YAY! It's my first time being tagged for a meme.
I've been tagged by Lenore.
1. Who’s your all-time favorite author, and why?
Hmm... what a hard question! I don't have one favorite, so my favorites are as follows:
Jane Austen: Man, that girl could write! Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorite love story novels. She just has a style that is different from everything today.
Laurell K. Hamilton: She has like, what? A gazillion books out and like two or three different series written. Usually I only like one series or one book by an author, but everything that this woman puts out, I can't wait to get my hands on! Even in her debut novel, her talent was shining. She writes alot that could be placed in science fiction.
Stephenie Meyer: Okay, who doesn't love her? The Twilight series was genius. Seriously. And her newest novel, The Host, was amazing. Enough said.
Jay Asher: I recently read his novel Thirteen Reasons Why, and it has become my all time favorite book. That's a hard position to get into, so Jay automatically makes my list of favorite authors.
2. Who was your first favorite author, and why? Do you still consider him or her among your favorites?
I think my first favorite author would have to be Frances Hodgson Burnett. My favorite books when I was younger were The Secret Garden and A Little Princess.
I don't think I'd still consider her among my favorite authors. Sure, she is an awesome author, but my tastes have changed as I've gotten older.
3. Who’s the most recent addition to your list of favorite authors, and why?
Jay Asher, as I just said, because I recently read Thirteen Reasons Why and it became my favorite book of all time. Simply put.
4. If someone asked you who your favorite authors were right now, which authors would first pop out of your mouth? Are there any you’d add on a moment of further reflection?
I'd probably come out and say Laurell K. as my favorite author when I'm asked on the spot, but as I'd think about it more, more and more authors would make the list. It's so hard to pick just one!
I Tag:
Chelsea (The Page Flipper)
The Story Siren
Steph (Reviewer X)
Cassidy (Reading is for Lovers)
Rules: Link to the person that tagged you, post the rules somewhere in your meme, answer the questions, tag six people in your post, let the tagees know they’ve been chosen by leaving a comment on their blog, let the tagger know your entry is posted.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Favorite Author Meme
Winner: Otherspace Contest
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sorry Everyone!
I'm sorry for the lack of reviews or contest links for this week. I've been studying for finals and haven't had the time to read anything interesting lately (except for Suite Scarlett... which I can't review for you right now, sorry again!)
However! Once finals are over, I will try to get out some reviews for your enjoyment.
Keep commenting you guyses! The Otherspace contest ends Saturday.
Oh, yeah. Chelsea's one cool kid. Check out her new site! (It's not completely up yet, but it's definitely very cool.)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Review: A Northern Light
A Northern Light
Jennifer Donnelly
This is 1906. Matilda “Mattie” Gokey’s family seems to be falling apart. After the death of her mother, the responsibility of holding the family together falls on Mattie’s shoulders. She constantly has to worry about her younger sisters and their shenanigans. Her older brother ran away, and her father expects Mattie to help him on the farm. But, Mattie, a writer at heart, is determined to get her high school diploma, especially since her mother wanted her to get it so badly before she died.
She has such great potential. Even her teacher believes that she could become a great writer. That’s why she sends Mattie’s stories to a college. While waiting for her letter back from the college, Mattie receives the attention of Royal, one of the boys next door. And when Mattie gets a letter from the college offering her a scholarship, she knows she will never be able to go.
Even though he doesn’t like it, when their family becomes desperate for money, Mattie’s dad allows her to work at the hotel in town. So when a guest gives her a bundle of letters and asks her to burn them, Mattie finds it strange, but not more unusual than she has seen. Then they pull the body of the guest out of the lake. And the letters could make all the difference.
This book was actually recommended to me by a friend multiple times. So, when I got the chance to pick it up, I did, and I wasn’t disappointed. Jennifer Donnelly’s portrayal of historical fiction piqued my interest. It didn’t take long for the rest of the story to suck me into its whirl of romance and mystery. I loved Mattie’s character, especially since she loved to read.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Contest: More Mark Up May Contests
Shooting Stars Mag is hosting THREE Mark Up May Contests at the same time!
Marked up copy of Tantalize.
Marked up copy of Violet on the Runway.
Marked up copy of either Such a Pretty Girl or Leftovers.
