GFC Changes & Maintaining Your Subscriptions

I'm sure that many of you know this by now, but Google is discontinuing the Google Friend Connect service for non-Google websites by March 2012. This change will affect everyone. Nobody wants to be following Blogger blogs with GFC and Wordpress blogs with something else. There is also no guarantee of Google keeping this feature around for anyone for much longer. The best thing for everyone who uses GFC to do is to find new means of keeping followers and also to keep following the blogs that we read.

I suggest that, if you use GFC to follow blogs, you be sure to switch all of your subscriptions over to an alternative method of following/subscribing in order to guarantee that you do not lose any of those subscriptions or miss out on any posts. And if you are a blogger, then you will want to have some easy, alternative ways available for readers to subscribe to your blog.

At Mimosa Stimulus, you may subscribe to blog posts in the following ways:

• Subscribe to RSS feed in a reader (such as Google Reader) - This is probably the best way to keep up with all of your favorite blogs as well as news feeds. You can organize the feeds into folders (Books, Cooking, News, Favorites, etc.) and keep everything in one place for easy reading.
  *Note - If you use Google Reader and want to prevent duplicate items from showing up in your feed from GFC, then click on the cog wheel settings icon in the upper right, then go to "Reader settings" and then uncheck the box that says "show followed blogs from Blogger." This will allow you to follow blogs via RSS and GFC (while it lasts) without the annoyance and potential confusion of duplicates.
• Subscribe to receive posts via email - Subscribing via email means that you will receive posts in your email inbox. I have my emails set to go out each evening, if and only if new posts are made that day. I find that this is an awesome way to keep up with your favorite blogs.
• Like the Mimosa Stimulus page on Facebook - I just made a Facebook page for the blog about 5 minutes ago, so I could use some love in the likes department. Liking the page will give you the ability to see post updates in your Facebook news feed. I have set up a Networked Blogs account so that posts will automatically be sent to the Mimosa Stimulus Facebook page.
• Add Mimosa Stimulus on Google+ - I also just made a Google+ page for the blog. I'm not really sure yet how this one is going to work or if there's a way to automatically feed post updates to Google+ but I'll keep messing around with it to see how useful it is.

Some other places to follow me:

• Twitter - for links to new posts as well as my random ramblings
• Goodreads - I don't update my reviews on here as much as I should, but I keep my ratings up to date and you can also see what I'm reading or wanting to read. I'm also pretty active in some book clubs and groups over there. I won't ever spam you with invitations to groups or events or any of that stuff. So you can either friend me (and tell me that you follow my blog) or just follow my reviews.
• LibraryThing - Same as with Goodreads, basically. Though I use this one more for archival purposes and less socially.

Links to all of these things can be found in the sidebar (with the exception of Google+ because I'm still messing around with that one and will add a button for it once it gets more features and API support). If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the upcoming changes to Google Friend Connect or about alternative subscription methods, then leave them in the comments or feel free to email me.

Author Book Picks with Miranda Kenneally

I'd like to welcome Miranda Kenneally to the blog today, as part of the Catching Jordan blog tour, to share some of her favorite books and authors with us!

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

Find Miranda on: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

I read tons of books. I have an addiction!

I love anything by Melina Marchetta, Sarah Dessen, Simone Elkeles, Kristin Cashore, Jennifer Echols, Sarah Ockler, C.K. Kelly Martin, Courtney Summers, and David Levithan.

Here are some of my recent favorites:

The Piper’s Son by Melina Marchetta

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

And here some great books of 2012 I’ve already had the opportunity to read. You shouldn’t miss any of these:

Trish Doller’s Something Like Normal, about a Marine (Travis!) who’s just returned from Afghanistan with PTSD.

