My book goal for 2011 is 111 books. I know it's going to be a challenging goal and it's a big jump from my 2010 goal but I really think that I can do it!
Good luck fellow Book Readers!!!
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year for More Reading!
I hope that everyone who reads this had a great year and got all of your book goals met! My book goal was 48 books and I ended at 53 books! Even if you didn't meet your book goals in 2010, it's now a new year and I know that all of you can reach your new goals.
My book goal for 2011 is 111 books. I know it's going to be a challenging goal and it's a big jump from my 2010 goal but I really think that I can do it!
Good luck fellow Book Readers!!!
My book goal for 2011 is 111 books. I know it's going to be a challenging goal and it's a big jump from my 2010 goal but I really think that I can do it!
Good luck fellow Book Readers!!!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Milrose Munce and the Den of Professional Help
What's it about?:
Milrose Munce is still alive. Which is more than you can say for most of his friends. No, his friends died, some time ago, mostly in gruesome accidents in the school science lab. Bored Beulah, for instance, fell asleep into a vat of hydrochloric acid. Toasted Theresa caught fire - and roasted for some hours - in the chemical store room. Neither of these girls is very pleasant to look at, but Milrose is extremely fond of them. His mentor is Deeply Damaged Dave, who was carrying a vial of something combustible in his pocket, which - sad to say - combusted. Dave is a master of all things dangerous, and specializes in Milrose's favorite activity: the staging of unwise and magnificent explosions.Milrose is the only one, as far as he knows, who can see these ghosts. This causes some trouble: the teachers witness him talking to the empty air in front of him, and laughing at jokes that nobody else can hear, and slapping non-existent friends on the back. For this Milrose is sentence to receive Professional Help, a nasty business administered by the unhinged Massimo Natica in a hidden room in the school: the loathsome, perilous Den. He and his fellow captive, Arabella, soon discover that they have in fact been caught up in a vast and unspeakably evil plot, which threatens the lives and deaths of everyone they know. Luckily, they have an army of ghosts at their disposal.
Milrose Munce is still alive. Which is more than you can say for most of his friends. No, his friends died, some time ago, mostly in gruesome accidents in the school science lab. Bored Beulah, for instance, fell asleep into a vat of hydrochloric acid. Toasted Theresa caught fire - and roasted for some hours - in the chemical store room. Neither of these girls is very pleasant to look at, but Milrose is extremely fond of them. His mentor is Deeply Damaged Dave, who was carrying a vial of something combustible in his pocket, which - sad to say - combusted. Dave is a master of all things dangerous, and specializes in Milrose's favorite activity: the staging of unwise and magnificent explosions.Milrose is the only one, as far as he knows, who can see these ghosts. This causes some trouble: the teachers witness him talking to the empty air in front of him, and laughing at jokes that nobody else can hear, and slapping non-existent friends on the back. For this Milrose is sentence to receive Professional Help, a nasty business administered by the unhinged Massimo Natica in a hidden room in the school: the loathsome, perilous Den. He and his fellow captive, Arabella, soon discover that they have in fact been caught up in a vast and unspeakably evil plot, which threatens the lives and deaths of everyone they know. Luckily, they have an army of ghosts at their disposal.
My thoughts:
I admit that I had no information about this book before I started reading it besides the blurb. My mom downloaded this for my Kindle because she thought it sounded like something I would enjoy.
I will say that most of the book was very funny but the plot wasn't written well. The story seemed to be rushed and alot of details were missing. Had the author took their time to write this book and make it longer, I think I would have enjoyed it more. Then again, maybe my age had something to do with it. Although I love YA, I feel like this book was written for 10+ and that younger kids would have enjoyed it more..? Maybe, I have no idea.
Needless to say, it was a cute and fast read but not something I will be rereading again. If it's a series, I will probably not be reading the next books. I think there are other books out there that have a close enough plot and are more enjoyable.
Number of Pages: 240
Stars: 2.5
Books Read: 53 in 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Stop Hating E-readers!
