written, sharp, mysterious, intriguing. Tightly plotted.

And then, the second half is unleashed. At this point, I am sucked in. At this point, things start unravelling in the story and I am guessing at twists (it is to be expected) and desperate to find out what's really going on (and see if I am right). It is also at this point where the book changes from being believable to being much more dramatic (less believable) entertainment. Although most the villainous melodrama was held off until the climax (thank you). I think it is standard of the genre, and it does make me cringe somewhat. I had a similar experience reading Still Missing ~ a book I loved earlier in the year, despite it's ridiculous and overly ambitious twist-like revelations.

I cannot say I cared for the characters, but I do not read this genre to care for characters. I can say I cared for the situation Chrissie was in and that kind of amnesia is still whirring in my mind. It was rather nightmarish and, in some ways, I would prefer to be dead than to live like that :/

In conclusion: top stars for the thrilling, unputdownable times. Bump it down a smidgen for those moments of melodrama which occasionally leave a bad taste in my mouth (although nothing vile, just not my literary preference). Overall ~ I loved reading this and I honestly don't want to think too hard about this book which was pure entertainment. If you enjoy the suspense genre or psychological thrillers ~ this is one book you should add to your TBR. It also fared really well in the goodreads choice awards :)

I do think it felt incredibly well researched and some aspects of (the amnesia) are truly fascinating and mind-boggling ~ loved that. Also, I will read more of this authors work (just an FYI, haha).

Recommended for fans of Chevy Stevens and Lisa Unger and also fans of Nicci French (one of my faves)

literary awards for Before I Go To Sleep

The Crime Writers' Association New Blood Dagger (2011),

The Crime Writers' Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Nominee (2011), Galaxy National Book Awards' Crime & Thriller of the Year (2011)

Before I Go To Sleep @ goodreads

Instructions for a Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson

2011-12-09T12:19:00.000+11:00

Three days before her drama club's trip to Italy, Jessa Gardner discovers her boyfriend in the costume barn with another girl. Jessa is left with a care package from her best friend titled "Top Twenty Reasons He's a Slimy Jerk Bastard," instructing her to do one un-Jessa-like thing each day of the trip. At turns hilarious and heartwrenching, Instructions for a Broken Heart paints a magical Italy in which Jessa learns she must figure out life-and romance-for herself.

Instructions For a Broken heart was not the book I imagined it would be. Based on the blurb and the cover (and even the endorsement quote from Jennifer Echols) I was expecting a romantic coming-of-age book set against a gorgeous back-drop of Italy. It just sounded lovely, perhaps quirky (with the notes and the characters all being drama students) and also quite swoon-y.

However, it really failed to capture my attention.

Jessa, our main character, was altogether too sulky and self-absorbed. I realise this was a character arc, but, gosh, it niggled at me and really didn't endear her to me. Also, Sean, the cheating boyfriend, was painted to be such a complete douche it made me wonder why she even was with him to start with, let alone be so shattered that their relationship had ended.

It is reminiscent of 13 Little Blue Envelopes only not as successful.

The setting felt decidedly un-atmospheric. They had excursions to some places but I didn't feel transported at all (not even when they went to Pompeii (!!) ~ and me and Pompeii are likethis). The whole thing could have unfolded back in the states just as easily and I felt frustrated that one of the selling points of the book (the European setting) fell flat.

I had assumed, from the blurb, a new (hot) guy would come bounding onto the scene to help Jessa after her shattered heart. But he didn't turn up (!) and right at the last chapter when Jessa realises another guy was into her, it concludes with setting up their relationship. It seemed tacked on and could have ended without leaving her with another guy. Especially as there weren't really any sparks or romantic build-up between them throughout the book. It was so subtle it hardly counted as a plot point at all. And now that I think about it ~ WHY did the book have to end with the setting up of a romance? As if this provides the perfect resolution to all her problems (of her own making).

The reality is ~ I do not think this book has appeal beyond teen readers (I nearly feel bad for this review ~ because, really, this is not a book meant for me. much too immature, despite the upper YA themes). Too much high school relationship melodrama for me. It will appeal to people who like slowly unfolding coming-of-age stories and Sarah Dessen* books (the ones that have no swoon). Ah, yeah, I was disappointed with this one.

Note: I read this one with my book club. Which was the only reason I managed to persevere to the end. Everyone in my book club awarded it 2 stars (it was okay) with the exception of one member who gave it 1 star and had a bit of rant...

*although Dessen writes with much more flair, just trying to pair the pacing and coming-age-vibe of the book.

Instructions For a Broken Heart came out early this year and is the authors sophomore novel.

Instructions For a Broken Heart @ goodreads

I have read Kim Culbertsons debut, Songs For a Teenage Nomad and like it much more, a solid three star contemporary read.

Faves of TwentyEleven Book Awards

2011-12-07T13:53:00.000+11:00

Earlier this year I ran a Half-Way Through the Year Book Award Thingy :)

IT"S BACK :)

I love making lists, chatting about my favourite books and pondering over my reading year of 2011 ~ So I made up some categories to nominate and share what some of my favourite books of the year were...

Over one week in December, I will be running the same event on my blog ~ and I invite anyone who wants to join in on your blog... to join in.