Jessica Spotswood’s Born Wicked, about a girl trying to hide that she and her sisters are witches. If their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Allison Rushby’s Shooting Stars, about a teen paparazzo who gets the job of her life, but it means betraying the only star who’s ever been nice to her. And he’s hot! :)

Coming in 2013 is Sarah Skilton’s Bruised, about a girl with a black belt in tae kwon do who freezes up during an armed robbery, and is left to wonder if martial arts failed her or if she failed it.

I’m on Goodreads all the time – feel free to see what I’m reading!

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your book picks with us, Miranda! Those are some great choices, and I can't wait to check out your 2012 and 2013 recommendations.

Miranda's debut novel, Catching Jordan, is in stores now!
You can find Catching Jordan on: Amazon | Goodreads

Thanks to The {Teen} Book Scene for hosting Miranda's blog tour. Be sure to visit all of the other stops on the tour for more fun with Miranda Kenneally:

Tuesday, November 29: Bailey at IB Book Blogging
Wednesday, November 30: Nicole at Word for Teens
Thursday, December 1: Kari at A Good Addiction
Friday, December 2: Kate at I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read
Saturday, December 3: Allison at The Allure of Books

Sunday, December 4: Jenny at Supernatural Snark
Monday, December 5: Bailey at IB Book Blogging
Tuesday, December 6: Hannah at Paperback Treasures
Wednesday, December 7: Jenny at Mimosa Stimulus
Thursday, December 8: Nicci at Paper Dreams
Friday, December 9: Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight
Saturday, December 10: Allison at The Allure of Books

Sunday, December 11: Jessica E at Confessions of a Bookaholic
Monday, December 12: Rummanah at Books in the Spotlight
Tuesday, December 13: Jenny at Supernatural Snark
Wednesday, December 14: Kody at YA Highway
Thursday, December 15: Nicci at Paper Dreams
Friday, December 16: Kate at I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read

In My Mailbox (39)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

What's up bookish people?! It's that time of week for the sharing of the spoils! I snagged some awesome stuff this week. Here are the books that I've gotten since last time:

For Review:
After the Snow by S.D. Crockett (NetGalley)
Life is But a Dream by Brian James (NetGalley)
Various Positions by Martha Schabas (NetGalley)
The Night She Disappeared by April Henry (NetGalley)
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta (NetGalley)
Shadows on the Moon by Zoë Marriott (NetGalley)
Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald (NetGalley)
New Girl by Paige Harbison (NetGalley)
Allegiance by Cayla Kluver (NetGalley)
The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen (ARC Tour)

Other:
Kindle Touch - an upgrade for my old Kindle 2 (I love it.)



That's it for me this week! Did you get any bookish stuff this week as well? Let me know in the comments!

Review: Dancergirl by Carol M. Tanzman

Title: Dancergirl
Author: Carol M. Tanzman
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: November 15, 2011
Series: WiHi #1
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: NetGalley

A friend posted a video of me dancing online and now I'm now longer Alicia Ruffino. I'm dancergirl—and suddenly it's like me against the world—everyone's got opinions.

My admirers want more, the haters hate, my best friend Jacy—even he's acting weird. And some stranger isn't content to just watch anymore.

Ali, dancergirl. Whatever you know me as, however you've seen me online, I've trained my whole life to be the best dancer I can be. But if someone watching has their way, I could lose more than just my love of dancing.

I could lose my life.

Dancergirl is a contemporary thriller with a bit of dancing and stalking and other things. Unsure of what to expect when I picked it up, I quickly realized that this little book was more than I thought it would be, and that was a pleasant surprise.

Alicia is a character with whom I can't particularly identify, but can still appreciate and relate to in some ways. She's a dancer, and dancing is her love and her outlet for expression. In the beginning, Alicia likes being the center of attention. This changes, of course, once her privacy is violated. Sometimes Alicia is incredibly selfish, and in others she's extremely vulnerable. As a result, my feelings about her are a little mixed. But I think that her emotions make her sympathetic despite some of her shortcomings, many of which she does outgrow over the course of the story. Of her friends, the one who has the most depth is Jacy, who lives downstairs from Ali. He has some difficult obstacles of his own but is still there for Alicia when she really needs him to be, even when he's frustrated with her or wallowing in his own self-pity. Her vulnerable situation helps force him to ditch some of his depression. The rest of the characters are pretty minor but still have distinctive personalities with the occasional moment or comment that lends depth.

