Chelsea's First Post!

Hi! This is my first Teen Tuesday post. Since I'm done with reviewing, I thought I'd use this as a way to keep you up to date with what I'm reading! This week was busy, so I didn't get as much reading done as usual. But I DID read The Luxe for the TT Book Club, which I loved. It's been compared to Gossip Girl, but I think it's far more substantial than that. The comparison, I can understand though, because it IS filled with scandal. I can't wait for the chat!

I also read The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. I'd heard a lot about it, but didn't really known much. I put it on my BookSwim pool anyway, only to find out that about half the book is told in pictures. It's a 500 page book, but I went through it extremely fast. (Partly due to the pictures, but also partly due to the fact that something was alwaaaays going on!) I really enjoyed it, and it was a refreshing change of pace.

The third book I started was Jumper by Steven Gould. I had seen the movie, and decided to rent the book as soon as I had the chance. And, while I'm not disappointed (except at the lack of Hayden Christiansen), the book is COMPLETELY different from the movie. I guess the one I'm reading now was written in the 90s, only to be rewritten in the past couple of years, to be adapted onto the screen. So there are two Jumper books. I've only got about 100 or so pages left of this one, but I'm really wanting to read the other book (the one the movie was adapted from), too.

Aside from that, I've rented some vampiry reads in honor of Vampire Month at the new blog Genre of the Month, which I'll be organizing, and a ton of awesome reviewers will be participating in!

Happy reading!

And You Thought It Was Just a Name...

I have a confession to make.

Besides being a compulsive reader, I am also a compulsive buyer. Of books, that is. You simply cannot stop me in a bookstore. Amazon's free shipping with orders over 25 dollars? Sucks me in every time. Wal-mart paperbacks with their marked down prices, conveniently juxtaposed next to the list price? I simply cannot resist.

It's a bit of a bad habit that oftentimes leaves me without much spare cash, but I deal with it the best I can. In my constant state of trying to catch up on my compulsive buys these past years, this has left me ample room to buy a book, not have time for it, read it weeks later, and then consequently kick myself for not reading it the exact minute I got because it is just that AMAZING.


This has been true with Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. I bought it in August before my sophomore year of high school on a whim. I liked the cover. And the new releases were on sale. Then school started. I was busy with school work and making friends. Finally, one day in October, I picked it up. It did not leave my hands, except to be taken away in Spanish class. As I mourned the loss of it, I was also berating myself for not reading the minute I bought it. But maybe it was all for the best, because when I went to get my book back at the end of the day, I met my best friend…who had also gotten her copy taken away just an hour after me. Go figure.


Another such occurrence was with Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway. Oh my goodness, that book made me laugh! It was completely and utterly entertaining. I've never met a character with so much energy and life. I do not know why I waited three months to read it, and I am very sad that I did.



And, more recently, the House of Night series. I've had the first three books since January, and always they sat on my shelf, waiting to be read. I lent them to a friend of mine who had a book project, and isn't much into reading, but way into horror movies. Since I wasn't reading them, and they were about vampires (ahem, I mean vampyres), I thought she might enjoy them. She did. And then she pestered and pestered me until I read them myself. And now, I am questioning my sanity for letting so many good books go unread (I finished Chosen, and NEED Untamed…). What am I thinking?

And sadly, these are not the only books that I've been slow to get…The Mortal Instruments series, A Curse Dark as Gold, The Book Thief, Enthusiasm. This has left me quite "paranoid". Now I stare at my shelves, looking at all the unread books, and despairing of missing a single great one. Do you ever do that? Please tell me I am not alone in this.

Anyways, I've been such a lousy blogger recently...I have hardly posted anything in the past week, though I am in the middle of The Host. I've been focusing all of my attentions on this. Check it out....there's WAY more to come.

