GFC, Bloglovin and Oh, I'm Back!

Hi everyone! It has been far too long (3 months, yikes!) and I'm so sorry for the unexplained absence. Life has been more than a little crazy lately, I'm sure I don't have to explain to you how insane it can get. I just wanted to let you know though that I have returned!

On to this GFC business, I have no idea what's going on. It is obviously past July 1 and the GFC widget looks fine to me but I guess we'll have to wait and see. In any case, I wanted to offer up another option to anyone that is still interested in following my blog. I've set up Bloglovin and so if you are so inclined, you can follow me here!

I should be back with a review (if I still remember how to write those lol). It's good to be back! :)

Source: From Under the Nispero Tree

Divergent Movie News!

I don't know if you've seen this or not but Divergent has a Four! I am getting so ridiculously excited for this movie already, despite the fact that it's months and months away from release. I just feel like Divergent is one of the most difficult books to set down for a second and that it would translate SO WELL to screen. Here's the cast so far, what do you think?

Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley)        
Four (Theo James)
Caleb Prior (Ansel Elgort)
Christina (Zoe Kravitz)
Tori (Maggie Q)
Eric (Jai Courtney)

Which movie adaptations are you excited for? My list is never-ending!

End of Year Book Survey 2012

I participated in the End of Year Book Survey hosted by Jamie from the Perpetual Page-Turner (link will take you directly to the survey) last year and it was tons of fun. So here I am again!

And okay, yes, I am a cheater for most of these questions... you can't make me choose between my babies!

Best in Books 2012

1. Best Book You Read in 2012?

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan. And maybe there were other books I read that I thought were "better" but this book just touched me so personally. It's so, so, so many things that I want in a book and I'm so glad that I read it! <3

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn't?

I had really high hopes for Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne and it was just okay for me. I was expecting high stakes and excitement and I ended up feeling the total opposite for the most part. I still think this one had so much potential... SIGH.

 

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?

I don't think I would have read Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein had it not been a Bookurious Blog It Forward novel and that would have been about the worst mistake of 2012. This book was PHENOMENAL. There are literally no words.

4. Book you recommended most to people in 2012?

Near the end of the year, that was probably Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan. Before that, Storm by Brigid Kemmerer and the Bloodlines series were popular as well. I feel I should clarify though that "recommend" is less of me calmly suggesting and more of me begging on hands and knees for people to give them a shot haha.

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

 

This isn't really a series but I finally read Graceling by Kristin Cashore this year and I was in LOVE! I still haven't gotten to Fire and Bitterblue but I definitely plan to next year.

6. Favourite new authors you discovered in 2012?

I've only read 2 of Maggie Stiefvater's novels so far but The Scorpio Races was enough to secure her a spot on this list. Then there's also Kristin Cashore, Jennifer E. Smith and Jenny Han.

 

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

I'm so so glad that I stuck with Code Name Verity despite the fact that a good chunk of the beginning went right over my head. I don't normally read war novels or even just novels that are so technical and specific but THANK GOODNESS I did.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

Last year was Divergent and this year is Insurgent... These books are SO ADDICTING. I can't put them down for a second. Storm/Spark, Hunting Lila and The Fault in Our Stars also did very good jobs of keeping me up at night. 

9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

 

I'm already itching for re-reads of Cinder by Marissa Meyer, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead. I can't wait.

10. Favourite cover of a book you read in 2012?

11. Most memorable character in 2012?

Can I have a tie of two characters from the same book? I thought Alina and the Darkling from Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo were both remarkable memorable for completely different reasons. With Alina, the growth and development was just so beautiful that I can't forget it and with the Darkling... I can't help but be intrigued! Ugh, he is disturbingly fascinating!

 

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

I think that one goes to The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. It was just so stunning <3

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?

The Fault in Our Stars and Code Name Verity tie for this one. I couldn't stop thinking about either afterward and although special to me in different ways, they were both such emotional reads. My highest recommendation to you if you haven't read either of these.

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?

I pre-ordered and stalked my mailbox for Bloodlines by Richelle Mead and then for some mind-boggling reason, I didn't read it until May 2012. I mean, I LOVE the Vampire Academy series and so to wait this long (for Adrian!) makes no sense. At least I'm caught up now! Caught up and just as tortured in my wait for The Indigo Spell as the rest of you....

