Curriculum planned!

In a night of pure inspiration, I set out my ten lesson plans and all their details.
It's beautiful and I can't wait to get to talk to these students and teach them all about blogging.

In a surprise twist I've been given another blessing by getting in contact with a literature teacher who runs a group called "The Silvertongue Society" He'd like me to come speak to them on some occasion.

I'm so happy doing this.

Who knew that the kid that could barely spit out an oral book report in 3rd grade would go on to teach entire classrooms?

The lessons at the library will consist of about ten lessons, and if all planning goes right, we'll have one epic field trip at the end.

Uncaged (The Singular Menace) by John Sandford & Michele Cook

Shay Remby arrives in Hollywood with $58 and a handmade knife, searching for her brother, Odin.
Odin’s a brilliant hacker but a bit of a loose cannon. He and a group of radical animal-rights activists hit a Singular Corp. research lab in Eugene, Oregon. The raid was a disaster, but Odin escaped with a set of highly encrypted flash drives and a post-surgical dog.
When Shay gets a frantic 3 a.m. phone call from Odin—talking about evidence of unspeakable experiments, and a ruthless corporation, and how he must hide—she’s concerned. When she gets a menacing visit from Singular’s security team, she knows: her brother’s a dead man walking.
What Singular doesn’t know—yet—is that 16-year-old Shay is every bit as ruthless as their security force, and she will burn Singular to the ground, if that’s what it takes to save her brother

At first, this book was off-putting. It switched POV's frequently and didn't explain much about the current situation, I could definitely tell that this was an adult author trying to write a YA book. The book just continued like that and it really seemed to drag on. Still, without explaining much about the circumstances.

Eventually it seemed to settle on Shay's POV and the reader starts to get his/her balance straight. While a little unrealistic, I loved Twist and his hotel of street kids, I loved his rules and his seemingly soft spot for Shay (because she breaks a lot of his rules and he never does kick her out.) Twist's unusual occupation of statement painting and trouble making makes for a good story. Although his political statements were off-putting as well. I think John could alienate a lot of readers very quickly this way. but I think overall the transition he and the kids made from trouble makers to crime stoppers was fluid. For whatever reason the odd style of writing at the beginning, evens itself out and changes POVs less often.

Certainly the most interesting part of the book was the ending; which was calculated by the crew of teens (down to the iota of detail) and that was perhaps my favorite facet of the story (The crew's calculating nature.) My favorite character of course was Odin, the 17 soon to be 18 year old kid, whom while mildly autistic is also a computer genius. Odin reminds me a lot of myself actually, and I was proud of the moves he made and his resolution to never give up his friends despite being water boarded repeatedly by his captors. This book is definitely for the older crowd. Odin and X were the story savers from my point of view. If they hadn't been there to beef up the story (or if Odin's POV had been left out) I think Shay would have been a very flat character, and the book would have lost whatever spine it had to begin with.

This book was difficult for me to review, while the end was definitely worth it, the book was not without it's major flaws... So I lean towards three stars, but will give it four for the action and solid ending. I am, afterall, looking forward to the next installment.

This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About the Authors

John Sandford

Michele Cook

No information found.

Celebrating 100 Facebook likes!

My Facebook page has always been thrown to the wayside but it's finally starting to catch up with everything else! For that, I'm giving away 2 ARCs of Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater along with two bookmarks from my amazing bookmark box (which has been refreshed by ALA14!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Branded by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 
Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 
Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Wow. I didn't know quite what to expect when I decided to participate in the tour, but this wasn't it. In a good way.

One thing that's immediately notable, is the darkness. This novel is potentially the darkest I've ever read. but it had a light at the end of the tunnel and it had it's tissue moments.The book was wonderfully written, with great, varied cast of characters whom brilliantly brought the focus of the novel up to the front.

The focus of course, is emotion. (Which I wasn't expecting when I picked it up.)
and boy, is it wrought with emotion.

mostly low emotions, and whew! some spicy ones involving Cole, her guard and love interest. I adored some of the fuzzier moments. here's an teaser from one of my favorite fuzzies:

Heavy clouds, pregnant with water, drip, drip, drip down the windowsill. Zeus lies on the floor. I guess he was too hot on the bed overnight. Cole wraps around me, his warm breath caressing the back of my neck each time he exhales. We're so close, but at the same time, not close enough. While he's pressed against me, I trace the outline of his arm with my fingertips. His skin feels like silk, but it's firm at the same time. A sigh escapes his lips. I wiggle around some, and eventually he stirs, releasing his grip. He grumbles something like an apology and rolls over. Dang.         I shake him. "Hey, I hate to have to wake you, but you better get your butt in gear or you'll be late for roll call." I take the opportunity to touch his hair and rub my fingers down his faded haircut. He moans. "I'll never get up if you keep doing that." Oops. 

*giggles*

Cole is somewhat of a wild card. He enters, and leaves the stage with all the other characters at the end of the novel, without ever revealing exactly who he is and why he's been ordered to protect Lexi. I might have some guesses for that last question, but I'm not willing to believe until I see for sure.

