I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

I have NEVER loved nor hated a book so much in my life!


Description:


Ed Kennedy is a good-for-nothing, waste-of-space type of person. He spend his time driving for a taxis company and play cards with his friends. He isn't much until he single handledly stops a bank robber. He is painted a hero in the local newspapers. After the fifteen minuets of fame wears away he receives a playing card with addresses scrawled on them. All he knows is that he feels he must visit the addresses. The people who live at these addresses need some help. So Ed helps them. As he works his way through the people he becomes tied too a job, not one with a monetary pay, he is the messenger.


My Review:


This book has hit me unlike any other book I have ever read. Its gripping and raw, impossible to put down. Ed is a rustic and real character, one that could really exist. He is an everyday hero. NO he's not supernatural or filled with paranormal powers but the boys got POWER!! The author really nails the setting, its believable creates the world that Ed exists in beautifully.


Ed faces each new card with unbelievable bravery, I know I couldn't summon that kind of power to do what he does. With every card Ed learns more than one ever thought possible. Ed has days when he fears his new-found calling and days when it brings him inexplicable joy, but with every card he helps somebody. He is learning to be, not just breath but live. He finds some direction in his lost world.


One thing that bothers Ed is that he can't figure out if the person sending the cards is good or bad...


Somebody is playing a cruel game with Ed and as he travels through the cards he struggles to figure out just who is sending him on this wild goose chase.


Explanation of why I love/hate this book:
love-
*Ed is a hero
*The message is strong and powerful about the inner power of what men (and women) can really do and what limits they can break through.
*You question who is messing with Ed till the end


Hate-
* Now don't get me wrong but I don't like the language in this book. Far too much cursing for my likes but it goes with the setting and the characters so I guess the author felt that it was necessary.


Seriously this book is so powerful it should be read.


just sayin,
-Kare

My EPIC Giveaway (Finally!) (CLOSED!!!!)

So this offically my first giveaway so sorry if somthing isn't clear just let me know!
*Contest ends on Aug 13@ 9:00 MST( unless I don't get enough people to enter then I'll extend it)
*Only one entrie per person ( I mean I have plenty ways to get extra entries!) You WILL be disqualified if you enter more then once!!!!
* please note this giveaway is limited to Us and Canada

Whats up for grabs?

13 Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Photo from:
http://rimasbookjournal.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/13-little-blue-envelopes.jpg

Description (thanks to amazon!):
Seventeen-year-old Ginny had always admired her aunt Peg, a free-spirited artist who often disappeared for months, most recently to Europe. Now Aunt Peg has died of brain cancer, and in a characteristically cryptic gesture made before her death, she arranged for her niece to receive a plane ticket to London, where Ginny will begin a series of adventures. Guided by Peg's friends and the instructions in each of 13 letters her aunt wrote, Ginny sets off across Europe. Staying with Peg's contacts or in hostels, Ginny begins to peel away some of the mythic layers surrounding her aunt, even as she falls into thrilling escapades and a blossoming romance!

Perfect You by Elizebeth Scott

Photo from:
http://elizabethwrites.com/images/perfectyoucoverlarge.jpg

Description (from amazon.com): Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and now she acts like Kate's invisible.

And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, whom Kate acts like she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. When Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him when she's sure she's just his latest conquest.

Kate figures that the only way things will ever stop hurting so much is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen -- but only if she lets them....

Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel

Photo from:

Ning

Description (from Amazon.com):

Meet fifteen-year-old Echo, a typical teen trying to survive high school without being totally traumatized by boy trouble, friend drama, and school issues. As if she didn't have enough on her plate, Echo is also still dealing with the murder of her sister Zoë. Although it's been over a year, Echo is still reeling from tragedy that changed everything. Beautiful and full of life, Zoë was the glue that held her family together, and although the two sisters were as different as night and day, they still had a bond that Echo can't let go of. When Zoë's old boyfriend Marc shows up one day with Zoë's diary, Echo doesn't think there's anything in there she doesn't already know. But as she gives in to curiosity and starts reading, she learns that her sister led a secret life that no one could have guessed--not even Echo.

