Monday, August 31, 2009

My Life in Pink And Green

Hey everyone,

Lets just pretend that I haven't had any written reviews in ages, okay? Because I feel really bad that I haven't posted any in a while. For me, my 1st priority is FiveAwesomeYAFans and I know that I've reviewed a book almost every week for FiveAwesomeYAFans.



My Life in Pink And Green (ARC) by Lisa Greenwald


Summary from Barnes & Noble.com:

"Twelve-year-old Lucy Desberg is a natural problem solver. After the local homecoming queen shows up at her family’s struggling drugstore with a beauty disaster that Lucy helps to fix, Lucy has a long line of makeover customers for every school dance and bat mitzvah. But all the makeup tips in the world won’t help save the pharmacy. If only she could find a way to make the pharmacy the center of town again—a place where people want to spend time, like in the old days. Lucy dreams up a solution that could resuscitate the family business and help the environment, too. But will Lucy’s family stop fighting long enough to listen to a seventh-grader?"


My Review:

This book is geared towards the middle grade crowed more than YA. I found this book to be really cute. Lucy, the main character, was very mature for her age in her quest to help save her family's pharmacy. I would have loved to have Lucy as a friend in JR high, I could have used the general beauty tips on putting on makeup, I knew how but it took me a few years to figure out that less really is more. I also like how each of the chapters started with a beauty or business tip. Lisa Greenwald did a good job at capturing the voice of a twelve year old, it reminded me of how I used to speak when I was that age. Overall, it was a cute book. The arch of the storyline was done with ease and perfection, I was very satisfied with each part-- beginning, middle, and end.


Star Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. I say that this book is worth checking out from your local library or buying in paperback (when it's available). It definitely was cute.

Release date: March 2009

Pages: 267


More later,


~Genevieve

152 followers!

Hey!

Guess what?? I have 152 followers. HOW COOL IS THAT!?!? Every time I notice that I have a new follower it makes me happy. But I restrain myself from giving daily updates on how many followers I have and stick to the milestones like 50, 100, and now 150! If I wasn't already having a contest for a three book giveaway, I'd totally throw one. SO we'll have to wait until the next milestone (200!) before I have a celebratory contest about followers. Maybe next month I'll have 2 contests just because I hit 150 this month. : D

~G

Friday, August 28, 2009

Friday's Featured Friend: Jaime from Revenge of the Book Nerds!

Hey Everyone,

This week for Friday's Featured Friend we have Jaime from stopping by from Revenge of the Book Nerds!

***

Hi Jaime, why don't you tell the readers a bit about yourself!

Sure! A little bit about me hmmm. Well, to start I am a single mother and am raising my daughter Emma who is 6 and has multiple disabilities due to being a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome when she was 11 months old. She is my world, my sweetheart, joy and headache all in one! I just decided to return to college for a career switch. I worked in the medical field with cancer patients (Nuclear Medicine- PET Scanning) and now I want to be on the business end of it!


So when did you start blogging and what prompted you to do so?

I was let go from my job in April, with my daughter's pending surgery, I decided I would read all the books in my TBR pile (Yeah, don't laugh.. you know you have the same goals! Hahahahahaha. Oh and yeah.. my pile has GROWN since I began this "project") and write reviews on a blog. I have always been such a book lover and my taste so eclectic, that I thought why not blog and write reviews and discuss books!


If you had to sum your blog up in 5 words or less, what would you say?

Revenge of the book nerds!!!!

(Genevieve's note: Before this interview, Jaime's blog was named "For The Love of All That is Written"... Notice the new change in blog name!)


What is one book you would recommend to everyone?

That is so hard! One book. Gosh, I could recommend 20! haha. "Of Mice and Men" Wait. Can I add another one? "Stinky Cheese Man"


What are some of your hobbies (other than blogging)?

What?? You mean there are hobbies outside of blogging? I am in Arizona and right now it's indoor season with the unbearable heat, so when it cools down I love to hike, rock climb, visit zoos, museums, science centers, and I love to bowl! I also enjoy game board night with my girlfriends. We all bring a dish, we crack a bottle of wine (or 4.. shhhh don't tell anyone) and play boardgames while we chat about relationships, kids, music, books, etc.


