Breathing Books

Evacuations!

2011-08-25T12:26:00.002-04:00

So, as you all have heard, their is a HUGE hurricane coming up the east coast..and guess who's in its path...ME! and of course the first thing i think of when i hear this is...WHAT DO I DO WITH ALL MY BOOKS? They cant be left to get ruined!! Of course im probably the only teenager who is thinking this, and not caring about my makeup or clothes. And of course my family is getting prepared but their is one thing left.. all of my books that are going to be left behind...I'm not sure if the Jersey Shore will have to leave yet but our Governor said to prepair for the worst. If we have to go I will probably load all of my books into our bathroom with no window like a maniac to save them! Have any of you had to deal with something like this?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-08-24T09:49:00.001-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I am waiting on The Death Cure by James Dashner! This book is so good, my boyfriend who has not read a book EVER cant put this series down!

This is the 3rd book in the Maze Runner trilogy. It will come out October 11th 2011

Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says.
The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?

What are you waitng for?

Teaser Tuesday

2011-08-23T09:08:00.000-04:00

This meme is hosted weekly by MizB @ Should Be Reading. Anyone can participate, even if you don't have a blog (you can post back in MizB's comments).
*Grab your current read.

*Open to a random page.

*Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from that page. You can share more if you want!

*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!!! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give away too much information. You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

*Share the title and autor as well, so that Teaser participants may add to their TBR list/s if they enjoy your teasers!

*Leave a link in the comment section of MizB's blog so that others can check out your teasers! You may leave your teasers here with the book title and author if you do not have a blog. (MizB's Blog)

This week my Teaser comes from.... A Place of Peace by Amy Clipston

"I don't know anyone named Miriam." Her fathers voice was cold, dead of emotion. "Tell her to leave."

Review: A Promise of Hope by Amy Clipston

2011-08-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

Summary from Goodreads.com

In A Promise of Hope, the second book in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series by Amy Clipston, an Amish widow with newborn twins discovers her deceased husband had disturbing secrets. As she tries to come to grips with the past, she considers a loveless marriage to ensure stability for her young family … with her faith in God hanging in the balance.

My Take

This is the second book in the Kauffman Amis Bakery Series. I just found out their is going to be a fourth book! Before I begine I have to tell you some words in this book is in Pennsylvania Dutch, the Amish language. (a German dialect) It has words like wife, twins, wonderful and good. Also, in all of the books they have recipes, for numerous desserts. This is also in the first book. You can learn things like how to make pound cake, coconut chews, apple ring fritters and funny cake pie. I thought that was interesting to add to a book. Alright, well this book takes the focus off of Rebecca and her neices. It focuses on Sarah Troyer a widow who is left alone to give birth to twins. During the story she finds out some very unsettling details about her dead husband Peter's past. When a stranger named Luke shows up to the little town of Bird-In-Hand her world is turned upside down and shes left questioning if she really knew her husband at all. I must say this is a love story! I found it a little annoying how many times the two people who are supposed to confess their love for eachother didnt! We only find out at the last few pages what happens between the two charectors. The whole book is filled with suspense and twists and turns that I dont want to give away because that would be a spoiler! You know this book is great because I was upset when it ended. I wanted to find out more about the charectors and their lifes after this book, Im interested to see how the next book plays out. The whole time i was reading this book, I was feeling so upset thinking about how its possible to lose your husband, give birth to twins, and find out troubling information about the person you thought you could trust with your life. This book definitly brings out emotions in you. Overall I would read this series! Mostly because its not about just one person. Its about a whole family's points of view.

My Rating

* * * * *

5/5 stars- Beautifully Writen.

Summer Reading!

2011-08-22T09:28:00.001-04:00

So as I was looking at the summer reading choices for this year, I found some really good books, and I thought i would share them with you. =)

Maya's life has always been chaotic. Living with a con-man dad, she's spent half her life on the run. Whenever her father's schemes go wrong, Maya finds a scientific way to fix it. But when her dad ends up in prison and foster care fails, Maya grasps at her last possible hope of a home: a long-lost aunt, who may not even exist.

So Maya formulates a plan, and with her wits, two unlikely allies, and twenty dollars in her pocket, she sets off in search of this aunt, navigating the unpredictable four hundred miles from Reno to Boise. Life on the streets, though, becomes a struggle for survival—those scientific laws Maya has relied on her whole life just don't apply. And with each passing day, Maya's definitions of right and wrong are turned upside down when she's confronted with the realities and dangers of life as a runaway. She can't help but wonder if trying to find her aunt—and some semblance of stability—is worth the harrowing journey or if she should compromise and find a way to survive on her own

The Zombie War came unthinkably close to eradicating humanity. Max Brooks, driven by the urgency of preserving the acid-etched first-hand experiences of the survivors from those apocalyptic years, traveled across the United States of America and throughout the world, from decimated cities that once teemed with upwards of thirty million souls to the most remote and inhospitable areas of the planet. He recorded the testimony of men, women, and sometimes children who came face-to-face with the living, or at least the undead, hell of that dreadful time. World War Z is the result. Never before have we had access to a document that so powerfully conveys the depth of fear and horror, and also the ineradicable spirit of resistance, that gripped human society through the plague years.
Ranging from the now infamous village of New Dachang in the United Federation of China, where the epidemiological trail began with the twelve-year-old Patient Zero, to the unnamed northern forests where untold numbers sought a terrible and temporary refuge in the cold, to the United States of Southern Africa, where the Redeker Plan provided hope for humanity at an unspeakable price, to the west-of-the-Rockies redoubt where the North American tide finally started to turn, this invaluable chronicle reflects the full scope and duration of the Zombie War.

In many ways, Natalie O’Reilly is a typical fourteenyear- old girl. But a routine visit to the eye doctor produces devastating news: Natalie will lose her sight within a few short months.

Suddenly her world is turned upside down. Natalie is sent to a school for the blind to learn skills such as Braille and how to use a cane. Outwardly, she does as she’s told; inwardly, she hopes for a miracle that will free her from a dreaded life of blindness. But the miracle does not come, and Natalie ultimately must confront every blind person’s dilemma. Will she go home to live scared? Or will she embrace the skills she needs to make it in a world without sight?

But the weather-beaten sailboat Chance Taylor and his father call home is thirty years old and hasn’t sailed in years. One step from both homelessness and hunger, Chance worries about things other kids his age never give a thought: Where will the money come for the electricity bill, grocery bill, and moorage fees? So when a new job falls his way, he jumps at the opportunity. He knows how much he will earn; what he doesn’t know is how much he will pay.

Samuel, 13, spends his days in the forest, hunting for food for his family. He has grown up on the frontier of a British colony, America. Far from any town, or news of the war against the King that American patriots have begun near Boston.

But the war comes to them. British soldiers and Iroquois attack. Samuel’s parents are taken away, prisoners. Samuel follows, hiding, moving silently, determined to find a way to rescue them. Each day he confronts the enemy, and the tragedy and horror of this war. But he also discovers allies, men and women working secretly for the patriot cause. And he learns that he must go deep into enemy territory to find his parents: all the way to the British headquarters, New York City

In my Mailbox

2011-08-21T09:57:00.000-04:00

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted every week by The Story Siren. To find out how to participate and the "official" details, check out the IMM page.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.

I bought this book from Barns and Noble. It is two books in one (the first two books of the series.) They are from the series called the Dollanganger family.

Flowers in the Attic

It wasn't that she didn't love her children. She did. But there was a fortune at stake--a fortune that would assure their later happiness if she could keep the children a secret from her dying father.
So she and her mother hid her darlings away in an unused attic.
Just for a little while.
But the brutal days swelled into agonizing years. Now Cathy, Chris, and the twins wait in their cramped and helpless world, stirred by adult dreams, adult desires, served a meager sustenance by an angry, superstitious grandmother who knows that the Devil works in dark and devious ways. Sometimes he sends children to do his work--children who--one by one--must be destroyed....
'Way upstairs there are
four secrets hidden.
Blond, beautiful, innocent
struggling to stay alive....

Petals on the Wind

For Carrie, Chris and Cathy, the attic was a dark horror that would not leave their minds, even while they built bright, promising new lives. Of course mother had to pretend they didn't exist.
And grandmother was convinced they had the devil in them.
But that wasn't their fault. Was it? Cathy knew what to do.
She now had the powers she had learned from her beautiful mother. She knew it in the way her brother still yearned for her, in the way her guardian touched her, in the way all men looked at her.
She knew it was time to put what she knew to the test. To show her mother and grandmother that the pain and terror of the attic could not be forgotten... Show them.
Show them—once and for all

I also bought this book from Barns and Noble

She is pretty and talented - sweet sixteen and never been kissed. He is seventeen; gorgeous and on the brink of a bright future. And now they have fallen in love. But ...They are brother and sister.

My Wishlist

2011-08-20T10:50:00.000-04:00

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. If you want to know more click here

I have only heard really great things about this memoir, I am anxious to buy it!