The Rules:
Your answers come from books you read this year
(They don't have to be limited to books that came out in 2011, obviously)

The Other Rules:
Do what you want
Skip a category, rearrange a category, smish some categories together. Create sub-categories and shout-outs...work it for you :)
Nominate multiple books for one category (when you are torn) or limit yourself to one
Challenge yourself to not use the same book more than once, or sprinkle the same books throughout half the categories...
Join in some days and forget the rest...
Whatever works for you. Have fun :)

The Linky
Will be up each post, if you want to link up :)

When I am Posting Mine:
Over 5 days, Monday to Friday, the second last week of December.
(Last time it was three MASSIVE posts, this time I've divided them up a little)
You can run it whenever you like on your blog ~ or match my days :)

My Schedule:
Monday 19th: The Books
Tuesday 20th: The Characters
Wednesday 21st: The Scenes
Thursday 22nd: The Random
Friday 23rd: The Covers

Buttons and Categories for Each Day:

Day One: The Books

1. favourite book read in 2011
2. most powerful book
3. brilliantly funny
4. best ache-y, heart-breaking, tear-jerker read
5. most beautiful story
6. delicious rainy day comfort read
7. adrenalin-fuelled, unputdownable award
8. the beautiful prose award
9. most atmospheric and vivid setting
10. i-so-want-to-go-there award
11. most original and imaginative
12. best under-appreciated, hidden gem book
13. i-had-no-idea-i-would-love this-so award
14. most haunting story
15. outside my comfort zone but gosh how i loved it
16. series that i’m loving
17. always recommending this book award
18. completely awesome premise award
19. would make the best movie
20. want to re-read already

Day Two: The Characters

1. favourite female main character
2. favourite male main character
3. best couple <3
4. who i so want to be best friends with
5. who i fell completely in love with (new literary crush)
6. worst (best & baddest) villian
7. best character twist (who you loved then hated or vice versa)
8. best kick-arse female
9. best kick-arse male

10. broke your heart the most 11. favourite pet/animal character award

12. best YA parents award

13. favourite sibling relationship

14. favourite best friends/friendship award

15. best/worst character names

Bonus: best love triangle

Day Three: The Scenes

1. best first chapter
2. best climax
3. best ending
4. best plot twist/revelation (no spoilers!)
5. scariest/most disturbing scene
6. steamiest scene (or sweetest/sexiest kiss award)
7. best swoon-worthy moment
8. biggest nail-biting moment
9. most hilarious scene
10. most heart-breaking/tear-jerker moment
BONUS: favourite meet cute

Day Four: The Random

1. fave first sentence
2. fave book title
3. fave reading experience (ie: created a great reading memory)
4. book with the best food in it (made you so crazy-envious-hungry)
5. book with the most sensual weather (made you shiver/sweat)
6. most embarrassing book cover (feeling sheepish in public or just plain ugly)
7. can’t believe you waited this long to read the book (!)
8. book you'd give your mum/sister to read
9. book you'd give your dad/brother to read
10. book you'd like to give your past-self to read (ie, me, when I was 15)
11. book that lived up to (or superseded the hype)
12. book you stayed the latest to finish (confess!!!)
13. book you were *dying* to get your hands on the most
14. fattest brick of a book you read (by page count)
15. killer cliffhanger award

Day Five: The Covers

TEN favourite covers selected from books you read in 2011

AND that's it for now ~ :D

I'm looking forward to flicking back through all the books I read and pondering what to nominate for the categories. I'll definitely be nominating more than one for some :)

xx Nomes

The Secret Ingredient by Dianne Blacklock

2011-12-05T23:35:00.000+11:00

Taste was such an evocative sense; Andie had closed her eyes, with the scone melting in her mouth, and been transported back to her grandmother's kitchen...

Nourishment is nurture. That's what Andie learned from her grandmother and what she's always believed about cooking. But somehow, since marrying Ross, she's allowed her love of food to take a back seat and given up her dream of becoming a chef.

Lately she's been craving more. And when her marriage falls apart, she's determined to find herself again and take back control of her destiny.

The first step is taking a job in the kitchen of renowned chef Dominic Gerou. The brooding Englishman is more than Andie bargains for, but the new Andie is ready for anything, even a bad-tempered chef who makes it clear he won't tolerate mistakes.

In this beautiful new novel, Dianne Blacklock takes us on a sumptuous journey of the heart as Andie uncovers the secret ingredient for her new life, and shows that no matter how many false starts you may have, if you hold on to your passion and your dreams, anything is possible.

The Secret Ingredient is the latest (and my first) novel by (crazily ;)) prolific Australian contemporary women's writer, Dianne Blacklock.

I had a mixed experience reading it... a lot of which I blame on the back cover blurb :) I had assumed Andie's marriage break-up and kitchen job would be the inciting incident for the novel, yet they actually occur around the mid-point section, with the first half of the novel spent introducing characters, their personalities, back stories and the love and tension between them all. The novel is presented from multiple view points, which takes a while to establish, but ultimately adds tremendous depth to the full cast of characters (not only with their personalities, but also to the themes presented).