The pacing is a little slower at the beginning, but once Alicia begins having problems with her stalker then the tension makes things feel more urgent and the reading becomes quicker. A good portion of the plot consists of Ali looking over her shoulder or worrying, and these parts are fraught with tension. But there's also a significant portion of text devoted to her dancing. I like seeing this side of her because it gives her the depth of an internal struggle between dancing which she loves and the danger that she associates with dancing and the spotlight as a result of this person invading her privacy. It's also a beautiful contrast between the art of dance and the perturbing stalker who becomes this voyeur, an action which takes a beautiful art form in dance and twists it into something that is now tainted by an obsession or even perversion.

There is a little bit of romance in Dancergirl, but it is understated and doesn't take away from the seriousness of some of the issues and themes of the plot. Friendship and trust are concerns that Ali has to deal with as her paranoia at being followed and watched starts to affect her. The identity of the stalker is something that the characters are always trying to find out. I figured out who the stalker is pretty quickly and easily, so that little mystery wasn't really a mystery for me. The naive way in which the characters choose to handle the situation without telling Alicia's mom or going to the police does frustrate me. But if they had just done that then I suppose there wouldn't be much of a story to tell, so I can live with it even if I did sort of want to slap them for not reporting it. (Stalking is illegal!)

I did get more out of Dancergirl than I expected to. I am not sure if I just didn't read the synopsis carefully or what, but I didn't realize when I started that it would be about a stalking victim. I like the grittiness provided by that, especially contrasted with the ballet and modern dance. While occasionally a little dramatic or predictable, it is still a creepy thriller with some other meaningful content thrown in. I'd recommend it to fans of dance, mystery/thriller/suspense novels, and books in which romance isn't at the forefront of the character's thoughts. I should also add a content warning - the book contains a little bit of drinking and mild drug use (marijuana) by some of the characters.

Review: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Title: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: November 22, 2011
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: NetGalley

Everyone's sorry. But no one can explain why.

Harper Scott's older sister, June, took her own life a week before high school graduation, leaving Harper devastated. So when her divorcing parents decide to split up June's ashes, Harper steals the urn and takes off cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going—California.

Enter Jake Tolan, a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession, and an unknown connection to June. When he insists on joining them, Harper's just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanor and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what Harper needs. Except Jake's keeping a secret that has the power to turn her life upside down—again.

Saving June is an emotionally engrossing story with endearing characters.

Harper is such an awesome main character. She's the younger sister who has always lived in June's shadow. To compensate for not living up to the standards set by June, she doesn't really try. She's a photographer. She resents her father. Her mother frustrates her. She doesn't understand how June could leave her alone without any explanation. Lacey is an outgoing, dutiful best friend with her own complicated parental issues. She does everything that she can to ease Harper's suffering and help her find answers and peace. Jake is an interesting mystery man. He knew June, but the extent of his relationship to her is a question mark. He provides the trio's ride and soundtrack for the trip to California. He also has some issues from his past from which he is trying to move forward.

All three of these characters have the emotional depth, even without their grief and confusion at June's suicide. Their feelings are raw and realistic - love, anger, resentment, heartbreak, sadness. It is easy to relate to them on a personal level because of that.

The pacing of the book is steady. There are plenty of interesting stops along the road to provide perspective and keep the story moving. Music plays a large role in the story, and there will be plenty of songs to recognize in it even if they're only described by a lyric or a beat. There's also a soundtrack list in the back of the book, in case you don't recognize the songs!