In the summer of 1991 I was a normal kid. I did normal things. I had friends and a mother who loved me. I was just like you. Until the day my life was stolen.
For eighteen years I was a prisoner. I was an object for someone to use and abuse.
For eighteen years I was not allowed to speak my own name. I became a mother and was forced to be a sister. For eighteen years I survived an impossible situation.
On August 26, 2009, I took my name back. My name is Jaycee Lee Dugard. I don’t think of myself as a victim. I survived.
A Stolen Life is my story—in my own words, in my own way, exactly as I remember it

Follow my blog friday

2011-08-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read
My answer to this week's Follow Friday question:

Q. If you could write yourself a part in a book, what book would it be and what role would you play in that book?

Hmmm, thats a good question! I think I would write myself a part in those old western romances, like Linda Leal Miller or Norah Hess writes. It would be cool to go back to a different time, and fall in love with a cowboy =). Other then that, I think I would write myself a part in the book Wildwing, because the girl gets to time travel back in time to the days of kings.

Review: A Gift of Grace (Book 1 in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series) by Amy Clipston

2011-08-17T15:12:00.001-04:00

Summary from GoodReads

Rebecca Kauffmans tranquil Old Order Amish life is transformed when she suddenly has custody of her two teenage nieces after her "English" sister and brother-in-law are killed in an automobile accident. Instant motherhood, after years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive a child of her own, is both a joy and a heartache. Rebecca struggles to give the teenage girls the guidance they need as well as fulfill her duties to Daniel as an Amish wife.

Rebellious Jessica is resistant to Amish ways and constantly in trouble with the community. Younger sister Lindsay is caught in the middle, and the strain between Rebecca and Daniel mounts as Jessicas rebellion escalates. Instead of the beautiful family life she dreamed of creating for her nieces, Rebecca feels as if her world is being torn apart by two different cultures, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community, her marriage, and her faith in God.

My Review

Well his book is the first of a three part series. (their may be more to come.) about two teenage sisters Lindsay and Jessica who are torn from their English life to live with their Aunt who they have never met after an accident claims their parents life's. Rebbecca is very grateful to have the girls come and life with her and her husband Daniel. She believes it is Gods will. However Daniel wants the girls to leave after Jessica breaks many rules, and disrespects their culture. Lindsay learns to adjust well to her new life and is happy to make the best of a bad situation. Many other twists and turns happen but I don't want to spoil anything! I found this book very interesting. I love to read about different cultures. I could really sympathize with Jessica. I couldn't imagine having to move 14 hours away from my friends, boyfriend, and having to quit school. Not to mention giving up my ipod, phone, and whole lifestyle! I really enjoyed this book. their was just enough surprises to keep it interesting. I also liked how the book went from Rebbecca, Daniel, Lindsay and Jessica's point of view. That caused alot of suspense. I would recommend this book to anyone is interested in something new. I cant wait to read the second one!

My Rating
* * * *
Great Read!

Teaser Tuesday: A Gift of Grace

2011-08-16T12:53:00.000-04:00

TTeaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading
Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

Share the title & author.

This week my teaser comes from A Gift of Grace (book 1 one of the Kauffman Amish Bakery series)

The book is about two teenage girls who's parents have died and their last wish is to send them to the mothers Amish sister to live until they are 18. The girls must learn to live in a very plain world.

"This was gods will."

"What did you say" his voice rose.

"I will not send them back and I insist that you respect my wishes."

Monday Memoires

2011-08-15T11:09:00.000-04:00

Monday Memoirs come from Anette's Book Spot It features books that we love from our past. Click on the button above to leave your own Monday Memory.

I would say the books that i Really love from when I was a child would be Barbra Parks Junie B. Jones series.

These books were very important to me as a child because they were the first real chapter books I have ever read. This was also the first series I have ever read. I remember going to the book store and buying the latest book. Even though I'm a junior in high school, I would probably read the next book if one came out!

Breathing Books is back!

2011-08-15T09:33:00.000-04:00

Hello, Breathing Books is back! As you know I have not posted anything in a long time. That was due to school and end of the year exams. But I am ready to start up this blog again. =)
I am no longer participating in the 100 books challenge. I am up to 46 books so far and did not write reviews for any of them, so their is no way I can post my reviews for the challenge. However, I will be still participating in the Amish Reading Challenge.
I am sorry for not posting in a long time.
Thank you Heather!

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

2011-03-25T13:23:00.000-04:00

Follow Friday is a weekly feature hosted by Parajunkee's View. Each week, one blogger is featured, and this week it's Rebecca at Confessions of a Page Turner

It also asks a different question each week. This week's question is: "Give us five book related silly facts about you."

1.) I'm really afraid that books will go out, and it will all be E-Readers. So I try to buy as many books as I can.

2.) I CANT read a serious out of order, they have to be in the same order, and I always tend to accidentally buy books out of order!

3.) Right now me and my nephew are in a competition to see who can read the most books this year. Im at 17.

4.) whatever store im in, I HAVE to go down the book isle, even though it drives people crazy.

5.) I read really weird books.

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books and is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word.

This week's question is: "If you could physically put yourself into a book or series…which one would it be and why?"

Hmm thats a really hard question. If I could put myself in any book series I think it would be...either the Little House on the Prairie series because I would love to relive that time as Laura once did. Or I would put myself in a really beautiful love story. I would do that because I would love to experience that.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-03-22T19:00:00.001-04:00

TEAser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles!

This week my teaser comes from Clara's War by Clara Kramer

"On the assigned day, as the remaining Jews assembled in front of the store in Sobieski Street, Where the food was to be delivered, there was no bread and marmalade. There were only the killing squads from Lvov.

Review: Now You See Her by Jacquelyn Mitchard

2011-03-20T17:59:00.000-04:00

Summary from Goodreads

Hope has it all: brains, beauty, and acceptance at Starwood, a prestigious arts prep school. A mere sophomore, she has won the lead in Romeo and Juliet, beating out seniors for the role—seniors who have been in movies and on Broadway! And with handsome Logan as her Romeo onstage and off, her life couldn't be more perfect.
So why would this talented teen throw everything away? Why would she fake her own abduction? Hope wants to explain what really happened, and gradually the truth comes out: Maybe her life wasn't that perfect after all.
In her first novel for young adults, national bestselling author Jacquelyn Mitchard takes us into a world where appearance is everything, and nothing is exactly as it seems.

My Take

Well, I really didn't find this book enjoyable. It is basically about a spoiled girl named Hope who has everything, and throws it all away for love. for a good half of the book Hope goes on and on about how amazing her life is, and how she belittles others. Hope is an actress. She has everything. Smarts, Looks, and Talent. She throws it all away when she meets a boy named Logan Rose. Logan is an actress, and a few years older then Hope. She falls for him, and they both fake Hope's abduction. The book goes along to tell how this happens. However towards the end the book takes a drastic change and we find out something that is completely crazy (not spoiling!) The book is a fast passed read. I like how the book was written, I just don't like the story. But give it a try, id love to hear your opinions!

My Rating

* *

2 out of 5 stars

Follow Friday and Blog Hop

2011-03-18T13:41:00.000-04:00

Follow Friday is a weekly feature hosted by Parajunkee's View. Each week, one blogger is featured, and this week it's Jess at Gone with the Words (be sure to check out her blog!)

It also asks a different question each week.
This week's question is: "How did you come up with your blog name?"Well, I wasnt sure what to name my blog, so one day the name "Breathing Books" just came to me!

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books and is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word.

This week's question is: "Do you read only one book at atime, or do you have several going at once?"

Well, right now I have two going, but Im only reading one at a time. But it almost never happens when I have two started.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-03-15T17:50:00.000-04:00

Follow Friday and Blog Hop

2011-03-12T08:50:00.000-05:00

"If I gave you £50 (or $80) and sent you into a bookshop right now, what would be in your basket when you finally staggered to the till?"

Hmmm I'm not sure what I would come out with but I'm pretty sure it would be something Historical Fiction.

Who are You the Boy/Girl, instead of You the Blogger?

I am Heather, a 10th grader in high school. I live by the Jersey Shore ( I know we have a bad reputation but really its only one section of us.) My friends think I'm crazy because I have a new book every day. I am also a girlfriend of over 2 years. I love being in the library although I need to learn to finish books before I get new ones. Well, that's me.

Review: Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

2011-03-10T17:50:00.001-05:00

Summary

In her imaginative second novel, an unusual love story, the highly acclaimed author of Elsewhere offers a unique exploration of teenage identity and self-discovery. The heroine, a teen who is forced to re-invent herself and reconstruct her life after she suffers a head injury that leaves her with a four-year memory loss, grapples with many issues teens will find familiar: romance, changing friendships, and a dysfunctional family. But this teen s amnesia gives her the perspective to see herself and others clearly for the very first time. At times funny and always thought provoking, this tale effectively touches upon themes of chance, loss, and choice, in a moving story readers won t soon forget.