15. Favourite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?

"She overcame a moment of hesitation and glanced at Jared. All the lights in his crazy gray eyes were dancing. A shiver went through her, a ripple of his delight. She felt again the way she had at the Crying Pools and at her house, the thrill of sharing your secret soul and having someone think it was wonderful."
- Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

"Oh, I wouldn't mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you."
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

'"We're all right, you know," he says quietly. "You and me. Okay?" My chest aches, and I nod. "Nothing else is all right." His whisper tickles my cheek. "But we are."'
- Insurgent by Veronica Roth

'"Sage," he said. "What are you wearing?"
I sighed and stared down at the dress. "I know. It's red. Don't start. I'm tired of hearing about it."
"Funny," he said. "I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at it."
- The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

"It's like being in love, discovering your best friend."
- Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (and another one from here (you know which one) but I CAN'T. MY HEAAAAAAAAARRRRT! *endless sobbing*)

And I will stop myself now.

16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read in 2012?

Shortest: A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan (187 pages) -- tiny but packed with awesome!
Longest: The Diviners by Libba Bray (592 pages) -- you monster. But SO GOOD.

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.)
The endings of Code Name Verity (or even the end of Part I) and Unspoken. I was DESTROYED after both of those.

18. Favourite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc.)

The crazy co-dependent relationship of Kami and Jared from Unspoken is fascinating. Not always healthy... but fascinating. And I can't help but love it. And then there was the best friendship ever in Code Name Verity <3 <3 <3 (wow, have I mentioned these 2 books before somewhere??)

19. Favourite Book You Read In 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

Still Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan! (and okay, I have linked it enough times LOL)

20. Best Book That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

Hands down, the entrance of Brigid Kemmerer and her ridiculously fantastic novels into my life is thanks to Brodie and Sarah. They always have THE best recommendations. What would I do without you two?

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012

1. New favourite book blog you discovered in 2012?

Oh, there are so many good ones! I'm going to have to go with Sam from Realm of Fiction. Sam is a SUPERHUMAN! Her blog is always ready with amazing, insightful reviews for me to read and she's the sweetest. And then there's Mimi from Mimi Valentine who was like my soul sister, seriously. I miss you, Mimi! <3 OH, and Alex from Alexandra's Scribblings has some beautiful writing and I love talking to her about books... we have such similar taste, it's wonderful :)

2. Favourite review that you wrote in 2012?

Hmmmm... maybe my review of Spark by Brigid Kemmerer? I have to do more 5 Reasons to Read style reviews, I always have so much fun with them!

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

In terms of page views, it's hands-down the post I did on Why Fantasy Rocks. I also got a bunch of e-mails over that one from people looking for some fantasy recommendations. Yay fantasy!!

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?

Oh man. I KNOW that I've read some good ones but I never mark them down! I don't know if this counts or not but I thought Cassandra Clare's post on rape myths and rape culture was very well done. It's worth a read but beware of City of Lost Souls spoilers if that concerns you.

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

The Ontario Blogger Meet-Up was just straight-up awesome.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

I don't think I have one particular moment but just those times where I'm interacting with other bloggers and gushing about everything under the sun... those are the best :)

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog?

Again, the Why Fantasy Rocks post!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Hahaha, all of them? <3 I was kind of surprised that the Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side giveaway post didn't get more attention but I guess it was an older release + Canadian only giveaway.

9. Best bookish discovery?

I've been thinking about this for the past ten years and I've still got nothing. SKIP.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I completed the Debut Author Challenge (yay!) but that's all. I'm still 5 books short for the YA Contemporary Challenge and I am so hopelessly behind on my GR goal that I don't really want to check.... Oh well. According to this survey, I only read like 3 books anyway, ha.

Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. OMG guys. This was my #1 most anticipated of 2011 and I FAILED. Now that Ashley has generously given me a copy of it, I have no excuse!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

Tadaaaaa!

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Blogging/Reading In 2013?

