Blog Tour: Normalish by Margaret Lesh

Hello Everyone!

Today I am participating in the blog tour for a wonderful book, Normalish by Margaret Lesh, hosted by Xpress Book Tours.

Normalish by Margaret Lesh

Publisher: Musa Publishing

Publication Date: October 5, 2012

Rating: 4/5 STARS!

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Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Stacy questions the strange world of high school, love, her role in a harsh universe, and life, in Normalish.

People tell you high school's so great and wonderful, but they're lying. It's mostly horrible and full of disappointment. It sucks. Your best friend abandons you. The jerk you're in love with pretends to be  into you, and then the big dump. The boy you've really clicked with as a friend decides to go all crushy over you, so you break his heart just like yours was -- smashed into little pieces. Your sister goes mental, and you get involved with a guy who’s even crazier than she is (who you know is a very bad idea, but you do it anyway). Math only adds another stink of failure to the whole thing.

High school blows. Just ask freshman Stacy. She’d want you to know.

My Review:

Wow! I am surprised about how much I enjoyed this book! I began it thinking it would be a normal story about a teenage girl dealing with her own personal problems. Yet, this book divulges deeper, moving away from the surface, into the true identity of Stacy and how she comprehends the people around her. From the first page, Stacy thought about everything, thrusting her blend vulnerability and courage on me.   

Stacy is a freshman in high school questioning the reality of being normal. A current of realism runs through a course, splashing through, Stacy dealing with a family member, a sister, with a mental illness, teen angst, losing a best friend, Summer, disappointing a guy, who was a close friend, who felt unrequited loved towards her and so much more.  

This angst-ridden book is was not consistently morose. Every page squirted its own blast of humor. There are many memorable scenes, like one on a beach with an adorable dog, which thrust sweetness into the story.

This book is full of brilliant title cards marking each day, sharing the individual story of each chapter.

For instance, “October 1 – Unemployed Wizards and Godzilla” (Lesh 54) 

Lastly- the characters!

Chad- sweet, strong, amazing friend

Summer- Stacy’s ex-best friend who grew throughout the story, a little anyway.

Bobby- sweet eccentric guy

Becca and Roman- best couple! It is amazing how loyalty Roman stands by Becca through EVERYTHING she goes through. Becca is also a caring sister who tenaciously works with the mental struggle she faces.

If you read- Confessions of An Angry Girl by Louise Rozett- and loved it too, I am sure you would enjoy this story two. They have different plot lines but leave with a similar wonderful state of connection with younger teenage narrators. 

Giveaway!

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Thanks for reading!

My Top Books of 2012

Hi Everyone!

It was hard choosing my favorite books of last year. I read so many amazing ones. After much consideration of all the fabulous books I read this past year, I chose the following five (which is my lucky number). 

The words I can use to describe my love for these books: Wowsiee!!! Spectacular!!! Unforgettable!!!

All the following five contain characters who have real feelings and relatable flaws, exciting stories and superb prose. 

A book that is amazing written by one of my favorite authors I discovered in 2012...

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

A brilliant written book set in my home state of Maryland. This book provided me with my first animal favorite character- the warrior dog Casper! This book has a terrific group of characters and an action packed story. A book that I became completely enamored by! What more can I want? 

A suspenseful book that is leaving me anxious for the sequel...

Hide and Seek by Sara Shepard

This book may continue an unresolved main mystery, but I still love it. I can read it again and again and again and still feel thrilled with the story. Each time I re-read it, a new theory forms in my mind of who murdered Sutton. Even though it has been months since I read this book for the first time, I am still thinking about this amazing installment and eagerly anticipating the next one.

This book is definitely the best of the amazing Lying Game series so far. It has excitement, an amazing surprise that brings hope to Emma's future with the Mercers, suspenseful intrigue, unique writing style, shares the importance of family, friends and belonging, and an incredible main cast (Thayer! I love you!). Cross My Heart, Hope To Die by Sara Shepard- I am thinking about you and can't wait to read you. Just one more month!

