Tuesday, May 18, 2010

What am I reading? #2

This meme traditionally takes place on a Monday but I didn't have time to do it until now. This is hosted by One Person's Journey Through Books and basically, we tell you what we are reading, what we just finished and what we hope to read next.

I finished only 2 books this week (egg on face!). I must learn to balance blogging time, writing time, reading time and real life time better lol


The books I finished were:

- Sweet Valley Junior High #1: Get Real (review part 1 and part 2)

- Vampire Kisses (review)


What I am reading this week:
- The same books as last week. I got distracted lol
- Also, Hot Stuff by Janet Evanovich
What I plan to read next:
- An "Alias" novel
- A Lover Like No Otha by Stephanie Perry
So tell me... What are you reading??!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

My friend's shopping blog!

Hey everyone. My friend started a blog where she talks about her favorite products she picks up at the store. If you like shopping, this is the blog for you. I am going to be writing a few articles for it as well. Check out ...

Thursday's Inquisition: My Friend Brandy

I am starting a new feature here at my blog. I will be interviewing a writer or passionate reader about - what else?! - books every Thursday! The first person I asked to interview is my dear friend Brandy who just started her own book blog. I interviewed her over IM so that's why it sounds so chatty lol

Daphne: Let me start by thanking you for the interview lol I want to do an interview with a reader and/or writer every week if possible.

Brandy: No problem at all.

Daphne: Awesome. So let's start talking about books. What are you reading right now?

Brandy: Right now it is The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.

Daphne: Me too! I finally got my copy! lol

Brandy: lol

Daphne: How are you liking it - or not?

Brandy: I like it. It's good so far.

Daphne: Great. Did you recently read anything else?

Brandy: Just fan fiction lol

Daphne: lol What kinds of fan fiction do you like to read?

Brandy: Romance and drama.

Daphne: Any specific fandoms you like to read about?

Brandy: General Hospital, Law and Order: SVU, CSI Miami and New York. I think those are my main ones.

Daphne: Oh and Twilight too right?

Brandy: Yeah how could I forget that one and Vampire Diaries? lol

Daphne: Hehe not sure ... So you love to read and I know you write some awesome fan fiction. Have you thought about trying to write original fiction or be published?

B: I have tried to do an Original fiction but I find it really hard for some reason. lol I have thought of being published but have never done anything to get any of my stuff published. lol

D: There is always time ... Now tell us about your reading habits. Do you read at a certain time of day or when you get bored or...?

B: I read when I get bored or really excited for a book. Fan fiction I read all the time.

D: Cool. I love to read all the time but sometimes you know I get distracted with sleep and stuff lol ... Now have you ever read a book you absolutely hated? Like maybe in school the mean teachers forced you to read something awful? I know mine did lol

B: I really hated New Moon. lol I just found it so boring for some reason. lol

D: Not much Edward?

B: Yeah lol

D: So if you had to pick your favorite book of all time, what would it be?

B: That is hard lol

D: Definitely!

B: I guess it would have to be Breaking Dawn.

D: Why did you love it?

B: It just had a little of everything: love, romance, drama, etc.

D: And you never found it weird that Edward would watch Bella while she slept? lol have heard some people thought that was creepy heh

B: Not me. I thought it was romantic lol

D: Let's talk about your new blog. What will we find on it?

B: I will tell everyone about the books I have read. You will find The Last Song first but then you will find the books I have already read and maybe read again.

D: Awesome! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on The Last Song and other books!

B: I can't wait to share them.

D: Thanks so much for the interview!

B: No problem.

--

You can find Brandy's new blog HERE.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Character Connection #2: Nancy Drew
















This is a meme from The Introverted Reader. Basically, every Thursday we highlight a character we love in fiction. Last week I picked Jane of Pride and Prejudice fame and this week, I am picking another classic character who has spanned the generations: Nancy Drew.


Nancy Drew has been around for something like 80 years and still hasn't aged a day. (Lucky her!) Why do I love her and her many incarnations? Because! Because everyone likes a smart, intelligent, quick-on-her-feet heroine. She's not one of those who stumbles around blindly wondering what she needs to do, she springs into action and just takes charge of the situtation. She has stared down mobsters, international drug lords, kidnappers, murderers and any other type of n'er-do-well you can think of without flinching. My favorite Nancy is from of course the original Grosset and Dunlap yellow book versions but in high school I also had a really big infatuation with the Nancy Drew on Campus books. Nancy in college, dealing with mystery but also dating, relationships, mean roommates ... That was bliss for me and to this day, I love those books for escapist literature even more than Sweet Valley High and its many spin-offs. Come on, how can you not love a series where prudy George loses her "V card"? (lol I hate that phrase, not sure why I used it either lol)


