Today Jessica (Confessions of a Bookaholic) and I have shared with you our interview with Purity author Jackson Pearce and some of our favorite quotes from the book. Now, we are doing an open discussion of the book where we share some of our thoughts and give readers a chance to join in and discuss Purity.

Discussion for Purity

I first became interested in Purity because I thought the idea of a Princess Ball was so unique. I have heard about these events before but knew it would be fun to see it through the eyes of a young girl getting ready to go to one. I know they have to be stressful and not everyone would be willing to make such an important pledge. Had you heard of this type of father/daughter event before this book?

Oh yeah, I have heard of the Princess Ball before and since then  I've wanted to learn more about them in, if only for how awkward they sound. Then when I heard about Purity, I couldn't wait to find out what would happen when a teen girl was faced with one. And Shelby's story has an interesting twist that made me even more intrigued because I knew her views would be somewhat skewed due to promises she made in the past. Speaking of those promises, how do you think Shelby handled them?

I'm not sure if I would have taken the promises so literal. I'm sure that if it came down to it, Shelby's mother would have rather her been more careful of her emotions (involving sex) than worrying about displeasing her father. I understood the deep connection she had with the promises to her mother, but I guess I just thought she would have been better off being honest with her dad. You?

I agree with you 100%. The promises put such a strain on her relationship with not only her father but everyone around her. It was sad to see how that happened and also I found that her views on sex were so... flippant, for lack of a better word. I didn't understand how anyone could read that far into the a promise and to be so relaxed about it all. I am glad about some of the choices she made, even it if took her awhile to get there in the end. The book deals with a huge subject matter - Sex - which is sometimes a taboo subject in YA. How do you think Jackson did?

I was happy to see such honestly for the subject. I know that some girls do have the attitude that they just want to get it over with. This really showed how sex can become the only thing a teen can think about once they hit a certain age. They feel pressure to do it from their friends, and not do it from their parents. It can really put a person in a bad place mentally because they are not really at the age to know what they want, or what the consequences may be. I was glad that Shelby had friends who supported her either way. Some people don't have that. What did you think of Shelby's dad?

I think that Jackson portrayed just how awkward and strained a a father daughter relationship can be. I'm not saying that they all are that way, but when the mom's gone I think there can be a huge disconnect. Especially when the mom's been gone since the child was young. It has to be hard on the dad for numerous reasons, but not having your wife (or husband) there to help raise a girl from such a young age has to be rough on both parent and child. What did you think of her dad?

I agree. I can only imagine how awkward those conversations would be between a father and daughter once she gets to a certain age. Especially when he has had no experience dealing with young girls and has no one to ask. I do think a lot of dads would just ignore the issues or hope that the girls friends would help her along the way. It can really break down the communication which is what we get to see between Shelby and her dad.

And it's sad that such a break down does happen with the, but I think it's honest. I know I never had any of these talks with my dad. I'm past my teen years and I'd still never have those kinds of talks with me. Or maybe it's just me and I'm really an awkward teen deep down inside?

What did you guys think? Please leave us (spoiler-free) comments and we invite others to reply and join in. If you haven't read the book yet, just tell us what really makes you want to read it. 
 

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive a copy of Purity by Jackson Pearce. 

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends June 14th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.  

You will find this form on Confessions of a Bookaholic as well. PLEASE only fill it out ONCE!  

We wanted to do this feature as a way to promote a new release and get people involved in discussing the book. One of the best ways to find out about a book is to read the reviews. 

 

We would love you to join the discussion about the book. Leave comments, tell us what you thought, tell us why you want to read it, or ask questions. PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS! We don't want to ruin it for others, but we'd love to see what everyone thought of the story.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Survive
Author: Alex Morel
Publisher: Razorbill, 272 Pages (August 2nd, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Hatchet meets Lost in this modern-day adventure tale of one girl's reawakening

Jane is on a plane on her way home to Montclair, New Jersey, from a mental hospital. She is about to kill herself. Just before she can swallow a lethal dose of pills, the plane hits turbulence and everything goes black. Jane wakes up amidst piles of wreckage and charred bodies on a snowy mountaintop. There is only one other survivor: a boy named Paul, who inspires Jane to want to fight for her life for the first time.

Jane and Paul scale icy slopes and huddle together for warmth at night, forging an intense emotional bond. But the wilderness is a vast and lethal force, and only one of them will survive.

