Flirting In Italian by Lauren Henderson

Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary

Source: Publisher 

Series: Yes, #1 in a series of companion novels

Buy It: The Dolphin Bookshop (Shop Indie!

Challenge: Free Reads


Four girls. One magical, and possibly dangerous Italian summer. Family mysteries, ancient castles, long hot nights of dancing under the stars . . . and, of course, plenty of gorgeous Italian boys!

     I requested Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson from Delacourte and was extremely pleased when that request was fulfilled.  I imagined it being the perfect summer read that I would really enjoy.  I was really disappointed when the book let me down.
     The first problem with Flirting in Italian is its misleading qualities.  The summary, title, and cover would lead the average reader to believe that it's about four girls who journey to Italy and have an amazing summer filled with Italian boys and romance.  Once you start reading, however, you are lead to believe that the book will be about Violet, who goes to Italy to solve the mystery of why an 18th century Italian painting features a girl who looks exactly like her.  I was actually more excited to read the story once the painting was brought into the equation but, the book didn't deliver.  The painting is first mentioned in the begining pages of the book but, isn't mentioned again till about 150 pages into the story.  The mystery behind the painting is really never solved at the end of the story which really upset me.  How could you have an unsolved mystery?  Another misleading aspect of this book is that it appears to be a Standalone novel but, you reach the end and it says that the story is continued in a "Companion Novel."  The next book is obviously not a companion because none of the loose ends in the book were tied up and the end.  The summary also says that the book is about 4 girls but, Violet is really the main focus of the entire book.
     Another pet peeve of mine in Flirting in Italian was the constant comparison of English boys to Italian boys.  Violet lives in England and is completely shocked at the behavior of the boys in Italy.  Apparently, English boys are rude and standoffish.  Her shock itself didn't bother me but, she was constantly saying "Oh but, the boys in England do this...." or "Italian boys are so much better because..." and it just became annoying.  Violet's character was also a bit annoying.  She was so fickle and had inconsistent personality traits.  Her mother was also really bothersome and unrealistic.
     One of the things I actually enjoyed about Flirting in Italian was the relationship between Luca and Violet.  It was such a roller coaster and I really enjoyed reading about it because it wasn't predictable.  I also liked all the Italian culture and the guys.  I've always found Italy fascinating and really would love to visit the country.
     Overall, Flirting in Italian was a bit of a disappointment.  I really wished I would've enjoyed it more but, it just didn't deliver.  It was a slow read that made me keep losing interest.  Lauren Henderson did do a great job with the romance and culture in the book, though.

Final Grade:

New Look!

Hey Remarkable Readers, 
If you're reading this from an email, then you might not have seen my blog's new look!  Or maybe you're new to the blog and didn't know that the look just changed.  Anyway,  what do you think of my blog revamp?  This design took me about a week or two to figure out, although I had been experimenting with different designs for about 6 months.  I made the new design all by myself though, and I'm really happy with how it turned out.  So, what do you think?  :)  Should I change anything or do you like it?  Leave a comment and let me know!
 

Guest Post: UtopYA

Hey Remarkable Readers,

Today I have Brina Courtney stopping by for a very informative and exciting guest post to tell you all about UtopYA, A Young Adult Fiction convention.  Check it out below!

UtopYA Con: Where all the cool kids go to meet their favorite female authors

It’s time to get excited and to get to Nashville for the first ever UtopYA Con, which is the convention for female, paranormal/fantasy young adult authors and readers who love them.  It will be held at the Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville, TN on July 6-8, 2012. Would you like to come? You’re already excited I know, but wait until I tell you who’s coming (and this is just a few)… Myra McEntire (Hourglass and Timepiece), Angeline Kace (Descended by Blood), Amy Bartol (The Premonition Series), Tammy Blackwell (Timber Wolves), Tiffany King (Saving Angels), Abbi Glines (The Vincent Boys), Ella James (Stained), Jessica Sorenson (Fallen Star), and so many more! You can find the full list at the UtopYA Con website. 

Here’s what a few of them are saying about going to UtopYA Con:

Raine Thomas (Daughters of Saraquel)-  “"The world's been waiting for a conference like UtopYA. It's unique and in a class of its own. If you enjoy YA fantasy and paranormal stories, you can't miss this event!”

Chelsea Fine (Sophie and Carter)- “"Don't miss out on UtopYa Con 2012: Bringing your YA books to life!"