I loved Lexi's unwavering determination to survive (something which she lacked at the very moment we met her.) and I LOVED ZEUS. He's an adorable, gawky dog, who steals the spotlight on a few occasions. He certainly stole my heart!

My only hangups for this novel:

 1) It was so so so dark. I have depression issues, so I had to put it down a few times to recoup myself. Although the novel ended on a good note, a LOT of bad things happen to Lexi throughout the novel.

 2) Cole, freakin Cole. Why was he so cruel in the beginning? How did Lexi come to terms with those past behaviors? I suppose it was just in case the Commander was watching, but his unexplained back story leaves a little to be desired. (perhaps a novella some where could help with this.) His transition from cruel guard to loving rebel was a bit blurry or rocky. What made him make those decisions when he did?

anyway, the good absolutely outweighs the bad I think. One of the best moments written in this book, is Lexi's relationship with Alyssa. I can't give you any other deets on that, because it would be too spoilery. But ultimately, even with the sadness and depression themes, I give it four stars.

Have you ever read a really depressing book, that totally made you bow down and respect it anyway? (or love it anyway?) (it's okay to respond with TFIOS, I understand *pats your back* mightier beings than you have been struck down with that one.)

Add the book to your goodreads!

Buy the book here!
Amazon

About the authors:

Abi Ketner

Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki

Received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan.

Follow them Here:

The Sunday Post #1

I'm sure if you've followed me in the past few days, you've noticed that I've accelerated my blogging. Part of that is due to meme's.

I'm in the process of converting my website to blogger, which gives me the wonderful opportunity to participate in memes!!

(I get really, really, really excited about this....)

So here's my first Sunday Post.

This meme is pretty flexible for it's content, so i'm going to use it as a kind of newspaper. What interesting things did I see this week? (like other blogger's posts) and also use it to look towards the future of the blog. What new things are coming? that sort of thing.

What's upcoming?                                                                               

I'll start with something big: 
A new blog design should be in within the next week or two!! Exciting, right?!!?!? *flails*
I'll have a new star rating system (ooooohh, ahhhh, I've never had one of those before!) and a beautiful, beautiful new theme created by Leah Christine designs. 

I won't share much more than that though, because I want to keep the suspense....
but I'll even have a MASCOT. ISN'T THAT AWESOME?!?

Upcoming Tours                                                                                  

My post date is the 27th so be on the lookout for this bombshell book's review

(Branded by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki)

I also have another tour date on the 29th for Don't Fall by Rachel Schieffelbein 

Blogosphere                                                                                        

Parajunkee did a wonderful post this week: Building Confidence as a Blogger
I know I struggle with some of this issues big time! All bloggers should read this post....

In other news Casey gave me the Liebster Award! So my post on that will be on Wednesday. Isn't it so cute!!!

That's so going on my sidebar.

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

Here are all the deets:

• The 2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge runs from January 1st until December 31st, 2014
• Sign-ups will remain open until December 31st, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific
• Grab one of the buttons to show off your participation! Parajunkee did a great job with them!
• You DO NOT have to have a blog to join this challenge. You just need to have some books received for review and a place online to review them
• Create a sign-up post announcing your intention to participate and link up below. If you do not have a blog, you can link up to your Goodreads profile that shows your 2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge shelf
• Please link back to the hosts in your sign-up posts
• This challenge is to help clear up books you’ve received for review. Any format, or any length, as long as you received the book specifically for review, is allowed.
• There will be a kick-off post on January 1, 2014 at both Fiktshun andPhantasmic Reads where you’ll be able to leave your links for any January reviews. (No 2013 reviews) At the beginning of every month, starting in February, these posts will alternate between both blogs. (See schedule below)
• If you forgot to leave your review link in the challenge month in which you reviewed the book or the linky list closed before you had a chance to leave it, you can leave it in a future month. (No duplicates.)
• There will also be monthly giveaways – make sure you check in each month!
• Use the hashtag #RPRC2014 to share your progress and connect with other participants on Twitter

The monthly RPRC schedule:

January 1 – Kick-off at Fiktshun and Phantasmic Reads – January Reviews
February 1 - Fiktshun – February Reviews
March 1 – Phantasmic Reads – March Reviews
April 1 – Fiktshun – April Reviews
May 1 – Phantasmic Reads – May Reviews
June 1 – Fiktshun – June Reviews
July 1 – Phantasmic Reads – July Reviews
August 1 – Fiktshun – August Reviews
September 1 – Phantasmic Reads – September Reviews
October 1 – Fiktshun – October Reviews
November 1 – Phantasmic Reads – November Reviews
December 1 – Fiktshun – December Reviews
January 1, 2015 – Wrap-up at Fiktshun and Phantasmic Reads + Giveaway

I'm aiming for the Grand Master level (31-40) books. Lord knows I have at least that many to read.
I'm a little late to the party, but ah well, I'll just start now and challenge myself.

I'm pretty sure all bloggers could use this challenge. We always have things to read! I know I always feel "Behind."
How about you?