The Luxe [Megan]

Some have claimed that The Luxe is the guilty pleasure of young adult literature. There is something so enticingly delicious about this books. The way that it i able to sweep you away from reality into a world of passion, money, and betrayal. Even though The Luxe's most striking feature wasn't its well crafted prose, the book is well written with moments of descriptive brilliance. And even if the author wasn't quite as talented,I don't think most readers would care, happy to get swept away in the moment of the book.

Teen Tuesday is hosting a chat on The Luxe on July 8th at 8pm EST.
Have you read the book and want to find out how to join in?
Email teentuesday@yahoo.com subject: The Luxe

For those of you who are planning on participating begin thinking about your answers to the following questions. Anyone can feel free to answer in the comments as well, but remember to clearly mark any spoilers!

What drew you into the book?
What character did you most identify with?
How did the opening snippets add to your understanding of the book?
Do you have moments in the book you love and wish you could live over and over forever?
Would you rather be rich or poor within this world?

The Luxe was well crafted by Anna Godbersen. She shared some insight to her process, along with a section of the book in a HarperTeen podcast.


Are you excited to read Rumors?

Help Wanted! [Chelsie]

I am writing this from the front desk at the town library, where I am now officially employed.

Wait, what? Employed? At the library?

Yep. No longer am I a volunteer... I am now working, doing fun stuff for pay. And I get access to all the new books before anyone else does.

But that's just something I felt like sharing. =D Mostly because, well, I don't have much to say on the reading front.

I finished Audrey, Wait! this week. Finally. I feel better about the fact that I'm not the only one having trouble reading a lot this summer, but I still feel bummed out that it took me a week and a half to read a book that I was thoroughly enjoying.

Now, on the Audrey, Wait! subject, there are two things I need to say.

1. I now have a list of 40+ songs that I need to listen to, all from the book.

2. Robin Benway is amazing. Her characters are all amazing, her writing is amazing, her story is amazing... the whole book was amazing. If you haven't read this book you'll definitely need to buy it, because it is definitely worth it.

Last night, I also started Goddess Games by Niki Burnham. But... I can't say anything about that. I got 40 pages into it and... well, I like it. But today as I was working I realized that 15 books on my shelf from the library is too many, especially when most of them have been checked out since March.

So I decided to turn most of them in. Granted, I haven't done it yet, but I am extremely determined to drag them with me tomorrow.

All except for three, for sure, that I'm going to keep: The Host, Vampire Academy, and City of Bones.

But there are others that I'm not sure about. So this is where you come in. I want to keep one or two books instead of turning all of them in. So in the comments, please pick one or two from this list for me to keep, and I'll take your advice into consideration.

1. Nobody's Prize by Esther Friesner

2. Legacy by Kate Brian

3. The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina

4. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

5. Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

6. Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

7. Girl Overboard by Justina Chen Headley

8. The Kayla Chronicles by Sherri Winston

9. Crimes of the Sarahs by Kristen Tracy

In this post, I was also thinking about mentioning our hosting the book club, but since Megan already mentioned it... I don't really have much else to say.

Happy Reading!

-Chelsie-

Summer Procrastination [Megan]

Last week I finished The Off Season by Catherine Murdock. The Off Season was the sequel to Diary Queen, but for me it is lacking some of the qualities that made me love it so much. DJ has always been a little obsessive, as many of us are, thinking about things in such a way that blows them totally out of proportion. But at the same time there is a humor that comes out of her obsessiveness. Yet in The Off Season I didn't feel as connected to the humor lying underneath the voice. DJ's obsessing was completely hyperbolic and not verging on realistic as they had been in the first book.

Many people have told me they really enjoyed The Off Season better, but I was really disappointed with it and came very, very close to not finishing it. Have you read both books? Tell me what your thoughts were in the comments.