I think I kept waiting for the novel to find it's stride and I would have settled in a lot better if I hadn't been so anxious to get to the brooding Englishman and kitchen adventures part ;) SO don't make my mistake ~ settle in and relax into the story :)

The Secret Ingredient feels truly Australian. Sharing the story from so many characters points of view en-likened it to watching an Aussie drama mini-series (I could picture Andie as Claudia Karvan, and I kind of had a vibe of Love My Way happening in my mind ~ one of my fave Australian TV Series). That was definitely cool.

The Secret Ingredient has it's share of genuine, heart-felt and complex family relationships, mingled with some characters who felt somewhat cliche in their roles (the cheating husband was particularly shallow and typecast, it made it hard for me to buy into Andie's commitment to him in the first place).

I enjoyed the second half a lot more. The restaurant setting is like being in foodies heaven, the atmosphere was rife with tension, life and energy. I almost felt exhausted just reading about it (they work LONG hours. I'm glad I only had to live through ti vicariously, I would not be cut-out for that immense pressure). And it definitely got my taste buds salivating (as in, DYING for some gourmet food ;)).

The Secret Ingredient feels meticulously researched ~ everything was so atmospheric, food so richly described, places authentic ~ yet without drowning the reader in descriptions. It was ridiculously easy to walk among the pages of this book alongside the characters.

Recommended: Ultimately, it is a story of following your dreams, about not being afraid to start out again, having a go. It's also go fantastically messy, yet touching, family dynamics. It's right in the niche for all Masterchef lovers. It's unapologetically, gorgeously Australian :D. This one is for fans of womens' fiction and Australian drama. Also, it's an easy, yet compelling read for people who are casual/holiday readers.

The secret Ingredient is available now (in Australia)

Dianne Blacklock's website
The Secret Ingredient @ goodreads
The Secret Ingredient @ PanMacmillan
Alpha reader's (shining) review of The Secret Ingredient
Interview with Dianne Blacklock (@ Alpha Reader) > check out this post for some FINE eye candy in the form of chefs ;)

More books by Dianne Blacklock

Thanks to PanMacmillan for my review copy ~ it looks gorgeous in person :)

hard cover v paperback {6}

2011-12-04T23:49:00.000+11:00

Hard Cover V Paperback is a sporadic feature of inkcrush where I chat about which cover I prefer, etc...

(sorry for the formatting of pictures in this one ~ blogger's a bit messy ;) ~ driving me wild, so am leaving as is and moving on ...)

Split by Swati Avasthi

Split @ goodreads

Hard Cover V paperback

FIRST: the paperback is still at a bargain preorder (for Jan 2012) price.

It's one of my fave reads this year... so get to it :)

Hard cover: I liked it. The key is part of the story. The red, black and white are arresting. I am SUCH a fan of lowercase, I can't help it, I just am. ALSO ~ I didnt spot it for a while (then had a 'duh' moment) but there are profiles in the cute of the key. cool optical illusion...

Paperback: Normally I am not too fussed over having models on a cover. But, I am REALLY digging this. I love him in profile, love the black and white (it's evocative) love that floppy hair ;) It's curious it is the same colour scheme as the hard cover ~ yet so dramatically different in vibe. Also, it's uppercase is cool here ~ so understated and simple. Like the opposite of the hard cover.

My fave: I am LOVING the paperback. I know there's not much to it, but it's calling out to me. I love it's simplicity. I think it is going to look stunning in the flesh (I am almost tempted to buy it, just to have another copy of one of my favourite books ;))

I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

I'll Be There @ goodreads

Hard cover V paperback

Hard cover: You guys ~ this one is one of the most coveted covers of the year. It's mesmerising and gorgeous and such a stand-out with it's illustrative work. I have heard it is equally gorgeous on the inside (interior design, LOL, is it called that? Whatever). This one feels like a picture telling a thousand words. It's practically screaming READ ME.

Paperback: Initial reaction: looks like the face on the new Delirium (Lauren Oliver) cover. Oh, there's a boy, whispering and/or sniffing. I do like the concept, how if you go cross-eyed, you notice more of him than her. I'm a fan of the colour and the black and white and I especially love that slightly fuzzy red font. It's only when I think about this cover that I find things to admire, it doesn't grab my instant attention...

My fave: I get why publishers change things, I do. But that aside... WAHHH! I LOVE the hard cover SO MUCH. I do not own it (haven't read it). I am not a hard cover girl, I prefer buying paperbacks. But this one is making me think investing in the hard cover of this book may be worth having it on my shelf... (I could handle the paperback though, it just seems such a shame to miss out on owning that hard cover masterpiece)

Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Ten Miles Past Normal @ goodreads

Hard cover V paperback

Hard Cover: I loved this cover when I saw it last year. The girl, the paddock, the guitar, the dots of what looks like black sheep, the unruly grass and the scattered font. I wanted the book based on the cover (and title ~ which also rocks) alone [note: I kept an eye on reviews, and then didn't think the book was for me after all :/ ]

Paperback: I REALLY love how the two versoins are tied together by the same photo shoot. So I am just going to compare aspects here. I like the font in the paperback better (more unruly). Somehow, the girl looks photoshopped in on the paperback ~ she's so much more CRISPER. I do prefer seeing the farm on the hard cover ~ kind of cooler for some reason. I like the gradient in the sky on the paperback, makes the hard cover seem flat in comparison.