A book that left me breathless and tearful... 

If I Lie by Corrine Jackson

Once I finished If I Lie, I immediately wrote my review gushing through my tears. I wanted everyone to know this book was unforgettable and a must read. The the courage Quinn embraced during the struggles she faced was astounding. The hilarious and delightful George. Oh my! How much I hope everyone reads If I Lie. 

Amazing quote- “Sometimes a moment defines you, defines how people see you the rest of your life.” (Jackson 249)

The best historical fiction book I read this year...

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

An assassin who actually assassinates. A girl I initially disliked but grew to admire. Ismae! A brave man I love, who is entirely loyal to his family and does not keep secrets from his best friends. Duval!!!!!!!!!!!! Grave Mercy is an amazing book that properly represented medieval Europe! And the amazing writing! So many wonderful and brilliantly worded sentences! I cannot wait to read its sequel Dark Triumph! After all, Sybella (the narrator of DT) was my favorite character in the enticing Grave Mercy. 

An amazing description of Duval's eyes: "The man's eyes, as dark and shifting as storm clouds" (LaFevers 79)

My favorite line of the book that perfectly suits the title Grave Mercy. "For while I am Death's daughter and walk in His dark shadow, surely the darkness can give way to light sometimes." (LaFevers 549) 
That line remained in my head for days after I completed Grave Mercy. It is an amazing statement of hope to someone living in a dangerous path. 

The perfect book to tie in with my senior year of high school and love of music... A book I urge everyone to read... A book I read many times and still love...

Take A Bow by Elizabeth Eulsberg!

My adoration goes towards this amazing story. This book captures the anxieties and spirit of senior year. I love every moment of this book and the happiness I feel whenever I re-read this story. This is a story about friendship, reaching for your dreams, the joy of performing and the story's continuous changing in the lives of Take A Bow's brilliant cast of characters that mirrors reality. The perfect book for a senior in high school like me!  

Thanks for reading! What were your favorite reads of 2012?

Welcome Hilda!

Happy New Years Everyone!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! Today I am happy to have one of my favorite bloggers I met this year, Hilda from Catch the Lune, present her top books of 2012 on my blog! Hilda is a friendly blogger and I always enjoy visiting her blog. I want to first compliment Hilda's amazing graphics that she designed for this post! They are all gorgeous! 

Thanks for reading!

Hello everyone! My name is Hilda and you can always find me on my blog, Catch the Lune. First of all, I have to tell you how excited I am to have a chance to do guest post in Rachel’s blog! Rachel’s blog has always been one of my favorites, so it’s so great to be here! :) *look around in awe in Rachel’s wonderblog*

Today,  I will share about my top seven books read in 2012! Without further ado, here is the (much shortened) list:

 

1. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins – read in January 2012

I know! It’s terrible that it took me two years to read this book. I know that some people don’t like the ending, but I personally think it’s beautiful and perfectly flawed. Team Peeta forever! ;)

 

2. Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard – read in February 2012

I really like the main character of this story, Bria. She reminds me of myself with her wanderlust and spontaneous side LOL! ;) Plus, the illustrations inside are really lovely! This book makes me want to be backpacker and travel around the world. :)

3. Divergent by Veronica Roth – read in May 2012

This.is.AWESOMENESS. My feelings, aaaah. Tris and Four. ♥ Oh –em-gee, I think I could even write thousands reviews on this book. ;) Anyway, I’m an Abnegation! Who else is in the selfless faction? ;)

That's amazing that you can choose one faction Hilda! Go being an Abnegation (self-less)! I am impressed. It takes so much strength to be selfless and loyal. I am a combination of Amity (kindness), Candor (honest) and Dauntless (bravery). The quiz on the end of my copy of Divergent said so and I agree. Love Divergent too! Such an amazing story!