For all of Nancy's many twists and turns, she is forever the girl I'd love to be. When I'm eighty, I hope I look half as good!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Teaser Tuesdays (1)

This is the first time I'm taking part of Teaser Tuesday but it sounds fun. You can find out more about it at Should Be Reading but basically the idea is to randomly flip open to a page in the current book you are reading and share two "teaser" sentences without giving away any spoilers. The book I am using for Teaser Tuesday is "The IT Girl", created by Cecily von Ziegesar. I had put this book down awhile ago when life got crazy and totally forgot about it till I stumbled on it last night lol

Here are the quotes from page 42:

1. "Of course, indecision about losing her virginity wasn't the kind of thing a girl like Brett ever admitted aloud."

2. "The view of the river, which usually calmed her down like a shot of aged whiskey, now seemed suffocating."

Look for my review of The It Girl sometime this week!

Monday, May 10, 2010

As if 2 blogs were not enough ...

I am certifiably crazy but oh well, that is me in a nutshell. I have started a third book blog! This one will be almost completely centered around the Sweet Valley verse. If you loved those little books as a teen or still sneak glances at them now and again, check out my new blog where I will be posting reviews of every book in all of the many spin-off series' + giveaways and much more. Hope to see you there!

So help me Lord! This will better be the last challenge I participate in!

So help me god, this better be the last challenge I participate in lol This will make 5 and I am already overwhelmed. But it sounds too interesting to resist. The challenge is called the 1010 Challenge and you can learn more about it HERE. Basically the idea behind it is to read books in 10 different categories. My categories are:

1. Classics
2. Romance
3. Cozy Mysteries
4. Male writers
5. Borrowed Books (books I borrow from friends or the library)
6. Erotica (I've never read that before so its something new for me lol)
7. Non-fiction
8. TV Tie-ins (books that are based on TV shows)
9. Horror
10. African-American writers

Cheer me on! Five challenges is a lot for me lol

Another day, another challenge! lol

I found one challenge I just couldn't resist. The POC or Person of Color Challenge. I am not a person of color but some of my favorite writers and characters are. I love to read all types of books so this is just the challenge for me. I am late in the game but have done a challenge for May already this month. I will probably do a second one too as well before the month is over. Check out my review of Lost and Found by A. Scraff HERE. To check out the actual challenge site, click the button on my side bar under Reading Challenge #4!

Thanks.

I am not going to put up a list of what I will read for the rest of the year. I will surprise myself and everyone else too! lol

REVIEW: Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber



Vampire Kisses
by Ellen Schreiber
Summary: In her small town, dubbed "Dullsville," sixteen-year-old Raven -- a vampire-crazed goth-girl -- is an outcast. But not for long...

The intriguing and rumored-to-be haunted mansion on top of Benson Hill has stood vacant and boarded-up for years. That is, until its mysteriously strange new occupants move in. Who are these creepy people -- especially the handsome, dark, and elusive Alexander Sterling? Or rather, what are they? Could the town prattle actually ring true? Are they vampires? Raven, who secretly covets a vampire kiss, both at the risk of her own mortality and Alexander's loving trust, is dying to uncover the truth.
My Review: Vampire Kisses ended up being a lot different than I thought it would be. I hoped for something a little less slapsticky and more serious in tone but it was a fun book never the less. It was almost like a parody of vampire stories rather than an actual vampire story itself if that makes sense. The characters were pretty standard and a bit stereotypical, especially the boy Raven coveted. He was gorgeous and mysterious and deep but not that deep that he was original or brooding and intense.
I liked Raven for the most part although sometimes she could be annoying. Still, she's a teenager and most act out and have eccentricities so it was understandable. The character I most related to was Becky, Raven's best friend. I really liked her quiet but strong protectiveness of Raven, her willingness to go along with Raven's crazy schemes just because Raven asked her to. We all need a best friend like that. The last three chapters were really well-done I have to say.
I have the next two books in the series so I will definitely be reading them soon. I just hope they are bit more impressive than this first outing was. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars overall.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Its Monday! What am I reading?

This is my 1st time participating in this meme hosted by One Person's Journey Through Books. Basically I tell ya what I am reading this week and plan to read next. Here's what I am currently reading:


I am into chapter 2 of this book by Tim Myers but I anticipate finishing it by the end of the week at the latest. I will definitely review it. Its good so far. I got it at the library. I have read another one of his soap making mysteries and enjoyed it.


