Guess What I Got?

Okay, so at 10:00pm last night, my mom and I were grocery shopping. Yeah I know pretty late at night, but that's how my family rolls:)  Anyways, I got a book. The book is The Host: Stephanie Meyers. For the past three months my friends have been bothering about reading the book, I just never got around to it. So when I finally saw at the store, I seized the opportunity to finally read it. A review will be coming soon on it. If you really look you can see the bookmark my mom made me:)

July Book Releases

Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1): Susan Dennard
The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Dark Companion (Dark Companion #1): Marta Acosta
 Orphaned at the age of six, Jane Williams has grown up in a series of foster homes, learning to survive in the shadows of life. Through hard work and determination, she manages to win a scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy. There, for the first time, Jane finds herself accepted by a group of friends. She even starts tutoring the headmistress’s gorgeous son, Lucien. Things seem too good to be true.
They are.

The more she learns about Birch Grove’s recent past, the more Jane comes to suspect that there is something sinister going on. Why did the wife of a popular teacher kill herself? What happened to the former scholarship student, whose place Jane took? Why does Lucien’s brother, Jack, seem to dislike her so much?

As Jane begins to piece together the answers to the puzzle, she must find out why she was brought to Birch Grove—and what she would risk to stay there….

So Close to You (So Close to You #1): Rachel Carter
 Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the strange things that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who've disappeared over the years. Stories about people like her own great-grandfather.

When Lydia stumbles into a portal that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, she discovers that all the stories she's ever heard about the Montauk Project are true, and that she's in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history.

Alongside a darkly mysterious boy she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the Project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices--and if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them . . . and herself

The Forsaken (The Forsaken #1): Lisa M. Stasse
  As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up.

The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway

Never Enough: Denise Jaden
From the author of Losing Faith, a novel about two sisters and the eating disorder that threatens to destroy their family.

Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special… even if that means betraying her sister.

But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship —and her sister—before it’s too late?

Such a Rush: Jennifer Echols
 A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.

High school senior Leah Jones loves nothing more than flying. While she’s in the air, it’s easy to forget life with her absentee mother at the low-rent end of a South Carolina beach town. When her flight instructor, Mr. Hall, hires her to fly for his banner advertising business, she sees it as her ticket out of the trailer park. And when he dies suddenly, she’s afraid her flying career is gone forever.

But Mr. Hall’s teenage sons, golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson, are determined to keep the banner planes flying. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business — until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers — and the consequences could be deadly

The Thing About the Truth: Lauren Barnholdt
 In this humorous love story from the author of Two-Way Street, an unlikely romance is the best sort of surprise—but the wrong secret can ruin everything. Kelsey’s not going to let one mistake ruin her life. Sure, she got kicked out of prep school and all her old friends are shutting her out. But Kelsey’s focused on her future, and she’s determined to get back on track at Concordia High.

Isaac’s been kicked out of more schools than he can count. Since his father’s a state senator, Isaac’s life is under constant scrutiny—but Concordia High’s his last stop before boarding school, so Isaac’s hoping to fly under the radar and try to stay put for a change.

When Kelsey and Isaac meet, it’s anything but love at first sight. She thinks he’s an entitled brat, and he thinks she’s a stuck-up snob. So it surprises them both when they start to fall for each other. Kelsey’s happy for the first time in months, and Isaac’s never felt this way about anyone before...But nothing’s ever completely perfect. Everyone has secrets, and Isaac and Kelsey are no exceptions. These two may have fallen hard, but there’s one thing that can ruin it all: the truth.

Team Human: Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan
 Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love

Once (Eve #2): Anna Carey
 When you're being hunted, who can you trust?

For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.
In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.

Used to Be: Eileen Cook
Just in time for summer reading! Two great books bundled as one- Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood and The Education of Hailey Kendrick.

Hailey is tired of always doing exactly what’s expected of her. She’s going to prove she’s not perfect by breaking a very big rule in a very public way…with a very unexpected partner in crime. When Hailey gets caught, she loses everything--her best friend, her boyfriend, her popularity, her reputation. Now Hailey is up for anything . . . maybe even the boy she never noticed before. But even with her new bad-girl image, she still has to ask herself: How far is too far?



Lauren and Helen used to be best friends…until Lauren betrayed Helen in a manner so publicly humiliating that Helen had to move to a new town just to save face. Now Helen is back, and she’s planning to bring down her former BFF by taking away everything that's ever been important to Lauren--starting with her boyfriend.