Alot of people are talking shit about E-readers (Kindles, The Nook, Sony...etc etc) saying that are are useless rubbish. But guess what? I honestly think more people are reading because of E-readers. I mean, alot of people can't read regular books because of font size and while SOME books come in large print, not every single book does. E-readers allow you to change the font, the lining and even how many words are on one page (at least the Kindle does) for every book. My mom has a Kindle aswell and she has started having eye problems, the Kindle she can see better then regular books. So the font options really help those who can't see aswell as others.
Another point, people who can't get around aswell as others. If they are disabled or even if they live MILES from nowhere much less a bookstore, this gives those people an option to easyly access MILLIONS of books from their computer or even just the device if they don't have a computer.
Or even the people that are just, well, garget crazy. People who won't touch a book because they are too caught up in everything that is technology. The E-readers might appeal to these people more then actual books themself.
Lastly, KIDS. Even though they have Leapster learners, the books they can get are very limited. And while the voice on the e-readers might not be the best, it still gives them the chance to listen to the voice WHILE following along in the book. Sure, you could do the same with a real book and an autobook but that means alot of $ for every single book.
Don't get me wrong, REGULAR books are awesome. I will always read regular until the day I die aswell as read off my Kindle. Regular books will aswell be around and who knows, maybe so will e-readers. It doesn't mean that either one has to die out. It just means they can carry on together in one world. :)
As long as people are reading, I don't care what they are reading off of. If they want to read off of a craved rock or written toilet paper? I don't give a damn because they are reading.
Another point, people who can't get around aswell as others. If they are disabled or even if they live MILES from nowhere much less a bookstore, this gives those people an option to easyly access MILLIONS of books from their computer or even just the device if they don't have a computer.
Or even the people that are just, well, garget crazy. People who won't touch a book because they are too caught up in everything that is technology. The E-readers might appeal to these people more then actual books themself.
Lastly, KIDS. Even though they have Leapster learners, the books they can get are very limited. And while the voice on the e-readers might not be the best, it still gives them the chance to listen to the voice WHILE following along in the book. Sure, you could do the same with a real book and an autobook but that means alot of $ for every single book.
Don't get me wrong, REGULAR books are awesome. I will always read regular until the day I die aswell as read off my Kindle. Regular books will aswell be around and who knows, maybe so will e-readers. It doesn't mean that either one has to die out. It just means they can carry on together in one world. :)
As long as people are reading, I don't care what they are reading off of. If they want to read off of a craved rock or written toilet paper? I don't give a damn because they are reading.
Monday, December 27, 2010
UR by Stephen King
What's it about?:
In his new novella, UR, King is at his unsettling best as he examines the future of the written word - for better or worse. Following a nasty break-up, lovelorn college English instructor Wesley Smith can't seem to get his ex-girlfriend's parting shot out of his head: "Why can't you just read off the computer like the rest of us?" Egged on by her question and piqued by a student's suggestion, Wesley places an order for Amazon.com's Kindle eReader. The [pink?] device that arrives in a box stamped with the smile logo -via one-day delivery that he hadn't requested - unlocks a literary world that even the most avid of book lovers could never imagine. But once the door is open, there are those things that one hopes we'll never read or live through. Firm, gripping, and deftly written by a craftsman at the top of his game, this is King at his crisp, clear, page-turning best.
In his new novella, UR, King is at his unsettling best as he examines the future of the written word - for better or worse. Following a nasty break-up, lovelorn college English instructor Wesley Smith can't seem to get his ex-girlfriend's parting shot out of his head: "Why can't you just read off the computer like the rest of us?" Egged on by her question and piqued by a student's suggestion, Wesley places an order for Amazon.com's Kindle eReader. The [pink?] device that arrives in a box stamped with the smile logo -via one-day delivery that he hadn't requested - unlocks a literary world that even the most avid of book lovers could never imagine. But once the door is open, there are those things that one hopes we'll never read or live through. Firm, gripping, and deftly written by a craftsman at the top of his game, this is King at his crisp, clear, page-turning best.
Disclaimer:
Well first of all, You can only get this book on the Amazon Kindle. It is not available for Hardcover, Paperback, The Nook.....etc etc.