I am halfway through this book and it started out great but about 100 pages into it, its getting a bit dull now. I will definitely finish it and review it. Probably by this Wednesday at the latest. My mom just finished the book and will be posting a review of her own soon on our book blog The Mother/Daughter Book Nook!




I am 1/3rd of the way finished with this Janet Evanovich book. I have heard only negative reviews about it but I quite enjoy it myself. I will have a review for you soon as I promised to mail it on to someone in SPAIN, a member of bookcrossing.com.

WHAT I AM THINKING ABOUT READING NEXT:
- Marked, A House of Night Book by P.C. Cast
- Wicked, Book 1: Witch by Debbie Viguie and Nancy Holder
- Vamps by Nancy A. Collins
I finished several books last week but only blogged on 2 of them. Still, check out the reviews please:
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY MY BLOG!
Be sure to check out my first giveaway HERE.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Top 10 Picks: Favorite Love Stories of All Time

Thanks to the Random Ramblings site for this new meme. We were asked to share our list of our top 10 favorite love stories of all time from books, movies and even TV. My list in no particular order:

YOUNG LOVE

Jamie Sullivan and Landon Carter
- From A Walk to Remember


The movie was okay but you honestly haven't lived until you've read the book by Nicholas Sparks. It was amazing from start to finish and it amazes me sometimes that these two teens could be so young and just have the most genuine love story! I want a Landon for myself haha


HATE TURNS INTO LOVE
Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe
- From Anne series by L.M. Montgomery


Who doesn't love Gil and his little redhead, Carrots? Their story was so well-written and well-developed from the very first book. They sparkled together, their chemistry was palable and I loved every moment of their bantering as much as I loved the first ILYs (I love yous). It doesn't feel right somehow to imagine them with anyone else which is why I ignore the third Anne movie completely.




REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD
Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth
- From Persuasion by Jane Austen




Oh the power of a good love story. It can bring you to tears, make your heart swell, make you feel romantic when you might not normally. And oh the power of a well-written love letter. Captain Wentworth's at the end of the book is so beautiful and heart-renderingly perfect that you might be tempted to say, Darcy who? lol Captain W. is definitely my kind of hero and Anne was a wonderful heroine who was very much your average, everyday girl IMO.


UNCONVENTIONAL COUPLE/FANTASY COUPLE THAT NEVER QUITE MATERIALIZED
Sam McCall and Ian Devlin
- From General Hospital


I used to be a faithful soap opera fan but pretty much stopped enjoying them a longtime ago. That said, early 2008 of GH was the last time I really enjoyed the show. The so-called "scab" writers during the infamous writer's strike wrote some amazing stories. The one that captivated me the most was the burgeoning potential love story of Sam and Ian. Ian could be a dirty scoundrel but Seamus Dever (playing Ian) was the best thing to happen to daytime since Vanessa Marcil first stole the scene as Brenda Barrett. I was anticipating a very powerful, well-acted love story that sadly it never materialized as Seamus left the show and went on to better things (ie. Castle and Army Wives!).

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Elizabeth Wakefield and Todd Wilkins
- From Sweet Valley series' by Francine Pascal

Once in awhile, a supercouple comes along in a book series or book and Liz and Todd is definitely one of those that easily comes to mind. They went through it all - makes up, breakups, scheming siblings, evil twins, vampires, et al and they still were the heart of the SV-verse. In fact, they still are and fan-girls like me are keeping the love alive for a possible reunion in the coming book "Sweet Valley Heights".


ROMANTIC HIJINKS

Josie Gellar and Sam Coulson
- From the film "Never Been Kissed"

Oh how I love this film from start to finish. I love everything about it but of course the love story of Josie "Grossie" and her teacher is epic. Michael Vartan and Drew Barrymore had chemistry that clicked from the first time they glanced at each other and there was the perfect amount of angst to make the happy ending that much more savorable.
---

Julia Sullivan and Robbie Hart
- From the film "The Wedding Singer"
Okay I admit it, I love Drew Barrymore and she can do no wrong in my eyes but her turn as beleagured bride-to-be Julia is something to behold as well. The script of TWS is so well-done but it would have flopped without the genuis of the casting department. Drew and Adam Sandler were meant to act together. Need proof? They did another movie together called 50 First Dates! The chemistry crackled between this two in every single scene and the characters were so real and rootable you couldn't help but fall in love with them.