My favourite: I don't have an obvious one. They are both pretty funky. Maybe the hard cover looks more original and eye-grabbing? I would blend in my fave paperback aspects and smish them together on one cover :)

Does this cover remind anyone else of the book 'Somebody everybody Listens To' ? The dress, the jacket, the guitar...

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Cryer's Cross @ goodreads

Hard Cover V paperback

Hard cover: Creepy. I LOVE this cover. I love how it matches in with Lisa McMann's US editions of the Wake series, yet is it's own thing entirely. The scratchings on the desk are genius (I love creative title text). I love how the background fading out makes the centre luminous. The old style table and chair set are spooky sitting there, all ominous-like. Love the colours and tones.

Paperback: ... So ... While the trees are going for spooky, the scene is going for telemovie romance. It's like a tame harlequin cover or something. This is a YA book, right? The couple on this cover look too old to be teens to me (?). I haven't read the book, so I can't comment on how well the cover portrays it's contents (in terms of vibe, genre) but it looks like they are marketing two different stories to two different audiences.

My fave: Hard cover. Creative, simple and effective. The paperback is so generic, and I have NO IDEA what the book is about based on it?

What are your faves? Any you don't like?

My verdicts:

Split: paperback

I'll Be There: hard cover

Ten Miles Past Normal: mutual :)

Cryer's Cross: hard cover

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2011-12-02T12:56:00.001+11:00

A forbidden romance.
A deadly plague.
Earth's fate hinges on one girl . . .

CINDER, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation.

Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future. (from publisher's site)

Cinder is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles quartet (the quartet will star Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Snow White).

I have read a few fairytale retellings, but none so bold and dynamic as this futuristic retelling of Cinderella. There were so many elements to love:

humans and cyborgs and androids haviging out in a techno-gadget-y future (Cinder is a cyborg)

a plague (I am a sucker for plague/virus stories)

intergalactic political intrigue (with an evil queen living on the moon ~ and the mysterious death of an heir...)

sci-fi elements and a dash of magic mashed-up creatively with the classic fairytale

There’s also a constant weaving in of (tragic) back story, shrouded in secrets. The story is mostly told from out heroine's perspective, but there are chapters from Prince Kai’s point of view (widening the scope of the narrative.)

Plot-wise ~ there’s a lot going on. The plot is constantly steaming ahead. As with most retellings, the characters have a defined role to play (as in: the role of the evil stepmother, the shallow sister, the arch nemesis, the charming prince). I loved watching out for plot elements that matched the classic Cinderella story and enjoyed the twists Meyer gives them (ie, instead of Cinder losing her shoe at the ball ~ she loses her (cyborg) foot. In some places, characters are little more than their role, but in others, Meyer succeeds in going further than the stereotypes and layering her characters, so you feel their unique hopes, dreams, aches, love and loss. I loved the relationship between Cinder and her (nice) step-sister, Peony, and Iko (Cinder’s android bestie). Prince Kai had his moments too, he was charming, sure, but it is not an overly romantic kind of book.

I am truly curious to see what sci-fi fans think of Cinder. I found it easy to imagine the futuristic world, even though I mostly have no idea about all the techno gadget stuff.

Perhaps the one thing that detracted from the experience for me, was there was just so much going on . All the plot threads pulled together in the end, but I wish I could’ve had more time with the characters and less of the constant action/political intrigue/plot twists* but that complaint is coming from a contemporary YA lover who loves getting under character’s skins.

overall Cinder is more of a wild ride than a lingering read.
The thing that most impressed me about this story is it’s scope. It’s dynamic, imaginative and creative. It would play out brilliantly on the big screen. It would have sucked me in big time when I was a teenager. I liked it as an adult.

*regarding the plot twists: I saw them all coming ~ but not in an unsatisfactory way, some had the kind of foreshadowing that heightened anticipation. Other twists were screamingly obvious to me even as the characters remained completely oblivious.

Cinder's Australian release date is Jan 3, 2012

Cinder @ Penguin Australia
Cinder @ goodreads

Thanks Penguin Australia for my review copy :)

Catching Up...

2011-12-02T09:16:00.001+11:00

Hellooooo

It's been a little while... first, I fell sick and just when I got better ~ we all went away for my sister's wedding (!!) which was SO lovely. It was at the Wollongong Botanical Gardens (a nine hour drive from where I live in Coffs Harbour)

1. My Sister's Wedding (click images to embiggen)

My kids: Carissa, the flower girl; Reuben being the crocodile hunter; and my Sammy

The entire side of the Taggart (my maiden name) family. My dad and mum, us three kids & our spouses, plus my three kids and my brother's two girls. My older brother is on the far right, my little sister is the bride :)

2. While I was gone: I did a guest post over at Carla's The Crooked Shelf for Aussie YA month

(Thanks Carla!). I am also hosting a giveaway there for a Jaclyn Moriarty book of your choice (you all know who much I LOVE and ADORE Jaclyn) It closes in two days ~ so check it out :)

3. Winner and Melina Marchetta

ALSO, I would love to announce my random.org winner of Melina Marchetta's The Gorgon in the Gully

Olivia

Congrats! I'll email you shortly :)

I asked everyone to tell me their fave Melina Marchetta character or book and here's the answers... (copied and pasted, sorry for the messy formatting...)

My favorite Melina Marchetta book would be Froi of the Exiles.