What is a question you wish you were asked, and can you answer it for us?

Man, oh man, this is the one that had me thinking the hardest and longest.... hmmmmmm let's see.. I wish I was asked... Am I happy with my life? The answer is.. YES! Wouldn't change the past for anything. Thank you so much for having me on your blog, you keep up the great work!


Thanks Jaime for stopping by! If you are an author or a book blogger and would like to be interviewed for Friday's Featured Friend, just e-mail me with your info (Name and blog/website URL) to:

caprubia(at)gmail(dot)com


More later,

~Genevieve

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Last day to enter!

One last reminder- today is the last day to enter in my half birthday contest. It ends tonight at 11:59 PST. Enter HERE!

Wishing for Wednesday (16)

Hey Everyone!


So I decided to do my own version of Waiting on Wednesday. Waiting on Wednesday is a way to showcase books that are not yet released but excited to see they are coming out. It's hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. My version isn't for just books that haven't come out yet but any book that I am wishing to get. Each week I'll put up a book that I'm "Wishing for" or "Waiting on". I just kind of like the name Wishing for Wednesday better. : )

This week is a book that I'm "Wishing for":


Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph

Summary from Danielle Joseph's website:

"High school senior Teresa Adams is so painfully shy that she dreads speaking to anyone in the hallways or getting called on in class. But in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks out doing mock broadcasts for Miami's hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather. When a slot opens up at The SLAM, Tere surprises herself by blossoming behind the mike into confident, sexy Sweet T to everyone's shock, she's a hit! Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ's awesome taste in music. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest, and a prom date with Sweet T is the grand prize, Sweet T's dream could turn into Tere's worst nightmare. . . ."

This book has been released since May and it's been on my radar for a while. Lately I've read a few books that have music in their themes-- i.e. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Audrey Wait!, and Pop Princess. So far I've enjoyed them and Shrinking Violet looks like it'll be an awesome read.

Any good books you're looking forward to?



~Genevieve

P.S. Have you checked out my newly cleaned up sidebars? I made posts yesterday to clean up my blog. I'm very proud of how it has turned out so far!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Blog Awards List

Here is a list of various blog awards I have received:

Lanna from A Community For Bookworms gave me the I Love Your Blog award:






Yan from Books By Their Covers and Lanna from Warped [to the] Max! both gave me the Sisterhood Award:



Korianne from Korrianne Speaks gave me the Your Blog is Fabulous! award:




Morgan from Books and Literature for Teens gave me the One Lovely Blog Award:




Amber{ella} from Must Lust for Books! gave me the Splash Award:

Sites you can find Genevieve

Here are some sites that you can find me at:

Facebook:
Genevieve Thursday's Profile
Genevieve Thursday's Facebook profile
Create Your Badge


Five Awesome YA Fans ning:

Visit FiveAwesomeYAFans


Maureen Johnson ning:

Visit Maureen Johnson


Nerdfighters ning:

Visit Nerdfighters


YA Book Club:





Blog clean up

Hey everyone,

I'm just doing some blog clean up today. So don't be confused if you see random posts about Promotional Information or other things like that. I need to clean up my sidebars a bit. : )

~Genevieve

PROMOTIONAL INFORMATION

Reviewing books:

If you would like your book reviewed by Genevieve's Blog you can contact Genevieve with "GB-REVIEW BOOKS" as the subject. I'll accept most review copies of YA books. I like fantasy, romantic comedy, mysteries, dramas, and more. Just email me, tell me about your book, and I'll forward you my address if I'm interested.


I do not accept E-books because I tend to get headaches when reading computer screens for too long. As of 2010, I also do not accept self published books (or books from vanity presses) --- I've had both good and bad experiences with reading self published books but have decided to decline them from here on out.

Also, if I really like the book, I'll review it for Five Awesome YA Fans.