My Thoughts:
This is the first book that I've read on my Kindle and I think if you have a kindle, this book is perfect. Even better if you just received your Kindle and this is the first book you've read on it. It's a very fast read, I want to say it probably took me about 45-60 minutes to read. Also, King explains the Kindle very well in the first few pages of the book. Keep in mind though, this book was written when the 1st or 2nd Kindle was released. But I found it very interesting that he explained the Kindle as I just got it and I'm still in "SHINY NEW READING DEVICE. YAY YAY YAY!!!!" mode.
Anyway, this is def. not one of King's best stories but it was fun to read. I highly recommend it if you are a King fan and you have a Kindle.
Number of Pages: No idea since it's only available as an e-book and Kindle goes by % read instead of page #'s
Stars: 3.5 just because it's a light and funny. Nothing serious at all.
Books Read: 52 in 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
What's it about?:
A murderer is loose in New York City ...
... and the victims are Downworlder children. Clary Fray and her fellow Shadowhunters have a strong suspicion that Valentine, Clary's father, may be behind the killings. But if he is the murderer, then what's his true motive? To make matters worse, the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, has been stolen, and the mysterious Inquisitor has arrived to investigate, with his eyes vigilantly targeted on Clary's brother, Jace.
Clary will need to face some terrifying demons and even more terrifying family decisions. No one said that the life of a Shadowhunter would be easy.
A murderer is loose in New York City ...
... and the victims are Downworlder children. Clary Fray and her fellow Shadowhunters have a strong suspicion that Valentine, Clary's father, may be behind the killings. But if he is the murderer, then what's his true motive? To make matters worse, the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, has been stolen, and the mysterious Inquisitor has arrived to investigate, with his eyes vigilantly targeted on Clary's brother, Jace.
Clary will need to face some terrifying demons and even more terrifying family decisions. No one said that the life of a Shadowhunter would be easy.
My Thoughts:
I really thought that this was a wonderful sequal to City of Bones. In City of Bones, alot of questions are unanswered. In City of Ashes, alot of the questions are finally answered and you learn alot more about the different creatures that live in the Shadowhunter world. However, there are alot of unanswered questions that I have to wait to be answered until City of Glass but that's normal in a series and it's nothing that is going to drive you TOO insane.
There is alot more drama and problems in this book aswell compared to the first book. Which made it a little more interesting. Valentine def. stepped up and got alot more evil while Clary got more confused.
But anyway, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the Mortal Instruments series!
Number of pages: 453
Stars: 5
Books Read: 51 in 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
What's it about?:
Sooner or later, the dead catch up . . .
Judas Coyne was a collector. The bizarre, the uncanny, the grotesque. A cookbook for cannibals. A used hangman s noose. A snuff film. Many of these objects were gifts from the black-clad fans who made his metal band a legend and made him rich.
But not all. When his personal assistant told him there was a ghost for sale on the Internet, Jude knew he had to have it for his private collection, didn t think twice. He should have. Jude has spent a lifetime evading ghosts -- of an abusive father, of the bandmates he betrayed, of Anna, the suicidal girl he loved and abandoned. But this spirit is different. This one means to chase him to the edge of sanity.
Sooner or later, the dead catch up . . .
Judas Coyne was a collector. The bizarre, the uncanny, the grotesque. A cookbook for cannibals. A used hangman s noose. A snuff film. Many of these objects were gifts from the black-clad fans who made his metal band a legend and made him rich.
But not all. When his personal assistant told him there was a ghost for sale on the Internet, Jude knew he had to have it for his private collection, didn t think twice. He should have. Jude has spent a lifetime evading ghosts -- of an abusive father, of the bandmates he betrayed, of Anna, the suicidal girl he loved and abandoned. But this spirit is different. This one means to chase him to the edge of sanity.
My thoughts:
As most people know, Stephen King is one of my favorite horror authors. So when I found out that his son was also a published horror writer, I had to read this book. Joe def. has his father's creative writing style and character development skills.
Heart-Shaped Box is easily one of the most creepy books that I have ever read. This is the perfect book for everyone who is looking for a good fictional ghost story. HSB will keep you up at night reading and you'll probably have to keep a light on for a night or two. It's haunting, romantic and clever.