My Take

Imagine falling down a flight of stairs, and you cant remember the last four years of your life. And all your friends and boyfriend cant understand why you are acting so weird, That is what happens to Naomi Porter, Naomi lives with her dad. She came to her parents when they found her in an old type writer case. Naomi gets upset thinking that she is an orphan. Before her accident she was heavily involved in the yearbook committee at her school, along with her best friend Will Landsman. Naomi has a boyfriend named Ace Zuckerman. Will and Ace are nothing alike. Will is the nerdy type who likes to make music mixes for every occasion. Ace is they sporty popular type who does tennis. Naomi's home life is not so great. Naomi's parents are divorced after her mother had an affair with her high school boyfriend and now has a daughter named Chloe. Her father is a best selling author who writes about the Porters life's. He is getting re-married to a tango instructor named Rosa Rivera. Naomi resents her mother for abandoning them. During the story Naomi has to try and remember her life, and the people in it. The guy who found her when she fell is named James. James has a troubled past that somehow links him to Naomi.

I found this book just alright. I wasn't sure what Naomi's character was supposed to be, the sporty popular girl that talks about people behind their back? or the nerdy girl who works on yearbook. It seemed like the author was trying to make her both. I also wasn't sure what the relationship between Will and Naomi was supposed to be at the end of the book. At times it seemed like it was heading toward a romantic relationship, then it would just say they are friends. I wasn't sure about all the characters. I just wasn't sure of their role.

My Rating

* * * *

4 out of 5 stars

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-03-09T18:23:00.000-05:00

Alright well to make up for not having a Teaser Tuesday yesterday, I will do a Waiting on Wednesday!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine where bloggers talk about books they're excited to read.

This week I am excited for a book called One Hot Second: Stories About Desire

Summary

"Anything can happen in one hot second. Secret crushes. Awkward dates. First love. First times.

"In this powerful collection, eleven acclaimed writers for teens capture the various expressions of desire, from first crushes to first times and all of the charged emotions in between. Here, a sleek new teammate becomes more than a friend; a hopeful date feels his evening unravel; a pale boy delivers a sweet but terrible kiss; a wise girl discovers the real rules about love; one relationship ends and another begins.

"Jennifer Armstrong, Sarah Dessen, Emma Donoghue, Nancy Garden, Angela Johnson, Victor Martinez, Norma Fox Mazer, Rachel Vail, Rich Wallace, Ellen Wittlinger, and Jacqueline Woodson have crafted original stories that are as complex and provocative as desire itself."

I know this book is already out but I am still WAITING for it from the library!

Review: Looking for Alaska by John Green

2011-03-07T17:45:00.000-05:00

Summary

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.

Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A stunning debut, it marks John Green's arrival as an important new voice in contemporary fiction.

My Take
Well to start off this book is really hard to write a review for because it is really easy to give a major event away. In the beginning I was really confused because the first page told of an event that happens much later in the story. so I had no idea who any of the characters were, and it did not help that they used code names for everyone. So I was pretty confused when I was reading the names Pudge and Colonel. The only people that didn't get code names were Alaska young who is a KEY figure to this story, and their friends Lara and Takumi. The story is set up in the order of days. Half the book is things that happen before the tragedy, and the other half is after the tragedy. The gist of this story is that, the main character Miles Halter or later nicknamed Pudge goes to a school called Culver Creek in Alabama. This is the same school his dad went to when he was a boy. He originally lived with his parents in Florida. When he gets their he meets his roommate Chip but he likes to be called the Colonel. The Colonel is the one who nicknames Miles, Pudge. once Pudge gets situated into the school, he is introduced to a girl named Alaska Young. (I found it very interesting how she got her name but I don't want to ruin anything.) Alaska has a very sad past that she will never be able to forget. I found Alaska to be a very smart, yet troubled character. Once the book gets to the second part called After, a horrible tragedy happens. The tragedy leaves Pudge and the Colonel in tears. They must figure out what caused it to happen, How it was done, and why it was done. They do not know exactly how to go about this, and they are not sure if they will ever find the answers they are looking for. Other things happen in this book, however if I explained it would give alot away. I found this book to be OK. Their are other better young adult books out their. I liked this book, but something just wasn't hooking me in. I thought it was well written, but it left me a little Bord. It is a fast passed read. I think most will enjoy it. I have heard great things about it from others. I'm not sure what was missing for me though.

My Rating
* * * *
4 out of 5 stars

Blog Hope and Follow Friday

2011-03-04T14:14:00.000-05:00

Follow Friday is a weekly feature hosted by Parajunkee's View. It asks a different question each week.

This week's question is: "What embarrassing thing have you done on cold medicine?" (If you don't know this feature yet, don't worry, the questions usually make more sense and have more to do with books.)

Uhmmmmmm I dont think I have dont anything on cold medicine. I hardly take it. I think it tastes really bad!

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books and is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word.

This week's question is: "Who's your all-time favorite book villain?"

Well I usually dont even read many books with "villains" in them...even looking at my bookshelf I dont remember or see one book I have read with a villain..haha

Review: In My Enemy's House by Caral Matas

2011-03-03T17:48:00.001-05:00

Summary From GoodReads

When the Nazis invade Poland, Marisa's blond hair and blue eyes enable her to pass as a Polish girl. With her family scattered or dead, and facing death herself in the Jewish ghetto, she takes the papers of a Polish girl and is sent to work in Germany. There she becomes a servant to Herr Reymann, a high-ranking Nazi official, and his family. Even though the Reymanns seem kind, and their daughter Charlotte treats Marisa like a sister, Marisa can never forget that they believe all Jews should die. With unflinching insight, Matas explores the dilemma of a girl who finds a human face in the heart of evil.

My Take

Well this book was very short. and I really enjoyed it. I love books about world war 2 and the holocaust. I thought this one was different because it didn't tell of concentration camps. It told of a young Jewish girl named Maria who disguises herself as a polish girl and goes to work in a house in Germany. By doing this Maria is avoiding be sent to a concentration camp like all of the other Jews in her area. When Maria gets their, she finds out she is in the house of a Nazi. Maria must keep her true identity a secret or else she could be sent to her death. The Nazi family, the Reymanns treat Maria with respect and are very kind to her. For they do not know that she is truly a Jewish girl. The Reymanns daughter Charlotte and son Christian are completely anti-Jewish. While Marisa is living in the Reymann's home. She watches the children play a game called Jews out! and attend meetings that support Hitler and making the world "Jew Free" I can not believe the amount of courage that Maria has during the course of this book. At times she went through some pretty scary things such as bombings and almost loosing her little siblings. I am shocked that Marisa was able to stay in the house of the Nazi with all her fear. I felt that the title of this book completely describes the story. Its not like a normal Young Adult book title. Overall I really like this book and think everyone should go out and read it.

My Rating

* * * * *

5 out of 5 stars

Review: Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall

2011-03-02T19:07:00.000-05:00

Summary from Good Reads

In September 2007, a packed courtroom in St. George, Utah, sat hushed as Elissa Wall, the star witness against polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs, gave captivating testimony of how Jeffs forced her to marry her first cousin at age fourteen. This harrowing and vivid account proved to be the most compelling evidence against Jeffs, showing the harsh realities of this closed community and the lengths to which Jeffs went in order to control the sect's women.
Now, in this courageous memoir, Elissa Wall tells the incredible and inspirational story of how she emerged from the confines of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and helped bring one of America's most notorious criminals to justice. Offering a child's perspective on life in the FLDS, Wall discusses her tumultuous youth, explaining how her family's turbulent past intersected with her strong will and identified her as a girl who needed to be controlled through marriage. Detailing how Warren Jeffs's influence over the church twisted its already rigid beliefs in dangerous new directions, Wall portrays the inescapable mind-set and unrelenting pressure that forced her to wed despite her repeated protests that she was too young.
Once she was married, Wall's childhood shattered as she was obligated to follow Jeffs's directives and submit to her husband in "mind, body, and soul." With little money and no knowledge of the outside world, she was trapped and forced to endure the pain and abuse of her loveless relationship, which eventually pushed her to spend nights sleeping in her truck rather than face the tormentor in her bed.
Yet even in those bleak times, she retained a sliver of hope that one day she would find a way out, and one snowy night that came in the form of a rugged stranger named Lamont Barlow. Their chance encounter set in motion a friendship and eventual romance that gave her the strength she needed to break free from her past and sever the chains of the church.
But though she was out of the FLDS, Wall would still have to face Jeffs—this time in court. In Stolen Innocence, she delves into the difficult months on the outside that led her to come forward against him, working with prosecutors on one of the biggest criminal cases in Utah's history, so that other girls still inside the church might be spared her cruel fate.
More than a tale of survival and freedom, Stolen Innocence is the story of one heroic woman who stood up for what was right and reclaimed her life.

