I'm Back!!!!

After just over a year of taking a break from not only my blog but books (gasp!) as well to concentrate on finishing my Master’s Degree, I turned in my last assignment and planned my triumphant return. Not only did I want to focus on classes and my grades, but I started to become really frustrated by the whole bogging thing and all the confusing computer language. But I’m not going to let that stop me. Not only have I bought some blogging help books but if any of my reader or blogger friends out there have any tips, they will be much appreciate.

The day before my last assignment was due I ordered a bundle of books from the library so that I can make a dent in the amazing stories that I’m going to have to catch up on. I just finished Hourglass by Claudia Gray, I must finish the Vampire Academy series and I am still right on target with the Blue Bloods series. I have revamped my page (well a little bit but I'm still working on that) and hopefully in the future I will be hosting some contests and giveaways. I hope someday to upgrade to author interviews and participate in ARC tours but I’m satisfied with where I am right now. Since I did take a year off from blogging and reading YA books, I have ssssooooo many to catch up and it will probably take me a while J. I am also looking forward to buying a new laptop and hopefully posting vlogs (my poor ancient laptop won’t be able to handle a webcam installation lol).

Until my blog really gets up and going again, I will be doing mostly book reviews, around 2 a week (depending on how fast I can read them) normally posted on Tuesday and Thursday. Not only do I love to read, but I also love to follow celebrity gossip and I am starting a weekly wrap up of entertainment news called Saturday Sleaze. I will also be participating in In My Mailbox, It’s Monday: What are you reading? And possibly Waiting on Wednesday. Although it’s only 3 months into the year, I most likely will not be involved in any of the reading challenges that started in January. I will be spending from now and probably until the end of the summer catching up on books that you guys have probably already read which is definitely cool with me because I was excited to read them before and I’m still excited to read them now!

I’m super excited and so happy to be back. I’m practically trembling in anticipation at the mere thought of all the books I’m going to get to read!

It Monday! What are you reading? (15 Feb. 2010)

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. It's a weekly meme where we can share with our readers and followers which books we finished reading last week, what we're currently reading and what is to come for the rest of the week.

What I read last week:

Vegan, Virgin, Valentine by Carolyn Mackler

Currently Reading:

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman

Up this week:

How I found the Perfect Dress by Maryrose Wood
Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Reviewing this week:

Wake by Lisa McMann
Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz
Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

It's Monday! What are you reading? (08 Feb. 2010)

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog. It's a weekly meme where we can share with our readers and followers which books we finished reading last week, what we're currently reading and what is to come for the rest of the week.

Last week I read:

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Currently Reading:

Vegan Virgin Valentine by Carolyn Mackler
---Mara Valentine is in control. She's a straight-A senior, a vegan, and her parent's pride and joy. She's neck-and-neck with her womanizing ex-boyfriend for number-one class ranking and plan to kick his salutatorian butt on her way out the door to Yale. Mara has her remaining months in Brockport all planned out.

The plan does not involve having V, her slutty, pot-smoking, sixteen-year-old niece-yes, niece-come to live with her family. Nor does it involve lusting after her boss at the local cafe or dreaming about grilled cheese sandwiches every night. Before Mara knows it, things are spinning wildly out of control...

Hopefully this week I will read:

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Night World Vol. 2 by L.J. Smith

**Yesterday I was informed through email that my blog was featured on a Home and Office website. If you wish to check it out, follow the link: Home Office Furniture . Have a great week reading and happy Monday!!

In My Mailbox (7)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. It’s a wonderful weekly meme where we can share which books we picked up or received in our mailboxes over the past week!

This past week I received:

From Becky:

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh

Through Inter Library Loan:

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

How I Found the Perfect Dress by Maryrose Wood

Vegan Virgin Valentine by Carolyn Mackler

Through Paperbackswap:

The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn

Bought:

NONE!!! I would like to say that I have exercised self-control but this is not the case. I have been absolutely broke. I get paid tomorrow so this next week will be the true test of my new goal. Wish me luck!

Friday Funnies (2)- Bedtime Stories

Friday Funnies is brought to you by the People of Walmart. If you have never been to this website, I highly suggest that you check it out. Every Friday I will be sharing my favorite person of Walmart that I found during the week. So sit back, relax and laugh because it's Friday and we have the weekend to look forward to.

Caption: "Part of me want to let you read me a bedtime story as you tuck me in, the other part of me wants nothing to do with you or your candy."

I can't even tell if this is a man or a woman. The shemale is wearing a shin length skit, has quite a bit of facial hair and what looks like boobs. I don't know; a woman with some extra testosterone? You decide. Man or woman?

Review- Secret Society by Tom Dolby

Title: Secret Society

Author: Tom Dolby

Published by: HarperTeen

Pages: 352

My thoughts:

Since I have been reading fantasy book after fantasy book, Secret Society was a welcomed change. I enjoyed every part of this book: the streets of New York, the underground clubs, the indie clothing stores and a secret society that four teenagers joined and they have no idea why. The only thing they know is that everything that happens with the society must be kept an absolute secret. They're not supposed to even tell their parents! It's great that the story is never focused around one character, but the reader is given perspective into each of the character's lives.

After the four main characters join this secret society, amazing things begin happening in their lives. But at what price is their success given and do they truly know what is expected of them?Not only do the characters want to know who and what is behind this whole secret society, but so do I!! Who are the other, older members and how did these teenagers get chosen? And how is it possible that suddenly everyone knows who they are?? Is it possible that the society is behind Patch's mother's mental illness? It's all so crazy and cryptic! This book left me with so many questions and so little answers. I'm just hoping with all my heart that theres going to be a sequel.

"Waiting on" Wednesday (10)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selections is: Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu. This book looks very interesting because it sounds like it's about hoarding. Hoarding is a fascinating and complex disorder that can effect the whole family.

Title: Dirty Little Secrets

Author: C.J. Omololu

Published by: Walker Books for Young Readers

Pages: 244

Release Date: 02 February 2010

Everyone has a secret. But Lucy’s is bigger and dirtier than most. It’s one she’s been hiding for years—that her mom’s out-of-control hoarding has turned their lives into a world of garbage and shame. She’s managed to keep her home life hidden from her best friend and her crush, knowing they’d be disgusted by the truth. So, when her mom dies suddenly in their home, Lucy hesitates to call 911 because revealing their way of life would make her future unbearable—and she begins her two-day plan to set her life right.

With details that are as fascinating as they are disturbing, C. J. Omololu weaves an hour-by-hour account of Lucy’s desperate attempt at normalcy. Her fear and isolation are palpable as readers are pulled down a path from which there is no return, and the impact of hoarding on one teen’s life will have readers completely hooked.