 Just Like That by Marsha Qualey

Photo from:
Simply Nerdy

Description (from Amazon.com):

Things change so suddenly. one day Hanna has a long-term boyfriend; the next, she realizes she doesn’t have strong feelings for him and breaks up with him. one day Hanna trusts her two best friends completely; the next, all of that trust is toppled. And then Hanna finds herself the bearer of a major secret: she was the last person to see two teenagers before they died in an accident on the icy lake. she can’t tell anyone, so when Hanna finds herself drawn to

 will, the elusive boy she’s noticed around town, the kind of boy who’d increase any girl’s pulse, she doesn’t hold back. what she learns about him will astonish her. but what she learns about herself—her friendships, her family, her life—will affect her far more.

Sorry it is closing time, maybe you can catch my next giveaway!!!?

SPREAD THE WORD!!! : D

Dear followers, Uh when did that happen!!!!

Uh when did that happen!!!!

SO...
Last night I went to bed with 12 followers and when checked today I had 25! You know what that means right? NO? GIVEAWAY!!! I have chosen 4 books that I am going to giveaway, details are on there way! (screaming and jumping with excitement!!!).

Follow Friday!

 DO you NEED followers? This is great way to follow and be followed! Check out the rules and join in all the fun now at Parajunkie's View ( the brilliant inventer of this neat little meme) ! 

Just to let ya'll know....

When I get more followers im going to have a CONTEST! Can't wait so hurry and follow!

BOOK BLOGGER HOP!!

       

SO.... This is new and I'm excited for it! Basically a blog hop is were you leave you link at crazy-for-books. Then you can explore other blogs and make new blogger friends! : D The book blog hop question of the week is Who is your favorite new-to-you author?

My answer....

BECCA FITTZPATRICK!!! I just read her book Hush Hush and I can't get enough of her beautiful book! I'm (im)patiently awaiting her newest book Cresendo.

Blogger giveaway

Blogger? Babbling Flow (Sara)

Whats up for grabs? (please not these are advanced reader copies!)
Clockwork Angel
Firelight
Halo
Paranormalcy
Personal Demons
The Replacements
Torment

Ends?
Aug 6th

URL?
http://babblingflow.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-saradise-7-arc-giveaway.html

Well? What are you waiting for?

Blogger giveaway

Mary over at Sparkling Reviews is having a giveaway! Her 20 follower giveaway works like every ten followers Mary adds another book for grabs! :D pretty snazzy I'd say! *Sparkling Reviews!


-picture is from Marys blog just showing you what you could win!!!! Spread the word!

Waiting on Wednesday: Outside In

*"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.*

So I have virtually no info on this book beside the fact that it is comming out in 2011 and that it's the sequal to Inside Out! The first one was amazing so I know the author will out do herself and make yet another shinning book! If you haven't read Inside out go read my review of it here!

http://epicbooknerd.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-inside-out.html

La Femme Readers

SO I found another giveaway so check it out here! Thx La Femme Readers!!!

Epic giveaway!!!

Hooked on Ya books is one year older and in my oppinon the wisest! This giveaway is EPIC, never seen such a huge giveaway! YOU ROCK HOOKED ON YA!!! go sign up because the more followers the more prizes!!!!!!

Click Here

Cool Covers

So I'll be the first to admit that I acctually do judge books by their cover. I love when a cover is stunning but I'm less inclined to read a book that has a crap cover! So I was reading Midnight Bloom Reads blog and she came across an article all about cover art. Its really cool to see all the cover together! So go check it out at her blog or click here! It is a super spectacular article!

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Description:

Keep Your Head Down.

Don't Get Noticed.


Or Else.


I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.




My Review:


So I got this book a long time ago. Like ages ago. I ignored it because I had an already long list of books to read . So I finally read it and well I'm mad at myself for not reading it sooner. I cannot review this book without giving away some important information that I personally enjoyed finding out on my own so I am going to try. Trella doesn't trust anybody and expecially Uppers. When she talks to a "prophet" claiming there is a gateway to outside , she is skeptical but take the challenge he offeres her only to disprove the claim. But by doing so she accidentally starts a full-on rebellion. People she doesn't even know are offering to help or covering for her. The queen of the pipes, her nick name,  takes an adventure that leads to more than she ever expected. A true delight. Every page filled to the brim with action, adveture, and suspense. Snyder really paints the picture so clearly. A story of trust and working together for the greater good. (Ok seriously go buy this book now because there are some twists that the description doesn't even begin to let you in on. What are you waiting for??? GO NOW!). Can't wait till the sequal ,Outside In, comes out!!!!


just sayin,
-Kare

Paranormalcy

So for those of you who haven't heard of Paranormalcy by Kiersten White you need to go do some research now! Anywho I am so excited because it sounds (and looks) amazing! So I found another giveaway and wanted to share it with you... all six of you (HA!). Sophistikaited Reviews is amazing enough to give it away so check it out!!!!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Extrodinary

So I am going to try out this meme to how it goes, let me know what you think! (I know credit goes to somebody else for the meme but I can't remember who. Sorry!)