Watch out, Lauren Wood. Things are about to get bitchy.


Enjoy the July Summer Heat!!!



I Just Remebered....

Happy (really) Belated July!!!!

I cannot get a hang of things lately! I keep forgeting to do a "Happy Whatever Month it is" post. And doing the following post about book releases. Well, I will try for August to get it on time:)

• HAPPY CANADA DAY (July 1st)
• HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY to Americans (July 4th)

Review: The Selection (The Selection #1)

Author: Kiera Cass

Genre: Romance, YA, Fantasy

Pages: 327

Date of Release: April 24th, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Rating: 7/10


Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. -http://www.kieracass.com/

Review: This book is placed in the future, far away from the year 2012. Well, that's what I got from this book. There was a lot of stuff about China and Russia and America being defeated of some sort, so I gathered that it is set in the future. Obviously, America hasn't bowed down to China... yet. Just kidding:)

First off, the characters are very well developed. I loved learning about America Singer and the world she she lived in. I loved her stubborn attitude. It was amazing. It's in the future, but has all the fun of kings, queens, princes and of course, princesses. That is a wonderful combo. Wait, is it just me or does everyone else notice most of new YA books are set in the future? I guess no one likes the present right now.

SPOILER ALERT!

Aspen really confused me. He really was in love with America, but he kept pressuring her into the Selection. He was happy for her. Then America makes this wonderful picnic and Aspen's man pride comes out and he sayd that he should be providing for her. That ends with him leaving their secret hideout and America crushed and hopeless. After, America is Selected. When America is leaving she sees Aspen with another girl (what is wrong with you, Aspen?). Two minutes later, he is rushing up to America but she is whisked away. Near the ending the book, he becomes a officer for the palace and starts going after America.

Everytime I think I got him pegged down, he just has to do something else.

Prince Maxon was adorable. What prince isn't? Messy blond hair and brown eyes. Like summerime as America puts it. He comes off as a formal prince, that at glance may make him seem shallow. But as the story progresses, he is just another awkward, shy, cute, funny guy who hasn't been around girls. In the beginning, America is like, "No way am I falling for a dude like him." She is totally wrong. You can see that her feelings become different over time towards Maxon. And Maxon is totally head over heels for her!

The one thing that erks me though is when Aspen comes in between them. I do not what America was thinking! Why would she let Maxon let Aspen gaurd during the night? Isn't America trying to get over him? America starts breaking the rules and hooks up with Aspen many times!! Why? And poor Prince Maxon just sits there and does nothing. Mind you, he know nothing. Even the maids, don't they suspect something? Erg. At least in the end, she tells Aspen that she loves Maxon too.  

I adored America's little sister, May. Actually I liked her whole family. Her mom probably acted like any other mother would in this situation. I could believe that my little sisters would be teasing me about Prince Maxon. It was just really believeable.

The plot... I don't really see a plot. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book, but I just didn't get the plot. In my English class we learned that the plot is what comes after the rising action and it comes after the falling action. But there so many things going on I couldn't pinpoint the plot. Oh, this book reminded me of a reality TV show! Something like The Bachelor. I only watched two episodes of that show, so I can't know for sure. I enjoyed the caste system. All royal families are One's, Two's, Three's and Four's are all celebrities or famous or the regular middle class of today. The Five's. Six's, Seven's and Eight's starve most of the time are small-class entertainers, servents or just crimimals. Kind of like how The Hunger Games.

America Singer is a 5, guess what she is? Hint: it's in her last name. Aspen is a 6, he is a servent. That's why he feels bad, when America brings food for him.

The book ended with the BIGGEST cliffhanger ever. Good thing there is a second book coming out. What is the title or when is it coming out? I do not know, but when I do, I will post it.



   "America?"
   I turned at the sound of my name. Maxon was jogging
down the hall toward me.
   I felt like I was seeing him for the first time.
   He had his suit coat off, and the sleeves were rolled up on
his white shirt. His blue tie was loosened at the neck, and
his hair that was always slicked back was bouncing around a
bit as he moved. In stark contrast to the person in uniform
yesterday, he looked more boyish, more real.

                                     -The Selection, pg.224

Belated Birthday Present

So everyone knows that my birthday was a month ago, but I just got my present from my mom today. I don't mind though, because she made it. She went to a workshop and made this beautiful beaded bookmark. I LOVE IT!!!! There's even a sun bead in there somewhere, my namesake.