Heist Society (Heist Society #1) by Ally Carter

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre…to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria…to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected.
Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring Kat back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has a good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

The book synopsis is perfect, so I didn't write my own. I loved the characters and the plot (no spoilers!) It took a classic motive and made it new again. I also love the characters, they are realistic in the sense that…..well..…let me explain it better. How many books have you read where the main female role is crazy about some guy, and he’'s too dense to see it? Let me guess: more than you can count.

This one breaks that long lived mold. Most female authors take to heart that men are not as emotional as women. But, some authors take it too much to heart. Most (most being the key word) guys are not feeling-less neanderthals. Men may not show emotion as much, but their prides can be bruised just as much (if not, more) than girls. For once we have a male character (Hale) who actually feels emotion, without going overboard, or underboard, as the case may be. For once, Kat, the female lead is quite clueless (or at least as much as the boys usually are) about his more than friendship feelings. It shows the truth of things. Half the time, girls are just as clueless as boys. As an example, a boy once flirted with me over the entirety of summer camp, and I had no idea until I told my sister of our adventures. In which case, I blushed and thought that the poor boy never got any gratitude from me! He invested so much, and I just interacted like a dope. It felt good to read about a female character in my shoes. I loved Heist Society and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great refreshing novel.

Au Revoir Crazy European Chick (Perry & Gobi #1) by Joe Schreiber

“It’s prom night—and Perry just wants to stick to his own plan and finally play a much-anticipated gig with his band in the Big Apple. But when his mother makes him take Gobija Zaksauskas—their quiet, geeky Lithuanian exchange student—to the prom, he never expects that his ordinary high school guy life will soon turn on its head. Perry finds that Gobi is on a mission, and Perry has no other choice but to go along for a reckless ride through Manhattan’s concrete grid with a trained assassin in Dad’s red Jag.
Infused with capers, car chases, heists, hits, henchmen, and even a bear fight, this story mixes romance, comedy, and tragedy in a true teen coming-of-age adventure—and it’s not over until it’s “au revoir.”

WOW. What a crazy whirlwind. I loved the format! It starts as a college application style question/answer form. But you can tell, Perry just get’s too caught up in this chain of events to answer the questions seriously. He just rolls with it! There was some explicit sexual implications coupled with pulse pounding action. I absolutely adored the style of the story, the way you discover Gobi, and the way Perry discovers himself. You want to grit your teeth, cheer, and scream…sometimes all at once.  I read this on the staircase at my place, and finished it within an hour. I thought I knew what was going to happen…then I didn't….then I did. But at the end, it didn't matter if I saw it coming or not. It had a Mary Poppins ending (it was practically perfect in every way!) This book could be read as a standalone or, like me, you’ll look forward to Perry’s next adventure. I was wholly satisfied with this read and would recommend it to any action junkie.

Celebrate

Wow, I just got the ‘Catching Fire’ review up. I can’t believe it waited for 8 days. In my book, that was WAY too long to wait. Unfortunately my wrist isn’t totally better. I’m still not allowed to use it that much. On the bright side, I got tons of reading done! Here is what I read over my ‘break’

Unwind

The Warrior Heir

Beastly

Quantum Prophecy

The Wizard Heir

The Dragon Heir

The Body Finder

I am working on reading “Maze Runner” and “Eric the First”

I have a neat surprise for Friday. The author of ‘Eric the First’ asked if I would review his book, I said yes. Of course, the book was written with the target audience of young teenage boys, so I after I read ‘The Body Finder’ I thought of maybe doing a special for the American Thanksgiving Holiday. I will do two reviews on Friday; one review just for the guys and one review just for the girls. I think it will work out ok, but when the living room got painted, everything got rearranged and I can’t find ‘Eric the First’ for the life of me. Nevertheless it is my goal to do that special for the holiday. Ironically, ‘The Body Finder’ is the chick flick in writing. Another example of don’t judge a book by its cover....or rather..its title.

Happy Reading,

ReviewerRachel

Hello, my bloggers!

         One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the amount of website work. It is all fun, but I am also in high school, which involves alot of work too. Reading, writing, keeping up with the authors, all that good stuff. I have several books which I have to re-read to get a fresh perspective on things. However, this one book bothered me, I had read it but I could not remember a single thing about it besides the beginning and the end (and that it was a pleasant book to read.) Weird huh? I couldn't figure out why! It wasn't hard, it wasn't really long, I just couldn't remember! I re-read it and a day later, I couldn't even remember half the characters (which really scared me because I can remember minute details of books I had read years ago!) My solution was to bring in a friend to read and review it. How does that sound? He is younger than me, but he reads books like Inkheart and things like that. He can definitely handle this book. On the bottom of his review it will say ' - Reviewer Bradley.'  Cool, yes?

Happy reading,

 

Reviewer Rachel

P.S. Who's going to be at the bookstore Thursday getting 'The Orphan of Destiny'? It is the conclusion to my #3 Series, The Youngest Templar. I know I will be there! (That is what the countdown on the left is for!)