Brina Courtney (Cryptid Tales)- “If you’re a true YA fan, you’ll be there,  mixing it up with all of us.”

But it’s not just for fans, it’s for authors too. Learn the tricks of the trade from people who are there, doing it successfully already. There are sessions and panels for both readers and writers alike.

So how about it? You wanna go? Well obviously you do, but here’s the question… ARE YOU GOING?

Here’s where you can find out more about tickets.

Now, so maybe you’re awesome, but you can’t go, and you’re bummed obviously. Well you still want to participate right? Here’s your chance, from now until June 29^th, 2012 you can vote for your favorite books to win UtopYA Con awards, hosted by CMT’s Katie Cook. Pretty sweet right? I know, I think so too.

Anyway because we had so many blogs help us to promote this unique event we decided to do some fun giveaways provided by some of our authors at UtopYA Con and some other authors. 

Good luck and we’ll see you at UtopYA Con!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want to visit other sites in this hop? Go to:

We've Got It Covered {4}: Patiently Awaiting

Hey Remarkable Readers,
I was on twitter when I noticed not one but, two new book covers!  Sever, the last installment in Lauren DeStefano's Wither Trilogy, now has a cover.  Asunder, sequel to Incarnate by Jodi Meadows, has also been covered!  Check them out below!

Sever by Lauren Destefano

What if you knew exactly when you would die? In the not-too-distant future, genetic engineering has turned every newborn into a ticking time bomb — males only live to age 25 and females only live to age 20.
In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out. When 16-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by "the Gatherers" to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Rhine has only one purpose after she has been married to her new husband, Linden: to escape and find her twin brother.
But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant to whom she is dangerously attracted, Rhine is desperate to learn the truth and protect those closest to her. But, as her sister wife Cecily keeps insisting, her role may be much bigger than that.In the first two books of the Chemical Garden trilogy, Wither and Fever, Rhine struggles to escape the mansion and then to navigate the brutal world outside. Now in Sever, the third and final book, Rhine uncovers some shattering truths about the past that her parents never had the chance to tell her and the alarming implications regarding her own genes. She may be the one who can save the human race.


I read Wither and enjoyed it, although it took quite a while to read.  I have yet to read Fever but, I liked the cover for Wither the most out of all three.  Fever takes second place and Sever takes third.  Although I still like this cover, I don't love the color scheme.

Asunder by Jodi Meadows

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.
SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.
In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

I read Incarnate and really enjoyed it so I can't wait to check out Asunder!  The cover is definitely beautiful, although I like Incarnate's a bit more.  Who knows, though?  Maybe once I read the book, I'll like this cover more.  

What do you think of these new covers?

  

TGIF {5} : Best Books I've Read So Far

Hey Remarkable Readers,

It's time for another TGIF! It's almost the Fourth of July for anyone who lives in America.  I'm ready for a weekend of relaxation and hopefully full of reading and other fun!

This Friday's Question:

Best I've Read So Far: We're half way through the year (crazy how time flies!), which top 3 books are the best you've read so far this year?

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.  "New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Insurgent is an obvious pick!  I absolutely adored it.  After all, I waited an entire year to read it.  Veronica Roth's writing always keeps my interest.

Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic

I had the dream again. The one where I’m running. I don’t know what from or where to, but I’m scared, terrified really. 
Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. But in the short time he has left there’s one thing he can do: He can try to help the people he loves live—even though he never will. 

It’s probably hopeless. 

But he has to try.

Never Eighteen is one of my favorite books of all time.  Megan Bostic delivers an important message in a small amount of pages.  Austin's story is simple yet heartbreaking and I often think about the book.  I want to reread it already!

Slide by Jill Hathaway

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 really enjoyed Slide!  I love a good murder mystery and I hadn't read one for a long time before I picked this one up.  The paranormal twist grabbed my interest immediately and I can't wait to read the next book.

All in all, this week's question wasn't as hard to answer as I imagined.  I only chose Fiction books from my list for this year just to keep with my blog's focus.  I actually haven't read much this year because of school but, I hope to fix that over this summer.  For a complete list of books I've read during the year, click here.  

Thanks for stopping by!  What are your favorite books you've read this year?

