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.

***

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! :)

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin 

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Pulse It
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 452 pages

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.


It can.


She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.


There is.


She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.


She's wrong.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is... wow. I don't even really know what to call it. Creepy, romantic and compelling are some of the words that come to mind!

To be honest, I was a little hesitant to read this novel. I kept going back and forth - from some reviews, I thought it would be the crafty tale that it is; but from from others I thought that it would be more of a disturbing thriller. While there are some creepy elements, it makes for an exciting read rather than something that would scare my easily frightened self.

After moving to a new town to get away from the constant scrutiny she is receiving, Mara enrolls at Croyden Academy of the Arts and Sciences for a fresh start. Mara is an interesting character. I related to her easily, even though her situation was so bizarre and the facts surrounding it so blurry. She has a wonderful support system with her brother Daniel and her parents have good intentions, even if they don't always quite know what to do with Mara's situation.

Then we come to my favourite character of the book: Noah. Oh, Noah. Noah is supportive, caring and gorgeous. He's on Mara's side before he fully even understands why he needs to be and... he has a British accent. Seriously, I got into a metaphorical boxing ring with Brodie and Kathy for this boy (I won, obviously).

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is almost impossible to put down. I started it late at night and the first thing I did in the morning was run to my computer to continue. In between cooking my lunch, I kept racing back to the computer to get in a few extra pages. I was obsessed! The plot is quick-paced with little snippets from the past peeled back until you are presented with the honest truth. The pages will fly and before you know it, you'll have reached the end, dying for more. I know I am!

Cover Comments: Now why can't we have more covers like THIS? It's intriguing and striking with a fancy font and Noah Shaw. I think all covers should have more Noah Shaw, don't you? ;)

5 stars 

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Library
Publisher: Point
Release Date: December 29, 2009
Format: Hardcover

Love is all you need…or is it?

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating, so she vows: No more. She’s had one too many bad dates, and has been hurt by one too many bad boys. It’s a personal choice…and soon everybody wants to know about it. It seems that Penny’s not the only girl who’s tired of the way girls change themselves (most of the time for the worse) in order to get their guys…or the way their guys don’t really care about them.

Girls are soon thronging to The Lonely Hearts Club (named after Sgt. Pepper’s band), and Penny finds herself near legendary for her non-dating ways – which is too bad, since the leader of The Lonely Hearts Club has found a certain boy she can’t help but like… 

Let's start with a confession round: I don't like the Beatles. I don't like them at all (sincerest apologies to Penny's parents). I did however really enjoy The Lonely Hearts Club!

I think we all know at least one person - I sure do - that fits what Penny sees all around her school. What that is, is the girl who is so in love with her boyfriend that she's abandoned her other friends, hobbies and really even herself, to be with him. Do you know what I want to do for them? Giftwrap a copy of The Lonely Hearts Club and put it under their Christmas tree.

There is such a fantastic message in this novel. At first glance, the idea of this book comes off as little more than a dramatic way of dealing with heartbreak. As things move along though, it gets so much more meaningful. The Lonely Hearts Club inspires its members to think about themselves for a change and really celebrates how special and unique they all are. Throughout the novel, the girls start to realize that they don't need a guy to define them.

Penny was a very realistic character. She is understandably hurt at the start of the novel, and the way she deals with it is something I could see happening. She makes her fair share of mistakes, but what teenager doesn't? Penny's friends and the other girls in the club were all very relatable - I felt like they could have been my friends!

Finally, a message to everyone reading this: You are so beautiful. I hope you know that you don't need a guy/girl to make you sparkle.

Cover Comments: I like it! I think it represents the diversity of the girls in the club and I like the font for the title.

4 stars

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Won
Publisher: Egmont USA
Release Date: June 14, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 400 pages

One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. 

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

A delicious blend of romance and intrigue, Hourglass was a book I enjoyed the whole way through - a one-sit read!

Emerson's life hasn't been going exactly as planned. Her parents are dead after a tragic accident and she sees ghosts from the past. Despite the wonderful support system she has in her brother and his wife, she still can't help but feel lost at times. I loved Emerson from the start - she has snark and toughness in spades and there is something just so endearing about her.

The concept of time travel has fascinated me for so long. I am loving the trend in YA right now and it's so interesting to see the different spins on it. Myra managed to write a scientific (very kindly explained to non-science people like me, but still) story without losing my interest. The ghosts from the past and the other elements of the time travel are very well described and were one of my favourite parts of the book.

Speaking of favourites.... Micheal and Kaleb! While I think I'm personally more for Kaleb, both of these guys were awesome. The connection between Emerson and Micheal is electric, yet feels natural, and I can't wait to see where their relationship goes. At this point, we don't know too much about Kaleb but I already like him! Fingers crossed that he gets more time to shine in Timepiece.