!!! I am in LOVE with Melina Marchetta!! Seriously- LOVE! But my very most favorite (actually my favorite book, period) is Jellicoe Road. I totally just squeaked out loud when I read the quote with the picture!! :D LOVE! I SO want to read this one!! Seriously- SO want!! :)

piper's son. oh boy. that book slays me.

*fan girl sigh* Jonah Griggs...On the Jellicoe Road is my favourite!

"If we're talking moments that stuck it's when Jonah says, ""“I’m here because of you. You’re my priority. Your happiness, in some fucked up way, is tuned in to mine. Get that through your thick skull. Would I like it any other way? Hell yes, but I don’t think that will be happening in my lifetime.”
As to my most loved character, it's Tom from THE PIPER'S SON.

My favorite Marchettas are Jellicoe Road and The Piper's Son. My favorite Marchetta character is Jonah Griggs, I love him!

I've only read one, so I know it's not fair to her other books, but I absolutely LOVED Saving Francesca. Melina Marchetta definitely knows how to write about high schol friends and relationships! :)

Definitely Jellicoe... I mean it basically became my favourite book ever when I read it. But The Piper's Son totally wrecked me as well (in a good way, of course).

"I love on the Jellicoe Road, I have such a vivid memory of sitting on the cross-town bus and opening it up and then just sitting there crying my little heart out after reading the prologue.

And I love Jonah Griggs, I love how he's tough and kind of hard but you can also tell he adores his family, and that he loves Taylor enough to want to protect her always but also knows when she just needs him to be around without him doing much else. He doesn't take over the people he loves, he's just there if they need hi.

Also, I think Jellicoe is the one I had to wait for the most, close to four years I think before I could get, because the US publication was so delayed.

"Looking For Alibrandi. It's the only one I've read. (yes, i will fix this)

Definitely Jellicoe. My favorite character would HAVE to be Jonah, though I do love Hannah and Raffie too :)

Mmmm. It's so hard to pick a favorite anything of Melina Marchetta's, but if I had a gun to my head, my favorite book would be Jellicoe Road, but my favorite character would be Evanjalin from Finnikin. As a whole Jellicoe is just so fantastic, but Evanjalin is a character with a lot of traits I really admire, though I do love me some Jonah Griggs... :)

I don't have a favourite Melina book yet, but I really want to read Finnikin of the Rock and that series, I think it will be good :)

Jellicoe Road is my favorite book, but my favorite character(s) is from Saving Francesca. I love the Spinelli family.

Ooo thats a tough one Nomes, for me it's got to be between Jellicoe Road and The Piper's son. I think I'm going to go with Jellcoe Road :)

That would be Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles!! MM was born to write high fantasy!!:)

I have only read one of Marchetta's book, The Piper's Son, but enjoyed it. I of course like Tom, but I think my favorite character was Georgie.

Oh so easy. Jonah <3

I think Thomas of Piper's Son and Saving Francesca (though for some reason I haven't gotten to that one yet!) is my favourite of her characters. And it's either Piper's Son again or Jellicoe Road as my favourite book. I'll have to reread PS to decide!

"That is actually really hard to decide for me. It tends to be the one I read most recently ;), but all her books are special to me. But if I had to pick one book, I would say ""Jellicoe Road"" because it's the one I feel most emotional about.

Quintana! Love that mad girl.

Finnikin of the Rock is my favorite, followed by Saving Francesca.

Jellicoe Road, of course. <3

"Fave - Jellicoe Road. Dying to read - Froi!! Though I'd love to read this one too!!"

Saving Francesca, always. I adore that book! I plan to play my children power songs when they are older and leave upbeat messages taped to mirrors :)

"Francesca, Nomes. Francesca seems to be my favorite book ever.
And certainly I am dying to read Gorgon. "

JONAH GRIGGS!!! That boy is a perfect male specimen!

"I think it's definitely between Jellicoe (which was the first book of hers I read and it just absolutely blew me away) and The Piper's Son because it's so different to any YA book I've ever read before.
But then you have Finnikin which is one of the only fantasy books I've been able to get through... nevermind adding it to my favourite list.
Hm, I'm not having much luck here am I?
Answering that question gives me a nosebleed.

I can tell you that my favourite character is Tom Mackee because he's so flawed and realistic. He is the perfect example of how to create a male YA character without making him either two dimensional, too good to be true or a borderline psychopath.
Also, he's totally hot. ;-)"

i've only read two, and my favorite one's Saving fransesca. loved that book so, so much <3

I would be such a let down to all my fellow Aussie YA girls if I didn't say Saving Francesca!!

"Georgie, of TPS, was my favorite character. I could relate to her feelings of humiliation, shame, and despair. But I'm also a huge Thomas Mackee fan! My first kid might be named after him. LOL"

this was definately very difficult. In the end mine would definately have to be Jonah Griggs. As much as I love the other characters (e.g. will, thomas, francesca, taylor), I think i will always love Jonah the most. He is like everything a older teenage girl (16/17) loves in a guy. Protective always there to help her, soulful and tells her the truth. He is fun, kind, a little bit rough...But wait there is more! haha. Even as a character - without being a boy, he is so complex, I think that is what makes him amazing. The way marchetta describes him is just amazing. Honestly I could go on about Melina Marchettas characters forever! I love all her books and cannot wait for the next one!