TRAGIC LOVE STORIES

Ophelia and Hamlet
- From Shakespeare's "Hamlet"
Everyone loves Romeo and Juliet, right? I like them too but my heart beats hardest for Hamlet and his lovely Ophelia. What a tragic story they had but oh so passionate and angsty - my favorite kind of love story. I really loved this play and the movies I have seen of it too, especially the Kenneth Branagh version, which you should definitely see because it chronicles the whole 4-hour journey of Hamlet's tragic legacy in perfect form. That said, I cry my eyes out everytime Ophelia leaves the earth. O&H were meant to be.
---

Catherine Chandler and Vincent
- From Beauty and the Beast, the TV series

Who doesn't love a classic fairytale? Especially one that was as gripping and riveting and amazing to watch as this TV series was. I still revolt thinking that they killed off Catherine's character and thus ended the legend of Beauty and her Beast, Vincent, but what they had together will go on forever and ever in my mind. That was a beautiful love story, the best Beauty and Beast adaptation of all time IMO.

FROM FRIENDS TO LOVERS

Emma Woodhouse and George Knightley
- From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Emma and Knightley. How beautiful a pairing that was. You could tell from the beginning that their banter had lots of underlying emotion behind it, you just had to wait and see when they (and Emma, in particular) would wake up and realize it. Emma is one of my favorite books and Emma is my all-time favorite Austen heroine while Knightley is another Austen charmer I'd like to friend lol


Thanks for visting my blog as always!

Book Blogger Hop (Week 1)


This week I discovered the Book Blogger Hop! It's a weekly event where bloggers and readers can find new blogs to check out and follow. It's a neat idea for brand new bloggers (such as myself) to connect with other book bloggers and it gives all of us an opportunity to find blogs similar to ours. I'm really excited about participating in this! If you're interested, go over to Crazy for Books :)

This is my very first week participating in this activity, and I'm very excited! If you're here on the hop, leave a comment with a link to your blog, so I can pay you a visit, too!

A New Blog by my mother and me!

My mom and I started a new book blog that we will share. Please check it out. We are currently having a giveaway too there!

Saturday Spotlight - Favorite Male Mystery Author

Thanks to Lori's Reading Corner for the idea for another Meme. I love these things lol

Basically every Saturday she will put up a new topic and everyone who participates posts on their blog about it. This week's spotlight (my first one!) is to tell about my favorite male mystery writer!

I had a hard type picking considering its true - I am gender-biased and usually read works by women - but I finally picked James Patterson. The first book I ever read by him was Along Came a Spider and it was AH-FREAKING-MAZING! One of the best suspense/thriller/mysteries of all time in my not-so-humble opinion. I could read it over and over again (if I ever locate my tattered copy lol). He really has a knack for pulling in his readers from page 1, paragraph 1 and not letting go. Naturally, he has had some misses (like most of the books in the Women's Murder Series!) but overall, he's a keeper and has earned his millions hehe. Other books I HIGHLY recommend by him are The Beachouse and Kiss the Girls.

In My Mailbox #1 (better late to the party than not to show up!)

I am going to participate in a new, weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. It sounds really great. They traditionally take place on Sundays but damn, I am new at this and behind in learning all the great things to do on your blog lol

Here's a little information about the meme. Its called In My Mailbox and you can check out all the details here.

So I got tons of books in the mail this week (I shopped my butt off on Amazon.com and believe me, I will eventually be murdered by my mom when the bills come!). I can't even find them all now so I will just post the ones I got today from Amazon.com:

1. The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
2. Vamps by Nancy A. Collins
3. Night World #1 (three books inside) by L.J. Smith
4. Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, Book 1) by Rachel Caine
5. Thirst No. 2 by Christopher Pike (three books contained in its pages)
6. Night Life, Vamps Book 2 by Nancy A. Collins
7. Beware, the Snowman by R.L. Stine (yes I am regressing here lol)
8. Halloween Party by Wendi Corsi Staub

Can't wait to read them all. Also look for a giveaway on some of these books soon!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Jane in June!


I am participating in the Jane in June read-a-thon. I can't get enough of these challenges seriously. I will have to stop sometime soon! lol I plan to read 2 Jane books at least: Sense and Sensibility and Emma and if possible an adaptation or "sequel" as well. Its funny that I found this after blogging how much I love Jane Bennett lol Maybe I should check out P&P again but Elizabeth is so insufferable IMO that I am not sure summertime is the right time to spend time with her, so to speak. Anyway, if you want to learn more about the challenge and participate, click the Jane in June banner above this post or see the sidebar!