I want to do more book chatting with other bloggers. It's the best part of blogging for me and so why don't I do more of it? And okay, I want to read more too because this year was kind of a flop on the total number of books read. And one last thing: perhaps this is the year I will force convince my dad to read Harry Potter! It was happened for my mom and sister. FATHER, YOU ARE MINE.

***

Wow, I don't remember last year's survey taking so long but I'm at the finish line! Thanks so much to Jamie for hosting this. And thank YOU for reading! I dearly hope that I have not bored you to tears.

Show Off Your Inner TEAM SNAPE!

Hello, beautiful people! :)

As you Potter fans probably already know, the amazing, magnificent, wonderful, etc. etc. etc. Sarah and Lauren have been hosting Potterthon all month long! And although it's drawing to a close soon (*sniff*) there are still tons of posts for you to check out if you've missed them! So be sure to stop by their blogs and take a look.

Yesterday (or today, depending on your time zone, I guess) Sarah posted a Team James vs. Team Snape post argued by the evilly talented Brodie (she's Team James, ugh) and myself. I KNOW you all have a strong admiration for that heroic, brilliant man that fights to the end and never stops loving so now is the time to show it! :) Read the posts, vote for your favourite and feel free to leave a comment as well. ONWARD, TEAM SNAPE!

CLICK TO VOTE VOTE VOTE

Happy Birthday, Canada!

Canada celebrated its 145th birthday yesterday and although I'm a day late in posting this, it's never too late to recognize the importance, is it? Besides, I think I can still hear fireworks ringing in my ears....

I wanted to share some SUPER COOL (disclaimer: maybe) facts about Canada - there are many of them! Thanks to Random History.

1. Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world - try 3, 855, 103 square miles!

2. Canada is the 9th most sparsely populated country.

3. The average life expectancy of a Canadian is 81.16 years, making Canada the 8th highest in the world.

4. A Canadian (James Naismith) invented basketball (see, we're good for more than just hockey)

5. Canada contains 9% of the world's renewable water supply.

6. Many important inventions come from Canada: kerosene, electron microscope, IMAX, snowmobiles, etc.

And now for some environmental facts because they are near and dear to my heart! Thanks to Enviro Dad.

1. Greenpeace originated in Canada!

2. The blue box was invented here.

3. Canada contains 25% of the world's wetlands and 10% of the world's forests.

4. Canada is the 2nd largest producer of hydroelectricity in the world, largely thanks to Niagara Falls.

5. Canada is the 5th largest energy producer in the world.

***

So now that you're all so well-informed about Canada, feel free to share some interesting things about YOUR country of residence! :) I love learning about different countries. Happy Canada Day!

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

JUST IN CASE you have not already seen this news, I wanted to share it. I really, really, really loved Tahereh Mafi's debut novel Shatter Me and I've been dying for the sequel. Yesterday, Tahereh announced that the wait for more of her wonderful world will be shorter than we previously believed because...

There's going to a novella! Except it's not even just a novella, really! Watch this video for all of the details:

But if you can't/don't want to watch the whole thing, I'll tell you the gist of it. There is going to be a novella released. That will happen October 12th, 2012. IT WILL BE IN WARNER'S POV. Yeah. That Warner.

I'm so excited!!! Are you?!

Waiting on... Friday?

Hi everyone!

This post is really more than just the title says... It's kind of a jumbled mix of random things I wanted to share, so please, bear with me.

(Or, you know, be entertained by this GIF instead... up to you)

The Book Wanting!

So, the book that I'm waiting on this week?

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Add it: Goodreads
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Format: Hardcover, 324 pages
Release Date: May 22, 2012

Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange – is it attraction? – and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of – a human who can communicate with fish.

What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either – and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings.

GIMME GIMME GIMME!!! *grabby hands* I'm so intrigued by water creatures and luckily, it seems like I'm not the only one. There are a bunch of books from under the sea coming out this year and I can't waaaait.

The Pretty New Cover!



Is it not gorgeous? I've loved all of the covers for this series -- they're simple yet still so elegant-looking -- and I really like this one too. The whole transition from in the bubble to smashing the bubble to out of the bubble... wooooo, Cassia! Of course, I have yet to read Crossed, despite owning it, but that's a tale for another time.

The Shameless Endorsing!