Extrodinary-

Back of the book:
Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school, and the two girls become as close as sisters . . . until Mallory’s magnetic older brother, Ryland, shows up during their junior year. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself.

Soon she’ll discover the shocking truth about Ryland and Mallory: that these two are visitors from the faerie realm who have come to collect on an age-old debt. Generations ago, the faerie queen promised Phoebe’s ancestor five extraordinary sons in exchange for the sacrifice of one ordinary female heir. But in hundreds of years there hasn’t been a single ordinary girl in the family, and now the faeries are dying. Could Phoebe be the first ordinary one? Could she save the faeries, or is she special enough to save herself?

Looks great and sounds great huh?? Too bad it's not out yet :(


Match-

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

I really love this cover it is well stunning and the plot just makes me want to reach in and read it now!


Numbers-

10102001. That's Jem's mother's number. Jem saw it whenever she looked into her mother's eyes, but it wasn't until four years after the woman's fatal heroin overdose when Jem was 11 that she realized that the number was the date her mother would die. And it's not just that number that the teen sees—she knows when everyone will die by looking into their eyes. Isolating herself from the rest of humanity seems to be the only solution until Spider, a freakishly tall, twitchy mess of a boy, refuses to leave her alone. In spite of the fact that she knows his death date is only months away, she can't resist his overtures of friendship. One afternoon, while ditching school, they head for the London Eye tourist attraction. When Jem realizes that several people standing in line are fated to die that very day, she panics and takes off. Newspapers and television pick up the story, and Jem and Spider, targeted as the terrorists responsible for destroying the Eye, or at least witnesses, are on the run in a stolen car.

Geese just look at the cover! This sounds like an intense book i really want to read it!

Stalker Girl-

Carly never meant to become a stalker. She just wanted to find out who Brian started dating after he dumped her. But a little harmless online research turns into a quick glance, and that turns into an afternoon of watching. Soon Carly is putting all of her energy into following Brian’s new girlfriend—all of the sadness she feels about her mom’s recent breakup, all of the anger she feels over being pushed aside by her dad while he prepares for his new wife’s new baby. When Carly’s stalking is discovered in the worst possible way by the worst possible person, she is forced to acknowledge her problem and the underlying issues that led to it.

This one just looked cool the by description I might read it.

the under cover book lover

So theres this contest for a $50 gift certificate to the CSN store. You should enter! Wouldn't that be EPIC, $50!
Click here

Girls without a book shelf birthday giveaway!

Girls without a book shelf is having a birthday giveaway! So check it out! Its all about sequals and it ends aug 31st

http://withoutabookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/07/birthday-giveaway-sequels.html

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Description:


For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. 
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 


For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life


My review:


You know when you are attracted to a book and can't figure out why? Maybe it was the stunning cover, or the mysterious title, or even the gripping description but the fact of the matter is I was drawn to this book. In a way similar to how Nora is drawn to Patch. I bought it on the fly and don't , nay, can't regret it! Something I look for in books is how clean they are and this book was surprisingly clean I can't recall any cuss words and the most drastic love scene was a kiss. When I wasn't reading this book I couldn't help thinking about it, so like when my parents tore me away from it to eat dinner I was thinking what is Nora going to do next?  It was a book that was hard to put down so at 2:30 in the morning I was rationalizing with myself  whether to put down the book, only to  put it down and then pick it back up at 2:32 (of course I would keep reading!!). A truely captivating book that will have you guessing who exactly is in Nora's head till the very end.

Sophistikaited Reviews

So in my quest for books I managed accross a new blog , they are giving away an arc of Paranormalcy ( a book i have wanted for a while but since it isnt out yet I haven't gotten my eyes on it) by Kiersten White. Just thought you'd like to know.

click on the link to enter but hurry and enter before Aug 1st!
Paranormalcy Giveaway

The Emerald Taliman by Brenda Pandos

Description: To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

My Review: 

I really had to convince my self to read this but I wasn't disappointed! The Emerald Talisman was truly an amazing read. The pros include a strong and daring leading lady, who has a knack for getting in and out of tight spots. Julia is an original character with an incredible power that only she knows about. Her love interest, Nicholas, is the only thing that keeps her alive, literally. He is a mix between a guardian angel and Buffy the vampire slayer male style! He is her protector. This created a crazy kind of love connection.