The Teen Tuesday Blog is now the new home of Chelsea's young adult book club. This month's picks are The Luxe and The Looking Glass Wars. If you have read these or want to, we would love to have you join us for these books or for future picks. Email teentuesday@yahoo.com subject:book club for more info! In order to get ready I am reading The Luxe and enjoying it more than I thought I would. Before I started it I thought one of two things would happen, it would grab me from the first page and never let me go or I would hate it and have to struggle through it. But neither of these things did, in fact, happen. The beginning of the book was boring but grabbed my interest because of it's similarities to early American novels. I am only about 100 pages or so in right now, but I will definitely be reading more. Are you reading The Luxe?

I also finished Keesha's House. This is an AMAZING book of poetry YOU ALL NEED TO READ. It is just proof that poetry doesn't have to be all floral and pretty. I love how gritty and realistic the poems in this book are, and I also love how they tell a story. You can read a little bit more about my thoughts on it here.

Why does the summer have to be so hot?
My eyes move across the page and nothing sinks in.
The books pile up around me, they lay next to me in bed, I am grateful they aren't a heat source like my husband used to be.
What was the best book you read this week?

Teen Tuesday - Third Edition [Hope.]

Well... this week has been a very interesting one for me. lol. I've read four books since last Tuesday! =D


First off, there was Violet in Private, which I finished! Yay! And I don't want to say anything about it, because I don't want to give spoilers, since it's not out yet (which it totally something I would do, lol). But when you get your own copy, you'll LOVE it. And if you haven't read the Violet series yet, you need to go out and get it because it's amazing!


Then, I read the first book in the Clique Summer Collection series, which is Massie's book. I was very dissapointed with it, honestly. I read the Clique series, and I enjoyed that, but then I read this one and I just didn't like it at all. First, it was short -- only 120 pages. Okay, I can deal with that, lots of books can be short. But I felt like Massie never really grew as a character and there didn't seem to be any plot at all. I don't think I'm going to be reading any more books from the Summer Collection of the Clique series.


The meeting for my AP American History class was yesterday, so I was frantically reading Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.. It was... interesting, to say the least. It was all his experiences in World War II, but there's kind of a twist. He experiences them by time travel... because these weird alien people have granted him the ability to time travel. Yeah. It was definetly an interesting book, lol. Now, I'll be writing two papers and reading 1984 by George Orwell before July 21st, when we meet the next time. Has anybody read 1984? I had to read Animal Farm by George Orwell for this same teacher last year and enjoyed it, so I hope I like 1984, also.


I recieved Read My Lips by Teri Brown in the mail to review for Pulse IT, and so I picked it up yesterday to read it. It was really good. There were a few things about it that I might change, like how she kept repeating about how she was a 'punk skater' all the time. I would've only put it in a few times, then decided that the reader would know that she was a punk skater. The idea of the book was really good, though. I don't really have anything to compare it to -- it's the only book about a deaf girl that I've read before. Has anybody read any other books about deaf teenagers that doesn't make them sound like they're sorry for themselves? I'd definetly like to read another one.

This week, I hope to start and finish The Elite by Jennifer Banash, Frenemies by Alexa Young, and Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman, which all arrived this week in the mail. =D




See y'all next week!
hope.

Teen Tuesday-Second Edition (The Story Siren)

Wow! My second edition of Teen Tuesday.... has it been a week already!?

My reading week is very unproductive. It seems I underestimated how busy the summer really is. I did however read three books this week. Although only one of them was a Young Adult Novel.

I finished Must’ve Done Something Good, which turned out to be a very funny and cute novel. I also received Queen of Babble Gets Hitched in the mail yesterday from Meg herself *hyperventilating* and I ripped that package open and I didn’t put it down until I was finished. She was also sweet enough to send me a copy of her Middle Aged Novel Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls: The New Girl, which looks so very cute! Yesterday was a really good mail day because I also got a copy of How to be Bad! I know, what can I say.

The one Young Adult novel that I did read this week was Rumors by Anna Godbersen. Those of you who aren’t familiar with Rumors, it is the sequel to The Luxe and it’s a wonderful dramatic historical fiction. Do you like historical fiction? I love it! And it seems that I’ve been reading a lot of it recently now that I’m looking at my recent read list. La Petite Four, Bewitching Season, and now Rumors! All wonderful reads!