Title: Wake (Watersong, #1)
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St. Martins (August 7th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Lose yourself in the magic of Watersong, an unforgettable new series about two sisters who nearly lose their lives - and their loves - when they fall under the spell of three beautiful but deadly sirens.

  

Title: Glitch (Glitch, #1)
Author: Heather Anastasiu
Publisher: St. Martin's, 320 Pages (August 7th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse. In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Middle of the week, means it's WoW time again. Who's excited about the books listed today? Survive sounds like one of those books that'll have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Wake sounds intriguing. The whole synopsis sounds fascinating - two sisters and sirens, yep... count me in! And Glitch... seriously, bring it on now please!! I love the a good sci-fi and this book sounds like it'll be pretty thrilling.


*covers are always subject to change.

Since Devotion, the most recent release of the Soul Savers Series, is about betrayal and loyalty, each stop on the tour asks a character or the author a relevant question. I chose Owen, a supporting character who... I could gush about him forever. He knows how to make me weak in the knee's that's for sure!

So, Owen, tell us. What has been the biggest betrayal you’ve faced?

*Scrubs hands through blond hair* *brows push together, three lines appearing between them, as he thinks*

Well, I’m about as good as they come, born and bred this way, and any betrayal against my people I take personally. Of course, the enemy are career deceivers, and we have to deal with that almost daily.

Up until recently, though, the worst I’ve been betrayed was by a girl. Go figure, right? I thought she was the one to take home to meet Mom and Dad, until I found her snoggin’ a dude on the El in Chicago. I guess that was the last time I’ve been serious with anyone and that was dec—I mean ages ago.

But now, things have changed. The biggest betrayal ever? Don’t even let me go there. You’ll just have to read to find out.

Devotion is the third book in the Soul Savers Series, following Promise (#1) and Purpose (#2). Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella can be read at any time and tells the story of the beginnings of the Amadis.

About Devotion:

With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge— protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

Someone’s keeping a secret. A big one. Faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight . . . who will?

 
Order online:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | Signed Copies

Find Kristie Online: 

Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook


*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

Title: Masque of the Red Death
Author: Bethany Griffin
Publisher: Harper 320 Pages, (April 24th, 2012)
From: the Publisher via Amazon Vine
Format: ARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

Review: 5 Stars - Masque of the Red Death By: Bethany Griffin was both dark and beautiful. Set in a devastating time and place, during a deadly plague, Griffin’s story, influenced by non other than Edgar Allan Poe was utter fantastic!

From beginning to end, I was mesmerized, lost in Griffin’s world… just as a great book should accomplish for its reader. It’s not often that I’ve been lucky enough to find a book that so utterly captivated me, but this one hands down did just that. I had no idea what to expect when I picked this one up, but I knew that many others had been raving about the title. I couldn’t have been more pleased that I listened to what my fellow readers and bloggers had to say when it comes to this new favorite title.

Araby is one of the lucky ones. She lives a privileged life in an otherwise crumbling, plague riddled world. What might be perfect on the outside, nice place to live, a best friend, fancy dresses and glittery make up and so much more… isn’t so perfect on the inside. She’s a girl mourning the death of her twin brother. Taken by the plague at such a young age, Araby feels she’s to blame for Finn’s death and sets out to live her life by certain rules. She doesn’t think its fair that she gets to experience many things in life that Finn never will.

With visions of the Debauchery Club whirling and twirling in my head, gowns cut short to reveal the unmarked skin proving you are plague free and the masks only the wealthy can afford to help keep the disease away, Griffin’s story is rich in colors in an otherwise colorless city.

All at the hands of a mad Prince, who is more than out of his mind Araby and Elliott, the Prince’s nephew make an unlikely pair while trying to sneak and scheme to work on many of their worlds issues and one is in finding a way to get the much needed masks into the hands of everyone and not just those who can afford it.

It’s a dangerous world that Griffin has created, with a hugely glamorous side in a damaged land and its people, the two work so well together it’s almost as if they have been woven from the same cloth. In my opinion it was hard for me to find much that I didn’t love about this book and its captivating characters.

Griffin found a way to hook me from the start and left me ready for more. With so much at stake and so much more to come Griffin has an amazing start to her series and I’m excited to see where she takes us next! Zeppelin ride anyone?

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 HONEST review.

"Just Picked" is a feature here at A Life Bound By Books. This is a place where I'll be spotlighting new (and old) children's book or picture books for parents and new readers. It's a place to talk about books for a younger group and to try to help create a new generation of readers.