Contests:


If you are an author and would like to hold a contest on Genevieve's Blog--please feel free to contact Genevieve with "GB-HOSTING A CONTEST" as the subject.

NOTE: I am open to hosting contests that are not YA book related. Example: If an artist on Esty wants to do a giveaway contest. Just tell me if you have any ideas.



Author Interview or Guest Blog:

If you are a YA author or book blogger and would like to be interviewed by Genevieve's Blog or a guest blog, please send Genevieve an with "FRIDAYS FEATURED FRIEND" as the subject. I have a meme where I feature authors or book bloggers on the occasional Friday. Here are the past Fridays.


Email: caprubia(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Contest Reminder!

Hey everyone,

So you know that giant contest that I'm having on my blog? Well, we are getting close to the minimum of 100 people entering and I've decided that it'll close midnight PST on Wednesday 8/26.

Enter the contest HERE! Remember there are about 17 books up for grabs!

~Genevieve


P.S. My contest for Books 1-3 of The Circle of Friends by L. Diane Wolfe is still going until September 3rd. Enter HERE.

Monday, August 24, 2009

I'm guest blogging!

Hey eveyone,

So I was asked to guest blog for my good friend Emma at Booking Through 365.

Four reasons why you should go check out Booking Through 365:

  1. I filled out a long fun book meme
  2. Emma's blog is Awesome
  3. Emma is an awesome person
  4. She's having a contest for 2 books HERE

So, go over to see my guest post HERE. : )

~Genevieve

Friday, August 21, 2009

Intertwined Sweepstakes

Now this is a contest to enter! You have a chance of winning the grand prize of $10,000. There are also some pretty cool prizes for the runner up winners. : )


Living Dead Girl vlog review!

Hi everyone!

So yesterday was an awesome day. Adam and I went down to Irvine (which is like 2-3 hours away) and hung out with author Robyn Schneider for a few hours. I had so much fun! Now, I've got some things to do right now but later this weekend/beginning of next week I'll write a blog about Robyn and why she is awesome.

Here is my latest FiveAwesomeYAFans video where I reviewed Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott:




Also, Adam reminded me that I still haven't posted a BEA blog. Do you guys still want to hear about it all? Or is it too late?

~Genevieve

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Random funny thing

Hi,

So, I have a twitter and so does FiveAwesomeYAFans. I was looking through the FAYAF e-mails and much to my surprise, I see this:




Well, I just busted up laughing when I saw that God was following us!

More later,

~Genevieve

P.S. In case you wanted to know--  HERE is my Twitter, and HERE is the FiveAwesomeYAFans Twitter.

Wishing for Wednesday (15)

Hey Everyone!


So I decided to do my own version of Waiting on Wednesday. Waiting on Wednesday is a way to showcase books that are not yet released but excited to see they are coming out. It's hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. My version isn't for just books that haven't come out yet but any book that I am wishing to get. Each week I'll put up a book that I'm "Wishing for" or "Waiting on". I just kind of like the name Wishing for Wednesday better. : )

This week is a book that I'm "Wishing for":


How To Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier


Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"Welcome to New Avalon, where everyone has a personal fairy. Though invisible to the naked eye, a personal fairy, like a specialized good luck charm, is vital to success. And in the case of the students at New Avalon Sports High, it might just determine whether you make the team, pass a class, or find that perfect outfit. But for 14-year-old Charlie, having a Parking Fairy is worse than having nothing at all-especially when the school bully carts her around like his own personal parking pass. Enter: The Plan. At first, teaming up with arch-enemy Fiorenza (who has an All-The-Boys-Like-You Fairy) seems like a great idea. But when Charlie unexpectedly gets her heart's desire, it isn't at all what she thought it would be like, and she'll have resort to extraordinary measures to ditch her fairy. The question is: will Charlie herself survive the fairy ditching experiment?"


Paperback Release Date: September 29, 2009


I've heard some really good things about this book. I know that it has been out for a while but I'll probably wait for the paperback version before I buy it. Although, I like the hardback cover much more:

Which cover do you like better? And what are you waiting or wishing for this Wednesday?