4. Arranged by Catherine McKenzie – read in May 2012

Such a lovely story! I weirdly like the idea of arranged marriage (No, seriously. Strange I know), and I’m in love with references to Anne of Green Gables in this book. Must read for fans of fluffy romance. :)

5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – read in October 2012

Enchanting, magical, and beautiful – I run out of adjectives to describe this book. This book is practically dripping with awesomeness. ♥ Recommended to everyone who has ability to read. ;)

6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – read in October 2012

Charlie! It’s impossible to hate this guy. He’s just lovable. I also love the writing, it’s very easy to follow. Charlie felt like a dear friend of mine when I finished it. The way he makes mixtape for Christmas gift is such a lovely idea as well! :’)

7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – read in December 2012

*sheds tears* John Green is a GENIUS. It’s very romantic, and I couldn’t function well for few days after reading it. I’m still having heartache every time I think about it. It’s strange that love seems like the easiest and the hardest thing that comes to our lives. :’)

The books above are highly recommended. I also have a very long list of books published in 2013 I can’t wait to read. (Thankfully 21st of December is not the end of the world :P)

2013 wish: I hope that J.K. Rowling would magically publish a children book in 2013, that heroines in YA would be more like Katniss and Tris and Hermione, that Gayle Forman’s new book would pluck my heartstrings and make me cry all over again. Oh, and finger crossed that Finnick Odair in the movie would be as breathtakingly-amazing-omg-someone-hold-me as the book. ;)

Thank you for reading this, everyone! What is your favorite book read in 2012? :)

Waiting on Wednesday- 20

Hi Everyone!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and is a wonderful way to share books you are waiting on!

Today, for my last WOW of 2012, I am sharing the last book coming out in February that is a reason I cannot wait for February 2013!

Along with The Ivy: Scandal by Lauren Kunze (February 26), Cross My Heart, Hope To Die by Sara Shepard (February 5), and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (February 5), I am waiting on ...

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razorbill

Publication Date: February 12th, 2013

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Synopsis: 

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

Why oh why?

I admire Sydney. Even though she makes some choices I disagree with, I admire her courage and drive to be herself. I am so happy to find an observer, like me, as a main character of a series. A main character who demonstrates a unique type of strength, who is loyal and creative.

I love Adrain. I love his tenacious attitude towards gaining his desires, his marvelous wit and his ability to constantly change and become stronger in the face of adversity - his bad luck and father.

I cannot wait to see what happens next in the Bloodlines series. To meet Marcus. To discover the result of Jill modeling mistake. To read Sydney and Christian's first meeting. To experience what terror Mrs. Terwilliger's sister can bring. Most of all, to enjoy Sonya's and Mikhail's wedding! 

Thanks for reading!

What are you waiting on?

Cover Reveal: Dear Cassie by Lisa Burnstein

Happy Friday Everyone! 

Today I am delighted to participate in the cover reveal of Dear Cassie by Lisa Burstein. 

This is the companion novel to a book I enjoyed called Pretty Amy. 

I happy to also share an except of Dear Cassie with you!

Synopsis:

What if the last place you should fall in love is the first place that you do?

You’d think getting sent to Turning Pines Wilderness Camp for a month-long rehabilitation “retreat” and being forced to re-live it in this journal would be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.

You’d be wrong.

There’s the reason I was sent to Turning Pines in the first place: I got arrested. On prom night. With my two best friends, who I haven’t talked to since and probably never will again. And then there’s the real reason I was sent here. The thing I can’t talk about with the guy I can’t even think about. 

What if the moment you’ve closed yourself off is the moment you start to break open?

But there’s this guy here. Ben. And the more I swear he won’t—he can’t—the deeper under my skin he’s getting. After the thing that happened, I promised I’d never fall for another boy’s lies.

And yet I can’t help but wonder…what if?

An Excellent Exclusive Excerpt

We kept walking on the lake trail, the bullfrogs croaking. There was also a humming in my ears from the nicotine.