I love the inclusion of the Latin phrase from The Handmaid's Tale as a motto for Jake and June. The road trip is wonderful because of the metaphor of it all. Jake's music and Harper's photography provide Harper with memories, based in pictures and sounds, of her trip to save June. The ending is the perfect bittersweet required for a story like this one. I'd recommend it to fans of road trips, characters with a strong connection to music, and issue novels dealing with grief.

Review: The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Title: The Future of Us
Authors: Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: November 21, 2011
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: LibraryThing Early Reviewers

It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.

Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM. Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on - and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

Everybody wonders what their destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out...

I hate Facebook a lot. And I'm not a big fan of pop-culture in books. And so I wasn't sure if I would like The Future of Us. But Facebook isn't as plot-consuming as I was worried it would be, and the story is actually pretty cute. I do wonder, though, if the Facebook parts of the book cause it to lose some of its relevance or become outdated to readers after a while.

Emma is just a normal, average, everyday teen. She is avoiding dumping her convenient boyfriend. She plays the saxophone and runs track. She has some slightly sucky family situations. She isn't sure about what she wants to be, but she has some ideas. When she sees her future, she starts to wonder if maybe she's on a path to an unhappy life and starts trying to change it, rolling the dice and seeing what future life comes up next. Josh, best friend and boy next door, likes skateboarding and Emma and his Facebook future. He has overprotective parents. He thinks that his and Emma's futures should be handled delicately, and he becomes frustrated with Emma's recklessness. They're both easy to follow protagonists. Each one has faults that could potentially make them frustrating, but also realistic. The secondary characters in this one are mostly awesome. Their two best friends are especially so. They have a great deal of depth to them, as well as an amazing story of their own.

The plot of The Future of Us is a fun one that is also a little bit horrifying if you stop to think about it. Every action that Emma and Josh take is a potentially future-changing event. And they witness these changes. Spouses change. Careers change. Children that exist in one future do not exist in another. It's heartbreaking to think that a person's existence depends upon a choice that one makes as a teenager. These things are not giant, depressing downers in the story, but Josh and Emma do have a couple of moments wherein they realize that their decisions can make huge impacts. The story only skims the surface of the magnitude of these consequences and, though the characters do have those reflective moments, the tone of the book remains lighthearted. While part of me does wish that the story had delved deeper into the disturbing aspect of seeing what changes are wrought, this lighthearted approach is the better one for this book and its target audience.

The Future of Us has a steady, relaxed pace throughout, but is a quick read. It is written from the alternating points of view of Emma and Josh. It raises some questions regarding living for the future vs. living for right now. It didn't totally wow me, but it's an adorable book and a quick, fun read, nonetheless. The ending is predictable but satisfying. I'd recommend it to fans of other dual narratives (such as Dash & Lily's Book of Dares and Will Grayson, Will Grayson), those who would love a bit of 1990s nostalgia, and fans of cute, contemporary YA novels with a dash of science fiction.

In My Mailbox (38)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

What's up bookish people?! It's that time of week for the sharing of the spoils! It's been a couple of weeks since I posted one of these, so here are the books that I've gotten since last time:


For Review:
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Won:
Possess by Gretchen McNeil (from Christy @ The Reader Bee)

E-Books for Review:
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig




That's it for me! What books did you get this week? Let me know in the comments!

2012 Sophomore Reading Challenge

I decided that I am going to participate in the 2012 Sophomore Reading Challenge, hosted by Shanyn at Chick Loves Lit. I discovered tons of new favorite authors last year, and am really looking forward to reading some of their sophomore novels. And there are many awesome looking ones!

The challenge is to read at least 10 sophomore YA/MG novels that are to be published in 2012.

Here are some of the books that I would really like to read for the challenge:

1. Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
2. A Million Suns by Beth Revis
3. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
4. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
5. Fever by Lauren DeStefano
6. Perception by Kim Harrington
7. Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
8. In Honor by Jessi Kirby
9. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
10. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake
11. Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel

These are just some of the sophomore novels that I'm looking forward to reading, and I'm sure that this list will change/grow throughout the course of the challenge! Are there any second books that you're excited about? Are you going to participate in the challenge? Let me know in the comments!