Title: Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet
Author: Jane O'Conno
Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser
Publisher: HarperCollins, 32 Pages (February 7th, 2012)
Age Range: 4 and up
From: the Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Fancy Nancy is ready for the spotlight.

Fancy Nancy and her best friend, Bree, couldn't be more excited about their upcoming dance show. After all, it's all about mermaids--and who knows how to be a fancy, glamorous mermaid better than Fancy Nancy herself? But when another ballerina wins the coveted role of the mermaid, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Can Nancy bring fancy flair to her role, even though it isn't the one she wanted? And when disaster strikes right before the big ballet, who will step in to steal the spotlight?

Review: 5 Stars - Fancy Nancy is such a fun book for younger girls. And the illustrations are bright, colorful and perfectly fancy for Nancy.

I think I loved the illustrations the most out of the book. I know that my niece has loved Nancy for awhile, so it’s been fun to spend time with her reading this book. She’s a fan of all things girly, mermaids and dancing so I was more than excited that I had a chance to sit and share the time with her in reading Nancy’s new story.

There’s a great lesson to be learned when Nancy doesn’t get the part that she wants in her Ballet classes play. That she should still be happy and excited to be part of it and happy for her friend who gets the part that Nancy wants more than anything. It’s a cute story, great illustrations and another fun chance to sit and spend time with my niece. Recommend to younger girls who love to play dress up or love to use their imaginations.

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 HONEST review.

Title: Purity
Author: Jackson Pearce
Publisher: Little Brown for Young Readers, 218 Pages (April 24th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: A novel about love, loss, and sex -- but not necessarily in that order.

Before her mother died, Shelby promised three things: to listen to her father, to love as much as possible, and to live without restraint. Those Promises become harder to keep when Shelby's father joins the planning committee for the Princess Ball, an annual dance that ends with a ceremonial vow to live pure lives -- in other words, no "bad behavior," no breaking the rules, and definitely no sex.

Torn between Promises One and Three, Shelby makes a decision -- to exploit a loophole and lose her virginity before taking the vow. But somewhere between failed hookup attempts and helping her dad plan the ball, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her purity.

Interview:

Hi Jackson, thank you so much for being part of May’s Blogger Talk: Novel Exposed. We’re excited to have you here and to help celebrate your new and first contemporary novel – Purity.

1. Purity is centered on an event known as the "Princess Ball" and these are pretty common. Have you ever attended one of these balls? Where did you go to for information about the process?

I’ve never attended one, but I had friends who did. I was always fascinated and a little horrified by them. I got all of my research from the websites of actual purity balls/the organizations throwing them. Nothing about them was invented, though I did combined elements of various purity balls together to create the Princess Ball Shelby attends.

Did your writing process change much if at all from when you work on fairy tale retellings to now your first contemporary novel? Was it hard to switch gears?

The writing process didn’t change very much, but it was a little tricky to switch voices. I wrote the first draft of PURITY, then had to stop, set it aside, and write SWEETLY. It was tricky getting back into Shelby’s head.

Were you afraid to tackle a book dealing with virginity and religion? What was the most difficult part?

Not especially, because I realized that it was the sort of book I wanted to read. I tried to be as honest as I could, and to not think of the people who were going to automatically judge the book on its subject matter.

Of all the characters in Purity, who would you say your personality resembles the most?

Ruby, easily. She’s the closest I’ve ever come to putting myself in a story.

Could you describe your main character Shelby in 3 words?

Shelby is…conflicted, loving, and loyal.

And lastly, if readers take one message way with them after reading Purity, what would you hope that message would be?

That nothing is as simple as it seems, especially when you’re an outside observer.

Thanks so much for stopping by. It was great to have you on the blog again Jackson. You are always more than welcome to drop on by again and we hope that you will.

Quotes From Purity:

A couple favorite quotes from Jackson:

pg 62 “My eyes scan over them, mind cluttering with words like intense and heated and tropical—tropical? Is this a display of contraceptives or a line of fruity alcohols?”

p124 “You know,” Jonas finally says, his voice edged with relief as the cold air begins to flow toward the back of the car, “I’m beginning to think your dad is adopted. No way he’s related to Kaycee.”
    “Well,” I say, “there’s always the possibility that Kaycee was kidnapped and raised by drag queens or exotic dancers.”