<3

~Genevieve

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Prom video review + What should I read next?

Hey Everyone,

I forgot to post my Five Awesome YA Fans video from Thursday. I reviewed Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson and talked about fictional crushes. Here it is:





Also, at the end of the video I asked the viewers what book I should read and review for this week. So far, not many people have answered the question so I'm giving you guys a chance to weigh in. The options are:

  • Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
  • Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (release date in October)
  • Girl In The Arena by Lise Haines (release date in October)
  • Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott


Plus, on Scott Westerfeld's blog he told us about how Uglies can be downloaded for free on the Simon & Schuster site. Click HERE for the link to download it! Personally I loved the Uglies trilogy.


I've also been wondering, what do you guys think of my "Friday's Featured Friend" graphic? I spent a lot of time working on it and I'd like to know if other people like or dislike it. Here it is:


And if you are an author or book blogger and would like to be feature on Friday's Featured Friend, just e-mail me at:
caprubia(at)gmail(dot)com



More later,


Genevieve

Friday, August 14, 2009

Friday's Featured Friend: L. Diane Wolfe + Contest!

Hey Everyone,

Today I have the pleasure of introducing a new feature on my blog: Friday's Featured Friend. I will try to feature an author or a book blogger nearly every Friday. This week we have the author L. Diane Wolfe stopping by to give us an interview. Plus, I am giving away her 1st three books to one lucky winner!


****


Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” to her fans, the author is a member of the National Speakers Association. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties all of Wolfe’s goal-setting and leadership seminar’s information together into one complete, enthusiastic package. The author’s young adult series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories that appeal to both teens and concerned parents. Ten years associating with a motivation training system and her experience as a foster parent gave her the in-depth knowledge of relationships, personality traits and success principals. Wolfe travels the East Coast extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements. She averages over one hundred appearances each year, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, manages an online writer’s group, and contribute articles for several other sites. She also does characterization sessions for schools and speaks to writer’s groups.



If you can be any character from any book, who would you choose?
This is the toughest question I’ve ever faced! (Good job, Genevieve.) It’s difficult because I’m pretty happy just being me. But let’s see… Reepicheep the Mouse from The Chronicles of Narnia? Lessa the Weyrwoman from Dragonriders of Pern. I know – Pippin the Hobbit from The Lord of the Rings! He’s got a good heart, loyal to his friends, does what is right, and most important, Pippin has a good time no matter what the circumstances.



Do you have a favorite book or character that you wrote? If so, why?
Book II will always be my favorite. I love the characters of Matt and Sarah and enjoyed their playful relationship. Sarah is perhaps my most personal character, as I identified with her self-image issues. In the end, those two became the one constant throughout the entire series.



How many more books are there going to be in The Circle of Friends?
There’s five total! I have an outline for a sixth, but at the moment, the series will wrap up with Book V.



Are you working on any other novels that aren't associated with The Circle of Friends?
I have a non-fiction book - Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! – and I will probably do another self-help book similar to that one. I’ve got a couple other novel ideas I’m kicking around though!



What's your writing process like? Do you outline or do you just write?
I am big on outlines! It keeps me on track, and if I get stuck, I can skip ahead to the next scene. I write every single day in short spurts of writing and editing.



What was the most interesting thing you did to research your books?
Book V follows a young woman as she joins the Clemson basketball coaching staff. I found a couple really good books on coaching girl’s basketball, as well as some websites, but I wanted an inside view of Clemson. I contacted head coach Cristy McKinney and she was more than happy to answer my questions. She even invited me to see a game. It was fascinating and I was just tickled the coach took the time to give me behind the scenes information.



How did you become a motivational speaker? And can you tell us a little bit about what it is like to be a speaker?
I’d done a little public speaking before becoming an author, but I never anticipated it would bloom into a career. I started small, speaking for free, and soon began offering structured talks. As a member of the National Speakers Association, I now do six different seminars, plus characterization sessions for schools.


