Happy New Year and Goals for 2011

Happy New Year! It's a brand new start and I'm really excited for what 2011 may bring. I started blogging last May so this is my first new year as a blogger! I do have a lot of new things I hope to do this next year. I'm so thankful for all the support and friendships I have made through blogging and I love to try to pay-it-forward as often as I can. 

Here are some things I hope to do on my blog this year. 

• Start a "Ask Confessions" feature where new bloggers can ask questions. I also want to use this to share some of the advice/sites that helped me out as a beginner. 

• Feature new bloggers every few months. I did this a few times this past year and met some amazing new bloggers. I had some people help me starting out so I'd like to do the same. 

• Feature new books. I want to come up with a good way to feature new books/debut authors this next year. I spent a lot of time reading books from debut authors and focusing on new releases so I'm thinking of how I can bring that to the blog. 

• I have a blog make-over coming up in March. I've contacted the fabulous Tawni from The Book Worms and she has agreed to spice up my poor little ole' blog. I can't wait!

• My blogoversary will be between the last week of April and first part of May. I'm not sure what I plan to do yet but I want it to be HUGE. 

• If things go as planned, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books and I will be hosting the Haunted Halloween event again! We want to make the next one even BIGGER! 

Some personal goals

• Read more review books early! I always wait too long and have to rush to read them in time. I also need to just read more in general. I didn't read nearly as many books this year as I wanted to.

• Set up a schedule! Gah, how I need to do this. I have blog, school, baby, husband, and breathing...something's gotta give! Maybe the breathing? I'm bad to waste time and let my mind wonder around the internet. I know I spend too much time browsing or lurking on twitter. I want to write out a daily schedule so I can get things done. I'd like to do 1 full day of blog work and set up my posts for the week.

• On that same note, I have to make myself do homework earlier. I squeaked by in my Learning Theories and did get an 'A' but I procrastinated way too often and even turned in some assignments late. My next class is Statistics *scary music plays* so I know I can't slack in there. I'm only taking 1 class next semester but in March I have to start taking 2 again so that will be even more of an adjustment. 

• Comment on more blogs. I DO visit a lot of blogs (my mind wonders often, remember?) but I never stop to leave comments. I want to do that more often because I know how much comments mean to me. 

• Keep my computer more organized. Man, it can get a mess with all the files/sites bloggers and students need. I know most of you know what I'm taking about. I have the new computer I mentioned in my last IMM and I've been fixing my bookmarks and files on here for the past week. I really need to keep up with it better because I do NOT want it to end up being a mess like what was on my old computer.

• Eat better! I know everyone says this every year but I let a lot of things slack off late in 2009. I had been eating well and I felt great. Now I feel 'blah'. Especially in the winter and since we've been stuck in the house for weeks because of the snow. Hopefully if I can at least start with this one, I'll have the energy to do the other things on my list. I hope.

So what do you hope for in 2011? 

Review: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Publisher: Dial (March 9th, 2010)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 272 pages

Source: Purchased

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.
This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie's struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

Review: Wow, obviously I had heard great things about this book but even with all that, it was above my expectations. Lennie is dealing with the aftermath of losing her only sister. Her emotions are running wild as she thinks back at their times together and soon realizes she may not have known as much about her sister as she once thought. The only comfort is Bailey's boyfriend Toby. Lennie knows that Toby loved her sister so they soon start clinging to each other for support but soon the lines of comfort and affection get blurred. 

Soon Lennie meets the new guy, Joe. Joe is gorgeous, talented, and smitten with Lennie from the start. He makes it his goal to help Lennie find one of her passions, music, again. They spend time together and soon Lennie starts to enjoy life a little at a time. Toby is still there, relying on Lennie and her affections and it puts her in an awkward situation. 

The writing in this book is a perfect 10. With such a heavy topic I'll admit that I thought it would be depressing. Lennie was such a multi-dimensional character. Yes, she was sad over her sister but she was also so funny and smart. I was cracking up all throughout the book. Lennie definitely had a way with words. Plus her friend Sarah was the perfect side-kick. She was hilarious! 

Then, of course, there's Joe. Joe is right up there with a great "dream guy". He's romantic, talented, and handsome. What more could a girl want? His personality was shining off the page and he helped Lennie see beyond her grief. I will admit that I really felt bad for Toby though. He seemed sincere in his feelings of loss and he was going through more than what Lennie originally realized. 