Review: Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber

Title: Darker Still
Author: Leanna Renee Hieber
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publication Date: November 8, 2011
Series: Magic Most Foul #1
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: NetGalley

New York City, 1882. Seventeen-year-old Natalie Stewart's latest obsession is a painting of the handsome British Lord Denbury. Something in his striking blue eyes calls to her. As his incredibly life-like gaze seems to follow her, Natalie gets the uneasy feeling that details of the painting keep changing...

Jonathan Denbury's soul is trapped in the gilded painting by dark magic while his possessed body commits unspeakable crimes in the city slums. He must lure Natalie into the painting, for only together can they reverse the curse and free his damaged soul.

I'm not sure why but, looking at this book and its synopsis, I was expecting something like a froofy paranormal. So I was pleasantly surprised to find that Darker Still more of a dark historical fantasy containing black magics.

Natalie is an endearing heroine. She's mute, and so her story is presented to the reader as an epistolary novel, largely in the form of her journal, but also including the occasional letter, article, or police report. I like this approach, because it makes the story more personal and intimate. I also adore that this method is used to allow a mute girl to tell her story. Natalie's condition doesn't dampen her spirits. If anything, it fuels them. She causes mischief at school. She's driven to be useful. She resents being a mute girl in a patriarchal society. She confronts conflict unapologetically.

I like the other characters as well. I particularly enjoy Mrs. Northe. She is an incredibly useful and clever ally for Natalie, and her insight is keen. Denbury is handsome and has a good heart. I definitely don't dislike him any, but I would've liked to have seen more development for him. I think he deserves a bit more character development, I should say (though I imagine that he will have more opportunity for growth in the future, since this is the first in a series). He and Natalie are connected in magic, and they have an old-fashioned attraction to each other, but I would have liked to have seen more connection on an emotional and intellectual level rather than one based mostly upon conflict. Their attraction is still believable though, due in part to the historical setting. The villain is decidedly evil and runs around doing some horrible things. He's got the vileness going on, which I approve of in a proper villain.

The pacing is quick, due perhaps to the journalistic style allowing for the imparting of the plot-driving details in a rapid succession. Some of Natalie's journal entries are written with haste, which adds to a sense of foreboding and urgency while reading it, which I like. The dark magic and use of the painting as a prison are elements that are wholeheartedly enjoyable. While I did find the conflict resolution to be predictable, it is still handled well and with just the right amount of dramatic flair. And there's some hinting at bigger things afoot!

I have to say that I enjoyed Darker Still more than I was expecting to, and that I'm looking forward to the next book in the Magic Most Foul series. I'd recommend it to fans of historical fantasies, epistolary novels, books containing spiritualism and black magic, evil villains, and unique heroines.

Top Ten Reasons Mary Lindsey Loves Being an Author

I'd like to welcome Mary Lindsey, author of Shattered Souls, to the blog today to tell us the ten things she loves most about being an author:

About Mary Lindsey

Mary's writing is a natural expression of her love of reading and a fascination with the flexibility of the human imagination. Books make the impossible possible.

Prior to attending University of Houston Law School, Mary received a B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Drama from the University of Houston. She has taught drama and playwriting in a large public high school and English in a private school. Currently, Mary teaches acting to children and teens at a private studio in Houston, Texas.

Mary lives in Houston with her husband, three kids, two dogs, her daughter's pet rats, an Australian Bearded Dragon and dozens of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. (The roaches are long story—don't ask.)

You can find Mary on: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

The 10 Things I Like Most About Being an Author:

10. Flexible hours: Though I usually work from 9-4, I can rearrange my work hours on short notice.

9. Location: A fantastic perk is the ability to work from home or anywhere I wish. I love being home.

8. Attire: I get to work in my pajamas. I get up, shower, and put on a clean pair.

7. Puppy love: I can work with a dog in my lap. This isn’t allowed at most job sites.

6. Family inclusion: “Take your kids to work day” happens every day. My three teenagers get to see this very special and personal part of my life. I think it’s good for them to be a part of the process.