Jellicoe Road

I love anything MM writes but my favorite character is Jonah Griggs.

My favourite Melina Marchetta book is on the Jellicoe Road. It was my first and it is my favourite :D I love it. But I have read her other 2 books and am dying to read Finnikin of the Rock.

"It's a close call between Froi of the Exiles and On the Jellicoe Road...
Maybe Jellicoe Road a smidgen more. I have four copies of that book! I loved Taylor Markham from Jellicoe Road, because she's not a cliched character. She is who she is. She's tough, she's frank, and she gets Jonah. Who wouldn't love/want to be her? :)"

My favourite Melina Marchetta book is On the Jellicoe Road, although Finnikin of the Rock, Saving Francesa and Looking for Alibrandi are all close behind it.

I bought Saving Francesca & The Piper's Son so I can't wait to get stuck into them :)

What an awesome giveaway! My fave is On the Jellicoe Rd. I cry every single time.

At this point, I only have Froi to read, I've pretty much read everything else, and Looking for Alibrandi is by far my favorite contemporary. It has a certain sweet simplicity that really appeals to me.

"too hard a question

Finnikin for his strength loyalty and humility
Froi for his vulnerability
Jonah for his pure heart and ability to make you swoon
Francesca for here fearsomeness
Thomas Mackee for his friendship

My favorite book my Melina Marchetta is Finnikin of the Rock. I've read most of her other books (realistic fiction) and I loved those also. Why I'd say Finnikin is my all time fav would be because Marchetta wrote an absolutely amazing fantasy novel while she seems to mainly a realistic fiction writer. So I'd love to get my hands on Froi of the Exiles, but I guess that won't happen till March :(. This book caught my attention because you talk about your two boys. I have two little guys myself. I'd like to see how Melina fares in MG writing. Thanks for the chance to win.

GUYS! Your answers were so brilliant and varied. And FUNNY, LOL. I had a good chuckle at some of them. Thanks so much for entering :)

4. I have been in a reading slump.

It doesn't worry me too much, actually. It is kind of nice to have a little break. BUT I am wondering what I should read next. These are all the books I own but have not read yet.

What would you read if you were me?

inkcrush chats

2011-11-09T13:54:00.001+11:00

So, time for some (random) stuff to share with you guys...

One: Cath Crowley shared the Italian cover for Graffiti Moon yesterday:

Oh, I am really liking it. It's one of those covers I can keep looking at. I love how it is the same cover scheme as the Aussie cover. I love how it is arty (Graffiti Moon is such an arty book, you guys). What do you guys think?

Speaking of covers...

Two: Braiden alerted us all to the Aussie cover of Cynthia Hand's Hallowed, #2 in the Unearthly series. Here it is, next to our cover for Unearthly:

I am rather fond of it. It is so wintery (a little bit Narnia-esque, LOL). It pulls me in. It feels a bit mysterious, the girl seems sad, bereft, even. It's a midgen whimsical. I think the white on the shelves will stand out. Overall, I am liking the atmosphere of the book. In other news I HAVE READ THE BOOK (thanks netgalley!) I will review soon in full. It has been so very well received so far, and I really (really) enjoyed it. I liked Christian a lot in #2. Also, it was a very sad book, in so many ways. What do you think of the Aussie covers for this series?

Three: Speaking of cover reveals... I was REALLY excited to spot a cover for 2012 YA debut author Elissa Janine Hooles' book, Kiss the Morning Star (saw it updated over on goodreads):

I have been excited for her book ever since I first read about it. Seeing a cover makes it seem that much closer :)

Four: Did you guys know about Aussie YA Month over at The Crooked Shelf?

Carla has already had some BRILLIANT posts (interviews, guest posts and reviews) and I know there is so much more of the AWESOME to come. (including giveaways and more from some of my favourite authors).I am seriously LOVING it. Here's a teaser where Carla interviews Melina Marchetta. and a gorgeous post by Adele of Persnickety Snark. LOVE IT

Five: Speaking of Melina Marchetta...

I just finished reading her latest book Froi of the Exiles. (Book Two of the Lumatere Chronicles). It was especially fun as I had a read-along with one of my fave readerly people, Flannery. We chatted in a google document (sometimes live, which is so. much. fun.) and other times updating our progress as we went chapter by chapter. We raved and speculated and tried to predict what was going to happen (being an MM novel, you know anything could happen). We are both doing a bit of Nanowrimo this month and would love to count our Froi document towards it as our total word count for our Froi discussion was... 23, 462 (which is nearly half of the nano requirement). Good, good times.

In regard to the book (Froi): it is a brick of a book and the story itself is intricately woven. The world building is seamless, making the events and places seem real (how does MM do that? Just create an entire world out of her head). I wondered how I would feel about Froi as a narrator (after some of his early actions in Finnikin) but FEAR NOT! ;) I loved him from the start. He does not take himself as seriously as Finnikin did (he is a pretty funny guy) and he has some charming and tender moments, aww... Here's a perfect quote for the book...