 

A New Way to Contact Me

Hi, guys! Just wanted to let you know I made an email specifically for the blog. It is athousandbooksandstillgoing@gmail.com. If you have questions about books use this email. Or if you are a publisher or a author you can use this to contact me. Just one request, do not spam me or I will remove the account. No hard feelings and thank you!

Help Bring Thalia Home!!!

I know this post has nothing to do with books, but it is for a good cause! One of my blogging buddies told me about this and I decided to put a post up.



First of all, before you press the link I will tell you a bit about bringing Thalia home. The Whicker family are adopting a cute 7 year old girl with down syndrome from China. The girl's name is Thalia Fearn SongGuo. This is the Whicker's family's 13th child (adopted) and they are raising funds to support the child's needs. To do this they are having a big fundraiser which includes prizes of Blendtec blender, iPad, Kitchenaid Mixer, and a $200 Amazon gift card! To be entered to win prizes donate money and you will be entered.

Here is the link: http://bringthaliahome.blogspot.ca/2012/07/super-exciting-prize-giveaway.html 

Nominations for the Versatile Award

Here are the 15 nominations for the Versatile Award...

1. No Holos! Frankens and Nail Art Blog: Amazing how she could fit so much detail into tiny nails.
2. Sandstone and Amber: Like I said in the 7 random facts I love to travel.
3. Between the Covers: A book blog! Awesome Reviews:)
4. 365 Books A Year: Another book blog. You could see the blogger's personality through her writing.
5. Turning the Pages: More books:)
6. Bound 2 Astound: This blog has astounded me:)
7. Auggie Talk: I love your name, Auggie:)
8. Framed in Words: Her review on Firelight was really good.
9. Book Overdose: Whoa, I book blogger all the way in the Philippines? Asian Pride:)
10. City of Books: He had really cool interview with C.C. Hunter, check it out.
11. Mayhem's Reviews: I don't know if Mayhem is her name or just the blog's name...
12. Ivy Book Bindings: I love her background design. It's beautiful.
13. 2 B Read: This is a blog made by not one, not two, but three bloggers... 
14. OutRageous Pages: Will howl for a good book... funny:)
15. Story Carnivores: For some reason I thought this blog would be about meat and I'm a vegetarian...

That was sooooo hard! It took me about three hours to find all these fabulous new bloggers. I am so tired. Most of these blogs are book blogs, since I love reading out of everything else. I hope everyone that checks out this post will give the nominated blogs a look, they really are awesome.

One last shout out to Ashley from Crafts Like A Teen, who nominated me for this award. Yay! Ashley is helping me make a Blog Header for my blog, so that should up soon.

Okay, that really wasn't my last shout out, this is. I will be going on trip, so I will be inactive for next 10 days.

Goodnight, Everyone out in the world!!!!! 

yawn...

1000 Pageviews!!!

YAY! I finally reached 1000 pageviews:) I'm so happy!

I Got a Blog Award!!!

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhaaaaaahhhhh! Oh my gosh! I can't believe this. I am so happy, I am over the moon! I have been nominated for the Versatile Award by Ashley at Craft Like a Teen. For all of you who can't see me right now, I am bouncing off the wall and having a dance party by myself... seriously. As the rules say, it is my duty to nominate 15 other bloggers for the Versatile Award.

Versatile Award

 There are rules to accept this award...

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging
2. Let the nominated bloggers know that they have been nominated for this award
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself
4. Thank the blogger who has nominated you
5. Add the Versatile Award picture to your post

I will post another post about the blogs I have nominated... But for now enjoy 7 random facts about me!

1. I like Maroon 5, The Wanted, One Direction
2. I absolutely, 100% adore/love MUSIC!!!
3. I have a nose pierce
4. My background is Indian (Not Native-American, like the Indians from India)
5. I love traveling
6. I have 2 birds (Their vicious birds, really. My finger has been pecked on a billion of times)
7. I have the BEST Big and little sisters Ever. (I know some people say siblings are annoying, but for me having siblings make my world perfect) *tears and snot* I love my mom too:)

BONUS: I love watching, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Avatar: The Legend of Korra

You know, I thought that part would be easy, but it wasn't. Uh, the hard part is finally over. But, I want to make a two sentence speech, like they do at the Oscars.

"I would like to dedicate this award to my Big Sister, who got me into the idea of blogging. To my mom, who gave me permission to create a blog. And finally, to my sisters who constantly tell what to do with my blog." -Sunshine