Jandy's writing in this book was spot-on! She had the perfect level of descriptions, memories, characters, and dramatic moments to form this story. She gives us a glimpse of Lennie's own words in each chapter and it was a fascinating aspect of the story to follow. She leaves these bits of poetry scattered throughout her room, her school, and her town. Pieces of her left in random places, each attempting to explain her thoughts. 

Her grandmother "Gram" and her uncle "Big" are very endearing in their own ways. Gram has been grieving in private, not only for Bailey, but for her daughter who left Lennie and Bailey all those years ago. I think everyone wants a grandmother like Gram. 

The Sky is Everywhere is a book I will never forget. The blending of grief and adoration had my heart racing and my mind wondering if Lennie could dig through her pain in order to find happiness again. This book is a powerful read that I highly recommend.

Find Jandy Nelson

Site   /   Twitter   /   Goodreads

Purchase The Sky is Everywhere

Amazon   /   Barnes & Noble   /   The Book Depository

Book Trailer

Top 10 Coming in 2011 and a giveaway.

There are so many amazing books coming out in 2011. These are just a few of the many topping my "to-read" list. 

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Why I Want to Read it: This year I hope to read a lot of new things and this story is far from my typical read. Plus I'm in love with the cover! And Beth is just awesome. Can't wait to get my hands on this one!

Coming out January 11th- Razorbill

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Supernaturally by Kiersten White

(No Cover Available)

Why I Want to Read it: I adored Paranormalcy and the great characters Kiersten created. I can't wait to see where this story goes. I think it will be a great series! 

Coming out September 2011 from HarperTeen

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Betrayal by Lee Nichols

Why I Want to Read it: I was shocked by Deception (book #1 in the Haunting Emma series) so I can't wait for book 2. This series has a terrific plot and Emma and Bennett are just adorable!

Coming out March 1st from Bloomsbury

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Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Why I Want to Read it: I've heard some great things about this book already. Courtney is a debut author and again, this is a book unlike any I have read before so I'm excited to finally get a chance to read it. 

Coming February 15th from HarperCollins/ Katherine Tegen Books

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Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Why I Want to Read it: Kim is awesome and I really loved The Body Finder. I've already read some of this book and I know it will be just as good! I'm part of the tour too so my review will be up close to the release date. 

Coming February 15th from HarperCollins

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 Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

 Why I Want to Read it: Ohh how I love this series so I must read the final book, Chain Reaction. This is one of my all-time favorite series and I can't rave about it enough. Perfect Chemistry was crazy-good and I'm sure this one will be a great read as well.

Coming May 24th from Walker Books for Young Readers

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Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

(No Cover Available)

Why I Want to Read it: This is book 3 in The Seven Kingdoms series. I read Graceling and Fire a while back and I was thrilled to find out there would be a 3rd book. If you haven't read this series so far, do it! It reminds me of The Hunger Games in a lot of ways. Love it! 

Coming sometime in 2011 from Dial

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Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

Why I Want to Read it: Shade was one of my all-time favorite books. Reading it gave me the encouragement to start my blog. This is a great paranormal series and I'm more than thrilled to read Shift. 

Coming May 3rd from Simon Pulse

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City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Why I Want to Read it: I love The Mortal Instruments series. I started reading it last year and read them back-to-back for a week. I highly recommend them and was so glad when I found out 3 more books would be in the series.

 Coming April 5th from Margaret K. McElderry

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Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delany

Why I Want to Read it: 13 to Life was awesome! I am a werewolf fan and it does not disappoint. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I get this one soon because I'm sure I'll be raving about it in a few months. 

Coming February 15th from St. Martin's Griffin

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Giveaway

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive I WILL SAVE YOU by Matt De La Pena and CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare.

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends January 15th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter. 

Thanks for entering and do any of these books make your 2011 to-read list?

Review: Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Publisher: Antheneum (August 31st, 2010)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 543 pages

Source: Publisher for review

Series: Nevermore, book #1

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look. Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.
As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.
His life depends on it.

Review: I don't think anyone could say this book isn't unique. The story starts with Isobel being paired with Varen on a writing project. She is not pleased with this and neither is her boyfriend, Brad. She tries to stop the chaos that results but it proves to be too much for her to handle. Soon her perfect world with cheerleading, a boyfriend, and friends falls apart. This brings her closer to Varen and into his obsession with Poe. 