Need more of an incentive to sign up for these awesome contests? You got it! If you enter one or more of these contests, e-mail me at darklaceoflight@aol.com and tell me! You can get another entry to my Otherspace contest this way!
Review: Becoming Chloe
Becoming Chloe
Catherine Ryan Hyde
Jordy is a runaway in New York City. Why he ran away is a secret hidden in his past. He does not worry about anyone else but himself… that is, until he meets Chloe. The circumstances of their first meeting were strange and even horrifying, but they linked Jordy and Chloe into a most unusual relationship.
They are teens on their own in a big city. How much harder could it get? Apparently, it could get much harder when Jordy realizes Chloe is suffering from depression. She even wants him to let her go. However, Jordy convinces Chloe to go on a cross-country trip with him to prove that the world is beautiful and witnesses their lives change in the process.
Becoming Chloe was such a thought provoking novel. While Hyde’s character Jordy seemed older than what he really was, Chloe was just the opposite. She had an almost childlike innocence around her. However, Chloe amazed me again and again with her strength and knowledge. I continued to be drawn into pondering the deep discussions that I would not have expected from a novel such as this. Catherine Ryan Hyde’s writing did not fail to deliver with this great novel.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Review: The Host
Stephenie Meyer
Imagine a world without war, without conflict, no speeding, and no law breaking. Sounds like a perfect world, right? Well, this perfection comes at a price. The world has been taken over by souls, intent on fighting the humans internally and externally. They would take over the human minds, pretending to be the same while the rest of the world was conquered.
This was Wanderer’s ninth life placement into a living creature. She knew what to expect. However, she was taken by surprise when she found out that not only did her host Melanie not fade from existence as is common, but she actively fought the invasion of her mind. She didn’t win, though. They almost never do. Wanderer begins to surprise even herself when she and Melanie make an unusual friendship while searching for Melanie’s brother Jamie and the man that she loves.
We all knew that Stephenie Meyer is an amazing author, unless you’ve been living underneath a rock for the past few years. Every one of her young adult novels has made the best sellers list. However, her debut into the Adult Fiction world with The Host blew my mind. It was wonderfully written, brilliant, sweet, and extremely emotional. I could barely put it down! I recommend you go immediately and get a copy if you haven’t done so already.
Now, I know I don't normally review adult fiction on my blog, but you'll have to forgive me for my deviation from young adult for this book. It was just that great :]
Monday, May 19, 2008
Random: New and Improved To Be Read List!
Yepp! If you haven't noticed already, I recently (in addition to the contest list) added a To Be Read List. Now, the list also links to the book reviews I've done on this blog.
So... for those of you too lazy to look at the books I've reviewed to enter the Otherspace contest, here you go. Enter now.
And you love me :]
Review: Take Me There
Susane Colasanti
We all have our problems. Some of us are better at hiding them than others. Some of us wear our hearts on our sleeves, however. Such is the case with Rhiannon. When her boyfriend Steve breaks up with her, all she can think of is: why? Why did he break up with her? What did she do wrong? Even through her sadness and suffering, she devises a plan she thinks will help her get Steve back. After all, didn’t he say he wished she was more spontaneous?
Rhiannon and Nicole could not have been more alike. They even go through the same experiences at the same time. But in Nicole’s case, she was the one who ended the relationship with her boyfriend Danny. She can’t even bother to explain. Of course not. That would require delving deep into her past, which she isn’t ready for yet.
And James, Rhiannon’s best friend. He tries so hard to deny it, but the facts are staring him right in the face about Rhiannon and him. So what is he going to do about it?
Susane Colasanti brings her readers an unusual perspective when it comes to her novel Take Me There. The reader gets the chance to not only explore this story through first person, but they also get the chance to understand each character more in-depth. It was a wonderfully done novel.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Contest: Otherspace at... Here!
This is my 50th post!
So guess what that means...
YAY! Another contest! *everyone gets excited*
This one's prize?
an ARC copy of Otherspace by David Stahler, Jr.
How to enter:
Leave me a comment telling me which book I should tackle next and why.
(WARNING: Make sure I haven't already posted a review for the book that you're going to say or have it on my to be read list on the side of the blog. Your entry WILL NOT count if the book was reviewed or already listed.)
Want more entries? Of course you do!
Here are some other ways to get entries:
1) Blog about my contest and send me a link.