My friend May (as she is known on the web) has started a blog! Woohoo! It's a writing blog, not a book blog, but since they seem to go hand-in-hand sometimes, I thought I'd share :) I would love for you to check it out if you have the chance.

May is... amazing. She's kind of crazy and talks about writing 97% of the day and when she gets excited about something, she's kind of an unstoppable force but I love her. She is without a doubt the most sincerely sweet person you will ever meet and she's just awesome in general.

Oh, and I like her writing. So obviously I'll be stalking her blog.... Hope to see you there!

(Ah, right, the actual blog. You can find it HERE: Strung By Words. It's all shiny and brand-new.)

(Obviously this was a totally non-biased viewpoint though....)

The Obligatory Explanation!

I feel like I've been absent lately. Not just from posting but from commenting and just interacting in general. I'm sorry. I really do miss it. Talking to you guys is, without a doubt, my favourite part of blogging.

Recently, I've been sick and in a very serious relationship with my blanket and multiple boxes of tissues. I'm hopeful that we're on the verge of a break-up but... I'm pretty irresistable.

I won't even get started on my school work because I would really rather not think about the 2 tests, 2 presentations and 1 project I have due for Monday. Spring Break is coming up (so soon!) though so I'll be able to catch up on talking to all of you lovely people then :)

***

And so ends the LONGEST BLOG POST EVER. Wow.

Too Excited for Titles

So I was at school today when some people starting talking about a supposed new book from J.K. Rowling. My reaction was pretty much, "HAR HAR, okay guys... whatever." I mean, would it be totally awesome if that happened? Absolutely! But I'm so used to hearing rumours like this and I didn't think this time would be any different.

But then.

THEN.

I came home from school and logged on to Twitter. I checked my @ messages. I found a tweet from Brodie that was all 'OMG OMG OMG *link*'

This was the link: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/little-brown-publish-j-k-rowlings-first-adult-novel.html

If you don't want to read it, basically it just says that J.K. Rowling IS publishing another novel! It will be with Little, Brown instead of Bloomsbury like the Harry Potter series but really, who cares? J.K. Rowling will have another novel out! It is going to be adult instead of children's but I can totally do that if it's by Queen Rowling.

Also, I don't know if this is news or not, but Bloomsbury says in the article that they're planning to publish illustrated editions of the Harry Potter series starting in 2013. That's so exciting!

It's a good day <3

Love Triangle Debate

As you probably know, the February Valentine's Event (hosted by Brodie of Eleusinian Mysteries and Lisa of Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me) is going on RIGHT NOW! There are hot boys and prizes and cute boys and interviews and gorgeous boys and.... yeah. You get the picture.

For the debate of Luc vs. Gabriel (from the Personal Demons series by Lisa Desrochers), I was lucky enough to host Gabriel.

Now, guys. I know he is a total underdog. I was totally aware of that going into this. I looooove Gabriel though and I hope I'm not the only one! I won't say much because hopefully what I mean got across in my post but I just... love him.

To see my post, as well as the one for Luc, go here:

VOTE!!!

The Hunger Games Trailer

The new Hunger Games trailer has been released! Have you seen it yet?

I LOVE the trailer. Honestly, every time I see a new picture or read a new interview or see a new clip, I'm more and more impressed with Jennifer Lawrence. That scene with Prim where she volunteers in her place? Amazing. I think she'll be a perfect Katniss. 

And it's February now! We're so close to getting to see the actual movie it's insane. It feels like yesterday that the cast was getting announced but it's almost here! I can't wait to see it.

What do you think of the trailer?

Where I've Been (Hiding)

Hi there.

Remember me?

Sorry for the random, unannounced hiatus that I took. The unannounced part wasn't intended but Blogger clearly decided that my explanation post was subpar and ate it instead.

So instead, you get an explanation now! Yay!

Okay, so here's what's up. I just finished my exams today (HOORAY!*) and so the past couple of weeks have been incredibly stressful for me. I'll spare you all the gory details but between my four exams, multiple summative assessments and remembering to sleep/eat/breathe/etc. in the free moments, I've been a little preoccupied. Like, I have built myself a study cave which I rarely emerge from.

