Steph Su Reads is holding a contest to celebrate her Blogoversary!! And talk about a giveaway!! Head on over to check out the great books and prizes she's offering. Contest is open International and closes on Feb. 28th, 2010.

Click Here to Enter Now!

Good Luck to everyone who enters!!

Title: Jerk, California
Author: Jonathan Friesen
Publisher: Puffin/Speak, 352 Pages (September 4th 2008)
From: Crownbook Outlet

Synopsis: Twitch, Jerk, Freak, Sam Carrier has been called them all. Because of his Tourette's syndrome, Sam is in near constant motion with tics and twitches and verbal outbursts. So, of course, high school is nothing but torment. Forget friends; forget even hoping that beautiful, perfect Naomi will look his way. And home isn't much better with his domineering stepfather reminding him that the only person who was more useless than Sam was his dead father, Jack.

But then an unexpected turn of events unearths the truth about his father. And suddenly Sam doesn't know who he is, or even where he'll go next. What he does know is that the only girl in the world who can make him happy and nervous at the same time is everywhere he turns . . . and he'd give anything just to be still.

Review: 4 Stars - Jerk, California took us on a journey of Sam, a teenager with Tourett’s syndrome. The beginning of the book shows us just how hard Sam had things at home and just how misunderstood the condition was during the time. His step father is the worst of all. Treated Sam as badly as anyone could be treated, tourrets or not. Sam enjoys going on long runs because it’s one of the only things he can do and count on where he’s in full control of his body.

As soon as he graduates he’s left more or less to fend for himself and chooses to leave home. His mother is helpless and pretty scared of her new husband that she doesn’t do or say anything to help Sam out when it comes to his stepfather. He finds solace in the town hermit and takes a job and moves in with him. This hermit, who turns out to know more about Sam – or Jack then he can even believe. He also knows quiet a bit about his father and his death. It’s a great twist to the story as we see and follow Sam’s changes in and about life, as he learns more and finds out some truths that turn out to be exactly the opposite he’s been told growing up his whole life.

Sam does have a crush throughout the book, Naomi and with yet again another turn of events finds himself on a journey, with Naomi - which his father left for him to take. A trip that will take him to see his dad’s work in the windmills he’s built all over the country and the people who knew who his dad really was.

It was great to see how freeing the truth is and just how much all this was needed to fit the pieces of Sam’s, or rather Jack’s life together. At times the story was bitter sweet however it all worked perfectly with the flow of things. In the end it’s really all about the mental and emotional journey we see Sam/Jack go through. The ending fit perfectly. I could see how this ending would bother some people, but I really liked this - where you could see just how okay Sam/Jack was going to be, showing just how far he had come through everything. I would suggest just about anyone to read this… from mid to late teens on up. For me it had some great messages to it, I’m sure others would get as well.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? Confessions of Georgia Nicholson - Book 10
Author: Louise Rennison
Publisher: HarperTeen, 320 Pages (October 6th 2009)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: A bit early to get swoony knickers but I have got them on.

For Georgia, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just when she thought she was the official one-and-only girlfriend of Masimo, he's walked off into the night with the full hump, leaving Georgia all aloney on her owney—again. All because Dave the Laugh tried to do fisticuffs at dawn with him!

Two boys fighting over Georgia? It's almost as romantic as Romeo and Juliet . . . though perhaps a touch less tragic.

It's time for Georgia to get to the bottom (oo-er) of this Dave the Laugh spontaneous puckering business once and for all. It's like they always say: If you snog a mate in the forest of red bottomosity and no one is around to see it, is he still a mate? Or is he something more?

Review: 4 Stars - Sadly, Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? Is the 10th and last installment of the Georgia Nicholson diaries. I remember reading the first one and couldn't wait to get the next. Each book was extremely funny that I often had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.

The characters all work great together and if you took one away you'd feel like one was missing. Lousie Renninson writes some great comedy with a funky teenage voice that makes Georgia an extremely quirky girl from start to finish. She's a Loon with a capital "L".