The plot in this book was amazing. Poe's words are within the story many times and we don 't fully grasp their significance until the end. Isobel was an outstanding character. She was strong and never afraid to stand up for herself or Varen. I really felt like I got to know her. Varen, of course, is far from the typical love interest. This made him so fascinating but I do wish I would have gotten to know him a little better throughout the story. Plus, I didn't like that it seemed Isobel always had to save the day for Varen. I wanted him to stand up for himself a little more. 

I'm thrilled this book put a new spin on YA and it is so well written. Kelly brings in fabulous descriptions and a plot that keeps you guessing. I thought the ending was well done, although a little hard to follow in places, but I was happy with the way things turned out overall. I thought it wrapped book 1 up nicely and set up what will come next in book 2. 

Nevermore is a brilliant story existing in the present day but bringing in aspects of the past through the work of Poe. Kelly Creagh flawlessly puts them together to make the story completely irresistible.

Find Kelly Creagh

Site   /   Twitter   /   Facebook   /   Goodreads

Purchase Nevermore

Amazon   /   Barnes & Noble   /   The Book Depository

Top 10 Covers of 2011 and a giveaway.

As I mentioned before, I love covers. I think 2011 will be a year of groundbreakingly-beautiful covers. I've noticed that a lot of debut books have been blessed with such covers but a few series are on my list as well. I can't wait to see more covers this year because my list, of course, only contains the covers that have been released so far. There will be many more to come. I just wanted to do an early showcase of some. :)

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Why I Love it: Nightshade also had a beautiful cover but I honestly may even love this one more. It's so different from any YA cover I have seen before. I love her look in this one and the bright green color. One word: Fierce!

Coming July 12th from Philomel

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Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Why I Love it: It's hard to tell on here but this cover is actually amazing in person. This was not one of my favorites till I got a copy of the finished book. The lettering is silver and raised on the front and side. Such a pretty effect for this book!

Coming January 4th from HarperTeen

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Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Why I Love it: So so pretty! The purple lines stick out and the girl is beautiful! Plus, this cover does have significance to the story. I was lucky enough to read this one early and it is amazing. Trust me!

Coming March 22nd from Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

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Possession by Elana Johnson

Why I Love it: This is one of those simple covers that instantly grabs your attention. I can't wait to see this one in person! The colors are so pretty and the design makes it a book that you can't forget.

Coming June 7th from Simon & Schuster

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Divergent by Veronica Roth

Why I Love it: This looks like it will be a powerful book. I don't know a lot about this one but I do know that this cover makes me think the book will be packed with action. Another wonderful book from a debut author on the way!

Coming May 3rd from HarperCollins/ Katherine Tegen Books

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A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Why I Love it: As soon as I looked at this cover I thought it was probably a great paranormal story. The girl looks very cool and I'm sure she kicks butt too. I love how the colors stick out without too much going on to distract from the title.

Coming February 22nd from Greenwillow Books

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My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent

Why I Love it: The previous book, My Soul to Keep was on my list for 2010 and I like this cover even more. The blue is so pretty and I love how the guy is pictured in this one. A great cover to finish up this terrific paranormal series. Can't wait to read it.

Coming January 4th from Harlequin

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Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Why I Love it: I love all of Elizabeth's covers and this one is even better than the rest. Very simple but so pretty and the flower makes me think this would be the perfect summer read. Her books normally are.

Coming May 24th from Simon Pulse

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Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Why I Love it: I have the ARC of this one and although there's nothing flashy about it, it has always stuck out to me. I enjoy trying to figure out what covers mean so this one was a nice puzzle. After reading more about it I learned the importance of the cover and it made me love it even more.

Coming May 23rd from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Why I Love it: This cover is great because I knew this would be a book different from my normal read. The "spacey" feel and swirly colors rock and the guy and girl hint to what I'm sure is a hot romance. Can't wait to get my hands on this one!

Coming January 11th from Razorbill

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Giveaway

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive ELIXIR by Hilary Duff and THE HAUNTED by Jessica Verday. 

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends January 15th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Are any of these books on your to-read list? What do you think about their covers? Any others you love already?