'Why did everyone in Charyn seem to have a story in their eyes? And when had he (Froi) started caring?' p403

In terms of the story, my gosh, the people of Charyn (!) ~ some of their stories will make the stories of the Lumaterans (from Finnikin of the Rock) seem like children's bedtime stories in comparison. It is one wild ride. In comparison to MM's earlier work, I would say this would be the fantasy version of Jellicoe (so much more pain and suffering and heart-breaking history, also, there are moments of confusion for the reader, before the threads all start to ~ masterfully ~ pull together) More on Froi later... (before I launch into an impromptu review)

Six: The Inkys! wOOT!

Well, the winners were announced at the beginning of this month...

Winner of the GOLD INKY for most popular Aussie YA is 'Silvermay' by James Moloney
Winner of the SILVER INKY for most popular international titel is Cassandra Clare's 'Clockwork Angel.

Congrats to both winners!

The inkys are Australia's only YA awards voted for exclusively by teenagers :) More about the inkys on inkcrush :) For the Gold INKY, I had read all of the shot-list, except Silvermay ~ which I am SO hoping my library will add to ther catalogue soon, as I am very keen to read it (James Moloney is an Aussie YA author I grew up reading, and he is still going strong).

Seven: Back to Froi of the Exiles (I nearly forgot)... Fellow Aussie blogger, the lovely Kathy Bradey of Once Upon A Tine In Writer Land is giving away a copy of Froi and she is (generously) making it available INTERNATIONALLY for all you guys who cannot wait for the US release date (of who just want our gorgeous cover) Go forth and enter (and good luck!)

(closes 1st of December)

Eight: Not really a point, just signing out :)

..

Okay, maybe I have more to say, haha... Sorry for the random overload in this post... Also, I still have a backlog of reviews to spit out. I am a casual blogger, I don't commit to posting certain days and whatnot, and I let the blog lie dormant occasionally while I am cruising around in the real world... but, brace yourselves, as I am going to try and cram in a bunch of reviews before the end of the year stars catching up on me...

x Nomes

The Gorgon in the Gully by Melina Marchetta + giveaway

2011-11-04T12:09:00.000+11:00

Beyond the basketball courts and classrooms of St Raph's is a gully where everything disappears forever. Danny Griggs has heard stories about a creature that lives down there. So why does he volunteer to face the Gorgon when he's been petrified of everything all his life?

A gentle story about overcoming fear and looking at things from all angles, from best-selling author Melina Marchetta.

The Gorgon in The Gully is Melina Marchetta's 2010 debut for middle readers.

I bought this book for me my boys, Sam and Reuben.

Here they are ^ (taken down the road from our place):

Sam on the left is 10 years (grade 4) and Reuben on the right is 9 (grade 3)

Danny Griggs, our protagonist, is in grade 4 and he's an Australian boy, so right from the start my boys related. Even though it is perfect independent reading level for both Sam and Reubs, this is one we saved for me reading out loud to them at bedtime.

We read this a couple of months back (I am perpetually behind in talking about books ;)) but Reuben is currently rereading it in quiet reading time at school, which reminded me to come and chat on here about it.

Reviews from my boys

Sam: The Gorgon in the Gully is awesome and funny. I hope a sequel comes out because I would like to read it. My favourite character was Jonah Griggs because he was a cool big brother and he buys Danny stuff off ebay. My favourite part was the end because I didn't know what was going to happen.

Reuben: I reckon it's pretty funny how it actually says what a Gorgon is on the internet. Even though they probably don't even exist. I like it how they thought it was a real Gorgon in the gully but ... [had to edit him out, a tiny bit spoilery!]. I like how they were always making strategies and planning things. Akbar was funny but my favourite character is Danny because he is the one who is brave enough to go down in the gully even though he is scared of a lot of stuff.

From me: The Gorgon in The Gully is classic Melina Marchetta. It's not only charming, funny and intriguing but it is full of of heart. I love how Marchetta brings a cast of characters together. She has a gift for taking random, at-odds characters and creating community. Not only community amongst her characters, but they come to life for me as a reader and I feel like I belong in the community too. I love her dialogue, which bounces off each character so well.

Above all, the characters are so endearing.. It's a brave and smiley story, I think it would charm any child. It's especially perfect for boys, I am amazed (although I shouldn't be) just how Marchetta writes as if she is inside a ten year old boys head. Danny was captivating, what a charmer! (He is going to be a heart breaker when he grows up).

As for reading it to my kids: They loved it (one more chapter, Mum!). They laughed out loud. So. Much. (particularly Reuben, he kept laughing at lines that I didn't think were supposed to be funny, LOL.) They loved the culture references, from Indiana Jones to Beast Quest, and the inclusion of cricket and soccer and playground antics. It oozes Aussieness from the reference (meat pies) to the way the kids hack out on each other to show affection. The humour builds right through to the climax, with running jokes and clever motifs. It was fun to read out-loud (I owned Akbar's Mum;s Indian accent ;)) and it was so awesome to read word-for-word Aussie slang/terms the whole way through (often when I read imported MG, I switch words like cafeteria to canteen, etc).

For fans of On The Jellicoe Road: The Gorgon in the Gully takes place at the same time as On The Jellicoe Road. This is a story about Jonah Griggs little brother, Danny. Jonah appears in the story more than I had imagined (yay!)

Danny waited for his brother Jonah to ring. Jonah was at a camp out bush for the next six weeks. There wasn't much phone coverage where Jonah was, but Danny's brother managed to find a spot every night to call. No matter what.