 It could only be from the nicotine. It had nothing to do with being outside, at night, alone with Ben. It had nothing to do with Ben coming to the cabin and taking me instead of Nez and it definitely had nothing to do with the stars above us shining like they were the sky’s tiara. 

I stopped on the trail and looked up, taking them in, when all of a sudden bright colored lights exploded in the sky—fireworks, one after another, on top of each other, huge kaleidoscopes of light, like sparkling rainbow spiders.

“How did you know?” I asked, my voice going softer, like if I talked too loudly they would stop. It was so beautiful, after weeks of so much ugly. 

Ben turned to look at me, the colored lights in the sky turning his skin pink, blue, green. “I’m magic.” He shrugged.

I geared up to tell him to fuck off, because that was some corny-ass shit, but then I realized that he really kind of was. In that moment he was able to actually make me forget being me.

 “I would try to kiss you,” he said, “but I’m afraid you’d kick me in the balls.”

“I probably would.” I laughed, the sky filling with noisy color like paint launching from a giant popcorn popper. “But like I said, it wouldn’t be about you.”

“I guess I’ll have to figure out how to make it about me,” he said, taking off his boots and socks and standing. “Come on.”

“There is no way I am getting near that water again,” I said.

“I’ll make sure nothing happens to you,” he said, holding his hand out to help me up.

            I looked at his palm, open, waiting, just wanting to hold mine. For once, I didn’t think about anything except that there was a cute, sweet, smart-ass boy standing in front of me with his hand out.

I pulled off my boots and socks and took it.  

We stood at the lakeshore, our hands still clasped, the water licking our feet, fireworks decorating the sky.

I turned to him. He was looking up, his mouth open in wonder like he was trying to swallow the moment.

It was definitely one worth keeping.

And now. The moment you have all been waiting for. 
The cover! 

. 

About the Author:

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Fiction from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University. She lives in Portland, OR, with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats. Dear Cassie is her second novel.

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My Reaction

I love the green background of a grassy field and the use of words coming from a diary blended into the cover. 

Thanks for reading!

Blog Tour: Mia's Heart by Courtney Cole Review

Hi Everyone!

Today I am participating in the Mia's Heart by Courtney Cole's blog tour. 

This blog tour is hosted by Kismet Tours! You can check out Kistmet's website here. 

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Rating: 3.5/5 STARS!

Synopsis:

My name is Mia Giannis. 

I am seventeen years old.

I live in Valese, Caberra. 

This has become my mantra and my lifeline, having recently lost my memory due to a scary natural disaster.Yeah. I have amnesia. Messed up, right? 

You don't know the half of it.

Not remembering anything has turned my world upside down. My parents try their hardest to “remind” me of who I was, but it doesn't feel right. Or, if what they're saying is true and that really was me, I'm not sure I like that person very much. 

And then there’s my love life. Apparently, Gavin Ariastasis is my oldest and best friend in the world. Also, apparently, we’ve never dated. But now, noticing him for what feels like the first time, he’s making my heart do somersaults. He knows me inside and out—the real me. Plus, he’s sexy and charming as hell. Sounds perfect, right? 

But then... there’s the new guy. Quinn McKeyen – tall, gorgeous and deliciously American. His mischievous grin and slow Midwestern drawl turn my insides to mush in two seconds flat making me question who I really am and what I really want. 

Seriously. What am I supposed to do with all that?! I feel torn between them, but I barely even know who I am, let alone what I want.I just hope my indecisive heart will clue me in. And sooner rather than later…before I lose what little of my mind that I have left.

My review:

“I sigh and stare out the window.

And ponder my life.

Because I live in a bubble.

A fragile, beautiful, misleading bubble.” (Mia’s Heart ARC Pg. 3)

Mia’s heart is one of loneliness, confusion and love.