If I had to choose a book to live in, I would happily choose one of those books. I could wear beautiful gowns and go to lavish balls. Well if my family was wealthy, for my fantasy’s sake we will say they were. And the boys were actually gentlemen! Well they had to act like they were in the presence of a lady anyway! Of course I’d want a gentleman, but I’d even take scandalous Henry Schoonmaker from Rumors! I simply can’t help but be drawn to the historical novels like the ones listed above. I think it must all stem from my everlasting crush on Mr. Darcy. I just think they look handsome in their high collars and long jackets.

Okay enough fantasizing for one day.

I’m currently reading The Comeback Season by Jennifer E. Smith. Go Cubbies! I’m only into the third chapter since I took a break to read Queen of Babble, so I can’t really say too much about it right now. I have enjoyed it so far though. I remember last week I was whining about my lack of a review pile. Well, ask and ye shall receive! Since last week I’ve gotten a slew of books in the mail to review! Seven to be exact! So, hopefully you can expect some reviews coming up.

On a completely non related note, do you like the theme icons in my reviews? I thought it was something different. But if you think they just take up room and don’t add to the review, then let me know and I’ll take them off.

Thanks for tuning in! Until next Tuesday. TTFN!

Teen Tuesday, Second Edition [Chelsie]

I apologize for the late post... I would have pre-written mine last night, but I was on the slowest computer in history (what can I say, it's dial-up...) and I was extremely tired.

But better late than never =D

I wish I could say that I was a reading maniac this week, finishing half of the books that I have stacked on my shelf and writing spectacular reviews just for your reading pleasure.

But that's not the case. In all honesty, I finished one book this week. And that was Fireworks. I started Audrey, Wait! but I haven't had much time to read it. I'm a little over halfway done, and so far what I've read is fantastic... I can't wait to find out what's next.

The reason it's taken me so long to read lately is because I'm trying something new out when it comes to reading. I created a Reading Log for all of my books, and as I'm reading I write down my thoughts and certain quotes. For Audrey, Wait! I have about ten pages so far, including a Song Log and tons of funny quotes. So far, Audrey's dad is my favorite character... he is completely hilarious!

Next, I'm reading Goddess Games by Niki Burnham. I've had this book for awhile and I've been kind of nervous about reading it, because I've never read anything by the author. However, after reading her story in Fireworks, I am extremely excited. Her story, Night Swimming, was the best story out of all four stories in the book. The other stories were all okay, but they were slightly predictable and there really wasn't much to them. Niki Burnham took her story to the next level, making it a fun beach read but also something emotional and wonderful that really struck something deep inside me.

So, that's what's been happening this week... I'm hoping to get much more reading done this next week, so expect something more exciting for next week's post.

(I would do pictures and links and whatnot, but once again I'm forced to finish up this post on a slow computer, and I wouldn't want it to spazz out on me... next week!)

-Chelsie-

Teen Tuesday - Second Edition [Hope].

So... I'm back again. Chelsie and Megan haven't scared me off. . . yet. Just kidding. :p They really are nice people.

I've had a pathetic reading week this week. I had church camp from Wednesday to Saturday, so I read one freaking book this week. Yes, you heard me right. One. Book. It's pathetic, I'm telling you.

I read Violet by Design by Melissa Walker, the second book in the Violet series, and I loved it. You know how in some series you read the first book and really like it, then get to the second book but it feels like the character has changed their voice? Yeah, didn't happen with the Violet series. Violet's voice stayed the same, though her character changed and learned how to fight for what she believed in, which I liked.

Right now, I'm reading Violet in Private, the third book in the Violet series, by Melissa Walker. I'm roughly around the forth or fifth chapter, and things are getting good. I HAVE TO FIND OUT IF ROGER STILL LOVES VIOLETTTT! I mean, seriously. Melissa Walker left that hanging from the second book and I have to find out now or I'm going to die!