A couple of my favorite quotes:

"What's so funny?"
"You won't think it's funny," he says, but when I fold my arms he grins sheepishly. "I dunno, Shelby. It's just kind of like a sitcom, thinking of you vowing your purity."
"Even the word purity freaks me out, " I answer in disgust.
"Exactly. It'd make the perfect sitcom plot." -- Pg. 28

"Oh!" he says, then looks sheepish, like he should have known that I'd be busy. "It's just... you know, only five weeks out. I was thinking it'd be a breeze...."
I sigh. "Okay, I'll help - but I've got to study. Maybe later?" I say, which is code for "Maybe after I've punched myself in the face fifty times." -- Pg. 37

"Yes, yes," Jonas mutters, and I can picture him nodding in agreement. "What about a 'no jackasses' rule?"
I muse over the idea. "I don't think that'll work. I've only got five weeks. If we throw out all the jackasses at Ridgebrook, we'll be left with, like... the drama club and a few people in the marching band." -- Pg. 39

 Jonas signs. "Lord, what fools these mortals be," he quotes as we break out of the cattle herd and emerge in the heat of the day. -- Pg. 49

A couple of Jessica's favorite quotes:

"I'm not sure who jumps first, but the next thing I know, the three of us sail through the air, blue sky sliding into green trees toward the lake. This is life without restraint; this is what Mom wanted for me."

"I don't want to vow anything that has to do with my lady parts," I answer quickly. The idea makes me shiver, which sends Ruby into a giggling fit"

"What about a 'no jackasses' rule?" I muse over the idea. "I don't think that'll work. I've only got five weeks. If we throw out the jackasses at Ridgebrook, we'll be left with, like... the drama club and a few people in marching band."

*Jessica's quotes were taken from the e-ARC. My quotes were taken from a finish copy.

Find Jackson Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

We wanted to do this feature as a way to promote a new release and get people involved in discussing the book. One of the best ways to find out about a book is to read the reviews.

Please feel free to link your review of A Temptation of Angels that has been posted on your blog or Goodreads.

Rules: Please post ONLY your review of A Temptation of Angels.
Please provide the direct link in the linky.
You can include your rating of the book.

Example of link: A Life Bound By Books - Purity Review (4 stars)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Perfect Escape
Author: Jennifer Brown
Publisher: Little Brown, 352 Pages (July 10th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Kendra has always felt overshadowed by her older brother, Grayson, whose OCD forces him to live a life of carefully coordinated routines. The only way Kendra can stand out next to Grayson is to be perfect, and she has perfection down to an art -- until a cheating scandal threatens her flawless reputation.

Behind the wheel of her car, with Grayson asleep beside her, Kendra decides to drive away from it all -- with enough distance, maybe she'll be able to figure everything out. But eventually, Kendra must stop running and come to terms with herself, her brother, and her past.

With undeniable grace and humor, acclaimed author Jennifer Brown explores OCD, the pressure for perfection, and the emotional highs and lows of a complex sibling relationship.

Title: One Moment
Author: Kristina McBride
Publisher: Egmont, 272 Pages (June 26th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

Title: For Darkness Shows the Stars
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 398 Pages (June 12th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot’s estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she’s lost him forever.

Well, three books this week make it into my WoW and I really can't wait to read each of them!! I'm not going to say much about them, other than they each look FABULOUS. I think they books speak for themselves. Are there any books I have listed this week that you guys can't wait for? What are your thoughts?


*covers are always subject to change.

Title: Black Dawn (The Morganville Vampiers, #12)
Author: Rachel Caine
Publisher: NAL, 384 Pages (May 1st, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: The hotly-anticipated twelfth installment in the Morganville Vampires series.

In Last Breath, the rain brought a new and dire threat to Morganville and its vampires... their ancient enemies, the draug. Now, the vampires are fighting a losing war, and it will fall to the residents of the Glass House: Michael, Eve, Shane and Claire, to take the fight to an enemy who threatens to destroy the town, forever.

Lovers of Morganville, rejoice: Black Dawn takes the intrigue, romance and nail-biting suspense of the series to its highest level yet!

GIVEAWAY!!!

Enter to win a hardback copy of BLACK DAWN!!!

ONE winner will receive a finished copy of the book.


Rules and now to enter:

You MUST be at least 13 years old to enter.
To enter, please fill out the form below. No entries in comments will be counted.
This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL!
Giveaway ends: June 8th, 2012

Good luck to everyone who enters! A winner will be chosen via Random.org. If you have any questions, please feel free to email.