The various things that Georgia goes through throughout the whole series are crazy and wacky but somehow all fit together nicely. Her family, friends (The Ace Gang & Dave the Laugh) and various boyfriends (Robbie & Masimo) somehow understand her when she's at her nuttiest, and trust me it's pretty much all the time. Rennison has worked some magic to create such layers of crazy that there's not a chance each reader wont find not only something to love but find it laughing out loud along ride there.

With the end of this book and series I was happy where things left off. I was grinning with which boy she finally picked, and no I'm not giving anything away. Go read the books to find out! I just wish that it wasn't the end. Here's hoping that maybe we'll get some Georgia stories from when she's older to see where her life ended up? I for one would love that idea.

If you haven't read this series... start it soon. It's one that I think everyone should read. Especially if you fancy a good laugh and who want to take a visit to the Cake Shop of Luuuurve! Happy reading if it's the first or third time you've read this series. I for one will be reading this again sometime soon, enjoy.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

It looks like it's that time again! Another HUGE MEGA contest from Teens Read & Write!

The more people who enter, the more winners and books added to the pot to give away. This contest is open to everyone! So head over and enter now!! Good luck to all who enter.

Contest Link

Title: Shrinking Violet
Author: Danielle Joseph
Publisher: MTV Books, 320 Pages (May 5th, 2009)
From: The Book Depository

Synopsis: 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 - and 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...

Review: 3.5 Stars - Shrinking Violet was a cute read. I was a shy person growing up, still am in many aspects of my life, so Tere was very likeable and I could really relate to what she faced on a day to day basis. She’s painfully shy to the point that she has only one friend and sticks to herself as much as she can. She tries to make herself invisible in the classroom for fear of being called on by a teacher.

Her mother has newly re-married. Her step father is the owner of one of the more popular radio stations in Miami. She wants nothing more then to be a radio DJ and is given the chance at an internship at SLAM 92.7. Having done her own mock radio shows in the comfort of her own bedroom perfecting her radio personality ‘Sweet T’, she more then jumps on the chance at the internship.

She’s given the chance to co-host a show each night at the station. Using the name ‘Sweet T’ no one knows who she is. The various characters at the station are all funky personalities of their own. With the help of these quirky characters she’s able to come further out of her shell. Even with how shy she was she worked through each night much to the help of the staff at the station. With her love of music, dream to be a DJ and the help from some new found friends she does more then find a voice. She finds the strength to take a chance and to stand out without being actually seen.

Gavin is the cute boy from school who she gets partnered with and turns out has more then music in common with her. He likes her because when she has something to say it’s usually more then worth listening to.

Srinking Violet is a great story about understanding what you want and finding a way to make it through even if you have to struggle. To let people in because they just might be able to help you along the way and learning that it’s okay to have a voice.

The storyline and characters were entertaining and likeable. The plot lines were all tied up nicely… from the crazy mother, body image, confidence and extreme shyness - were all portrayed nicely and covered many different ways how to deal with these and various other issues we face from time to time throughout life.

I enjoyed Danielle Joseph’s writing style and will be on the look out for further books from this author. If you’re a lover of music and are shy yourself, or just like a quirky and fun… yet light read be sure to check it out!

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: Beastly
Author: Alex Flinn
Publisher: HarperTeen, 320 Pages (October 1st 2008)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: I am a beast.

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

Review: 2 Stars - Beastly is a modern/updated retelling of the classic fairy tale - Beauty and the Beast. The book begins with an intro into the life of Kyle. He's got it all, good looks, money, popular.... etc and knows it. He's extremely superficial in everything he says or does making him a bully and jerk to say the least. He crosses a witch who curses him and turns him into a beast to teach him a lesson about life... and can only be broken with a kiss from his true love within a 2 year time limit, or be cursed to stay the beast forever.