My Take

Well for one, I thought this book could have been written a little better. Especially because it came from her own life. I felt like i was reading a young adult non-fiction book. However I still really enjoyed the book. I honestly cant even imagine having to go through all of the trauma. that Elissa did at such a young age. Yes, this is a true story of Elissa Wall's life of growing up in polygamy and finally leaving and doing what is right to protect the other young girls still in polygamy. I felt that Elissa was very brave in doing what she had to do to bring the prophet Warren Jeffs to justice. I cant imagine how hard that trial must have been for her. I also felt bad for the members who strongly believe in the practice of polygamy. They had to watch their prophet (or leader) be put on trial and be accused of things they thought were perfectly fine. I find it interesting that when Elissa comes out of the FLDS she goes on to tell about the clothes and hairstyles that make her more "normal" things I have been doing all my life she is just starting. It shows us that their are many ways of living this life. Elissa's story at times, can bring you to tears. At one point in the story Elissa meets the man she is still with now. I feel if she did not meet him, she would of never had the courage to go up against Warren Jeffs and fight for what is right. I like how the book contains 8 pages of pictures of Elissa's life in polygamy and her life after she has left. I am really happy with the way this book turns out. I felt Elissa did what was right along with all the others who went up against Warren Jeffs. At times this book is shocking and unravels truths that are very interesting about the prophet. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a true story about a young girl growing up in polygamy.

My Rating

* * * * *

5 out of 5 stars

Teaser Tuesday

2011-03-01T17:33:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play! Just do the following:
Grav your current read!
Open to a random page
Share (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
Be careful not to include spoilers! (Be sure that what you share doesnt give to much awat. ( You dont want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Today's teaser comes from Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall
"I immediatly assumed it was the police. I was freezing, in the middle of a miscarriage, and I didnt even have shoes on. Now their was the possibility I was going to be arrested for being out past curfew."

Blog Hop

2011-02-25T12:27:00.000-05:00

"Do you ever wish you would have named your blog something different?"
Well their are some really good blog names out their, but I dont think i would ever change mine. I like it, and it fits me perfectly.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-02-22T17:44:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week my teaser comes from the book Stolen Innocene by Elissa Wall

My Teaser

I felt Allen get up beside me, and turning to look at him, I was shocked by what I saw: Allen stood in front of me exposing himself. " What are you doing put that away!" I demanded, closing my eyes tightly.

One Lovely Blog Award

2011-02-22T17:07:00.000-05:00

Okay well I have just been awarded the One Lovely Blog Award from Hannah at Paper Back Treasueres I would like to thank you again for this! Thank you!

However their are some rules for this award

- Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

- Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered.

- Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I will be passing this award to..

Red Headed Book Child

Ottilie Weber

Librarian Lee

Good Golly Miss Holly Books

Musings By Maureen

Follow Friday

2011-02-18T07:36:00.000-05:00

Todays question from parajunkee is..

If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite book? If you haven't read Science Fiction before...any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?

I am not a fan of science fiction. Nothing about it catches my eye. I would rather read something more realisitic.

Review: Before I Die by Jenny Downham

2011-02-17T17:48:00.000-05:00

Summary from Goodreads

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out

My Review

Imagine your body is infected with cancer. You only have weeks left to live. You live every day knowing you will never get married, have kids or live another year. All of your friends will grow up and have lives and you wont. How do you prepair yourself for this? What do you do in your last weeks? That is exactly what Tessa feels during the course of this book. Her body is infected with cancer and their is no way of helping her anymore. All she can do is wait for the end. Tessa decides she is going to make a list of 10 things she wants to do before she dies. Some of them being sex, drugs and breaking as many rules as possible in one day. Her friend Zoey, her boyfriend Adam and her father helps her achieve some of these 10 things. Tessa does not have the greatest relationship with her mom, her dad mostly takes her for her check ups and watches over her. She adds reuniting her parents to her list. During this book Tessa has feelings I could never imagine myself having. I found this book pretty emotional at parts. One part near the end did actually make me tear up. This book was beautifully written. I suggest that everyone add this book to their list! Also! this book does not take place in America so some of the terminology is off. But its still easy to understand.

My Rating

* * * * *

5 out of 5 stars

Teaser Tuesday

2011-02-15T18:37:00.002-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the Title & Author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they
like your teasers!

My Teaser

Its as if my heart springs up and marries my soul, as my whole body implodes. Like a stone falling in a pond, circles and circles of love ripple through me.

This week my teaser came from Before I die by Jenny Downham

Sunday Confessions

2011-02-13T12:36:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly meme started by To Read Or Not To Read as a way to get to share a bit about myself and also learning more about you. Sometimes its about books and book related topics and sometimes it's not. This is all in good fun and I would love it if you would participate.

This weeks question is..

What do you love most about reading?

Well, what I love most about reading is escaping out of every day life into someone Else's. You can go back in time or into the future. Or you can read about people like yourself. I like seeing how other people life and think even if it is only a fiction book.

Review: Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-02-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

Summary

In this compelling sequel to Chains, a National Book Award Finalist and winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson shifts perspective from Isabel to Curzon and brings to the page the tale of what it takes for runaway slaves to forge their own paths in a world of obstacles—and in the midst of the American Revolution.
The Patriot Army was shaped and strengthened by the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter. This is where Curzon the boy becomes Curzon the young man. In addition to the hardships of soldiering, he lives with the fear of discovery, for he is an escaped slave passing for free. And then there is Isabel, who is also at Valley Forge—against her will. She and Curzon have to sort out the tangled threads of their friendship while figuring out what stands between the two of them and true freedom.

My Take

Okay well, to start off this book is the sequel to a book called Chains. This is book number two. I really liked this book. It tells the story of an African boy named Curzon. Curzon is enlisted into the American Army to fight at Valley Forge. the story tells how their was little comfort at Valley Forge. Their was no food, warmth, clothes or great leadership. The soldiers were dying off slowly from the the lack of food and the frigid cold. The story tells how the soldiers had to march through ice and snow and mud with no shoes on, because their wasn't any. I cant even imagine that. Eventually Curzon is sent back into slavery. Him and an old friend make plans to run away and escape their master. when they finally plan to escape a horrific event happens that may or may not stop them. This was a fast paced story. The end of the book makes me want to read the third book Ashes right away. I found this book very easy to relate to. The author did a wonderful job describing events and keeping true to the facts.

My Rating

* * * * *

5 out of 5 stars

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

2011-02-11T15:56:00.000-05:00

What is your favorite romance hero-type? Stereotype wise. Do you like the strong silent type or the brute macho man?

Hmmm I really like the romance character you find in western novels. Where the guy is real sweet, strong and handsome!

Review: If I stay by Gayle Forman

2011-02-08T17:38:00.000-05:00

Summary

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands. (Summary from goodreads.com)

My Take

Well, to start off I really liked this book and I can not wait to read the sequel Where She Went. The story is about a a girl named Mia. One snowy day her and her family were driving on a wet road and it resulted in an accident, leaving her life forever different. Mia is not sure what happened. She just knows she is outside her family watching her famiy bestfriend and boyfriend try to break in and see her. The story goes back and forth to Mia talking about her life before the accident. She talks about her love of music, her family and all of her feelings. Then Mia talkes about how she is watching life outside her body. Mia has to watch her wrecked body be treated and cared for. She watches her family boyfriend and friends worrying about her. And she watches her bestfriend ab boyfriend break in to see her. During the story Mia must decide if she wants to stay which means living, or go wich means living. The end of this book is cery suspensfull and makes me want the sequel right this instance. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a love of young adult books.

My Rating

* * * * *

5 out of 5 stars

Teaser Tuesday

2011-02-08T11:22:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week my teaser comes from If I Stay by Gayle Forman

"Your starting to act like one of those girls. Do you need to get me a gun?

So far this book is very good!

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-02-07T17:28:00.000-05:00

Alright well I have just recieved this award from http://deeas-journal.blogspot.com/ I would like to thank her so much. This award was definitly unexpected. But I am so happy to recieve it!! So thank you so much Deea!

The rules of this award is to
1. Thank the person you gave you the award.
2. Share 7 things about you.
3. Pass the award to 15 other bloggers you recently discovered and like.
4. Contact the bloggers and let them know that they have won.

so first I will start with the 7 facts.

1.) I am still in high school
2.) I love my boyfriend of over 2 years
3.) I have read 10 books since 2011 began
4.) I listen to country music
5.) I live by the Jersey shore
6.) I am afraid actually books will not exist soon because they will be taken over by Ereaders
7.) I love history

The next 15 bloggers to get this award will be..

Paperback Treasures
A Journey In Reading
Bewitched Bookworms
Simply Me, a.. Book Addict
Book Chick City
Brittany's Fantasy
Crazy-For-Books
Amber in Blunderland
Forever Young Adult
YA Book Queen
The Prairie Library
Saveatunities
Reading Lark
Locket Stories
Happily Forever After

Review: Annexed by Sharon Dogar

2011-02-06T11:56:00.000-05:00

Summary

Everyone knows about Anne Frank and her life hidden in the secret annex – but what about the boy who was also trapped there with her?

In this powerful and gripping novel, Sharon Dogar explores what this might have been like from Peter’s point of view. What was it like to be forced into hiding with Anne Frank, first to hate her and then to find yourself falling in love with her? Especially with your parents and her parents all watching almost everything you do together. To know you’re being written about in Anne’s diary, day after day? What’s it like to start questioning your religion, wondering why simply being Jewish inspires such hatred and persecution? Or to just sit and wait and watch while others die, and wish you were fighting.