Book Haul {36}

Hey Remarkable Readers,
I was originally planning on shooting a book haul video today but, I'm not feeling so great.  I figured I'd just post some pictures of what I received this week.  I only received one physical book this week but, did get quite a few ebooks.  Sorry for any formatting errors in this post.  I had a bit of difficulty resizing the images.

For Review

H A R P E R  T E E N

Once by Anna Carey (Eve #2)

M A C M I L L A N

Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin

Before You Go by James Preller

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Eve and Adam by Katherine AppleGate

R A N D O M  H O U S E

Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Thanks to all of the publishers for sending these to me for review!  I'm so excited for each and every book I received this week!  What did you get?

 

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Genre: Young Adult-Dystopian

Source: Publisher (BEA)

Series: Yes, #2 in a trilogy

Buy It: The Dolphin Bookshop (Shop Indie!)

Challenge: Free Reads

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.  "New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

     Insurgent was probably my most anticipated book of 2012.  I read Divergent last June and I fell in love with the story and Veronica Roth's writing.  Her books are so fast-paced and thrilling that you don't even realize that you're speeding right through them!  Insurgent was a whopping 525 pages but, I enjoyed every single one of them.  Although the first half was a bit slow, I understand that it built a foundation for all of the events that occur in the second portion of the book.
     The Divergent series rests very heavily on character development throughout the story.  So many events influence the actions of the characters.  I was completely shocked by some of the occurrences in the book.  Although I wont spoil anything, I was especially shocked by Caleb and Peter.  Even Marcus, Tobias, and Tris shocked me!  Veronica Roth never bores me.  So much happens towards the end of her books that you just have to pay attention or you'll be completely lost!  Anyway, all of the characters, both main and supporting, go through huge changes and discoveries throughout the book.  My opinions about everyone were constantly changing and I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time.
     When I first started reading Insurgent, I was actually really confused.  Since it had been almost a year since I started the first installment in the series, I didn't remember a lot of the the characters, events, and relationships that had been built in the first book.  I was forced to lookup an online summary of Divergent and ask a few friends who had read the book for reminders.  Upon asking them I discovered that they were also a bit confused, too.  I wish Veronica Roth would've written in a few more context clues to trigger the reader's memory of the first book.  That is pretty much my only complaint for Insurgent.  I just feel that so much happened in Divergent and there needed to be a few reminders at the opening of Insurgent.
     Veronica Roth's writing is completely captivating.  If you haven't read Divergent, what are you waiting for?  It was one of my favorite books of 2011 and Insurgent is already on my list for 2012.  I was completely shocked by the ending of this book and I was so angry about the cliffhanger!  I don't know how I'll wait so long for Detergent!  I'm not sure if Divergent or Insurgent was better but, either way, this series will blow you away!

Final Grade:

Play on Words {1} : Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Hey Remarkable Readers,

     I'm going to try another new feature here on the blog!  It's called "Play on Words."  I've been working on it for a few months now and am finally ready to introduce it in time for the summer.  Did you know that some authors make playlists for their books?  I wanted to have a feature about those awesome playlists and show the impact of music on literature.  I thought this would be the perfect way to do it!  Each post will consist of a playlist and a specific book title.  It will be seperated into three parts: The Book, The Music, and The Interview, (and sometimes The Giveaway ;).  I will then ask the author a few questions and then you can give the music a listen!

Our first author is Wendy Higgins who wrote Sweet Evil.  You can listen to her music using the widget in this post. 

The Book 

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?
Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

The Music

Here are the included songs ( along with a bit of information about each choice) :

“Good Girls Go Bad” by Cobra Starship 

Our heroine, Anna, is warned by her friend Jay not to fall victim to the “good girl syndrome” when she meets Kaidan Rowe. I think we all know he’s wasting his breath.

“Break Your Heart” by Taio Cruz 

Kai attempts to instill a “healthy fear” into Anna, who tends to see the best in people. He gives her an honest and frightful glimpse of his dark nature and his past.

“My First Kiss” by 3OH!3 featuring Ke$ha 

Road trip fun . . . I shall say no more. *wink, wink*

“Let It Rock” by Kevin Rudolf 

Nobody rocks harder or brings a hotter fire than Kaidan Rowe. He’ll make you come alive and take you higher, as Anna learns firsthand.

“Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence 

Just when Anna begins to feel alive for the first time, she’s immersed in the cold truth about how her life must be.

