Top Ten Tuesday: Paint it bold

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BOOKS I'D FRAME AS ART

Okay, so I'm a Botero fan. Have replicas all over my place and would love to find similar book covers to match the decor. But alas, there seems to be nothing of the sort out there. 

So my second choice would be:

1-And Then There Were None

Scary and tense. Maybe not in the office but I'll think of something.

2-Marcelo in the Real World

Remove the electric posts and it would be gorgeous.

3-Left Neglected

Perfect for my kitchen.

4-Finale

My idea of sensual art.

5-These Broken Stars

What is it with me and hand-holding pictures?!?

6-The Ring & the Crown

Total must if you live in San Francisco (be sure to wear flowers in your hair)

7-The Beatles in Stripvorm

Love this graphic novel cover. 

Who's your favorite painter?

Review: Adaptation

The sky is falling.

Well, mostly planes and birds, but the horror of it all is too much to go unnoticed. The situation leaves Reese and David stranded at the airport, forcing their debate teacher to drive them home. But when a bird crashes through the windshield their lives are held by a thread. It appears their only hope at survival involves a secret government facility. The scars soon disappear, they have the sentiment they are constantly being watched, and a telepathic power begins to arise. What exactly did happen that night?

Malinda Lo keeps the tension high, adding a sensual back-up story between Reese and her new friend Amber. Although I expected a conclusion in the end, Lo shifted the story around, turning it into a sci-fi that deserves a sequel.

Can't wait to read what happens in Inheritance.

Review: Easy

No means no.

After a late party, Jacqueline is pushed into a car by Buck, a school chum, who desperately tries to have his way with her. Luckily, she is saved by Lucas before things get out of hand. But the nightmare doesn't end there. Now, Buck won't leave her alone, threatening to finish what he started. Can she count on Lucas to save her again?

Rape is not a pleasant topic, at all, and so it's surprising to see an author revolve an entire plot line around it. From self-defence class, to the fear of letting others know, to overcoming everything that rape entails -- Tammara Webber plunges in head on, making sure that readers understand not only the pain that accompanies rape but the consequences it carries on if we don't let others in for support.

Prepare for a surprising plot twist.

Feature and Follow Friday: Latte

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Have you any pets? Tell us or show us. 

Introducing, Guinea Pig extraordinaire Sir. Latte 

He is cuddly, insists on staying in the cage while I clean it (I know, we fight about that) and of course, he squeaks.


More pictures of Latte on my instagram. If you own a guinea pig and have diet advice please let me know as Latte is about to turn one soon and can start eating veggies.

Review: The Geography of You and Me

Wish you were here!

Sadly, those four little words mean nothing to Lucy and Owen, who are both loners and never travel anywhere exciting. The pair met in an elevator, quickly bonding over several quirks they both shared. But after spending one day together, their parents announce they are leaving -- maybe for good -- and hence begins the pile of postcards that will be sent back and forth.

The tension that culminates in the postcards is sweet. One can't help but hope that these two will meet again on top of a beautiful building. But the reality is another. Distance can really put a damper on a relationship, especially one that wasn't strong enough to begin with. So in comes the replacements such as Liam and Paisley who although good looking don't share the spark that Lucy and Owen shared.

Are long distance relationships doomed? I don't know, I wish Smith hadn't concluded with an open ending. On the plus side, the pov switch are well-paced, and we get to experience Owen's struggle of growing up with a single father.

Caught my arrow #34

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to In my mailbox and  Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

Happy Easter to all!! Don't know how much reading I'll get done this week, but I am looking forward to spend time with family and friends this long weekend. Here's what's waiting for me on my nightstand:

Purchased

The Rising

Borrowed from the library

Desires of the Dead
Better off Friends

Received from Publisher

Catch a Falling Star

The Bridge from me to you

What are you reading this week?

Review: The Ring and the Crown

A huge downside of being a princess is the inability to choose your husband. 