It was hard to read at times because both Kyle the jerk and Kyle/Adrian the beast were not likeable in the slightest. I know it's a retelling of a fairy tale and all, so it's bound to be a bit over the top. I get that. It's why I gave it 2 stars and kept reading.

I enjoyed the funny internet chats on the message boards to help others out there who are afflicted with problems such as being a beast. Characters such as the little Mermaid, a frog prince, etc. joined in the online chat. Those were the shining point that I looked forward to the most throughout the book.

In the end it was entertaining to a point. Not the best but far from the worst. I did see Kyle make some important changes once he got past some things. I just wish we would have seen him change a bit more. I mean 2 years is a long while and we only had a chance to see a little part of it.

In the end I still wasn't a fan of Kyle/Adrian, almost, but not quite. I just wish he had been more likeable and believable throughout the book, I think more readers could have and would have been able to relate to him from time to time if we had a chance to hear more of the story. Bumpy read and all… it wasn’t horrible. So if you enjoy the story Beauty and the Beast, then this is a story for you. Will I be checking out the movie that's being made about this book? At some point, I think so.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Jenn from Book Crazy started a new meme/interview post held each monday. I was lucky enough to take part in it yesterday. It was a bunch of fun, had a great time with the questions. It's called Music Monday and you can find the link to my questions and answers here:

Music Monday

Be sure to stop by and check it out... and check out Jenn's blog! Thanks again Jenn, it was a lot of fun!

Title: Stoner & Spaz
Author: Ron Koertge
Publisher: Candlewick, 176 Pages (January 5, 2004)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: Colleen Minou is a hard-core stoner, a girl whose motto is, "I'll get high and do anything." Ben Bancroft is a movie-addicted preppie who suffers from cerebral palsy, "the resident spaz, invisible as the sign that says NO RUNNING, the one no one pays attention to." Together, they form the most unlikely couple since Dharma and Greg. He's Brooks Brothers, she's Salvation Army. He's never even smoked a cigarette, she's got 20 different chemicals running through her veins. But when these two lonely teens meet one night at Ben's favorite hang, the Rialto (a classic film theatre that "smells like butter from the Paleozoic"), sparks fly. At least for Ben they do. Maybe it's because Colleen's the first girl to ever really notice him, to have the nerve to tease him about his disability instead of pretend it's not there. For once, Ben is actually more interested in his real life than a movie. Colleen takes him clubbing, lights his first joint, even challenges him to direct his own movie. But when Ben, in turn, dares her to stay straight, Colleen admits that, despite his devotion, she still needs the drugs to "smooth out the edges." Is Ben capable of convincing her otherwise? If not, how will he ever be cured of his Colleen addiction?

Review: 3.5 Stars - This book wasn't what I was expecting, which I seem to be saying quite a bit these days. However, it's true again with this book. This quick read was another that I had finished in one sitting. The characters were polar opposites of each other.

Ben who was born with Cerebral Palsy pretty much keeps to himself. He believes he's a monster because of his disability and chooses to hang out for the most part alone. He's addicted to the way movies are filmed and likes to hang out in the back row of a rundown local movie theater - The Rialto.

Not expecting anything other then the usual, Ben heads over to see The Bride of Frankenstein and has a run in with the ever drugged up Colleen. She's the girl at school who everyone knows is usually high and has many of her own problems to deal with. Much to his distress, she follows Ben to the back row and falls asleep on his shoulder while the movie plays.

As the story goes on, we learn more about Ben and how he came to live with his Grandmother... why he chooses to stay in the shadows and spend his time alone. We learn how Colleen ended up on drugs and even at times get a chance to see the little glimpse of who she really is.

Ben also meets with a new neighbor who's had a chance to take film classes and sparks Ben’s interest even further into the movie industry and helps him learn how to make a movie of his own.

Throughout the movie Ben learns much from his fellow classmates, about Colleen and most importantly about himself. Will he or won't he save the girl from herself? Will he or won't he understand that he's not some monster from a movie? Two people who crossed paths at a time in their lives when they needed something most. Needed each other. To forever change who they are and who they will become.