Character Connection Post #1



Okay the first character I will spotlight this week is Jane Bennett-Bingley from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Yes I know, everyone loves, loves, LOVES Elizabeth Bennett but in all honesty, I cannot stand her. She takes the term self-involved to new heights. I know that's part of the story but she never really recovers from it. If you think about it, Darcy does all the changing and growing in that relationship. But I digress ... lol

I simply adore Jane. I don't have a crush on her but I love her anyway lol She's level-headed, she's sweet, she's thoughtful, and she's a stablizing influence on her naughty sisters heeh I love the way she guides and nutures without overpowering you. I don't usually like the goody-goody characters but Jane is wonderful, especially as she is portrayed in the Colin Firth version of P&P by Susannah Harker. In fact, Harker is just how I imagined Jane lol (see picture below)


Okay enough with the Harker fan girl stuff lol Jane is just awesome. I wish Austen would have done a book that circulated around her, rather than "Lizzie" (I am blashpheming I know lol).

Character Connection

Found a fun new meme (I am still learning exactly what those are lol)

Basically every week I spotlight a character in a book I am in love with or just really connected with. I will do that in the next post!

First Book Giveaway!: The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols


I am giving away a new copy of the Young Adult novel, The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols. I haven't read it but it looks to be a fun read.

Give away details:
1. The drawing will close on Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 @ midnight PST.
2. I will randomly pick a name and email you within the next two days if you are the winner.
3. You get an extra entry if you follow my blog (just click the follow me button on the right sidebar).
4. You don't have to have a blog to win.
5. All I ask for is a thank you!
6. Comment that you've entered so I can look out for your entry.
Thanks!
Fill out the entry form HERE.

NEW REVIEW: Lost and Found, Bluford Series by Anne Schraff


Title: Lost and Found
Series No.: 1
Author: Schraff, Anne
Summary: This, the first book in the Bluford series, centers on the life of Bluford sophomore Darcy Wills. Darcy contends with the return of her long-lost father, the troubling behavior of her younger sister Jamee, and the beginning of her first real relationship.

My review: For starters, I guess I should say how much I appreciated and enjoyed this book. It was great. Not as riveting as it could be but still highly readable. It focused more on the relationships in Darcy's world than outrageous plots and I loved that. Sometimes you just want a book that has no vampires or werewolves and is more realistic lol I would really recommend this book for teens although I am not a teen lol Parents will love it too as its clean and teaches good principals for young adults without being preachy. I thought I wouldn't connect with Darcy at first as she seemed like a goody-two-shoes but I came to realize that she is a good girl with normal issues and it made her that much more rootable. I really think everyone should pick this novel up, if only because the characters are so well-crafted. Its a book you could finish in 1-2 hours as it has less than 200 pages. Overall, I give it a 3.5/5 stars.

Reading Challenge #2

A second reading challenge (My oh my am I going to get busy real soon!):





I plan to read 12 beginning this morning!

The books I plan to read for the debut author challenge!

1. Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
2. Mistwood by Leah Cypess
3. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
4. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
5. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy
6. Tagged by Mara Purnhagen
7. Just Add Magic by Cindy Callaghan
8. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
9. The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
10. Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland
11. The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
12. Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Taking part in a reading challenge!

So excited!


The Story Siren


Check this out!

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REVIEW: Vampire Diaries Bk 1: The Awakening


I just read The Awakening by L.J. Smith - which is the first book in the Vampire Diaries series - and I must say, overall it was great! Really great. It moved fast, it was tautly written, had a well-developed plot, and was just a quick and fun read. Its very different from the TV show which I like as well. The main problem I had with this book was the main character, Elena. In the TV series, Nina Dobrev plays her sweet and charming and like the All-American girl next door type. In the book, Elena is written to be a royal, hardcore bitch and a half! You get that from paragraph one. The world revolves around her and its annoying. The most annoying thing is that she declares early on that she will "have" Stefan Salvatore no matter what and plays dumb games to get his attention. If I was Stefan, I would have run screaming the other way no matter how pretty and blonde and perfect she looked. Yuck! Elena should die. She out does Bella Swan's self-involved routine by leaps and bounds. That said, I am planning to read the next book so she can't be as horrible as to impede my reading the rest of the series lol
Overall, I give the book 4/5 stars!

Join my book group!

If you love to read, check out my forum please! We have fun discussions, giveaways, free e-book downloads, a reading group and much more!

WE ARE READING

Welcome to my book blog!

Hey everyone. My name is Daphne and I am addicted to books, a self-professed bookaholic, worm, whatever. I will be posting challenges, giveaways and all kinds of cool stuff. Be sure to check here often!