I'm also reading The Second Summer of the Sisterhood. I read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and I loved it, but I never got around to reading the second one. It's been sitting on my shelf forever, I've just never gotten to it. I'm on around the forth or fifth chapter, so maybe I'll finish that one this week.

Uhm... I'm reading Chill by Deborah Reber, too. This book is amazing. I got it for Pulse IT, and I couldn't wait to read it. I stress myself out wayyyy too much. For instance, the day I got the book it was the day before final exams, and I was home sick because i stressed myself out too much. The book is all about stress relieving tricks, which I need greatly

Also, still reading Slaughterhouse Five for history. I have to read it by Monday. I just don't know if I like it or not at this point...

Am I really the only one who has to read books over the summer for school? You guys are all lucky. My history teacher is going to make us write papers about the books, too... yay. (Note sarcasm.) Oh well, I signed up for the AP class, I should be able to handle the work.

hope.

Teen Tuesday- First Edition (The Story Siren)

This is my first edition of Teen Tuesday. What is Teen Tuesday you may ask? Well, Teen Tuesday is a place for readers of Young Adult literature to interact with other YA readers. If you think you would like to join Teen Tuesday, simply send an email to teentuesday@yahoo.com with your request.

I hate to admit this but I’m kind of nervous. I don’t have the eloquence of some writers, so I’m hoping you’ll find this at least bearable to read. It’s easy for me to write a review, since I’m basically just writing what I think. I’m really hoping my writing will be up to par with the other ladies of Teen Tuesday.

My young adult reading week has been lacking. The main reason of that being I was on vacation for most of the week and for once reading wasn’t on my priority list. I did finish Miss Educated: An Upper Class novel on the two-hour plane ride home. And then on the following day I picked up Off Campus the next novel and finished that. You can find my reviews for both below.

Is anyone else a fast reader? I mean I’m not a really fast reader by any means, but on a good day I can read up to three or four books. I didn’t realize I was a fast reader until around the seventh grade. I had a wonderful Language Arts teacher, Mr. Stafanski, we called him Mr. S. He never doubted or questioned my fast reading capabilities. Instead when I would finish the assigned reading and my fellow classmates would still be engrossed in the text, actually most of them were probably goofing off, Mr. S. would notice my wandering eyes. He would often have a short story for me to read afterward and then he would ask my opinions on the reading. I remember one of the short stories I read called, The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. If you haven’t read it you should, very thought provoking, maybe too provoking for a seventh grader, but Mr. S. didn’t think so. I remember staying after class that day discussing my thoughts and I remember the huge smile on Mr. S’s face as I left the classroom. If only my joy of reading and writing hadn’t been mutilated my freshman year, things might have been different. Okay, that’s enough insight into my life for one day, on with the post.

So, like I mentioned before, my young adult reading week was interrupted. I did however, have a book in the mail waiting for me when I got home. It was from an author I’ve never heard of, F. Paul Wilson. Has anyone heard of him? Apparently he is a New York Times Best-selling Author, but does anyone really pay attention to that? I know I don’t. I mean I’m excited when I see my favorite authors on there, but it’s not the place I go when I want to know if a book is worth reading or not. Anyway, I have this book now, and it’s called Jack: Secret Histories. I guess it is the spin-off of an adult series. Has anyone read The Repairman Jack Novels?

Currently I’m reading Must’ve Done Something Good by Cheryl Cory, which isn’t a young adult novel at all, but an adult novel. I promised Cheryl awhile ago that I would read it but it just now came up in my reading pile. I’ve only finished the first chapter so I don’t have much to say about it. My review pile is actually waning, I only have seven books in it, which is quite pathetic, but I have twenty something books that I’ve bought, that I have yet to read, so I guess I can pick some of those up.

Well I think that is it. I actually made it through. If you made it this far, it must not have been that bad, but I won’t go as far to say that you enjoyed it. Thanks for sticking with me.

-Kristi