Loser/Queen by Jodi Lynn Anderson Giveaway

Loser/Queen by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (December 21st, 2010)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 256 pages

Cammy Hall is what anyone would describe as a loser. She lives with her grandparents and has adopted their way of life… right down to the comfortable shoes and early bedtime. And can she help it that she actually likes to knit?
At school, her skills with knitting needles and some yarn go completely unappreciated: people like Bekka Bell reign while Cammy and her best friend, the fearless Danish exchange student Gerdi, watch from the sidelines. Cammy’s used to being an outsider; after years of humiliating moments, her goal is simply to fly under the radar. Then she suddenly starts receiving mysterious text messages that lead her right to all the embarrassing secrets about the most popular kids in school. Cammy never expected to be able to climb up the high school food chain, and the agenda of the texter may be questionable—but how can she possibly give up the chance to be Queen?
This is the print version of the groundbreaking online interactive serial LOSER/QUEEN that premiered in July 2010 on www.loserqueen.com. Each week, readers voted on major plot twists. The winning choice was then encorporated into the next week's chapters. Now that voting—and the book—are complete, LOSER/QUEEN will be published as a paperback and packed with extras from the author… and readers will have the opportunity to own the book they helped create!

Giveaway

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive a copy of Loser/Queen by Jodi Lynn Anderson and a cute knitted pom-pom keychain like the one on the cover. 

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends January 12th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter. 

Thanks for entering and good luck! 

* Thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing the items for this giveaway.

Top 10 Covers of 2010 and a giveaway.

I love covers! It's the first thing I notice about a book and I will admit I've picked up, or put down, a book based only on the cover. I know that sometimes isn't a good idea but I think it's something most people do from time to time. Picking my favorite covers of 2010 was very difficult. I think covers are really expanding and I noticed a lot of that this year. Here are just a few of the ones that topped my list.

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Why I Loved it: The simple colors but the way the characters pop off the cover amaze me. The glow and details from the wings are also a nice touch. I knew I had to add this book to my list just from seeing this cover. Beautiful!

Came out August 31st from Feiwel & Friends

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Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Why I Loved it: For one, it's very obvious that this guy is not the typical love interest. This made the book stand out to me. I knew it would be different just from looking at the cover and as someone who just finished the book, that is very true. Plus I love when a cover actually has significance to the story. I would picture the characters looking just like this.

Came out August 31st from Antheneum

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Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Why I Loved it: This book isn't just beautiful in the picture; it's even more beautiful in person. I love the shades used and the detail of the flowers. The actual book has rough edges and a great purple color (and you know I love purple!).

Came out October 19th from Philomel

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Matched by Ally Condie

Why I Loved it: This is another cover that you have to see in person! I am into simple covers that pop and this one does more than just that. The white area has a shimmer effect and I hope this is something more books incorporate into their covers because it rocks! Plus the girl is very true to the story (trapped) so I loved that as well.

Came out November 30th from Dutton Juvenile

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Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Why I Loved it: This is exactly how I would picture Evie. She is feminine but strong and that shows in this cover. This is one of my favorite books and one of the first covers I noticed before I started blogging. I think this book was one of the few that topped ALL of my lists this year.

Came out August 31st from HarperTeen

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Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Why I Loved it: Okay, I'll admit, I am a sucker for this type of cover; cute boy and girl holding each other. Aww, so sweet! And this is a great book as well but the adorable cover drew me in and made me wonder about the couple in this book.

Came out July 20th from MTV Books

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My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

Why I Loved it: I actually love all the covers in this series. It's nice that they go together and the colors are great. They have made a nice progression for the series and I'm glad they stayed with one color theme for each one. It makes a beautiful set!

Came out June 1st from Harlequin

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Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

Why I Loved it: It's so simple but so pretty at the same time. It makes me wonder what the book could be about or what she is running from/to. It also reminds me of spring or at least a time without all this snow. *sigh*

Came out September 7th from Dial

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Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Why I Loved it: Another cover that is simple but draws me to it because I wonder what the story may be about. I have yet to read this one but I do have it here and plan to read it very soon. Very "ghostly" feel but I love it and I think it hints to a much deeper meaning held inside the book.

Came out March 2nd from HarperCollins

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Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian

Why I Loved it: Very similar to Forget You but still, I have a soft spot for covers like this. I think I immediately added this one to my list without even knowing what it was about. Can't wait to read it! Maybe I'm a hopeless romantic, haha!

Came out September 1st from Push

Add it to Goodreads

Giveaway

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins and THE HAUNTED by Jessica Verday. 

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends January 15th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

So is anyone else obsessed with covers? :) What are some of your favorites?