“Whataya Want from Me” by Adam Lambert 

This question is asked in the Halloween chapter, but I imagine Kai feels this way a lot—wanting and needing, but unable to give in return.

“Waiting for the End” by Linkin Park 

This is the song I see Anna playing over and over during those lonely holiday scenes, living at the mercy of the pain and the fear.

“Clocks” by Coldplay 

This song encompasses what Kai experiences in the ending chapters surrounding the summit: cursing missed opportunities, wondering if he’ll always be part of the disease rather than the cure.

The Interview

How do you choose your music for the playlist?

I don't set out to choose songs - when I'm in "writing mode" (that crazy frame of mind where I can't get the story out of my head) and I'm listening to the radio while I drive, certain lines stand out to me and make me think of a scene or how a certain character feels, or the tone of the song fits the mood of my book, etc. Then when I stop at a red light I hunt down a pen and scrap of paper, write down the line/lyrics, and immediately go home and buy the song from iTunes.

Do you choose your songs before or after you know the basic plot of the book?

It's usually while I'm in the middle of the writing process, so I know the basic plot, but it's subject to change. 

Are your songs in chronological order?

Basically, yes

Do you actually write while listening to the music or just use the playlist as inspiration?

Oh, no, no.  I have to have silence to write. And I have to be alone. I'm so weird. Music inspires me during those moments when I'm not able to be in front of my computer. The songs keep my mind close to the story world.

Does one song in particular stand out to you or relate to your book more than the other songs?

Every single time I hear "Let it Rock" Kaidan is there in my mind, front and center, total badass. 

What’s your favorite lyric in any of the music?

From "Let it Rock" this is the effect Kaidan has on Anna:
"Because when I arrive, I, I'll bring the fire,
Make you come alive, I can take you higher."

What’s your favorite song on the playlist?

Besides "Let it Rock"..."Good Girls Go Bad" is so much fun and totally cracks me up with its appropriateness, but I think "Whataya Want from Me" is FULL of frustration and brokenness, so the emotion of that song really hits home for me. 

What’s you favorite song right now (it doesn’t have to be on the playlist)?

I'm loving "Glad You Came" by The Wanted, although I wish they wouldn't overplay it.


I loved having you Wendy!  You've been so nice and I can't wait to read Sweet Evil!  What did you think of my new feature?  Know of any authors I should feature?  Did you enjoy the music?  Let me know in the comments!
 

Cover Reveal: Everbound & Rise

I was reading some blogs yesterday and I came across an exciting cover reveal!  Brodi Ashton's new book Everbound, the sequel to Everneath, finally has a cover.  I haven't read Everneath yet but, I've heard great things about it!  

Two months ago, the Tunnels of the underworld came for Nikki Beckett. That night, Nikki's boyfriend, Jack, made the ultimate sacrifice. All Nikki wants is to save Jack before it's too late. All Cole wants is to find his queen - and he thinks Nikki is the one. Both determined, both desperate, Nikki and Cole form a tense alliance, leading them on a dangerous journey to The Heart of The Everneath.

As I continued reading my daily blog roll, I discovered yet another Harper book with an awesome new cover!  Rise by Anna Carey, the last in the Eve trilogy, now has a cover.

(No Summary has been released yet)

I'm really excited to read Once (Eve #2).  I read Eve and although I had mixed feelings about it, the end was such a cliffhanger!  I can't wait to find out what happens to Eve and Caleb.  Then I'll be on to Rise!  I think both of these covers are pretty but, I feel like if I saw them in a bookstore, they don't catch my eye.  I like when the book cover gives a little more information about the story.

Tune In Tuesday: British/Irish Invasion

Hey Remarkable Readers,
I haven't done a tune in tuesday in a long time but, lately I've been listening to a lot of music.  Most of what I've been listening to actually shares a common theme.  Most of it is by British and Irish artists.  Here's a sample of some of my favorite artists lately:

One Direction

I've been listening to One Direction since November and I love their music.  Their songs feature wonderful harmonies and catchy lyrics.  I'm a "little" obsessed, okay maybe more than a little ;) .  Here's one of their songs that doesn't get much airplay because it's not a single.  I love this song!

Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is a singer-songwriter.  His music is soft and relaxing and perfect for reading to.  His lyrics are extremely poetic and I find him to be a lyrical genius.  Some of his song's meanings are a little difficult to figure out but, when I need a little help I check http://www.songmeanings.net/.  It always helps!  Ed actually wrote One Direction's song Moments which I adore (warning, the song is REALLY sad).  Anyways, here's one of my favorite songs by Ed, Lego House.  Try to figure out what it's about and if you need help, check the site! :)

By the way, that's not Ed in the video, it's actually Rupert Grint, Ron Weasley from the Harry Potter Films!  He looks just like Ed, though!

Cher Lloyd
Cher Lloyd is a really fun artist.  She can be compared to Nelly Furtado, Katy Perry, or maybe even Nikki Minaj.  I love her confidence.  She's also very funny, a great singer, and pretty good at rapping.  You may have heard her first American single "Want You Back" on the radio already, but I love the video.  Check it out below!

The Script
The Script aren't much of a new band but, I've been listening to them a lot lately.  I love their lyrics and the lead vocals.  They have a really great sound.  One of my favorite songs of theirs which not many people know is If You Ever Come Back.  Give it a listen :)

Olly Murs
Olly Murs is a great singer as well.  He was actually the opening act for a portion of One Direction's tour.  I love his song Heart Skips a Beat.  I actually prefer the acoustic version, but here's the original.  It's very catchy and I always get it stuck in my head!

McFly
The first time I heard McFly was in the movie Just My Luck with Lindsay Lohan.  I really like their sound and although I only know a few of their songs, I still really like them!  Listen below! :)


So what did you think of my very musical, british/irish showcase? :)

 

BEA Wrap Up

Hey Remarkable Readers,

This is just a vlog to wrap up my trip to BEA!  I tried to tweet and post to Instagram but, unfortunately there was no cell service in the exhibit hall :'(.

Let me know if you have any questions about BEA!



Bloggers Mentioned: Willa @ Willa's Ramblings
Here's my goodreads shelf for almost everything I got at BEA: Click Here!
So what did you think?
 

One Year Blogoversary!

Hey Remarkable Readers!

It's my one year blogoversary!  I'm so excited!  It means I've finally been blogging for a whole year.  I just wanted to thank you, my readers, for everything.  Without you I wouldn't have gone to BEA, I wouldn't have met all of these wonderful people (Willa, Katie, Meredith, Erica, Vy, Ginger, the list goes on and on) , and I certainly wouldn't be reading as much.  Although I had a little bit of difficulty posting in March and April, I think it's been a great year.  I'm hoping to read and review a ton more books this time around, and now that it's finally summer, I can do that.  I also think my reviews have come such a long way.  Click here to see my first review, then click here to see one of my more recent reviews.  Big change, right? My first review was basically just a summary.  The readathon was amazing, too and I hope to introduce some new features soon.  Anyway, to say thank you I wanted to do a little giveaway.  I have ARCs of the Switched trilogy by Amanda Hocking along with some surprise swag up for grabs.  To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below.  Thanks again!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We've Got it Covered {2} : Sarah Dessen Cover Changes

Hey Remarkable Readers,
It's been a while since my last "We've Got it Covered" post.  I was browsing through the blogosphere and noticed something that had only been spotlighted on a small number of blogs, which I was surprised about!  Sarah Dessen is a huge YA author and her books just got recovered.  If you've seen some of her older covers, they all had a pastel/summery vibe and matched, which I always loved!  Well, they've been recovered and this time, I like them even more!

OLDER COVERS

NEW COVERS

So!  Which covers do you prefer?  Old or New?  Which is your favorite cover of them all?  I'd have to say that I like the new covers best.  I absolutely love the new cover for That Summer with Along for the Ride and Lock & Key tying for a close second.

  

Teaser Tuesday: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Hey Remarkable Readers!  This week's teaser is from Insurgent by Veronica Roth.  Well, What are we waiting for?  Let's get to it!

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

THE TEASER 

     "I read somewhere, once, that crying defies scientific explanation.  Tears are only meant to lubricate the eyes.  There is no real reason for tear glands to overproduce tears at the behest of emotion.  

     I think we cry to release the animal parts of us without losing our humanity.  Because inside me is a beast that snarls, and growls, and strains toward freedom, toward Tobias, and, above all, toward life.  And as hard as I try, I cannot kill it. 

    So I sob into my hands instead." (Page 341, Hardcover)

I'm not sure why but, I really like this quote.  It's really interesting and it gives a lot of insight into what Tris is thinking. 

What's your teaser?