2) Leave a comment on any future post until the end of the contest. The comment has to be relevant to the post. NO SPAMMING/BUMPING.
3) Tell a friend. If you don't have a blog and would still like some extra entries, e-mail your friends about this contest, and enter my email address in the cc: area.
4) Refer a Friend. Tell a friend about the contest, and tell them to say that you referred them to this contest!
So get to it! This contest ends on May 31, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. Central Time.
(Sorry, this contest is only open to U.S. residents)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Review: Audrey, Wait!
Robin Benway
You always hear the story of the rising star to fame, but you never hear the story of the person whose life is turned upside down because of a song written about them. That’s Audrey’s story, and it is coming to you faster than the Do Gooder’s song Audrey, Wait! hits the top of the charts.
Audrey always wanted her boyfriend Evan to write a song about her, but she never expected it to be like this. Upset when Audrey breaks up with him, Evan writes a scathing break up song featuring Audrey. Now, everywhere Audrey goes, everyone knows her. And not only that, she is hounded daily by newspapers, IMs, text messages, and phone calls. All she wants is to hang out with her friends and maybe get a date with her cute co-worker James. But this song comes between them all.
Audrey, Wait! is such an interesting read! Robin Benway definitely has my admiration writing about a girl that not only has great taste in music, but she isn’t afraid to do what needs to be done. I loved that she had a line from a song to go along with each chapter. I immediately wanted to go home and download each and every one. In the end, though, Audrey, Wait! is a wonderful novel.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Review: Th1rteen R3asons Why
What do you do when you find out that you caused someone to commit suicide? There’s not much that Clay can do when he finds a box of tapes sitting in front of his door. He is even excited since there is no return address. However, not only does the first tape reveal his crush Hannah talking, who had killed herself, but he is stopped cold when he hears her say
I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, you’re one of the reasons why.
What else can he do but to continue to listen to the thirteen tapes? He follows her story through the town and learns not only Hannah’s story, but his part in it as well.
As you might have guessed already, I hardly have the words to describe this novel. Jay Asher presents Hannah’s story in a clear, raw form, and doesn’t shy away from what her story is all about: suicide. The reader is brought face to face with the knowledge that even the littlest of things can affect others immensely. I absolutely loved this novel, and it has now become my number one favorite.
Winner: Frenemies Contest
It's time to announce the winner of the Frenemies contest! Drumroll, please.
And the winner is....
Sarahbear9789!
Congrats, Sarah! I'll be e-mailing you soon.
Thanks to all of those who entered, and keep checking out the blog!
//edit//
Guess what? I happened to stumble across another copy of Frenemies.
Congrats to Tempestt also!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Review: Annie, Between the States
L. M. Elliot
The Civil War was hard on all of them at the time, but Annie seemed to take it personally. As a Southerner living in Virginia, Annie and her mother witnessed enough fighting to last them a lifetime. So when she and her mother save the like of a Union soldier, Annie thinks nothing of it. She is more concerned about her older brother Lawrence in the middle of the fray and her younger brother Jamie whose sights are set to kill all Yankees. She rides out to help the Confederate troops. She holds the family together when her mother falls ill and the Yankees raid their home. But when the Union soldier she once saved appears in Annie’s life again, she has to ask herself what is more important, her heart or her homeland?
I’m usually not a fan of historical fiction, but Annie, Between the States captured me from the first page. L. M. Elliot gave each of his characters something special that is hard to forget after the book is finished. His character Annie especially amazed and inspired me with her bravery and courage to stand up for what she wants and what she believes in. I highly recommend this novel to not only readers everywhere, but also to all girls who seek a book about a woman powerful enough to fight for not only herself but for others, also.
Contest: Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty
Reviewer X is giving away a copy of Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty to a lucky commenter!
Don't forget! You have until tomorrow afternoon to enter my Frenemies contest! The winner WILL BE announced tomorrow night.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Contest: Mark It Up May 1 from Shooting Stars Mag
Shooting Stars Mag is hosting various contests this month for marked up books. Know what a marked up book is? It's a book with notes written in from the author. Sounds cool? Go to their blog and enter to win a copy of Back Talk by Alexandra Richards and The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren by Wendy Toliver.
Don't forget! It's not too late to enter the Frenemies contest!