As Peter and Anne become closer and closer in their confined quarters, how can they make sense of what they see happening around them?

Anne’s diary ends on August 4, 1944, but Peter’s story takes us on, beyond their betrayal and into the Nazi death camps. He details with accuracy, clarity and compassion the reality of day to day survival in Auschwitz – and ultimately the horrific fates of the Annex’s occupants (from goodreads.com)

My Take

Well to start off, I'm not sure what all the controversy of this book is about. People feel that Sharon Dogar is changing the events that actually took place. That's ridicules because the author states more then once that she is not trying to change the facts. She is just telling Peters story from her point of view.

The story Annexed tells Peter's life from when he first went into hiding with the Franks, until his death at the time of liberation. I felt like this story really captured Peter's true emotions and feelings. The story was very real and relatable. During the book Peter tells about how he doesn't know who he is anymore. He just wants to be Peter without and labels such as Jew. Him and Anne often argue over this because she puts her faith and trust in god. But through the time in the annex, Peter and Anne learn to love each other. Peter and Anne must learn to have a relationship in a small space living with eight other people, providing no privacy at all. They must learn to live in a world where they don't know if they are going to die today or tomorrow. They live through fear, hope, uncertainty and desperation. I found this book very well written. The author did an excellent job capturing evey detail. It is also a very emotional read. I would recommend this book to anyone who has read The Diary Of Anne Frank.

Mr Rating

* * * * *

5 out of 5 stars

Sunday Confessions

2011-02-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

This meme was started by Marcie @ To Read or Not To Read. She started it as a way to share a little about herself, but to learn about the rest of us as well. She says, "Sometimes its about books and book related topics and sometimes it's not. This is all in good fun and I would love it if you would participate."

This week's question is

"What do you like to do when you are sick?"

When I am sick I usually like to just catch up on some reading or I sleep most of the time. I like the feeling of having nothing to do for a whole day!

Follow Friday and Blog Hop

2011-02-04T06:25:00.000-05:00

The Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-For-Books (visit her by clicking the hop logo). This hop is a fun time for bloggers to find new followers and readers to find new bloggers! Each week a new question is asked and you can hop from blog to blog on the linky list to see how each person answered. This week's question is....
What are you reading now, and why are you reading it?

Well right now I am reading Annexed by Sharon Dogar. Im reading this because it is a controversal book, because it is about the boy who loved Anne Frank. So far it is very good. I just had to read this book because nothing like it has come out in a while.

Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

2011-02-02T18:44:00.000-05:00

Summary

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

My Take

To start off I did not even finish this book. Their is 404 pages in this book and i only read 230

Well this book wasnt really for me, or this trilogy. I wasnt relating to the charectors and over all Sci-Fi Fantasy isnt for me. I just wasnt able to get into all the action parts. Dont get me wrong i did like some parts. But it wasnt enough to continue the book. The book is better then the first one I must say. This book is about Mary's daughter Gabry. This book holds some things that will shock you. Gabry's whole life has been a lie, now she must find it in herself to continue and build a new world. Gabry sees some things that i could never imagine in a life time. I would recommend this book to any one who likes to read about vampires,monsters or zombies. Those things just arn't for me. However I did find I liked the way that Carrie Ryan was able to add so muc hdetail into certain parts of the book. It really created suspense.

My Rating

* *

2 out of 5 stars

Sorry guys!

2011-02-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

So I apologize for not putting up a review recently. Currently I am reading the sequel to The Forest Of Hands And Teeth which is The Dead-Tossed waves. It is taking me forever to get through it. I'm not really that interested in it but I don't like not finishing a book.. I have already lost one follower I'm not sure if it is because of my lack of reviews but I will be putting some great ones up like If I Stay. Annexed, Before I Die and Forge. If you have any idea about what I can do to make my blog more improved I would love to hear them.

Thank you and happy blogging!

Teaser Tuesday

2011-02-01T14:43:00.001-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week my teaser comes from the book The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Summary:

My Teaser:

The world that seemed so still is now moving in the moonlight. Around me mudo drag themselves from the dunes, all of them between me and the seawall. Im trapped between them and the waves without a weapon.

Sunday Confessions

2011-01-30T11:08:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly meme started by http://2readornot2read-loves2read.blogspot.com/ as a way to get to share a bit about herself and also learning more about you. Sometimes its about books and book related topics and sometimes it's not. This is all in good fun and I would love it if you would participate.

This week the question is..

How do you arrange your bookshelves?

Well, I mostly arrange my bookshelves by book height. Unless books are in a series then they will go together. Or I have books by the same author then they will go together. I also will seperate them by genre. I dont get crazy and alphabatize them though.

Post a comment telling me your answer=)

Friday Five

2011-01-28T16:11:00.000-05:00

Friday Five is a meme from Eve's Fan Garden that I decided to add to my blog. I will feature the same topic that they do each week, but the original idea came from Cheryl Renee Herbsman's blog.

This week Eve's Fan Garden asks us...

What are five of your pet peeves related to books or reading?

I found this meme just recently and decided to add it to my blog!

1.) My first pet peeve about books or reading is when people bend the pages to hold their place. I ABSOLUTELY HATE THAT! my nephew does that and it drives me crazy I like to keep my books in perfect condition.

2.) The second pet peeve about reading is when the library stamp thing right over the back of the book so you cant see what book is next in the series or what the book is about. You would think they have more sense to not do that!

3.) My third pet peeve about books is if the book is in a series they do not order them properly on the book itself. They make it hard to understand.

4.) The fourth pet peeve about reading is how you can be in love with a book that no one knows about then it becomes a movie and everyone is suddenly in love with it and they had no idea it was even a book to begin with!

5.)The last pet peeve about reading and books is how books from the library get so dirty looking and the binding rips and they get all yucky. I also like to keep books in perfect condition.

Review: The Forest Of Hands And Teeth By Carrie Ryan

2011-01-28T12:04:00.000-05:00

Summary From GoodReads

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

My Take

Well, at first I didn't really like this book, or I didn't understand it I'm not sure. But the last fifty pages or so I really got into it. This is a story about a girl named Mary living in a world surrounded by gates to keep out the dead who crave their skin. Mary is taught from a Young age to defend herself against the "unconsecrated" or the dead. Mary's world is not surrounded by love it is surrounded by commitment. But everything Mary has learned about the world around her and the unconsecrated are fighting her. She learns things about her world she never knew existed. She starts to wonder what lies beyond her village and the Forest Of Hands And Teeth. And this makes her different. At one point in the story she must choose between her village or her dreams. Love or what she knows. This story reminds me of a cross between Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer because at times this story is about survival and love. And then it remindes me of The Maze Runner by James Dashner because of the fact they are traped in a village surrounded by Forest. Overall this is not the best book I have read. I have started reading the sequel and so far it is alot better!

Rating

* * *

3 out of 5 stars

Follow Friday! And Blog Hop

2011-01-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.

My answer to this week's Follow Friday question:

What is/was your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school is History. I find it very interesting and I love comapring the world to how it is now, to how it was years ago!

"What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011? Why are you anticipating that book?"

Well! This year I am looking forward to James Dashners The Death Cure! It is part of the Maze Runner trilogy. I am looking forward to this book because the other two are so full of suspense and surprises. I cant wait for this one!

Booking It Through Thursday

2011-01-27T12:23:00.000-05:00

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme about books and reading. Brough to you by http://preternaturalprimer.blogspot.com/ This week's question is:

What’s the largest, thickest, heaviest book you ever read? Was it because you had to? For pleasure? For school?

The Largest Book I have ever read was Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell. It has 959 pages in it. I read it for just for fun.

Review: They Called Themselves The K.K.K by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

2011-01-26T19:55:00.001-05:00

*So I know that my blog does not say that I am reading this book, I just found it at the library and found it different then anything I have seen in the teen section so I just had to read it.*

Summary

With those words, six restless young men raided the linens at a friend’s mansion in 1866. They pulled white sheets over their heads, hopped on horses, and cavorted through the streets of Pulaski, Tennessee. Soon, the six friends named their club the Ku Klux Klan and began patterning their initiations after fraternity rites, with passwords and mysterious handshakes. All too quickly, this club would grow into the self-proclaimed “Invisible Empire,” with secret dens spread across the South. On their brutal raids, the nightriders would claim to be ghosts of Confederate soldiers and would use psychological and physical terror against former slaves who dared to vote, own land, attend school, or worship as they pleased.
This is the story of how a secret terrorist group took root in America’s democracy. Filled with chilling and vivid personal accounts unearthed from oral histories, congressional documents, and other primary sources, this is a book to read and remember.