Before that, there was a while when I didn't even have access to the Internet (I did have one post scheduled but that was all) so obviously that was a no-go as well. 

Now that everything is over (ANOTHER HOORAY!) and I have three whole days before school starts back up again -- on a Friday -- things should be back to normal. Who's ready for some more reviews? ;) I have, I believe, SEVEN for you (that I still have to um, write). I know, exciting.

Hope you've all been having a lovely break from me! Be sure to update me on what's new because I am hopelessly out of the loop.

*When I came home today, I did a full-out happy dance. BE GRATEFUL YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO SEE IT.

I'm so happy :D So happy! It's all over! LET THE SLEEP COMMENCE!


2012 Reading Challenges

Last year, when I started out as a blogger, it was March and I was mostly just trying to keep up with everything and adjust. I didn't sign up for any challenges, either because the time for that was over or because I just didn't feel ready for it. This year though, I am happily participating in two challenges (so far):

The 2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren

I've actually already done a post on this challenge, but here's a re-post of the books I hope to get to. Again, it's not a final list by any means but I am super excited for all of these books.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg

Tempest by Julie Cross

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

Slide by Jill Hathaway

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Also, a book that wasn't on my original list but definitely is now: The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams.

The other challenge I've signed up for is:

The 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge hosted by Katie's Book Blog and Reading Angel

I've decided to go with Level 3 (15+ books) for this challenge. A challenge it shall be! I'm confident enough that I'll be able to reach my goal though.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jansen
Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby
Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
In Honor by Jessi Kirby
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney
Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn Williams

Now, THAT was a fun list to come up with! I hadn't even realized that there were so many 2012 contemporaries that I had on my list, but there you are. I actually cut a few out because it looked kind of overwhelming.

***

This whole experience should be fun! Probably nerve-wracking, too. And stressful, if I leave it all for the end like I have a habit of doing. Let's just focus on the fun part though ;)

Are you participating in any challenges this year? Any pointers for me from those that have attempted/successfully completed them in the past? Let me know!

End of Year Book Survey

So Jamie from The Perpetual Page-Turner has this book survey going on right now. As soon as I saw the post, I was like, "YES! SURVEY ME!" For some reason, I love love love answering questions in surveys (like those ones on Facebook and stuff? Yeah.) Anywaaaaays, here we are.

You can find the survey HERE!

1. Best Book You Read in 2011?

I am actually prepared for this question! It's being asked all over the place at this time of year and so I've already gone through the horrible process of picking JUST ONE.

I'm going to have to say...

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton! You have no idea how pumped I was to read this book... it seemed like almost everyone adored it and it really sounded like something I would like :(

3. Most Surprising (in a good way!) Book of 2011?

Probably The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. I went back and forth with this book before reading it and I had no idea what really to expect. WOW though... I loved it!

4. Book You Recommended To People Most in 2011?

I was pretty adamant that my reader friends read Divergent by Veronica Roth. I even loaned out my signed copy!

5. Best Series You Discovered in 2011?

I think it was probably The Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan. I LOVE THOSE BOOKS <3 If you haven't started the series yet, you are missing out!

6. Favourite New Authors You Discovered in 2011?

Oh so many... Stephanie Perkins, Gayle Forman, Laini Taylor, Lauren Oliver... I worship them.

7. Best Book That Was Out of Your Comfort Zone or Was a New Genre For You?

I think it was probably Bumped by Megan McCafferty! This was such a new thing for me but I'm really, really glad I gave it a shot.

Sidenote: I need to read more books that are out of my comfort zone!

8. Most Thrilling, Unputdownable Book in 2011?

I think it was probably Divergent by Veronica Roth... I wanted to take this book into the shower with me.

9. Book You Most Anticipated in 2011?

Clockwork Prince! I just got it but I haven't yet started reading. I'll probably save it for winter break.

10. Favourite Cover of a Book You Read in 2011?

 

11. Most Memorable Character in 2011?

Ooh, tough question! I think Cassel from the Curse Workers series by Holly Black is incredibly memorable. Also, Sam from Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall.

12. Most Beautifully Written Book Read in 2011?

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab, Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor OR Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I can't decide!