With a sizzling romance and likeable characters, Hourglass is a novel that stands out in its genre.

Cover Comments: It's just... so cool. There's a floor and there's Emerson but Emerson is not on the floor. It blows my mind, it does.

Plus, the cover is kind of shimmery in person.

Sonia + Glitter = <3
(Leave me alone, guys)

4.5 stars

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Purchased
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: November 15, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 346 pages

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

Dear Shatter Me,

Let's go ring shopping.

I am so blown away by the fantastic story you contain. I want to gather your characters in a hug, explore your world with a magnifying glass and paint your words on my walls. The story is fresh and exciting, leaving you wanting more more more.

Juliette has spent the past 264 days in complete isolation. All of her life, she has been denied the touch of a human being except for that one time and she can't stand it accepts that's how it needs to be. What gets me is that Juliette has every reason to be a vengeful, hate-filled killing machine. Instead, she is compassionate and generous. In addition to this, she is so strong. Juliette is my new favourite heroine. I want her to be my new best friend, too.

Of course, then there's Adam (picture ten or so hearts after his name, every time). Adam who believes that Juliette can shine and does everything he can to help her do so. He is lovely - smart and brave and honest. But... there's also Warner, who I am a little annoyed to like (just a little!). At times, I feel like I should give him a bit of leeway with the way he is, because he is most definitely a product of his environment. Then I look at Juliette though, and seeing the goodness of her makes me that much more unforgiving.

Shatter Me, your futuristic setting is bleak and dangerous, no doubt about it. The rich and powerful take what they want for themselves and leave scraps for the rest. Society is run with an iron fist and terror is always brimming under the surface. Through all of this though, there is that underlying feeling of hope. New possibilities were definitely introduced and I can't wait to see where they take off in the next book!

Now, I can't help but mention the way your story was written. Tahereh Mafi, I want to hug you and absorb your talent. The English student in me kind of wanted to pull out my different coloured highlighters to pick out all of the literary devices (ahoy there, metaphors!). The writing is effortless and captivating, with such a distinct style.

One of my new favourites.

Consider
me
shattered.

Love,
Sonia

Interview with Michelle Madow

Welcome to another stop on the Remembrance blog tour! This tour is hosted by the fabulous Amanda of Stuck in YA Books. To stop by any sites that you've missed on this tour, you can click here for a full list of all participating blogs.

Remembrance is the debut novel of Michelle Madow, inspired by the music video of the song Love Story by Taylor Swift. Michelle was kind enough to answer a few This or That questions. Enjoy! :)

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Noise or Silence?

Silence. I can't get work done if there's any noise around me. Which means I work without music on (and I love music!)

Summer or Winter?

Summer--I don't like cold weather!

Series or Stand-alone?

Series. I love being able to read more about characters I enjoy and seeing plotlines develop.

Romance or Friendship?
This matters who we're talking about! I think it's best to always have a few friends, and hopefully a romance will eventually come.

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?
Harry Potter! I never really got into Lord of the Rings.

Circus or Carnival?
Carnival, because I like going on rides and playing the games.

Physical book or e-book?
Physical book. I love owning them and looking at them in my library. But when it comes to actually reading, I prefer reading on my Kindle.

Hardcover or paperback?
Hardcover, because they're so pretty! Paperbacks are easier to read though.

Juice or Soda?
Apple juice! I love it.

Talent or Effort?
Effort! Because even if someone is talented, it won't come to anything if they don't put in effort to succeed.

Thank you for having me on The Story Queen!

Be sure to check out my debut novel, Remembrance, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and The Book Depository.

***

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Find it on Goodreads!

New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy.

***

SO YOU LIKE GIVEAWAYS?

So, because Michelle is made of blood, bones and awesome, she is hosting a couple of giveaways at the moment. First of all, there is her cover design and book trailer contest, which has a fantastic prize pack for the winners. All of you talented people - be sure to check that out!

Aaaaand there is also another giveaway, specifically for this tour, open to all Canadian and US residents which involves a signed copy of the book and a mask I will jealously steal from you. You can head over to the original blog post to enter, since I am technologically challenged (and a procrastinator) and have not yet figured out how to put the Rafflecopter into this post. Sorry about that!

Thanks so much for stopping by and of course, thank you to Michelle as well. Happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday (28)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of the event is to spotlight the upcoming releases that readers are most looking forward to.

This week, I've chosen...

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Add it: Goodreads
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Release Date: January 10, 2012

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

NERDFIGHTER PRIDE!

I still have not ordered this one (I hope my copy has an anglerfish!) but I'm definitely intending to do that soon. I will say that this is not the cover I was expecting, especially after some of the AMAZING fan-made covers, but maybe it will grow on me.