My Take

Well, i was at my library and I saw this book in the "new section" in the teen portion of the library. I have never seen anything like this their so I just had to read it. I thought this book was very interesting, I learned alot of new things. The story talks about the Civil War, black history and the birth of the Ku Klux Klan. The book was very easy to read. It contained Pictures, a time line of the Civil War history, and actual interviews of people that lived during this era. i didnt think of this book as a boring history lesson. I was actually intrigued by the events that took place. The author added pictures and actual interviews which made you feel like you were actually living thorugh this time. I would suggest this book to anyone that is interested in an intresting peice of America History.

My Rating

* * * * *

five out of five stars!

2011-01-26T15:57:00.000-05:00

This week i am waiting for..

Summary

There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.

Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since. Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again.

Except, Catcher has his own secrets—dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah—can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?

This is the third book in the Carrie Ryan series The Forest Of Hands and Teeth. It is scheduled to come out March 22 2011

Teaser Tuesday

2011-01-25T17:21:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week my teaser is from the book...

My Teaser

The sickness that cut through my generation only made new children more important. And with so few of us of marrying age the past few seasons it is what I have been expecting. That someone like Harry would ask for me.

Summary

New Blog Design

2011-01-25T09:45:00.001-05:00

As you can see my blog looks amazing now thanks to http://happily-forever-after.blogspot.com/ she is a Romance Book Blogger. Everybody go follow her! I can not be more happier with this new design!

What's Your Status?

2011-01-23T19:57:00.001-05:00

Zakiya from Butterfly Feet Walking on Life has a fantastic meme. In this meme you post your status of the books your reading this week, books you finished this week, books you're going to read next, and books you plan on buying this week. You can also post what reviews and memes you participated in for the week. If your interested in participating in this meme, check of Zakiya's blog for all the info and the linky!

Books I have finished this week

Sarah's Key By Tatiana De Rosnay

I am Reading Now

The Forest Of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Next Up

The Dead Tossed Waves By Carrie Ryan

This next portion of the post is an idea that I saw on the wonderful blog Small Review. She posts what reviews and memes she has posted and participated in that last week. Remember, however, that it is not mandatory for you to do this part of the post.

Reviews this week

Sarah's Key By Tatiana De Rosnay

Memes This Week

Challenges I Joined This Week

100 Books In A Year

Sunday Confessions

2011-01-23T16:57:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly meme started by Marcie over at To Read or Not To Read as a way to get to share a bit about myself and also learning more about you. Sometimes it's about books and book related topics and sometimes it's not.

This weeks question: Do you need silence to read?

Well...I normally don't need complete silence to read but I cant read in an atmosphere with a bunch of loud things going on. But if the book is really good it doesn't matter because I can get completely lost and not know whats going on in the real world! but for the most part i don't need complete silence.

Review: Sarah's Key By Tatiana De Rosnay

2011-01-22T18:29:00.000-05:00

Summary- Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family's apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.

Paris, May 2002: On Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France's past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl's ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d'Hiv', to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.
Tatiana de Rosnay offers us a brilliantly subtle, compelling portrait of France under occupation and reveals the taboos and silence that surround this painful episode.

My Opinion- Well all I have to say is this book was the best book I have read in a very long time! It goes back and forth between the perspective of Sarah a Jewish girl being taking in the Vel' d' Hiv roundup of Paris in July of 1942, and her heart breaking story. Then it changes to the perspective of Julia Jarmond, a journalist who is about to write an article on the roundup, for its sixtieth commemoration. She starts to do research about this horrible day in Paris. Eventually she comes across an old family secret, that connects her to Sarah. This story is about a secret that connects two families and the pain and horrible truth they both go through. This devastating secret eventually causes Julia to question her life and marriage. This book at times made me want to cry it is a very emotional book. Out of all the books about World War Two and the holocaust that I have read, this is definitely the best one by far, because it goes from the past to the present. I felt i could really get into the book because all of the characters were very relatable. All of you definitely need to go out and read this book!

My Rating- * * * * *

On My Wish List

2011-01-22T08:30:00.003-05:00

Amazon Review

For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. As author Ally Condie’s unique dystopian Society takes chilling measures to maintain the status quo, Matched reminds readers that freedom of choice is precious, and not without sacrifice.

Follow Friday!

2011-01-21T06:16:00.002-05:00

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View.

This week's question is: "Who do you cheer for?"

well i dont watch any sports so i mostly cheer for what team my boyfriend likes which is the Eagles!

Currently Happening on Breathing Books
my latest review-Wanting Mor

100 books in a year challenge!

2011-01-19T15:09:00.000-05:00

so I have read about this challenge from Book Chick City and found it perfect for me! i had planned to read 100 books or more anyway for my new years resolution anyway so i joined!

Waiting On Wednesday: Crossed by Ally Condie

2011-01-19T12:33:00.000-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week i am waiting for the book crossed to come out by Ally Condie it is scheduled to come out November of 2011 im not bothering to put up a picture because the cover work is not final yet. Crossed is the sequel to Match which came out in 2010

Teaser Tuesday

2011-01-18T17:33:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB from Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read.
Open to a random page.
Share (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.--BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS. Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away. You don't want to ruin the book for others.
Share the title & author, so others can add to their TBR list if they like your teasers.

My Teaser...

A young woman, her mother's age and a small child. The woman had jumped, and her child held close, from the highest railing.

From the Book Sarah's Key By Tatiana DeRosany

Breathing Books Twitter and Face Book Page!

2011-01-17T17:54:00.001-05:00

So I have made an official facebook page for Breathing Books!
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/profile.php?id=100002011176362
become a follower!

And the twitter page! http://twitter.com/#!/BreathingBooks1
be sure to follow!

Sunday Confessions

2011-01-16T21:08:00.000-05:00

Weekly Meme from To Read or Not To Read

The question this weak is..to spoil or not to spoil.

Well...in my book reviews I feel like I sometimes have spoilers, but I don't think it would be a good book review with out all of the events. I never add all the details in case my review is a spoiler so if you chose to read a book off my reviews their is still more to uncover!

Review: Wanting Mor By Rukhsana Khan

2011-01-16T19:45:00.000-05:00

Summary-

Jameela lives with her mother and father in Afghanistan. Despite the fact that there is no school in their poor, war-torn village, and though Jameela lives with a birth defect that has left her with a cleft lip, she feels relatively secure, sustained by her unwavering faith and the strength of her beloved mother, Mor. But when Mor suddenly dies, Jameela’s father impulsively decides to seek a new life in Kabul. Jameela, a devout Muslim, is appalled as her father succumbs to drink and drugs and then suddenly remarries, a situation that turns Jameela into a virtual slave to her demanding stepmother. When the stepmother discovers that Jameela is trying to learn to read, she urges her father to abandon the child in Kabul’s busy marketplace. Throughout it all, it is the memory of Mor that anchors her and in the end gives Jameela the strength to face her father and stepmother when fate brings them into her life again.

( review from Amazon.com )

My Review- Wanting Mor is a story about one girl named Jameela's life living in a poor village in Afghanistan. In the beginning her mother has just died and her father is now in charge of her although he is not the best. he hardly acts like a father. I noticed that she often resorts to prayer throughout the book. When Jameela's father moves them to Kabul for better opportunities she is forced to leave everything behind, but the hardest for her is the grave of her mother. Kabul is nothing like she is used to. When they first arrive Jameela ends up working in a place where they think she is nothing but a stupid villager. When they get kicked out, her father marries a strange lady ultimately changing Jameela's life forever. She doesn't get along with her stepmother refusing to call her mother. she treats her like a maid. When Jameela's father abandons her in the market place, she has no were else to go put the orphanage. Their, Jameela starts school and she is engrossed in learning to read and wright. When Jameela actually starts to adjust her stepmother starts bringing her stepbrother Masood by the orphanage to visit with Jameela's friend Soraya. Jameela goes unnoticed by her step family and father. The end of the book is a complete shock and Jameela makes a huge decision about her life.

The thing i like about this book is that is completely based on a true story. The author based it on a report she had read about children in crisis that was issued by Afghanistan department of orphanages.

I also like that the author put a glossary for all the foreign words. in was a great help throughout the book. Over all i really liked the book i loved how it was written and the fact that you could feel a connection to the main character Jameela.

Rating- A+

Author Of The Month: Ottilie Weber

2011-01-15T14:09:00.000-05:00

January's Author Of The Month is Ottilie Weber

Her Blog- http://ottilieweber.blogspot.com/

Ottolie Weber is a new and upcoming author. Still a college student living in my home state of Jersey. who has a love of reading and writing. She has written End Of the Line (which i will definitely be reading.) and has a new book coming out in the Spring of 2011.

End Of the line came out March 2nd 2009

Summary-Asteroids came crushing down at Earth at unbelievable speeds, killing off most of the world as a group of six children ranging from six to seventeen stick together to survive lead by Lauren and Aaron. Even though the two didn’t know each other at school they stay together to find food, shelter, and cover from Dean Manson, a free man from prison who seeks revenge on Aaron. As the two try to stay alive, and hide from this powerful man, many things come their way, starvation, illness and even falling in love with each other as the two try their best to deny it. It is when Dean Manson finally figures out how to get back at Aaron is their emotions finally clear...