Number of pages: 354
Stars: 4.5
Books Read: 50 in 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
14 (Taylor Jackson #2) by JT Ellison
What's it about?:
In the mid-1980s the Snow White Killer terrorized the streets of Nashville, Tennessee. Then suddenly the murders stopped. A letter from the killer to the police stated that his work was done.
Now four more bodies are found, marked with his fatal signature. The residents of Nashville fear a madman has returned, decades later, to finish his sick fairy tale. Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson believes the killings are the work of a copycat killer who's even more terrifying. For this monster is meticulously honing his craft as he mimics famous serial murders - proving that the past is not to be forgotten.
*Spoilers*
When a 20 year old case gets reopened, Taylor finds out that her father is part of the biggest crime she has ever had to take on. To add on to that, Taylor is getting married to Profiler Bedwin. But at Taylor's wedding, she gets kidnapped by one of the criminals. Gone for three days right around Christmas, Taylor has to crack this case before all of her loved ones are killed.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the Taylor Jackson Series. The books in the series are fictional crime. The first book is called All the Pretty Girls which I read last year and really enjoyed. The books and the characters in the books are very likable but the writing isn't the best. This series is just meant to be a light and fast read. So if you are looking for a crime book that is enjoyable but that you can read in less the a week, def. check out this series.
In the mid-1980s the Snow White Killer terrorized the streets of Nashville, Tennessee. Then suddenly the murders stopped. A letter from the killer to the police stated that his work was done.
Now four more bodies are found, marked with his fatal signature. The residents of Nashville fear a madman has returned, decades later, to finish his sick fairy tale. Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson believes the killings are the work of a copycat killer who's even more terrifying. For this monster is meticulously honing his craft as he mimics famous serial murders - proving that the past is not to be forgotten.
*Spoilers*
When a 20 year old case gets reopened, Taylor finds out that her father is part of the biggest crime she has ever had to take on. To add on to that, Taylor is getting married to Profiler Bedwin. But at Taylor's wedding, she gets kidnapped by one of the criminals. Gone for three days right around Christmas, Taylor has to crack this case before all of her loved ones are killed.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the Taylor Jackson Series. The books in the series are fictional crime. The first book is called All the Pretty Girls which I read last year and really enjoyed. The books and the characters in the books are very likable but the writing isn't the best. This series is just meant to be a light and fast read. So if you are looking for a crime book that is enjoyable but that you can read in less the a week, def. check out this series.
Number of Pages: 402
Stars: 4
Books Read: 49 out of 48 book goal!
Friday, December 10, 2010
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
What's it about?:
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....
My thoughts:
I hadn't heard much about this book before reading it. I just know that people either loved it or hated it for different reasons.
I personally LOVED it. The world Clare dragged me into got me involved and kept me on the edge of my seat. As for the characters, at first they seemed to be way too perfect but sure enough, their flaws came out. Because of that, I ended up loving them. It seems like in alot of YA books that have recently came out, have one dimensional characters that are perfect and everyone loves them. So it was nice to read a book that actually has two dimensional characters and hey, they actually have enemies!
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....
My thoughts:
I hadn't heard much about this book before reading it. I just know that people either loved it or hated it for different reasons.
I personally LOVED it. The world Clare dragged me into got me involved and kept me on the edge of my seat. As for the characters, at first they seemed to be way too perfect but sure enough, their flaws came out. Because of that, I ended up loving them. It seems like in alot of YA books that have recently came out, have one dimensional characters that are perfect and everyone loves them. So it was nice to read a book that actually has two dimensional characters and hey, they actually have enemies!
But like all books, you need to read it yourself before you have a real opinion on it. So I recommend checking it out and giving it a real chance. I personally don't think you'll be disappointed. :)
Number of Pages: 485 pages
Stars: 5
Books Read: 48 out of 48!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Quick Update
I'm sorry that this blog has been pretty boring lately. I have just been super busy and I am struggling to finish books with the holidays and everything but I promise to do more reviews as soon as possible :)
On the up side, I am getting an Amazon Kindle for Christmas so I should be able to read alot more and alot faster. More books read means more book reviewed!
On the up side, I am getting an Amazon Kindle for Christmas so I should be able to read alot more and alot faster. More books read means more book reviewed!
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