There are some life lessons in this book that aren't hard to see. The writing was decent and the characters likable. This book was an okay/pretty good read that kept my attention to find out what would happen next. For those who have yet to read it, it wasn't bad, interesting to say the least. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: Waiting for You
Author: Susane Colasanti
Publisher: Viking Juvenile, 336 Pages (May 14, 2009)
From: Amazon/Christmas Gift

Synopsis: At the beginning of her sophomore year, Marisa is ready for a fresh start and, more importantly, a boyfriend. So when the handsome and popular Derek asks her out, Marisa thinks her long wait for happiness is over. But several bumps in the road—including her parents’ unexpected separation, a fight with her best friend, and a shocking disappointment in her relationship with Derek—test Marisa’s ability to maintain her new outlook. Only the anonymous DJ, whose underground podcasts have the school’s ear, seems to understand what Marisa is going through. But she has no idea who he is—or does she?

In this third romantic novel from Susane Colasanti, Marisa learns how to “be in the Now” and realizes that the love she’s been waiting for has been right in front of her all along.

Review: 3.5 Stars - This was the first book I've read by Susane Colasanti and while it was a nice... it just didn't wow me. The story and the characters were enjoyable enough to keep my interest, making this an easy and quick read that I would have been able to finish in one sitting if I had more time when I first picked up the book.

The story between our main characters was often predictable. Marisa is the girl who wants to reinvent herself and try to figure out not only who she is, but what she wants - with the start of a new year in High School. Her crush is the popular guy, Derek who doesn't really even know who Marisa is. She ends up paired with boy, Nash who is a neighborhood friend from her past to work on a class project. It was the classic story of Invisible girl crushing on popular boy, Nerdy boy crushing on invisible girl. Not to forget about the quirky sidekick Sterling, or the mystery DJ that the school's talking about and was pretty easy to figure out whom this mysterious DJ was early on in the book.

By about halfway through reading you knew just where each character was headed and what was going to happen with the turn of each page. Not that it was bad, just no surprises.

Throughout the story we learn all that Marisa has been through last year and what she's dealing with now as her family hits a few pumps in the road. As a reader we see her struggle to keep a grasp on things around her as she tires not to slip back into anxiety that troubled her much of the year before. I was able to connect with Marisa in this aspect of her life as she struggles with anxiety. This part of the story was well written and shows us all that something such as anxiety can hit anyone and anytime, with no rhyme or reason.

The highlights were references to John Mayer songs and how each song can be a truth for just about anyone during various stages in your life. I did really enjoy these little references throughout the book and it was little things like that that made me enjoy this further.

I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID (this book was given as a Christmas gift by a family member) pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

There's a great contest over at Book Bound! It's the first major give away there and just happen's to be celebrating great YA books of 2009. Many winners, tons of great books to choose from. The more followers the more winners. For more info. and how to enter... Follow the Link!

It's that time again for another week of In My Mailbox. This marks week 10 of a peek into the various books that I've picked up, ordered or had arrive on my doorstep for review. It's hosted by Kristi over at  The Story Siren. Thanks again for hosting it Kristi! So here's what I got this week.....

No picture, I'm on a time crunch and am about to head out before massive amounts of rain (YAY!) bucket down on us for the next 5 or so days....

Some Girls Are By: Courtney Summers
Darklight (Wonderous Strange, 2) By: Lesley Livingston
A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, 1) By: Libba Bray
Born of Night (The League, Book 1) By: Sherrilyn Kenyon

And - a book I won awhile back and it arrived week before last and I totally forgot to add it... Sorry! Thanks to The Bookologist for the contest. Keep an eye out on her blog, she's got some great contests running and about to come up!

The Vinyl Princess By: Yvonne Prinz

So, thats my week in books. A great week if you ask me. I didn't make it back to the book outlet, I'm waiting until next weekend to hit it up again.

What all did you guys get???