Her next book which is called Family Ties is scheduled to come Spring of 2011

I feel that she will definitely become the next great author. I'm looking forward to reading End Of The Line

Blog Hop ( number 2)

2011-01-14T07:16:00.000-05:00

It's that time again! Blogger Hop Friday! Hosted by Crazy-For-Books. This weeks question is:

"Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?"

I read many different genres but i mostly read historical fiction. My favorite subject is history and it is nice to read a book that goes further then the textbook. I also read young adult novels because some of them are just so relatable!

Feel free to check out my blog and follow. ill return the favor!

Review: Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick

2011-01-13T19:24:00.000-05:00

Summary-When Private Matt Duffy wakes up in an army hospital in Iraq, he's honored with a Purple Heart. But he doesn't feel like a hero.

There's a memory that haunts him: an image of a young Iraqi boy as a bullet hits his chest. Matt can't shake the feeling that he was somehow involved in his death. But because of a head injury he sustained just moments after the boy was shot, Matt can't quite put all the pieces together.

Eventually Matt is sent back into combat with his squad—Justin, Wolf, and Charlene—the soldiers who have become his family during his time in Iraq. He just wants to go back to being the soldier he once was. But he sees potential threats everywhere and lives in fear of not being able to pull the trigger when the time comes. In combat there is no black-and-white, and Matt soon discovers that the notion of who is guilty is very complicated indeed.

National Book Award Finalist Patricia McCormick has written a visceral and compelling portrait of life in a war zone, where loyalty is valued above all, and death is terrifyingly commonplace (review from goodreads.com)

My Review- Imagine waking up in the green zone army hospital. You cant remember why your here. In this book that is what happens to Private Matt Duffy. He is only 18 years old and has a girlfriend back home. Unlike him, her only worry is getting a good grade on a biology test. He is a soldier in the Iraq war. Matt only knows he has a T.B.I (traumatic brain injury) He was in the after math of an R.P.G (rocket propelled grenade) Matt's friend Justin tells him how he got hurt, but now awhile later Matt cant remember when he is asked by other guys in the hospital. He can barley answer everyday questions. The only thing Matt can remember for sure is is squad members. Matt keeps saying he sees things while he is in the hospital listening to the guns. He fears her killed an innocent Iraqi street kid, but because of his T.B.I he cant remember the details. He keeps remembering things but sometimes it is just better to forget. Matt confides in Meaghen Finnerty to tell what he remembers. When locals believe that the young Iraqi street kid Ali was killed intentionally, Matt doesn't admit to his flashbacks. He fears her was somehow part of his death. Eventually, Meaghen Finnerty clears him to go get back out with his unit Matt fears he isn't ready, and he isn't quit the same. At the end of the book Matt finds the answers he was looking for, and an event happens causing him to test his soldier skills. I really liked this book because although it was fiction, the author made sure she knew what life was like in this war. She met with families who had sons or brothers in it. this story is a fast read, and tells the story of what it is like for an American soldier in the Iraqi war.

My Rating

* * * *

My New Email

2011-01-12T13:44:00.000-05:00

So i have made a new email just for this blog it is breathingbooks11@aol.com if you need to contact me or you want me to write a review for your book contact me here. thank you!

SNOW DAY BOOKS

2011-01-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

In this debut novel, Peter is a simple man who lives by a simple truth--a person gains strength by leaning on his constants. To him, those constants are the factory where he works, the family he loves, and the God who sustains him. But when news of job cuts comes against the backdrop of an unexpected snowstorm, his life becomes filled with far more doubts than certainties.
With humor and a gift for storytelling, Billy Coffey brings you along as he spends his snow day encountering family, friends, and strangers of his small Virginia town. All have had their own battles with life's storms. Some have found redemption. Others are still seeking it. But each one offers a piece to the puzzle of why we must sometimes suffer loss, and each one will help Peter find a greater truth--our lives are made beautiful not by our big moments, but our little ones. (2010)
(summary from amazon.com )

In his third book, Eric Lee features nine stories with vivid characters that work to solve, cover up or committ a crime. In the short story, Murder in a Snow Covered Town, a beautiful ten-year-old girl has disappeared. Her grief-stricken parents, frustrated with the progress of the police, enlist the help of private eye Robert Douglas to find her. Has she been taken or did she merely run away? Will the police or will the detective find her first? And will she be found dead or alive? In another story, four guests arrive separately to a gated mansion. As they gather in the living room, some of the guests remember each other. They piece together that they all played a central role in the conviction of Carlos Rivera ten years earlier. They soon meet their host for the evening: recent prison escapee, Carlos Rivera. (summary from amazon.com)

In 1888, a sudden, violent blizzard swept across the American plains, killing hundreds of people, many of them children on their way home from school. As Laskin (Partisans) writes in this gripping chronicle of meteorological chance and human folly and error, the School Children's Blizzard, as it came to be known, was "a clean, fine blade through the history of the prairie," a turning point in the minds of the most steadfast settlers: by the turn of the 20th century, 60% of pioneer families had left the plains. Laskin shows how portions of Minnesota, Nebraska and the Dakotas, heavily promoted by railroads and speculators, represented "land, freedom, hope" for thousands of impoverished European immigrants—particularly Germans and Scandinavians—who instead found an unpredictable, sometimes brutal environment, a "land they loved but didn't really understand." Their stories of bitter struggle in the blizzard, which Laskin relates via survivors' accounts and a novelistic imagination, are consistently affecting. And Laskin's careful consideration of the inefficiencies of the army's inexpert weather service and his chronicle of the storm's aftermath in the papers (differences in death counts provoked a national "unseemly brawl") add to this rewarding read (review from amazon.com)

Teaser Tuesday (#2) life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer

2011-01-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the Title & Author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser
Only mom wasn't surrounded by anything. She was laying, face down, in the water.

REVIEW: THIS WORLD WE LIVE IN (3rd book in last survivor series)

2011-01-11T17:55:00.001-05:00

SUMMARY- It's been over a month since Miranda Evans has written in her diary, a month of relative calm for her and her family. It's springtime, and with warmer weather comes rain, and the melting of the winter's snow. The shad are running in a nearby river, and Miranda's brothers Matt and Jon leave home for a few days to see if they can catch some to supplement their food supply.

When they return, Matt brings with him a girl named Syl, who he introduces as his bride. But that's not the only shock Miranda and her family have to deal with. A few weeks later, Miranda's father, stepmother, and baby brother show up at her door. Accompanying them are three strangers, a man named Charlie Rutherford, and two teenagers, Alex and Julie Morales. These five people have crossed America together, becoming, in their own way, a family.

Miranda's complicated feelings about Alex, curiosity, resentment, longing, and passion turn into love. Alex's feelings are equally complex. His plans to escort Julie to a convent where she can be taken care of, so that he will be free to enter a monastery, are destined for failure. He wants desperately to live up to his moral code, but his desire for Miranda is too strong. He proposes to Miranda that they take Julie and go to a safe town.

But before Miranda and Alex can go off together, a devastating tornado hits the town of Howell, and in its aftermath, Miranda makes a decision that will change forever her life and Alex's, and the world that they live in will never be the same.

MY REVIEW- In this book this world we live in (3rd book in last survivor series) by Beth Susan Pfeffer. I definitely feel that the same connection to the character Miranda as i did in the first book, Life As We Knew It. In this world we live in it was written in diary format telling Miranda's life as unexpected and unforgettable things happen to her. Alex and his sister Julie Morales comes to stay with them, along with her dad stepmom Lisa and step brother Gabriel. i liked seeing how Alex and his sister Julie was getting along with Miranda's family. I felt like Alex had the same thoughts as he did in the second book the dead and the gone, that guys are more strong then girls are and sometimes they need to be hit. I didn't really like the character Alex i just couldn't relate to him. Everything Miranda has wanted since living in their house's sun room has happened. Seeing new faces, and meeting a boy. Eventually Alex and Miranda's feeling towards each other turn to love. But Alex's need to find a safe place for his sister Julie is pushing them apart. Nearr the end of this book a decision is made that nearly brings you to tears.

ALL TOGETHER- all together i would say this book is definitely a good read it brings out emotions in you and i love when i book can do that. i found this book really hard to put down. (exspecially in school when i shouldn't have been reading!) its a fast read and has some really deep feelings in it. I also like how it had some of Miranda's flashbacks from when her world wasn't so crazy. All together this book was really good.

THE SERIES AS A WHOLE- this whole series has really made me appreciate the small things in life like toilet paper and books. i cant even imagine having to see dead people every were i walk and have people i have known all my life die from a terrible world catastrophe . I found this series different from anything i have read. it brings out emotions in you. and forces you to imagine things you never thought you could. i would recommend this book to anyone!

MY RATING- * * * * *

COVER CRAZY (#1)

2011-01-10T17:41:00.000-05:00

Cover Crazy is hosted by The Book Worms, a weekly post of a cover that's caught your attention and why.

okay, now im not sure if anyone else has read this seies and noticed what i did or not. but i think in each book the moon is getting bigger. and its weird because thats not even the order that the books go in. When i first picked up these books i thought the moon was going to eventually crash into the earth and that wasnt the case at all when i started reading. maybe its just my eyes though. let me know if anyone thinks this too!