From the second I read the first sentence of this book I knew I liked Mia. I connect to the line above because I constantly feel like I am living in a bubble of idealism that leaves me with being confused of what I want out of my life. My connection with Mia lasted the whole book as she changed throughout dealing with amnesia. I never experienced amnesia myself, but I believe Mia’s lost memory was portrayed in a realistic manner. I like how Cole illustrated Mia musky memories.

“I am still for a moment. My memory is a strange thing. As I think, I can remember bits and pieces of things. I see a car. A red convertible. I think it’s mine, but it ;ight not be.” (Mia’s Heart ARC pg. 34)

Mia’s heart is one of spunk, inner courage and amity.

Mia is a brave character who deals with her problem, not with ease, but with natural determination. So is her best friend Gavin. Gavin is a vivacious boy I adore, a caring friend and witty. Quinn is the new boy in this book’s setting of an island, Caberra. He is a charming guy. I applaud how Mia tried to be friends with her pre-memory lost enemy Elena now that she does not remember the cause of their animosity. Elena is the one-dimensional mean girl of the story that has room to grow. I am hoping for a book between Gavin and Elena in the future.

The plot of the book was the only unsatisfactory part in my reading experience. I enjoy romantic stories, and felt the beginning of the story was strong, especially the hilarious scene where Mia met Quinn and the crab. Sadly, the remainder of the story was a flux of Mia having feelings for Gavin and then for Quinn, and hanging out with Reese and her other friends. The plot was too repetitive for my taste and my attention drifted away from the story towards the middle of the book.

Mia’s Heart was a light, fun book with a spectacular main character. You should check it out. Meeting Mia, Gavin and Quinn is worth the read!

There is also a giveaway of Mia's Heart going on for this blog tour! Feel free to enter!

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About the author.

 website | twitter |  facebook | facebook fan page

Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could.She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds.Every Last Kiss is her debut novel and she followed it with the rest of The Bloodstone Saga (Every Last Kiss, Fated, With My Last Breath and My Tattered Bonds).Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolewrites.com

Thanks for reading!

Showcase Sunday 7!

Happy Sunday!

Happy Hanukkah Leanne and my other fellow Jews! 

Lets celebrate the Maccabees, the miracle of oil and, of course, presents!

Design Credit: The awesome and hilarious Mimi Valentine. 
Oh, how much I miss Mimi.

Showcase Sunday is a weekly book haul hosted by the wonderful Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. This week I am celebrating obtaining the following fantastic books! 

Won:

The Lucky Ones by Anna Godberson
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Oh, how much I adore this book! I read it all Friday night and it was an amazing experience. Thom Hale- how I love him. I am so glad he had a chance to clear the air with Cordelia about what happened in the first book. That was definitely my favorite scene of The Lucky Ones.

 Cordelia- how brave. Astrid- how spirited. Letty- how vibrant.

This Bright Young Thing series is one NOT to be missed! Especially if you love the 1920s too!

I hope to remain "Forever afloat." (Godberson 373)

Like the line above, the writing in this book is brilliant!

I won this book by participating in an amazing tea time chat hosted by the ladies behind EpicReads. This chat was on Wednesday November 28th when they were celebrating the release of The Lucky Ones by Anna Godberson through "Flapper Time." Tea Time is a fantastic way to enjoy your Wednesday afternoon listening to these two discuss books! 

I hope I have time to participate again this coming Wednesday. 

New chats happen every Wednesday afternoon.

Check out the witty video here!

Join the EpicReads Community here!

Bought:

Burned by Sara Shepard
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After years of waiting (okay, actually six months), Burned by Sara Shepard finally was released this Tuesday! It was a fun book! I am so glad Naomi was finally presented as a three-dimesional character. Every scene with her was spectacular and I hope she appears on many of the pages of Crushed and Pretty Little Liars 14. Also, Noel and Aria somehow became even more adorable and loveable. The scene where Noel teaches Aria how to swim is spectacular! Again, I hope he is a prominent character in the last two Pretty Little Liars books. Team Noel!

Thanks for reading!
What did you receive this week?