This Contest has CLOSED!!!! Winner Posted & Emailed SOON!

I know I've been talking about holding a contest or three around here and I thought it was time to post the first one. So... here's what's up for grabs!

I have an ARC copy of this book that I've read, reviews and it's time to give away. I've been going through all my books and thought I should pass this one on to a lucky winner.

The Good Girls Guide to Getting Kidnapped By: Yxta Maya Murray
Published by Razorbill and was just released on Jan. 7th, 2010.

This contest is open to US residents only. Sorry! Everyone else keep an eye out, one of the next contests I'll be posted in the next day or so will be open to more then just the US.

Okay... so if you'd like to enter, place be sure to fill out the form. Any entries to this contest in the comments section will not count! Comments are always welcome, just please be sure to fill out of the form if you'd like to enter.

Click here to Enter Now!

Must be at least 13 years of age to enter. If your under 18 years old, please be sure to get your parents permission before entering. Since I have no way of checking anyones age, I have to do this on the honor system and take each entry as if everyone has been honest. Please check the privacy and contest policy page for further information.

Contest ends on: Feb 3rd, 2010. The winner will be chosen by random.org. There will be a couple ways to earn extra entries to this and I will be checking to be sure each is done so it's far to all. I didn't make following me for extra entries in this contest, however following me is always nice, so please.. feel free to follow me anyways! Any questions please let me know. Good Luck to all who enter!

Title: The Dark Divine
Author: Bree Despain
Publisher: EgmontUSA, 375 Pages (December 22nd 2009)
From: Publisher

Synopsis: Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.


The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.
The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.
 
Review: 5 Stars - Amazing story, characters and plot with some twists and turns made this a book that I just didn’t and couldn’t put down. I was lucky enough to be able to read this book in one sitting (which I suggest everyone plan on doing) and loved it from beginning to end. It’s dark and mysterious, romantic and sweet all wrapped up in a shiny pretty cover. Bree Despain without a doubt writes a great story.

The characters felt so real, as if they were about to leap off the pages. Grace is the typical good girl who has a heart of gold. Drawn to Daniel and a world she never thought existed; Grace is pushed to learn more about all that’s happening around her. Daniel is our bad boy of the story who only tries to be that way… because really he’s just a good guy who needs help from the only family he’s ever really had. He’s looking for many things and healing from his past is a huge part of that. Without giving away too much of the plot and story I’ll just say this….

I never really knew what was around the corner with this book. There was always so many ways that the story could go, different choices that each of our main characters could have taken. Honestly, the only part of the story that had me worried about reading this was the religious side of things. I’m not a hugely religious person and I’m not one for preachy people and this book didn’t do anything like that. I was relieved and surprised at just how it all flowed throughout the story, never over bearing, just the right touch to fill in all the pieces of Grace being a Preachers daughter.

The ending wrapped up everything nicely, however it did leave me wanting more and questioning just what might happen to the characters next. I know that there’s a sequel in the works and I for one am more then looking forward to it. Bree Despain has made a fan out of me, now it’s your turn…. Be sure to pick up this great book soon, you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: How To Say Goodbye In Robot
Author: Natalie Standiford
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 288 Pages (October 1st 2009)
From: Amazon/Christmas Gift
 
Synopsis: New to town, Beatrice is expecting her new best friend to be one of the girls she meets on the first day. But instead, the alphabet conspires to seat her next to Jonah, aka Ghost Boy, a quiet loner who hasn't made a new friend since third grade. Something about him, though, gets to Bea, and soon they form an unexpected friendship. It's not romance, exactly - but it's definitely love. Still, Bea can't quite dispel Jonah's gloom and doom - and as she finds out his family history, she understands why. Can Bea help Jonah? Or is he destined to vanish?