What’s it like? It’s a blast!! I love speaking to people. Watching a group simply come alive during a talk is so rewarding. I meet some incredible people during my travels, too. It’s emotionally exhausting, as I give every appearance my all, but I love it.



What are some of your hobbies (other than writing)?
I’ve been a professional photographer for almost twenty years and enjoy simply taking fun, artist shots. I’m also a roller coaster fanatic! Vacations and book tours usually include a theme park along the way. And of course, I love to read.



What is a question you wish you were asked, and can you answer it for us?
Tell us something really unusual about yourself!

As a young adult, I was a Dungeons and Dragons geek. That’s right – I’ll admit it! Still have all my books and dice, too. I finished a level 14 warrior – anyone care to take a whack at me?



Thanks SO much for hosting me, Genevieve!!



Author Sites:

http://www.thecircleoffriends.net/

http://www.spunkonastick.net/

Book III online:

http://www.amazon.com/Circle-Friends-Book-III-James/dp/0981621031/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247184042&sr=1-11

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Circle-Of-Friends-Book-IiiJames/L-Diane-Wolfe/e/9780981621036/?itm=10

http://www.dancinglemurpress.com/id16.html


****

Contest!


If an interview wasn't enough, I've got the first three books of The Circle Of Friends here to give away to one lucky winner!


How to enter:


  1. Leave a comment and make sure I can a way to contact you via e-mail. No e-mail address, no entry. Or e-mail me at: caprubia(at)gmail(dot)com


How to get Extra Entries:

  1. +1 entries for blogging about it. Make sure you give me the link. Sidebars are okay. (No limit to number of places you post it at)
  2. +2 entries for following me (make sure you let me know)
    OR
    +3 entries for my current followers (as of 8/14)
  3. +4 entries for answering one of the interview questions
  4. +5 entries for joining the Five Awesome YA Fans Ning (make sure you let me know if you did, and what your user name is there!)

Please put all of the entries in one comment and tell me everything you did with links and your e-mail address.

Ends: You have until September 3rd midnight PST to enter.

Open to: Open addresses in the United States ONLY (Sorry, I'm just a college student!)

What You Win:

  • The Circle of Friends: Book I...Lori
  • The Circle of Friends: Book II...Sarah
  • The Circle of Friends: Book III... James (ARC)

~Genevieve

P.S. If you are an author or a book blogger and would like to be interviewed for Friday's Featured Friend, just e-mail me with your info (name and blog/website URL) to:

caprubia(at)gmail(dot)com

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Wishing for Wednesday (14)

Hey Everyone!


So I decided to do my own version of Waiting on Wednesday. Waiting on Wednesday is a way to showcase books that are not yet released but excited to see they are coming out. It's hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. My version isn't for just books that haven't come out yet but any book that I am wishing to get. Each week I'll put up a book that I'm "Wishing for" or "Waiting on". I just kind of like the name Wishing for Wednesday better. : )

This week is a book that I'm "Waiting on":



Will Grayson,
Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan


Summary:

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens-both named Will Grayson-are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history's most fabulous high school musical.

Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan's collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both them legions of faithful fans.


Release Date: April 6th, 2010

Well, I know what I'll be buying next April! I love John Green's books and have liked everything that I've read by David Levithan. I can't wait to get a copy of this book and read it, I'm sure that it's going to be Awesome!


What are you waiting on this week?

Have a great day,

Genevieve

Monday, August 10, 2009

One of my nightmares practically came true...

Hey everyone,

So, I didn't really have a good day today. I graduated high school in the middle of my jr year of high school, aka a year and a half early. I've always had that nightmare that they tell me that there was a glitch and I have to go back to high school to finish up half of my jr year and all of my sr year.

I've been in the process of transferring from a city college to a UC and one of the things I need is my high school transcripts to be sent to the university. I went on July 14th to have my transcripts sent over, they said that I couldn't hand deliver them. It should have taken about 2 weeks for the UC to get my records but I recieved a letter last week saying that my high school never sent the records. I started to freak out because the school needs it by Wednesday. Today I went to my high school and talked the registar lady. They spent about an hour going through the records and you know what we found out? There was no hardcopy record of me!