For Marie, a princess desperately in love with a guard, the solution to happy ever after is simple. All she needs is to convince Aelwyn, a young sorceress, to take over her appearance so she and the guard can escape in return for a lifetime of royalty. Add to the cast, a betrothed prince with a jealous mistress, his brother Wolf with a street-fighting double identity, a poor rich girl who desperately needs to wed and you get lots of funny, romantic, and dramatic turn of events.

The chapters constantly change point-of-view, giving us eyes all over the palace. One big plus in the story is De La Cruz's ability to use the right dose of magic without turning the story into fantasy. Alas, the ending might have been too rushed for my taste, but I'm sure the sequel will solve things out.

All in all, a written proof that Melissa De La Cruz was meant to write historical fiction.

Review: Far from you

Far from you takes the theme What happens when you can't be with someone you love? on a whole other level. 

For Sophie, the grief over Mina's death seems unending. The killer is still on the loose, and worse, people suspect Sophie's involvement due to the drugs found at the scene. Tess Sharpe wisely divided the book into three parts: the accident -- a car crash caused by Mina's brother, Trev, which left Sophie crippled and addicted to painkillers, and Trev feeling responsible for her. The events leading to the climax. And lastly, we flash forward to the aftermath of Mina's murder and Sophie's determination to solve the crime.

Although, the investigation is slowly plotted throughout the book to allow the bisexual triangle between Mina, Sophie and Trev to take place, the story felt oddly shaped at times. Either the cuts were too sudden or too repetitive. But mostly, Sharpe did a good job at placing the reader in Sophie's head. The turmoil Mina put her through by wanting to hide their love and practically force Sophie's relationship with Trev. The pity Trev had for Sophie. Her parents anger against her addiction to painkillers. It felt as if everyone devalued Sophie. Including Sophie herself. 

All in all, Far from you had a wonderful conclusion, making sure that every point in the story was addressed. 

Review: Like Moonlight at Low Tide

Sometimes we only see what we want to see. 

Missy was bullied at a young age due to her name. The feeling of unease upon returning to Anna Maria Island is felt throughout the book, as if at any moment people could remember the nickname and send her back to those dark days. The self-esteem issues overpower the bullying, teaching us that sometimes getting the bullies to stop doesn't mean the end. Sometimes we are our own bullies.

Quigley doesn't rest at that. She tackles the topic of suicide in an unexpected way, mixing the plot along with a boy toy loving mother, a deadbeat father, and steps we need to take to open-up to someone and let them in.

Heartbreaking and moving, Like Moonlight at Low Tide is a fair reminder that we shouldn't judge someone until we know their story.

Caught my arrow #33

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to In my mailbox and  Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

Narrowed down my to-read list this week. Shift had been there for too long, and I was happy to find it on sale. Looking forward to Cress.

Purchased

Shift

Unholly

Cress

Borrowed from the library

Easy
Fire with Fire

Received from Netgalley

Emily and the Strangers (graphic novel)

Adaptation

The Rules for Breaking

What are you reading this week?

Review: Golden

"One traveler, two roads, and an inevitable choice." 

                                                                               -- Robert Frost

Parker Frost might not be related to the famous writer Robert Frost, nonetheless, her records surpass the rest of her classmates. Her mom is certain of her success, taking every opportunity to remind Parker to study. To forego friendships. To be number one. 

But when a teacher places Parker in charge of mailing old school journals to their rightful owners, Parker finds Juliana's, a student who lost her life in a terrible car crash. The revelation far too tempting, Parker reads it and uncovers just how important living life to the fullest really is -- unless you enjoy drowning in regrets. 

The mystery part was expected and evident from the start. Due to her upbringing, Parker's character is one-dimensional.  Juliana on the other hand is not. One can't help but be mesmerized by how poetic, full of life, and romantic, her version is. 

So as you turn the pages remember, you only live once. 

Review: Fake Mustache

Can the government control our votes and force us to make them blindly?

When Lenny lends his friend Casper ten dollars to help him purchase a handlebar mustache, things get out of line. Suddenly, Casper is robbing banks. Hypnotizing people. And the worst part is no one seems to recognize him under the disguise. So how is Lenny supposed to stop him now that Casper is going for mayor? 