Review: 4 Stars - Different, interesting, heartbreaking and wacky. This book has it all. Loved just how different it was from pretty much most of what I've been reading lately. The two main characters are both looking for things in their lives and find some of it within each other and the late night radio show they listen to. The other callers are varied and do help both Bea (Robot Girl) and Jonah (Ghost Boy) through things in each of their own quirky ways. It's an endearing story with heart and a love that's so different then the usual hearts and flowers kind. So be warned that though the book, story and characters make it a great read, it's far from the usual love story.


There were plenty of laugh out loud moments to even out all the serious ones, which seemed to fit together nicely with the plot and characters. I also loved just now not normal both our main characters were and how they were okay with that, not caring what others thought of them and their relationship. Each of our main characters, Bea and Jonah work throughout the story to mend the broken families they come from. This only draws them closer to each other as they figure out how to deal with the hardest parts within each of their home lives.

I read this book pretty much in one sitting and loved it more as i continued to read. If you haven't read it and like trying out something different, be sure to pick this up soon.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay (family paid for as it was a Christmas gift) for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

WOW! I can't believe it's that time again. Another In My Mailbox post, which is brought to us and hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren.
 
Here's what I got this week....
 
 

Break By: Hannah Moskowitz

Stealing Heaven & Love You Hate You Miss You By: Elizabeth Scott

Stoner & Spaz By: Ron Koertge

Laid Bare By: Lauren Dane

The Warrior Heir By: Cinda Williams Chima

The Wizard Heir By: Cinda Williams Chima

The Bermudez Triangle By: Maureen Johnson

jake, Reinvented By: Gordon Korman

Reincarnation By: Suzanne Weyn

Now, many people from last weeks post were asking where the money came from to purchased all those books. Well, most were Christmas gifts. I have tons of aunts and uncles... some were from my parents and my brother and his family. Many were from my hubby. Then what I picked up after were purchased with gift cards that I also got for Christmas. So, yeah... the last IMM was also for over 3 weeks. That's not usually how it is around here. Most of these books listed were picked up for a couple dollars each because I made another trip to the book outlet store I've mentioned a couple times. They are getting ready to close, which will be horrible when it happens... but since they are getting ready to close the books are even cheaper. I hope to make a couple more trips there before they close at the end of Feb.
 
So, now that you've seen what I got this week... and had a better explaination of my last IMM post... what all did you guys get this week?

Eleni at La Femme Readers is having a couple great contests!

The first: 2 Winners will get a chance to order or preorder a book of their choice! The book MUST be one that's released in 2010 and the book of choice must be under $25.00. It's open to US residents only. Contest ends on Feb 15, 2010. Click here to enter!


The second: Enter to win a copy of Bleeding Violet By: Dia Reeves. The contest is open to residents of the US and Canada. Contest ends on 1/31/10 so hurry over and enter before it's to late! Click here!

Title: Audrey, Wait!
Author:  Robin Benway
Publisher: Razorbill, 320 Pages (April 10th, 2008)
From: Amazon

Synopsis: California high school student Audrey Cuttler dumps self-involved Evan, the lead singer of a little band called The Do-Gooders. Evan writes, “Audrey, Wait!,” a break-up song that's so good it rockets up the billboard charts. And Audrey is suddenly famous!

Now rabid fans are invading her school. People is running articles about her arm-warmers. The lead singer of the Lolitas wants her as his muse. (And the Internet is documenting her every move!) Audrey can't hang out with her best friend or get with her new crush without being mobbed by fans and paparazzi.

Take a wild ride with Audrey as she makes headlines, has outrageous amounts of fun, confronts her ex on MTV, and gets the chance to show the world who she really is.

Review: 4 Stars - First off, I have to say that this book brought me back to my teen years when I spent most of my time in clubs in Hollywood seeing some amazing bands and going to concerts many weekends each month. The story was good, kept me very much entertained from beginning to end. I laughed out loud more then once. All of these things make for a good read.