//edit//
WOW. I just realized I posted three times today. I'm insane.
Contest from Bookloverreviews
It sounds like the contest bug is biting everyone! Chelsie from Bookloverreviews is hosting her first contest. Go check it out!
Don't forget! There's still time left to enter the Frenemies Contest.
//edit//
GASP! Did you notice? There's a new part of my blog. For those of you who missed my posts about contests, I now have a section on the side bar devoted to contests. So check there for ongoing contests, and I'll update I find new ones or the old ones end.
If you know about a contest that I don't have listed, please bring it to my attention! Thanks!
Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why
Normally, once I read a book, I review it. Now, don't get me wrong, I'll be putting a review up for this book soon, but I just had to say this about Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why: WOW. This novel is amazing. It has easily hands down placed itself as my favorite novel of all time. Go read it, now. Seriously. You won't be disappointed. Review should be up soon.
Don't forget about the contest!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Review: Whistling in the Dark
It was the summer of 1959 in Milwaukee when things started going bad. Although, for Sally O’Malley, things were already bad to begin with. Her favorite person in the whole world, her Sky King, her dad, died as a result of a car crash. Her mom remarries just two months later to a drunk. But in that summer, things go from bad to worse. Her mom leaves Sally and her sister Troo in the hands of their drunken stepfather when she has to go to the hospital. Sally tries to watch out for her sister all the time since she promised their dad she would. And, the police have found another dead girl. Now, Sally is convinced that she is the next girl on the murderer’s list, but no one will believe her. Will she be able to reveal the truth about the murders, and the truth about herself, before it’s too late?
Lesley Kagen impressed me very much in her wonderful portrayal of the late 1950’s with her novel Whistling in the Dark. This novel also brought to light the racial and ethnic discrimination that was there at the time. While it was not a major focal point of the novel, it forced me to think deeper about the novel, casting a more serious light to this novel about children.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Contest: My very first one!
You should feel sooooo special cause this is the second time I post today!
And guess what?
It's a contest!
But not just any contest!
One hosted by me!
YAY! *everyone jumps for joy*
The book?
Frenemies by Alexa Young
Want it? Need it? Of course you do!
To enter:
Leave a comment here about your favorite YA book.
Want more entries?
Spread the word!
Mention the contest, and link me to it, and I'll give you two YES I SAID TWO! extra entries.
The contest ends on May 13, which is the release day of Frenemies.
Go on. Tell me how much you love me :]
(Oh, and please leave your email address with your comment so I can get in touch with you, lucky winner!)
Contest: Presenting Lenora
Presenting Lenora is giving away a $20 gift certificate to Amazon in honor of her blogging for one year. Go check out her blog, for this contest ends on May 15 or when her comments reach 50.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Review: Now and Zen
Linda Gerber
Nori Tanaka practically jumps at the chance to be a part of the summer study abroad program being held in Tokyo, Japan. She truly believes that if she leaves, her parents will be able to work out their problems. And, besides, Nori will get the chance to take A.P. classes in another country—away from her parents and their attempts to control her life.
Here comes the trouble: Nori may have a Japanese heritage, but that does not mean that she is a native. But when the very cute German student Erik asks her to be his native tour guide, she figures, what harm could it do? Mix in her cute native savior Atsushi, and her mother’s attempt to continue to control Nori’s life, and Nori is in for one interesting summer.
Now and Zen is part of the S.A.S.S. (Students Across the Seven Seas) series. In this novel, Linda Gerber attempts to break the culture barrier between teens everywhere with a problem common to all, and she definitely succeeds! I enjoyed reading about Nori’s journey to finding herself in her true heritage. Readers, be sure to check out the other novels in the S.A.S.S. series, and look for Gerber’s newest novel Death by Bikini, in stores soon.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
A bunch of May Contests!
That's right! The Page Flipper is giving away two prize packs this month. The first, a few books of OLOGY. You know what I'm talking about, right? The other one is an assortment of books.
The Compulsive Reader is also giving away two different books this month, When it Happens and Take Me There.
Tell Em at Em's Bookshelf what your idea of a Dream Team is, and be entered in a chance to win Footfree & Fancyloose, How to Be Bad, and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist.
Keri Mikulski is giving away two books in her Yay for YA Giveaway. The books? Kiss and Blog, and Life's a Beach.