Luckily there was an administrator that recognized me and I had brought my unofficial high school transcript. They went throught the computers and they still couldn't find me. Then they went through the 'master computer', the one that is supposed to have everything. I was supposed to be class of '07 but I graduated in January of '06. I wasn't in the '05, '06, or '07 files. The admin was able to find mention of me in a wrong spot but not my transcript. In the end they just used my unofficial transcript as a guide and copied it over to their computers.

I was able to convince them to give me a copy to hand deliver to my new school. I was able to take it to my new school and I had the block taken off of registration! So next week, I get to sign up for 3 classes.

Like I said-- One of my nightmares almost coming true!

~Genevieve

Sunday, August 9, 2009

In My Mailbox since 7/6 to 8/9

Hey everyone,


"In My Mailbox" is a feature created by The Story Siren (inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie) that features all books gained weekly, either by mail, from the library, or bought at a bookstore! I've been lazy on this meme and forgot to do it for the past few weeks.


Books won:


I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:
"Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies.
Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?

Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love."


I was so excited to get this book. I picked up the 3rd book at BEA so I wanted to get the 1st two in the series. I read it last week and it was pretty good! Now I have to get the 2nd book, I can't wait to see what happens next. : )



Drive Me Crazy by Erin Downing

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"Kate's tote is packed, and she's ready for a road trip!

Kate and her two best friends, Sierra and Alexis, are geared up for a week of fun and freedom on the road to their family lake houses in Love, Wisconsin. Best of all, when Kate reaches Love, she'll be reunited with Lucas, with whom she shared a steamy end-of-summer kiss last year. She can't wait to see Lucas again and pick things up exactly where they left off.

Then Kate gets some seriously bad news: Alexis's sarcastic, condescending, hot-but-he-knows-it cousin is crashing the girls' road trip. Adam bugs Kate in every possible way. Now Kate just wants to get the road trip over with so she can spend the summer in Lucas's arms. But the road to Love is full of surprises...."


This book sounds like a cute summer read. Right now it's in the middle of my to read pile. I'll probably get to it in a few weeks.


Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more."


I have heard SO many good things about this book. I can't wait to read it. : )


Hollywood is like High School With Money by Zoey Dean

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"Twenty-four-year old Taylor Henning has just landed her dream job as an assistant at a major movie studio. But when her catty coworkers trick her into almost getting fired, she realizes that the old saying "Hollywood is like school with money" just may be true. The thing is, Taylor wasn't exactly a social butterfly in high school-how is she supposed to do any better the second time around?

That's when she meets her boss's popular sixteen-year-old daughter Quinn, and has an epiphany: maybe this teenager can teach her how to use her queen bee tactics to succeed in the Hollywood popularity contest. Quinn comes up with a plan to teach Taylor one lesson a week-everything from "Fake it 'til you make it" to "It's *never* your fault"—and soon Taylor finds herself winning the war against rival assistant Kylie. Until, that is, she's directed to steal Kylie's boyfriend, and something happens that's not in the game plan: Taylor falls for the guy. Now she must do the impossible— harness her inner mean girl while staying true to herself."


This sounds like another summer read, perfect for the beach.



Hancock Park (ARC) by Isabel Kaplan

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"Becky Miller lives in the best neighborhood, goes to school with the children of movie stars, and has her psychiatrist on speed dial. She may live in the City of Angels, but this sixteen-year-old's life is far from perfect.

By day, Becky navigates the halls of one of L.A.'s most elite schools, where the mean girls are a special breed of mean, and at night, she deals with sparring parents, a grandmother who is man-crazy, and a younger brother, Jack, who answers only to J-zizzy. As Becky's life comes crashing down around her, she struggles to put it back together and learn to grow up while trying to stay sane."


This sounds like a west coast Gossip Girl but I was told that it is better than the Gossip Girl series. I'll have to judge that myself.