I was shocked to see how our main character Audrey reacts to some of the things that are happening around her since her break up with her boyfriend Evan and the song that would forever change both of their lives. At times I questioned why she did many of the things throughout the book and chalked it up to being a teenager. The writing was pretty solid, the characters were all likeable and I don't want to forget to mention all the great references to music. I just wish we had more of a chance to get to know James better. He was such a rock to Audrey when she didn't even know it and I just felt that we should have gotten to know him a little better.

Robin Benway takes Audrey and us on a ride through music in this funny, witty adventure through overnight stardom and back again.

This book would be a great read for anyone who loves music, strong characters and a entertaining story. If you've seen this one at your local Book Store, the Library or online and haven't read it yet.... pick it up soon.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

This is weeks over due... but eh, it's here none the less. Here's a picture and recap of from the week before Christmas, Christmas and this last week. Soooo, as always - In My Mailbox is brought to us by and hosted by the lovely and blogtastic Kristi over at The Story Siren

So in order of weeks... Here is week 6 -

For Review:

The Dark Divine By: Bree Dispain

 Also with the book was some lovely nail polish. I have since read the book and a review will be posted in the next day or two. If you haven't read it... be sure to pick it up soon.

Week 7 - Christmas Week was a HUGE week in books! All books listed were gifts or were purchased with giftcards. So here goes this list -

Christmas Gifts:

Tempted By: P.C. Cast & Kristen Cast
Fallen By: Lauren Kate
Hunger By: Michael Grant
Breathing By: Cheryl Renee Herbsman
Breathless By: Jessica Warman
The Morgue and Me By: John C. Ford
Coffeehouse Angel By: Suzanne Selfors
Gossip of the Starlings By: Nina de Gramont
How To Say Goodbye In Robot By: Natalie Standiford
Shadowland By: Alyson Noel
Waiting For You By: Susane Colasanti
Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? By: Louise Rennison
The Battle of the Labyrinth (Book 5) By: Rick Riordan
Ironside By: Holly Black

And then... yes, there is a shiny new Kindle you see there. LOVE IT! I'll give a rundown of the books that are on the Kindle as well.

The day after Christmas we hit up Borders and Barns & Noble and here's what was purchased with those gift cards:

Rion By: Susan Kearney
Beastly By: Alex Flinn
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre By: Amanda Grange
Night Runner By: Max Turner
Dreaming Anastasia By: Joy Preble
Devil's Kiss By: Sarwat Chadda
Lockdown Escape From Furnace By: Alexander Gordon Smith
Rage A Love Story By: Julie Anne Peters

We also hit up the Book Oulet the on the 26th and I purchased:

Lets Get Lost By: Sarra Manning
Confessions Of A Triple Shot Betty By: Jodi Gehrman
Just Like That By: Marsha Qualey
Speak By: Laurie Halse Anderson
Eight Grade Bites - The Chronicles of Vladmir Tod By: Heather Brewer
Ninth Grade Bites - The Chronicles of Vladmir Tod By: Heather Brewer
Airhead By: Meg Cabot

Then later that day one of my aunts came over and gave me a copy of:

Official Book Club Selection - The Kathy Griffin Book

And last.... is week 8 - Another slow week, but after last week... yeah slow was okay with me.

For Review:

The Green Bronze Mirror By: Lynne Ellison

As for my Kindle here's a list of the book that are currently on it.

Under the Dome By: Stephen King
Pride and Prejudice By: Jane Austen
My Soul to Lose By: Rachel Vincent
Suite Scarlett By: Maureen Johnson

I don't have to many on it yet because I'm still trying to figure out what books I want to own and what books will be future Kindle books. Plus that Stephen King book is MASSIVE and is going to take me awhile to read.

I do have other books on order, but I'll post about those as they come in the mail. I hope everyone had a great holiday! I know we did here. I'll be back posting more again this week. I owe many reviews which I'll be adding to that list today and tomorrow after finishing up a couple books I'm currently reading. Sorry that they aren't listed here, I've just been reading to fast to keep up, not to mention I haven't been around all that much. Anwyays... That's been the last 3 weeks for me, what all did you guys get?