13. Book that had the Greatest Impact on you in 2011?

I think it was most likely Gayle Forman's novels - If I Stay and Where She Went. Beautiful and heartbreaking.

14. Book You Can't Believe You Waited UNTIL 2011 to Finally Read?

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan or The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. WHY, SONIA?

15. Favourite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011?

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder:

"sometimes, love is loud.
 sometimes, love is quiet.

 Always, love is my mom."

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor:

"Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic."

Delirium by Lauren Oliver:

"Sometimes I feel like if you just watch things, just sit still and let the world exist in front of you-sometimes I swear that just for a second time freezes and the world pauses in its tilt. Just for a second. And if you somehow found a way to live in that second, then you would live forever.”

+ probably many, many more that I can't find at the moment.

16. Book That You Read in 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Be Reread in 2012?
I would love to re-read Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins!

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.)
Either THAT MOMENT in The Demon's Lexicon or THE END of Delirium.

First one: ... what? o.O x5487598345 Then... OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG.
Second one: NOOOOOOO!

Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead! Why haven't I read it yet? :(

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?
I'm... supposed to pick... one? Just ONE? *rocks back and forth*

Okay. I'm going to go with... Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. I am also, btw, TERRIFIED to read this book but I have faith in Lauren Oliver who has basically blown my mind with every single book so far.

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

I want to read more! It's always tough to find the balance between reading and All That Other Stuff and next year will undoubtedly be even busier, but I'm determined to find some extra time.

I also hope to do some more blog exploring! I feel like I've seen one billionth of the blogosphere and I'd love to meet all the lovely people out there :) With that, I seriously need to up the number of comments I make.

***

Phew! That's it!

Just a sidenote: Sorry that the posts have been pretty sparse lately. This is probably the busiest time of year for me in terms of school and other stuff. Plus, there was my birthday! My friends made a glitter pinata and I know you have no idea what I mean by that BUT for anyone curious...

Basically a giant paper mache eyeball was made - painted and with all of the proper veins and everything. They filled the eyeball with TONS of glitter and smashed it over my head. So, the glitter all came raining down on me. This happened like 5 days ago and I am still finding stray pieces of glitter all over me, not to mention my things! So yeah :) It's been a crazy (but great) week.

I Am Silent

Today, I am silent.

Here is some information about the Vow of Silence, taken directly from the Free the Children website:

We won’t stand by while children are subjected to exploitation, poverty and the denial of their basic rights. Every day, millions of children are silenced by these abuses. But we can take a stand for children everywhere.  

The Vow of Silence is Free The Children’s annual fundraising and awareness-raising campaign that engages tens of thousands of participants to stand up for children whose rights are not being upheld. 

From Toronto to Mexico City, London to San Francisco, Beijing to Jakarta, Vancouver to Sydney and back, on November 30, 2011, young people will go silent for 24 hours in solidarity with children who are being silenced by poverty and exploitation. For Vow participants, being silent can mean refraining from speaking. It can also mean not using email, Facebook, Twitter or text messaging. It can even mean not using hand gestures, note writing or any communication at all. Participants like you can determine your level of silence based on what you’re comfortable with. 

This campaign can be done as an individual, group, school, or even an entire city. 

So take the Vow. Take action, raise funds and awareness for Free The Children. On November 30th, go silent in solidarity with children who are denied their human rights and denied their voice.

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FYI: This is a scheduled post since I won't be communicating through notes, e-mail, Twitter, etc. on the 30th. This will be my 4th year participating in the Vow of Silence, so wish me luck! :)

Meet Melanie Card!

THIS JUST IN (my inbox): Author of the newly-released novel Ward Against Death, Melanie Card, will be meeting readers and signing books in Canada very soon. Here are the details:

Melanie Card signing
Monday, September 19, 2011 (tomorrow!)
6:00-8:00 PM

Let Them Eat Cake
23 Albert Street, Stratford, Ontario

I know this is very last-minute, but I just got the e-mail from a publicist at Entangled Publishing a minute ago. If you're in the area and would  like to attend, all the details can be found here. There's info on that page for you to make a reservation and also some other interesting tidbits.

I won't be able to attend the signing personally, but I hope any and every person that does go has a blast!

That's all for now :) Enjoy the rest of your weekend!