'What's up mate?'

Danny loved it when his brother called him that because Jonah was his bestest friend in the world even though he was nine years older than Danny. (p 14)

LOL @ the phone coverage! There's some gorgeous little snatches in there for Jellicoe fans (here's one teaser):

That night he (Danny) asked Jonah if he could take $9.49 out of Jonah's secret stash that only Danny and his mum and jack knew about. Jonah kept it in his sock drawer next to a photograph of Jonah and a girl with sad eyes, taken in one of those railway station booths. (p30)

Oh, I got very nostalgic for Jellicoe while reading this book. The above quote just about broke my heart (as I swooned a little) thinking about Jonah and Taylor again. As for Jonah as a big brother, he is fiercely protective towards Danny, cheering the little guy on. I loved seeing Jonah from Danny's perspective, his hero, tough and smart and pretty much invincible. I was also very touched by the conversation between Jonah and Danny on pages 97 - 100.

Any fan of Melina Marchetta (or Jonah Griggs) would love this book.

The Gorgon and The Gully @ Penguin Australia

The Gorgon and the Gully @ Melina Marchetta's website

Read Chapter One
The Gorgon in the Gully @ goodreads

My local didn't have it (we have the tiniest book shop here), I purchased my copy from The Nile ($7.99 + free shipping) or see a full list of where to buy online @ Booko.

Giveaway: This one is a little hard to get internationally (sorry, guys) so I would love to give away a copy. I know Marchetta fans will be dying to get their hands on this charming little Aussie book.

Giveaway open internationally

Fill out the form (embedded in this post)

Ends Nov 25

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Slide by Jill Hathaway

2011-11-02T11:33:00.000+11:00

UK cover // US cover

The blurb: Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again. (taken from goodreads)

Me, chatting it up: Slide is a refreshing, energetic YA debut for fans of Veronica Mars.

Sylvia (Vee) can slide into other people bodies, bearing witness to what they are doing, but having no sway over them. It’s pretty much a perfect premise for a sleuthing novel as Vee can sleuth her way around people minds (helping progress the plot forward with conveniently witnessed scenes).

I liked Vee from the first chapter. She is funky without being try-hard. I loved her narration:

She is my sister and my exact opposite in every way. If she’s the pink glitter on your valentine, I’m the black sharpie you use to draw mustaches on the teachers in your yearbook.

How cool is Vee, eh? ^^

It’s pretty much a mystery story and the plot is expertly woven. The stakes continually rise (as does the body count). The red herrings are plentiful and really make for a page-turner.

Set in a high school, type-casting* is initially used to set the scene, yet Hathaway (mostly) pushes past cliches to give all her characters depth, which I really admired.

The climax is everything you’d expect a climax to be in this genre: secrets are unveiled, past and present tragedies collide. I can see why it has already been optioned as it has all the drama and intrigue (and originality) to play out gorgeously on the big screen. It would make a fun high school flick, hey. As for the Big Reveal... nicely done. I guess I saw it coming when I was supposed to see it coming (?) and it was sufficiently daytime drama to give thrills but not overly melodramatic, still matching the tone of the rest of the book.

I am not usually a huge fan of YA stories featuring cheerleaders, arrogant jocks, high school cliques and all the petty/vicious girl-warfare that goes down. But in Slide it was fun looking on. Vee is an ex-cheerleader and far removed from the scene (thankfully), it is through other peoples eyes that we get involved. Vee herself is a blend of gorgeously achey, pragmatic and funky. Her best friend Rollins is so much fun, a little bit enigmatic and a lot crush-worthy (hey, I am a fan).

It’s a fun story, dramatic in parts and sad in others. It also has patches of heart (particularly in regards to relationships: Vee and her sister, Vee and her best friend, Rollins (LOVED Rollins), and Vee and her father ~ (he is a broken man and their relationship is tenderly handled).

Vee and her sister, Mattie:

Then I climb into bed and wrap my arms around her, pretending we’re stranded in Antarctica and I have to use my body heat to keep her alive.

Recommended : I read this through in the space of 24 hours. I grinned a lot (some of Vee’s narration is so likeable) and had a relaxed time reading it. This is a book for fans of YA mystery, Veronica Mars, high school stories and for those wanting an addictive story with a lot of energy in it. In terms of genre, it has the (paranormal?) premise, but it reads like a contemporary novel.

*I like typecasting in plot-centric books. It’s a great strategy with many strengths and Hathaway utilises all the strengths without falling prey to any weaknesses of typecasting (such as overusing cliches or creating one-dimensional characters)

Slide @ goodreads

Jill Hathaways blog: Jill Scribbles

Here is the info of the Aussie edition (no cover yet), courtesy of Netgalley:

Print Editions:

Format: Paperback
Publication Date:	03/01/2012
Pages:	336
Trim Size:	216x135
ISBN:	9780007446377
List Price:	$14.99

So, being Australian, the publishing date looks to me like the 3rd of January... Hmm. Or, perhaps the info was entered backwards (aka US style) and it will be out on the 1st March? Couldn't find it on HarperCollins Australia to confirm the Aussie date

Slide will be out March 27 in the US

Thanks to HarperCollins Australia and Netgalley for generously providing the egalley :)