I have to be honest vampires have been thing I have purposefully avoided because of the Twilight hype but this book sure swept me into a magical place beyond what I expected. Specifically I enjoyed that the main character was distinctively different from any other female character, I liked how she didn't whine over things or throw self-pity parties. She had courage smarts, and wit.

A truly refreshing story about a girl, evil vampires, and the love of her life!


just sayin,
-Kare

so I was book searching and...

I came across a big giveaway! boadcious pen is having an epic giveaway tons of swag and an ARC! check it out!click here!!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer

Back of the Book: 


Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.


My Review:  


I was hesitant when my mom's friend asked me to read it and tell her if I liked it. I was so over the Twilight hype , hated the books, the movies, and especially the actors. So I agreed on curiosity. I knew who Bree was and wanted to know her story. I also knew she would die in the end. A sad truth when compared to the story. Bree, for me , burst through the pages as I devoured her well short second life. Left not remembering her past very clearly, she seeks to know what the future holds. For a newborn she is smart, but will she figure out in time what Riley and Her are up to? You will have to find out for yourself!

Nightlight by The Harvard Lampoon

Back of the Book: 
 About three things I was absolutely certain. 


First, Edwart was most likely my soul mate, maybe. 


Second, there was a vampire part of him–which I assumed was wildly out of his control–that wanted me dead. 


And third, I unconditionally, irrevocably, impenetrably, heterogeneously, gynecologically, and disreputably wished he had kissed me.


And thus Belle Goose falls in love with the mysterious and sparkly Edwart Mullen in the Harvard Lampoon’s hilarious send-up of Twilight.


Pale and klutzy, Belle arrives in Switchblade, Oregon looking for adventure, or at least an undead classmate. She soon discovers Edwart, a super-hot computer nerd with zero interest in girls. After witnessing a number of strange events–Edwart leaves his tater tots untouched at lunch! Edwart saves her from a flying snowball!–Belle has a dramatic revelation: Edwart is a vampire. But how can she convince Edwart to bite her and transform her into his eternal bride, especially when he seems to find girls so repulsive?


Complete with romance, danger, insufficient parental guardianship, creepy stalker-like behavior, and a vampire prom, Nightlight is the uproarious tale of a vampire-obsessed girl, looking for love in all the wrong places.
 
My review:


Honestly , I couldn't even get through the summery with out craking up! Through the the whole book there were silly little jokes that only people who have read Twilight would get. But if you refuse to read Twilight this is the best book to read. It is basically a big fat Twilight joke. I couldn't stop laughing through the whole thing, seriously like every page I would just start laughing and not stop. If you are looking for a light and fun read that makes fun of Twilight then this is the perfect medicine!

IMM (1)

Ok so today I opened my mailbox (which really is just a mail slot a block away from my house) and got really excited when I saw a big yellow envelope. I had been viciously watching the mail waiting for my first book to come. Today however I had forgotten to check the mail (seeing as I have been taking Nyquil and sleeping all day due to the flu , I mean really who gets the flu in the summer) , so at seven I finally remembered and guess what?! It was there my first book. So with out further ado, The Emerald Talisman!

I am so excited to read this!

La Femme Readers

I like to look for and sign up for giveaways because I mean who doesn't love free books! To check out what La Femme Readers are giving away head on over to the blog .Click here

Matched giveaway

I want this book so much but I want to spread the word !!
click here to enter:

Only Sexy Books Allowed

Linger and Matched

Contest for ARCS of Linger and Matched! What a perfect pair! end on July 16th.

Roots in Myth

MATCHED give away again

I really want this book so ive signed up for a million giveaways.

MATCHED giveaway

YA highways MATCHED giveaway!!

So MATCHED is a book I have wanted for a while and they are giving it away. If you liked Hunger Games this sounds similar!!!

YA Highways

the under cover book lover

Click on the link to enter a book giveaway! the undercover book lover

I love book nerds!!!

There blog is incredible and cute!

They have all kinds of contest so check it out!

Book nerds

Let's take a book adventure...

S I stumbled upon this blog and there giving away three books! Compound, Maze Runner, and Gone! hurry an sign up before July 23, 2010!

heres the link: A Book Adventure

If you click on this you can read it. I've wanted to read this for a while so im pretty excited!