Although the story targets middle-graders, the subject matter is quite strong and the tension constantly present. All the while filled with quirky jokes and new characters such as Josie the Cowgirl, who gets her turn at unravelling the crime. 

Fake Mustache teaches us that we can't always stand by and watch friends turn criminals, the power of a well-groomed mustache, and how important it is to stand-up for what we believe in even when we are alone. 

Feature and Follow Friday: All Fun and Games

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Snap it time!! A picture is worth a thousand words. Just give us a pic. 

Since all my pics are on instagram, I decided to play a little game. Below is a picture (worth a thousand words) of characters with books on screen. Can you guess the movies?

Give it a shot!!

Review: For Keeps

Josie and her mom Kate are very close. Their age difference -- Kate is only 33 -- allows them to spend friday nights together watching movies and talking about boys. Until Kate starts dating again. Now Josie has to start sharing her, dealing with a new job, and the possibility that her biological father is back in town. The worst part is that he isn't even looking for her. Why? Doesn't he know Josie exists?

Dealing with a parent's dating life is a tough subject on its own, and yet, Natasha Friend just had to add more drama by bringing back Josie's father into the picture. Josie's despise for him isn't set in stone, but understandable after never hearing from him -- not even a letter after all those years. The story wouldn't be complete without a quirky best friend, and Matt Rigby, a cute boy who might just show Josie a thing or two about trust.

A warm, emotional read to keep close to heart. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Pinch Me

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP TEN BOOKISH RELATED DREAMS

10. Go back to WWOHP also known as Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Once is not enough.  This Voldemort wand pic was taken from my Instagram. I'd probably get another memorabilia for my bookcase.



9. Purchase more Classics such as Gone with the Wind.

8. Watch Vampire Academy. Feel terrible for missing it. Wonder when the DVD is coming out.

7. Read all the books in my bookcase I've been ignoring.

6. Attend BEA. Things are looking good for this year.

5. Meet some authors and get more autographs.

4. Get a tattoo. (How is this book related? Have you seen Divergent lately O_o What a great tattoo)

3. Finish reading the series I've started.

2. Meet fellow book bloggers.

1. Publish my first story!! The Steampunk Anthology published by Curiosity Quills is coming out soon. I can't wait to share it with you.

Review: Unwind

Have you grown tired of your teens? Are they always getting in school fights, or failing to merit an A+ in art class? Well, in Unwind abortion is legal for born babies up to the age of 18. 

Connor, Risa, and Levi met on a bus that was taking them to their death sentence. Connor's parents just couldn't handle his troubled attitude, and Risa, an orphan who lost the monetary support of the orphanage, were sentenced to execution with the promise that their organs will go to the needy. Unlike the others, Levi is a tithe. His parents condemned him from birth and he is sent to fulfill a religious belief. As they manage to escape, the teens will need to hide from the authorities, but also learn to get past the hurt of abandonment. 

Neal Shusterman digs deep with this story. The age of consent is unconsciously analyzed in so many ways, I could write a thesis after reading this book. At what age do humans reach the maturity level to make decisions about their own bodies? And if we dig even deeper, does part of the soul remain with the transplant organ? 

All in all, a disturbingly appealing read. 

Did You Know: Most states allow teens to consent donating their organs at the age of 13 and yet their parents can decide otherwise until they turn 18. 

Caught my arrow # 32

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to In my mailbox and  Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

Snow storm means cozy time for me. Yesterday, I was lucky enough to go see Divergent, and today I get to lay in bed with these two gorgeous looking books.

Received from BookSneeze and Hachette Book Group

Like Moonlight at Low Tide

The Ring and the Crown

What are you reading this week?

Feature and Follow Friday: Breaking Cupid

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Have your reading habits changed in the past few years?

Glad some of us are good at math. After going through my Goodreads reading challenges, Mr.White and I concluded that:

2012: Paranormal ranked at number 1
2013: YA won me over

and finally this year:

2014: graphic novels top my read list.

Yup, I'm Divergent. And now, onto to Chemistry class.

Review: Allegiant

Divergent captivated the heart of many, therefore, Allegiant had to conclude the series with splendor. Talk about pressure for Veronica Roth.

