Well…

I hate top say this but I’ve been a very bad student. My grades are suffering big time because of the time spent on reading and the computer. As a result, I am limiting myself to read only at the most 4 books a week. I have to pull up my socks, even though I will look like a nerd… uh kidding! But seriously, I can’t afford to let my grades slip any further. It will end up lower than the temperature in my refrigerator. (Another lame attempt to joke).

So I hope you understand that I am not posting as much as before and I’m likely to do mini reviews more often than actual full reviews. But if your a publisher who sent me book(s), don’t worry! All ARCs will be given a full review about 2-5 weeks before the release date.

I’m just taking some time off to study. I will get some bloggers to do guest posts. Think that will be fun… interested in guest blogging? Shoot me an email at kate.readthisbook [at] gmail [dot] com.

In My Mailbox (14)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea.

Another week has passed so quickly. I’m rather busy this week so no Amazon links. Sorry!

Received in my mailbox:

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
I have been waiting patiently for this one. Horruh excited to read this!

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle
At first I saw the words Dutton at first and wondered why would Dutton send me a book. Then I realized it was Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks which I won from Mary.

Sophomore Switch by Abby McDonald together with some awesome goodies.
Won them too. The package smelled really sweet when I received it. =D Sadly, the candy got smashed and the items became gooey. I managed to save the nail polish, shampoo, demo CD and book. The book was unharmed luckily.

Thank you everyone who sent me the books/swag. You are all awesome people.

From the bookstore:

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
I needed to refresh my memory before the movie. I finished it within three days. LOVE it. Simply cannot wait for the movie.

From the library:

Stargazer by Claudia Gray
Yes! Got my hands on the sequel, can’t wait to read it.

A Map Of The Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell
Emotional story on friendship, love, death and family problems. Read my review of it here.

Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita
Big fan of the Hollywood Life series. Decided to give this a go.

One Lonely Degree by C.K. Kelly Martin
Never read any of C.K. Kelly Martin’s work but this one sounds good.

A Map Of The Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell

Cora Bradley dreams of escape. Ever since her reckless older brother, Nate, died in a car crash, Cora has felt suffocated by her small town and high school. She seeks solace in drawing beautiful maps, envisioning herself in exotic locales. When Cora begins to fall for Damian, the handsome, brooding boy who was in the car with Nate the night he died, she uncovers her brother’s secret artistic life and realizes she had more in common with him than she ever imagined. With stunning lyricism, Sandell weaves a tale of one girl’s journey through the redemptive powers of art, friendship, and love.

This book exceeded my expectations. I found myself enjoying the book way more than I ever thought I would. I felt sympathetic for Cora, the pain of losing someone who is close to you. We see how Nate’s death changes things between Rachel (her BFF) and Cora. Damian’s life also changes because of Nate’s death, he is being alienated by everyone. Cora’s life at home is also different.

There are times where I just wanted to hug Cora and tell her everything will be ok. To me, Cora seems much more mature than a fourteen year old (or is it fifteen?). She has a lot to deal with. As the book progresses, we see a strain between Cora’s relationship with her parents. I found it believable. Generally, I felt that the writing was excellent. Lisa Ann Sandell has brilliant writing skills. I admire her writing. It’s really marvelous.

My only problems was with Damian and Cora’s relationship. It developed too fast for me. I wish there was more pages on their time spent together.

I think if you like Sarah Dessen’s books, you will enjoy this. I think the topics in this book is similar to Dessen’s though I can’t say the writing is the same.

Silver Star (close to Gold star)

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Today’s WoW will feature a number of Tenner’s books which I am really excited for.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Release date: December 22nd 2009
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 blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel’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.

AHHHHHH! I am dying to read this book! WANT WANT WANT! The days are passing by very slowly…

Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
Release date: March 2010
Synopsis: When a well-dressed woman steps out of a bubble and wants to know if you’d like to become a substitute princess, do you
A) run
B) faint
C) say yes?
For Desi Bascomb, who’s been longing for some glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite C). Desi has a rare ability: with the help of “Royal Rouge,” she can temporarily transform into the exact look-alike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right?
Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras…. In this winning debut, one girl’s dream of glamour transforms into the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.

What a pink cover! =) Sounds like an excellent book.

All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
Release date: January 12th 2010
Synopsis: All Unquiet Things centers around the murder of teen heiress Carly Ribelli, who was found shot to death a mile from her house in a wealthy Northern California suburb. Carly’s uncle, a dissolute alcoholic, was convicted of the crime, but a year later his daughter still doesn’t believe her father is guilty. Determined to prove his innocence, Audrey Ribelli contacts Carly’s ex-boyfriend, Neily Monroe, the boy who found Carly’s body. She is convinced that he knows more than he thinks about the events that led up to Carly’s death. Despite Neily’s initial reluctance, he and Audrey begin their investigation at the posh private school they attend, identifying prime suspects from among their spoiled classmates and digging up secrets about Carly’s past to get to the truth behind her murder.

Murder! Mystery! I can’t wait!

Cathy Cassidy giveaway

Hello everyone. -waves-

I am participating in the YA Book Carnival hosted by Shooting Star Mag! This is going to be so exciting.

I recently had a chance to meet Cathy Cassidy, author of Ginger Snaps, Dizzy, Indigo Blue, Driftwood, Scarlett, Lucky Star, Sundae Girl and her latest book, Angel Cake. She has this lovely British accent (I think it’s British) and she was so sweet.

I am giving away two books and a notebook.

1st place: Sundae Girl by Cathy Cassidy (signed) and a notebook
1st Runner up: Driftwood by Cathy Cassidy (signed)
2nd Runner up: two bookmarks (not related to Cathy Cassidy)

View the signed copy of Sundae Girl.
View the signed copy of Dirtwood.
View the notebook (not signed).

This is an international giveaway. It ends July 1st.

Additional entries:
+1 link on sidebar to this contest
+1 every person you refer gives you one bonus entry
+3 become Google follower (I must be able to see my link in your sidebar under Google followers)

I shall leave you with this quote

Friendship makes the world go round
-Cathy Cassidy

Click here to view a badly taken pic of Cathy.

Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph

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….

I think this review will be a short one because I love the book and only had one minor problem with it. Teresa is a very shy girl and I can often relate to her feelings. However Tere often listens to the radio and ‘broadcasts’ in her room. When she is given the opportunity to be a intern at the radio station, after much coaxing from her one and only friend, Audrey, she signs up. She gains confidence over time and people start calling in asking about her. I love reading books in which the main character is a shy person so I really enjoyed Shrinking Violet.

I like the whole romance with Gavin except for one teeny problem.

SPOILER ALERT!

I’m warning you!

Tere and Gavin kiss but after that, no one talks about it! Tere doesn’t think about the kiss. Assuming that it’s her first kiss, she should at least daydream about it or wonder did it really happen? But no, nothing. The only evidence that they were closer now because of the kiss was when Gavin squeezed her hands before the presentation. I have talked to Danielle about this and this is her response:

Thanks for sharing. I don’t think Tere would feel comfortable talking about it with Gavin just yet. Since it’s the end of the book there is not much time for reflection but I see what you’re saying. Noted for future first kisses:).

I kind of the guessed the part where there was no time for reflection.

SPOILER ENDS!

Overall Shrinking Violet is a great read about a girls journey from being a shrinking violet to discovering herself. If you and your iPod are like peanut butter and jelly you will probably like this book. A light witty read, recommended to girls who like books on discovering yourself and overcoming shyness.

Silver star

Disney Channel has bought film rights for Shrinking Violet! Woo hoo! Congrats Danielle! =D