Books mooched:

Westminster Abby by Micol Ostow

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"Abby has always considered herself to be a little vanilla—sweet,plain, but not very exciting. So when she finds herself flying across the ocean to London, trying to forget her problems with her cheating ex-boyfriend and her overprotective parents, she figures her semester abroad is her chance to become one big hot fudge sundae. And she isn't disappointed. London boasts a plethora of funky pubs and shops, drivers on the wrong side of the street, French fries called chips, and a very charming Brit named Ian. As Abby moves closer to the vision of her wild child self, she realizes that sometimes leaving what you know best actually brings you closer to what you best know—yourself. This S.A.S.S. (Students Across the Seven Seas) novel is one of the first two in our new study abroad fiction series. Teen girls will latch onto these books as they're enmeshed in the lives of characters just like themselves, who are experiencing new cultures, new friendships, and new worlds through study abroad!"

I love books about England and traveling so I was excited when this one showed up on my bookmooch.


Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep—sometimes with each other.

S is back from boarding school, and if we aren't careful, she's going to win over our teachers, wear that dress we couldn't fit into, steal our boyfriends' hearts, and basically ruin our lives in a major way. I'll be watching closely...

You know you love me,
gossip girl"


*sigh* I have to say, this book was addicting. I am ready for the next book to become available because I want to read what comes next. It isn't the best written book but it was addicting.


Unpredictable by Eileen Cook

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"Sophie Kintock isn't crazy, she just wants her guy back. And posing as a psychic to give his new girlfriend a face reading designed to break them up isn't going overboard, is it? Don't answer that.

Faking psychic powers turns out to be easy and fun, especially after a few lessons from Nick, the cute (if a bit nerdy) skeptic, who knows all the tricks of the trade. But her readings do a lot more than she could have predicted, and soon Sophie needs to figure out whether the answers lie in the stars-or in herself."


I'm pretty sure that this is an adult novel but I really liked What Would Emma Do? by the same author so I grabbed it when it came up on the mooch.


Books bought:

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun -- the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom -- is a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life -- because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive."



Specials by Scott Westerfeld

Summary from Barnes and Noble.com:

"The words have sent chills down Tally's spine since her days as a repellent, rebellious ugly. Back then Specials were a sinister rumor -- frighteningly beautiful, dangerously strong, breathtakingly fast. Ordinary pretties might live their whole lives without meeting a Special. But Tally's never been ordinary.

And now she's been turned into one of them: a superamped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid.

The strength, the speed, and the clarity and focus of her thinking feel better than anything Tally can remember. Most of the time. One tiny corner of her heart still remembers something more.

Still, it's easy to tune that out -- until Tally's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programmed to complete. Either way, Tally's world will never be the same."


I have to say that the Uglies Trilogy was awesome! I really liked it and now I want to read every Scott Westerfeld book. : )


So did you guys get anything good this week? (or this month seeing how all of these books I got in the past month)

~Genevieve

P.S. I have a new feature that is going to kick off this week, Friday's Featured Friend where I feature an author or a book blogger. Check out my post HERE for more information. : )


New feature!

Hey everyone,

I would like to announce that I am going to have a new feature starting this week. It's going to be called "Friday's Featured Friend". Basically it's going to be guest posts and/or interviews with bloggers and authors. Hopefully I'll be able to do it a minimum of once a month! I'd love to do it every Friday but right now I only have 2 posts lined up.

If you are an author or blogger and would like to be featured on "Friday's Featured Friend", please e-mail me at:
caprubia(at)gmail(dot)com
with "Friday's Featured Friend" in the subject. Thanks!

Have an awesome day,

~Genevieve

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Half birthday contest is still open.

Hey,

So, I haven't reached 100 different people entering in the Half Birthday contest. It took me a few days to cross check between the e-mails and posts to figure out if it was 100 different people or not. We're close, but no cigar! So keep getting more people to enter and once I see that 100 have entered, it'll close! Enter HERE.

Anyways, you guys are awesome. Have a great day!

~Genevieve