Review: the dead and the gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

2011-01-09T09:34:00.001-05:00

Susan Beth Pfeffer’s Life as We Knew It enthralled and devastated readers with its brutal but hopeful look at an apocalyptic event--an asteroid hitting the moon, setting off a tailspin of horrific climate changes. Now this harrowing companion novel examines the same events as they unfold in New York City, revealed through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Puerto Rican Alex Morales. When Alex's parents disappear in the aftermath of tidal waves, he must care for his two younger sisters, even as Manhattan becomes a deadly wasteland, and food and aid dwindle.
With haunting themes of family, faith, personal change, and courage, this powerful new novel explores how a young man takes on unimaginable responsibilities. (from http://www.goodreads.com/ )

MY REVIEW- This is the second book in the last survivors series. The world disasters and hardships that occured in the first book Life As We Knew It are pretty similar in the dead and the gone. But in this book it tells how a seventeen year old puerto Rican boy and his two sisters try to live, and still try to believe in their god. The characters are Alex Morales a 17 year old boy and his two sisters Julie and Bri. His parents have disapeared in the tidal waves, however Julie and Bri hold on to the hope that they will come home at any minute. But Alex knows better. In this book they use alot of prayer to get them through this hard time. I have noticed that Alex will do anything to keep his sisters safe. He barters or trade things he finds on the dead bodies for food or things they need to live. However i didnt like his attitude on some things. Alex thinks that just because he is a man he doesnt need any help. he is often to hard on his siters, even though he loves them. i also noticed this book wasnt really in diary format as the first one was. It had the dates but it wasnt as personal as Life As We Knew It.

All Together- I liked the first book better. this one was good but i felt more connected to miranda in the first book. (probably because it was written in more of a diary format) but overall its not a bad book.

My Rating- * * * *

Another Question..

2011-01-07T22:39:00.000-05:00

alright im really sorry i have been asking alot of questions but i would really like to know how to make my blog look more like a website.. with the tabs up top so my blog will look more organized. anything feedback would be greatly appreciated thank you

FOLLOW FRIDAYYYY!

2011-01-07T15:05:00.000-05:00

So its my first follow Friday! I would love to make new blogger friends! my name is Heather i like to read all types of books pretty much. I'm new to the blogger world but their is going to be lots more topics and reviews and thoughts coming, i love to get comments on your opinions and thoughts! Iv put together a list of books i have read in 2011 (only one because its only the seventh but I'm trying to read over 100!) you can see that here http://breathingbooks.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-i-have-read-in-2011-im-trying-to.html and my very first book review here http://breathingbooks.blogspot.com/2011/01/life-as-we-knew-it-by-susan-beth.html I'm looking forward to talking to you thanks! -Heather

American Girl Books, and a new series idea

2011-01-06T19:54:00.000-05:00

So, as a historical fiction lover, i loved American girl books growing up! however i have heard they have retired the Samantha and Nellie collection, and the Kirsten doll. and are going to retire felicity and Elizabeth collection. =( I'm not sure which is going to be next, or if their will be a next. I loved the historical fiction dolls the most. My favorite doll was always Felicity and Kirsten.

Also! i think it would be really cool if an author wrote a series about one family starting in the beginning of American history, and the different generations go through different stages as history such as women's rights, the depression, world war 1, world war 2, and other major events up until modern day. personally i would love a series like that. I would love to hear from you! tell me if you like the idea or if you have always wanted a series to come out that you think would be an interesting read!

What I Have Read In 2011 (Im Trying To Read 100+)

2011-01-05T17:46:00.000-05:00

HOW I RATE MY BOOKS SO YOU KNOW IF IT IS WORTH READING

RED-A WARNING NOT TO READ THIS BOOK
BLUE-SOME PARTS WERE OKAY, ONLY ENOUGH TO FINISH THE BOOK
GREEN- IF IT WAS A GOOD READ, BUT NOT MIND BLOWING
PURPLE-A MUST READ

1.) Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (first in the series)

I Have A Question!

2011-01-04T20:08:00.000-05:00

well i really like the idea of teaser tuesday so i started adding it to my blog. The only thing it is says "be sure to add the title and author so readers can add it to their tbr list." Will someone tell me what a TBR list is please?

Also, if someone could tell me what "challenges" are, how you sign up and what you do that would be great thanks! =)

My First Teaser Tuesday

2011-01-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Right now im reading Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (read about it in my review)
It is the first book in its own series.

MY TEASER

It is a possibility only one of us is going to make it. We have fuel and we have water, but who knows how long our food will last. . . .

MY REVIEWS SUCK

2011-01-03T18:48:00.000-05:00

Alright, so i have found alot of other book review blogs. THEY ARE SO MUCH BETTER THEN MINE! i promise to get better. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer was my first review their should be lots more to come and i promise i will get better at them!

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

2011-01-03T18:40:00.001-05:00

Miranda’s disbelief turns to fear in a split second when a meteor knocks the moon closer to the earth. How should her family prepare for the future when worldwide tsunamis wipe out the coasts, earthquakes rock the continents, and volcanic ash blocks out the sun? As summer turns to Arctic winter, Miranda, her two brothers, and their mother retreat to the unexpected safe haven of their sunroom, where they subsist on stockpiled food and limited water in the warmth of a wood-burning stove. Told in journal entries, this is the heart-pounding story of Miranda’s struggle to hold on to the most important resource of all--hope--in an increasingly desperate and unfamiliar world.

oppinion: Life as we knew it is a fiction novel told in diary format. the diary follows the life of miranda a teenage girl living in pennsylvania. her world is torn apart when a meteor hits the moon making it much larger and closer to earth shocking people and leaving them terrified. Could the world really be coming to an end? Life As We Knew it reminds me of a cross between The Diar Of Ann Frank because it is written in diary format and tell the story of an unimaginable world. And the movie, The Day After Tomorrow because it shows the world with horrible natural disasters. This book will make you appreciate the smallest things in life. I found Life As We Knew It an easy read and very hard to put down. Overall, i would definetly put this book at the top of your list!

My Rating- * * * * *

Breathing Books

2011-01-03T18:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, so i started this blog to review and suggest books to anyone that is intrested in teen fiction, non fiction memoires or anything that is intresting, new and a good read. However im not sure how to work my way around this blog. but im sure i will get the hang of it. I plan on writting almost everyday. if you would like me to write a review of a book just let me know! =)

Breathing Books

Evacuations!

Waiting on Wednesday

Teaser Tuesday

Review: A Promise of Hope by Amy Clipston

Summer Reading!

In my Mailbox

My Wishlist

Follow my blog friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read My answer to this week's Follow Friday question:

Q. If you could write yourself a part in a book, what book would it be and what role would you play in that book?

Review: A Gift of Grace (Book 1 in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series) by Amy Clipston

Teaser Tuesday: A Gift of Grace

Monday Memoires

Breathing Books is back!

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

Teaser Tuesday

Review: Now You See Her by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Follow Friday and Blog Hop

Teaser Tuesday

Follow Friday and Blog Hop

Who are You the Boy/Girl, instead of You the Blogger?

Review: Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Waiting on Wednesday

Review: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Blog Hope and Follow Friday

Review: In My Enemy's House by Caral Matas

Review: Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall

Teaser Tuesday

Blog Hop

Teaser Tuesday

One Lovely Blog Award

Follow Friday

If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite book? If you haven't read Science Fiction before...any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?

I am not a fan of science fiction. Nothing about it catches my eye. I would rather read something more realisitic.

Review: Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Teaser Tuesday

Sunday Confessions

Review: Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

Blog Hop and Follow Friday

Review: If I stay by Gayle Forman

Teaser Tuesday

Stylish Blogger Award

Review: Annexed by Sharon Dogar

Sunday Confessions

Follow Friday and Blog Hop

Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Sorry guys!

Teaser Tuesday

Sunday Confessions

Friday Five

Review: The Forest Of Hands And Teeth By Carrie Ryan

Follow Friday! And Blog Hop

Booking It Through Thursday

Review: They Called Themselves The K.K.K by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Teaser Tuesday

New Blog Design

What's Your Status?

Sunday Confessions

Review: Sarah's Key By Tatiana De Rosnay

On My Wish List

Follow Friday!

100 books in a year challenge!

Waiting On Wednesday: Crossed by Ally Condie

Teaser Tuesday

Breathing Books Twitter and Face Book Page!

Sunday Confessions

Review: Wanting Mor By Rukhsana Khan

Author Of The Month: Ottilie Weber

Blog Hop ( number 2)

Review: Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick

My New Email

SNOW DAY BOOKS

Teaser Tuesday (#2) life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer

REVIEW: THIS WORLD WE LIVE IN (3rd book in last survivor series)

COVER CRAZY (#1)

Review: the dead and the gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Another Question..

FOLLOW FRIDAYYYY!

American Girl Books, and a new series idea

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read
My answer to this week's Follow Friday question: