WWW Wednesday

Recently Finished: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Currently Reading: Eve by Anna Carey and Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Starting Soon: Gone by Michael Grant

Waiting on Wednesday

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered. 

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body. 

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane. 

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again. 

I don't know about you guys but, I cannot wait for this book!!!!

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

    The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder is a Contemporary YA written in verse.  I recently read I Heart You, You Haunt Me, also by Lisa, and judging from how much I enjoyed both of these books, I will definitely be checking out the rest of her titles in the future.
     The Day Before did have a few flaws and I wasn't sure if they were intended or not.  For example, I didn't know what Amber was so upset about until about halfway through the book when she and Cade play four truths and a lie.  Of course you also didn't know why cade was acting so upset till the last few pages but, that was definitely intended!  Honestly, that one thing was probably the only flaw I could find in The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder.  One thing about all verse novels, though, is that I read them so quickly that I sometimes feel like I'm left sort of empty, almost like I never read the book but, thats probably just me!
    There were only two main characters in the book: Cade and Amber, although there were also a few supporting roles including Madison, Kelly, Jean, Allen, and Charlotte.  I really liked Amber's attitude.  She saw herself as sort of "Hard Core" but, she also had a soft side that showed when she talked about her love for the beach, being afraid to live with Jean and Allen, and of course, her obsession with Jelly Beans.  I also really liked Cade's character because he was soft of mysterious but, also very sweet at the same time.  You could tell that he was a really awesome guy but, something was definitely troubling him.  Jean seemed to be a bit pushy to me but, all in all, she was pretty nice.  I liked how she was concerned with Amber's feelings.  Allen didn't play much of a role so I don't have much to say about him.
     As I said before, I really love Lisa's writing because it allows you to get so close to the characters.  When you read Lisa's writing, its like you're feeling what each character feels, her books are just filled with so much emotion.  With so few words, she evokes such powerful emotion.  Definitely check her books out!

Final Grade:
PS- I'm currently shuffling between reviewing on Wednesday versus Tuesday to see what works better for me and what you guys like better, so what are your opinions?

IMM #14

So What did you guys think of my books this week?  I'm so excited for everyone of them!!!  What did you get in your mailbox?

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Genre: Young Adult Dysotopian

Source: Purchased by Myself

Series: Yes, Trilogy along with spin off, Book Number One of Four Total

Other Books: Pretties, Specials, Extras

Buy It: The Book Depository 

Buy The Entire Series: Pretties Specials Extras  Bogus to Bubbly: A Guide to the Uglies Series

Challenge: Yes, Off the Shelf

Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that? 

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for he
r license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

     For about a year, my friend had been telling me that I needed to read Uglies by Scott Westerfield.  I thought about it and figured I eventually would and stumbled upon a brand new copy at a garage sale and paid next to nothing for it.  The book then proceeded to sit on my shelf for another 6 months until it annoyed me to death that I had yet to read it so, I gave it a shot.  I am definitely glad that I did.

     Scott Westerfield’s writing is not a style that I’m used to.  It is written with a harsh and straight forward feeling.  It was very interesting.  If you have read Uglies, you probably know what I’m talking about but, if you haven’t here is the first line of the book: The Early Summer Sky was the color of cat vomit. Doesn’t it catch your eye?  It made me wonder why the narrator decided to describe the sky this way so I obviously continued reading! 

     When I started Uglies, I didn’t think that it would be filled with advanced technology, which was a bit silly of me because they are obviously technologically advanced enough to do the operation.  Anyway, I was very intrigued hearing about the technology in Tally’s world because it was a pleasant surprise.  They had hover boards, Bungee Jackets, and all sorts of cool inventions!  It was definitely interesting to hear Tally’s description of all this technology that could one day come to be.

     I definitely enjoyed the characters.  David was very intriguing, especially all of his secrets (Shh! No Spoilers!).  I really liked Maddy and Az also.  Tally, the protagonist had some very interesting aspects in her personality.  She was always trying to be a good friend but, as I like my characters, she was flawed.  Tally always had a hint of Selfishness, although it did seem like she was a very Dynamic character.  We also knew a lot about what she was feeling, even though the story was told in third person.

     I even enjoyed the setting of Uglies.  I loved learning about The Smoke, UglyVille, New Pretty Town, and the Burbs.  The Caste system was definitely thought provoking in the sense that you would be based upon your beauty.

     Overall, I really liked Uglies and I definitely urge you to check it out soon!

Final Grade:

IMM #13

My Thirteenth IMM!  Don't Forget to Leave me a Comment, Signup for the Readathon, and Enter all of our Current Contests! :)

WWW Wednesday

Currently Reading: Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

All-American Girl by Meg Cabot

Recently Finished: Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Starting Soon:  Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Crossroads by Mary Ting

Whereabouts of this weeks review

Hey Remarkable Readers!  I bet you're all wondering where this week's review and IMM are and I'm here to tell you where!  I've been really busy this week and haven't had time to write a review (first week back to school) and I'm so sorry!  If I have the chance, I might write one and just post it late, or the book I was scheduling for this week will just take next tuesday's place.  As for the IMM, I didn't get enough for a video last week so I'll just be combining last week and this week.  Once again, I'm really sorry but, I hope that while you're here, you'll enter all the giveaways running right now and signup for the readathon (Just click the button in the sidebar)!  I'll try to post soon!  

Pen Fatale: Gabrielle Zevin Release Party!

So this wednesday, I attended the launch party for Gabrielle Zevin's newest YA novel, All These Things I've Done, at WORD in Brooklyn, NY.  It was my first signing and the first time I had ever been to WORD and I really enjoyed both experiences!  The Event was held on the lower level of WORD upon a small "stage" where Gabrielle Zevin and her editor sat.  There was a Reading, Q & A with her editor, and a signing.  There was also a table filled with complimentary chocolates and coffee ( both of which are illegal substances in Zevin's newest release) available.  Check out the slideshow below for my pictures regarding the event!

Enter to Win a signed ARC Here

Saturday Swap

I know that I'm a bit late on this one but, I still love Saturday Swap hosted by Ruby at Ruby Reads!  Here are my available books:

Email Me if you're interested: remarkablereads@gmail.com or just leave a comment!  My wishlist is under the Contact Me tab! :)

Another Giveaway!

The Lovely People over at Fiewel & Friends (a division of Macmillan) have donated two books for a giveaway!  These two books are:  A paperback copy of Halo and a Hardcover of Hades!  Both books were amazing and I hope whoever wins them really enjoys them!  Anyway, Here's the giveaway! Good Luck!

Author Sara Grant!

Hello Blog Readers!  I feel like you should have a name....How does Remarkable Readers sound?  Let me know! :)  Anyway, today I'm super ecstatic to have Sara Grant, author of Dark Parties, here for a guest post!  Without further ado, I would like to introduce Sara Grant and her awesome guest post (no joke, it really is awesome! :) ) !

In the beginning…

Where to begin? 

I ask the same question when I sit down to write – regardless of whether it’s a new novel, the tenth revision or a guest post for a lovely blog like Remarkable Reads. (Thanks for inviting me, by the way!)

So much rides on the opening lines. I’ve heard numerous book editors say that the first page of a manuscript – some even say the first paragraph (eeks!) – determines whether or not the book will have a chance at publication. 

Here’s a few opening lines that lodged themselves into my psyche and demanded I read on:

Waiting on Wednesdays

To Rosa Alcantara, the exotic world of Sicily, with its network of Mafia families and its reputation for murder and intrigue, is just that—exotic and wholly unknown. But when her life in Brooklyn begins to fall apart, she must travel there, to her family’s ancestral home, where centuries of family secrets await her. 

Once there, Rosa falls head over heels for Alessandro Carnevare, the son of a Sicilian Mafia family, whose handsome looks and savage grace both fascinate and unsettle her. But their families are sworn enemies, and her aunt and sister believe Alessandro is only using Rosa to infiltrate the Alcantara clan. And when Rosa encounters a tiger one night—a tiger with very familiar eyes—she can no longer deny that neither the Carnevares nor the Alcantaras are what they seem. 

Hidden caves, dangerous beasts roaming the hills, and a history of familial bloodlust mean that Rosa can’t trust anyone. Torn between loyalty to her family and love for their mortal enemy, Rosa must make the hardest decision of her life: stay in Sicily with her new love…or run as far and as fast as she can.

This sounds amazing!  The Cover is awesome and I really hope that I can get an ARC for this!!

WWW Wednesday

Currently Reading: Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

All American Girl by Meg Cabot

Recently Finished: The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Boyfriend from Hell by E Van. Lowe (Enter to win an eCopy on the contest page!)

Probably Reading Next: Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Boyfriend from Hell Blog Tour and Giveaway

Fifteen year-old Megan Barnett and her single mom, Suze, have a special relationship—they are friends, close friends, who do almost everything together. 

“But come on, guys, she’s my mother… Can I really tell her that while we’re snuggled up on the sofa watching Spider Man Three, I’m secretly undressing James Franco with my eyes? Of course not…” 

The special bond takes a turn for the worse when Suze decides to start dating again. She hasn’t had a man in her life since Megan’s father left ten years ago. 

Enter two mysterious young men, Megan’s new classmate, sinfully attractive bad boy, Guy Matson, and the dangerously handsome art dealer, Armando. Before long Megan and Suze both wind up in steamy relationships. 

But neither of the handsome pair is quite what he seems. In fact, one of them is Satan, with his sights set on a new bride. Megan has precious little time to figure out how to stop him. If she doesn’t, either Megan or Suze are quite literally going to HELL.

Boyfriend from Hell by E Van Lowe

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

Source: ECopy from Author

Series: Yes, Book Number One

Other Books: Earth Angel 

Attention: Readathon Ahead!

Hello All!  For some reason I've decided to host a readathon.  I'm planning it very far in advance so that we can have a ton of participants.  This readathon will take place over the Holiday break so from December 22nd all the way to January 1st!  It will be the perfect time to finish up all your 2011 challenges and make it to your reading goals for 2011.  I'd like any bloggers who would like to host giveaways and mini challenges throughout the readathon to signup below and if you'd like to sign up to be a part of the readathon, you can also do that below!  The Readathon is called...Drumroll Please!.... The Wrapping up 2011 Readathon!  I hope you'll participate!


What is a Readathon?
A Readathon is where you set a goal for yourself to read more books that is beyond your average number of books you read. There is no minimum, it's all up to you! Push yourself to get some of those books read that have been sitting on your shelves for awhile! You can read any type of book you choose!
(Definition taken from Angela at Reading Angel!) ( Also from Katie at Katie's Book Blog )


The Hashtag for quick updates and chatter about the readathon is: #WU2011R


How to enter:  Fill out the form and add your blog or website to the linky!  If you are posting from twitter, leave your profile URL.  If you don't have a website, blog, or twitter, you can update in the comments of the kickoff post on December 22nd, just make sure to fill out the form!


Here is the button for the readathon!

Please Note: There will eventually be an HTML code, but I'm currently experiencing technical difficulties. For Now, please just add a picture widget and link to here: http://goo.gl/I8ZEO

This is my first time hosting a readathon but, if all goes well, this may even turn into an annual thing!


*For Bloggers who would like to host: Fill out This Form
For Anyone who would like to participate: Fill out This Form


*If you would like to host, you have to fill out both forms!
Attention Authors, Publishers, Marketing, Etc! - If You Would Like to Donate a Prize for the giveaways, I would love that! :)  Just fill out the form and/ or send me an email (remarkablereads@gmail.com) !  Thanks!

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

Young readers who have worked their way through Lemony Snicket may well find their next obsession in The Mysterious Benedict Society, a dandy YA debut by novelist Trenton Lee Stewart. This engaging tale has all the elements tweens find intriguing: gifted kids, a dangerous mission, and a secret society where nothing is as it seems. Stewart throws plenty of challenges -- physical, mental, and moral -- in the path of his young protagonists, and readers will have fun solving the riddles and unraveling the clues in this smart, unconventional mystery. Complex, unpredictable, and deeply respectful of children's innate intelligence, The Mysterious Benedict Society is highly recommended for thoughtful preteens. P.S. We loved it, too!

Genre: Middle Grade Adventure

Source: Purchased by Myself

Series: Yes, Trilogy, Book Number One

Other Books: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma

Buy It: The Book Depository 

Buy The Entire Series: The Book Depository 

     I want to start by saying that I am not a fan of Middle Grade.  I usually don’t like it because of the juvenile writing style but, take notice of the word “usually.”  The Mysterious Benedict Society completely changed all of my preconceived opinions about Middle Grade Fiction.  For Months the cover had stared me down in TJ Maxx (They get a shipment of books once in a while) and I finally decided to check it out.  I had also seen Priscilla from The Readables review it and she loved it!  While my mother and sister were browsing the store, I sat down for a few minutes to read the first few pages and decide if I wanted to buy it.  Somewhere between page 1 and 10, the decision was already made- I was walking out of there with that book.  For $5, it was a steal - How could I say no?  From then on, I was hooked and finished it within a few days. 

     The Book definitely had a very whimsical feel- from the cover to the color scheme and even the writing.  The whole book reminded me of a Roahld Dahl book, but lightened up.  I really enjoyed Trenton Lee Stewart’s writing style and will check out any other books that he has written.  I loved the beginning and really enjoyed trying to figure out all the answers on the tests that Reynie had to take.  I’m really a big fan of riddles, that being said, that is probably the reason I loved this book so much and I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series because it follows a scavenger hunt!

      The Mysterious Benedict Society was definitely a character driven book.  I’d say that 99% of the characters were Dynamic, meaning that they underwent changes throughout the story.  The story was mostly focused on Reynie, a young orphan.  I loved how Reynie had a childish way of thinking, but in reality was very intelligent.  By Childish was of thinking, I mean that Reynie still thought about upsetting his friends and doubted himself.  Of Course adults do those things, too, but you could tell that Reynie was of a young age.  I really liked Sticky, Kate, and Constance also!  I could ramble on forever about how great the characters in this book were, but instead I’ll make it quick ;)  I LOVED Kate!  Her and her red bucket were so unique and I hate to sound cheesy, but she had so much “Girl Power” !  Constance’s stubbornness was very humorous, which I really enjoyed.  I also liked Sticky because he was mysterious in the beginning and was a very Dynamic character.  

     I really loved The Mysterious Benedict Society and its whimsical style!  I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the series!

Final Grade: 

IMM #12

Here's my IMM!  What do you think?!