The first thing she did was answer the question that has been tormenting readers and Tris for a long time: What is the true meaning of Divergent? This knowledge will not only propulse the story forward but create lots of discomfort between the characters that were already troubled by the factionless. Sides are taken once more. Particularly after tests show that Four might not be divergent after all.

Roth may not have given her fans a fairy-tale ending, but she compensated by filling the book with non-stop action. It's honest, hopelessly romantic, and impossible to put down.

Top Ten Tuesday: Talking to the Sun

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP TEN 2014 SPRING TBR PILE

This morning I woke up to hungry  happy birds chirping!! Spring is almost here. Better make sure my to-read pile is filled for spring, because nothing relaxes me more than reading outside.

The One by Kiera Cass

Comes out in May. We'll finally get to see how the series ends.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Have kept this book on my nightstand for too long. Need to see what the hype is all about. 

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

The plot seems different from what she usually writes. Intrigued by the change. 

Feed by Mira Grant

Been watching too many Walking Dead episodes lately. I need another zombie fix. 

After the End by Amy Plum

Loved the whole Revenants series and am looking forward to her new book in May.  

Easy by Tammara Webber

Came highly recommended from so many of you, so I just ordered my copy. Looking forward to it. 

Stupid and Contagious by Caprice Crane

Haven't read a Chick-lit in a looong time. Hope this one is good. 

Review: Don't Even Think About it

Ever wonder what your friends really think about you? Or if your crush wants to ask you out? 

Well, one high school group no longer has to wonder about the many thoughts of others. After receiving a bad flu shot batch, one class that includes Mackenzie, Olivia, and Tess, become telepathic. For Mackenzie this couldn't come at a worst time. She cheated on her boyfriend -- crowd lover Cooper -- and now has an entire classroom judging her actions and threatening to tell him. All the while, Olivia uses her powers to get ahead in class, and Tess tries to get a friend to see her with different eyes. 

There are lots of heartbreak and hurt feelings in the book, but nevertheless, Mlynowski brings that humoristic touch that has made her popular over the years. It's nice to read a ''supernatural'' story without the terrible bad guy written into the plot. 

Feature and Follow Friday: Librarian Wanted

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Spring is in the air! Show off your favorite outdoor reading spot.

Got stuck in the snow today. Thankfully, three men were there to push my car, and make my terrible day not so bad after all.

At this point, I do not believe in Spring coming to Montreal. Ever! And feel selfish enough to ask for a cozy indoor place where someone would read to me.

Alive: Cover Reveal and Giveaway

A New Adult zombie/romance novel with an intrepid female lead that ponders on: What’s more dangerous—the man who broke her heart or those trying to eat it?

Fighting to survive, Eve finds herself alone in the world after the Crave—the only parallel of her former life. On the hunt for her sister, she runs into Gage—the first and only boy to have her heart and break it. It’s been four years and he isn’t a boy anymore, nor is he the same person he used to be. Against her better judgment, Eve agrees to stay with him when he divulges information on a safe haven near the small town they grew up in—but that doesn’t mean she has to like it… 

Returning home elicits a myriad of emotions that both Eve and Gage thought they had buried. The past and present collide and they are forced to the face bitter deceits that ruined them in the before and threaten to destroy them now…

Amazon            Goodreads

About The Author

Megan D. Martin is a multi-published author, mother, student and editor. In her spare time she enjoys decorating her house with strange things that do not match, playing her old school Nintendo Entertainment System, and buying fish for her many fish tanks.

Feel free to follow Megan on Facebook  and Twitter. And don't forget to try your luck at the giveaway. 

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Review: Blankets

Blankets are the image of warmth, shelter and comfort. But in Craig Thompson's graphic memoir, blankets are a synonym for ''personal demons.'' From his childhood memories of sharing a bed with his sibling and fighting for the blanket that brought on his father's unreasonable anger, to receiving a blanket from a love gone wrong.

Although incredibly gorgeous, the illustrations were black and white, allowing tough subjects like: bullying, the sexual guilt that Christian upbringing can have on children, and long-distance relationships to become the center of attention.

I recommend reading this book on a good day.