5. Excellent Management: I can’t hate my boss. I’m the real boss in my business, so…

4. Unlimited power: I can kill people at work in all manner of ways and get away with it. Mwa ha ha!

3. Surfing allowed: I don’t get busted for being on social networking sites during work hours.

2. Job satisfaction: I get paid to do what I love.

1. Friends: I meet the coolest people though writing, not only in person, but online. This is the greatest job on Earth!

Thanks, Jenny, for hosting this stop on the Shattered Souls Teen Book Scene blog tour!

Thank you so much, Mary, for stopping by and sharing your favorite things about being a writer with us! Killing off people while at home in your pajamas with your dog and kids, then tweeting about it without getting into trouble? Sounds like a pretty sweet gig to me.

Mary's first novel, Shattered Souls, will be released on December 8, 2011, through Philomel.

You can find Shattered Souls on: Amazon | Goodreads


Thanks to The {Teen} Book Scene for organizing Mary's blog tour.

Click here for a list of all the other stops on the tour. Be sure to visit them for more fun with Mary and to check out some reviews of Shattered Souls!

Review: Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Title: Virtuosity
Author: Jessica Martinez
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: October 18, 2011
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: Galley Grab

Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better?

Carmen knows that kissing Jeremy can't end well, but she just can't stay away. Nobody else understands her--and riles her up--like he does. Still, she can't trust him with her biggest secret: She is so desperate to win she takes anti-anxiety drugs to perform, and what started as an easy fix has become a hungry addiction. Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she’s told, doing what's expected.

Sometimes, being on top just means you have a long way to fall....

Until Virtuosity, I didn't realize violin was so cutthroat! It's like part beauty pageant and part UFC. Or cheerleading in Texas. Hahaha, no. Not really. There's no cage fighting or murder-for-hire. But emotionally, that's what it sometimes felt like while reading this.

I like Carmen. She is basically the musical equivalent of an Olympic athlete. Her sport? Classical violin. Anxiety becomes an issue and she is given medication for it, upon which she becomes psychologically dependent. She struggles with her nerves and potential disaster on stage versus the detached feeling caused by her medicine, which prevents her from really feeling the joy of music. It is easy to connect with Carmen and her struggles because her feelings have a universal truth to them. Jeremy, Carmen's violin nemesis (cue excitement and tension!), is also a likable character with sympathetic motives. He and Carmen simultaneously like and loathe each other. The dynamic between them is really great, because they can understand each other so well and therefore have a major connection, but at the same time they are each other's single biggest threat. A lot of their hopes for their futures are riding on this one competition.

One would think that a book about classical violin would be sort of slow, but Virtuosity isn't. Between Carmen's internal and external struggles (her anxiety, her mother, Jeremy), the plot moves forward easily. The descriptions of the music are engrossing. Carmen's performance anxiety drags the reader with her into that nervous state. I found myself holding my breath for her a few times. Her interactions with Jeremy are successfully endearing and infuriating at the same time.

Virtuosity has moments that both inspire and exasperate. It's a terrific story that left me smiling. I'd recommend it to fans of contemporary ya, music, competition, rivals, and coming-of-age stories.

2012 Debut Author Challenge

I decided that I am going to participate in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. This is my second time participating in this challenge. I am really looking forward to reading some amazing new authors, and 2012 looks like it's going to be a great year to do it!

I am challenging myself to read at least 20 books by debut authors in 2012, but I am hoping to read a lot more. That shouldn't be a problem, since there are approximately eleventy billion 2012 debuts that I would like to read.

Here are some of the books that I would really like to read for the challenge:

1. Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
2. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
4. Tempest by Julie Cross
5. The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
6. Ditched by Robin Mellom
7. Fracture by Megan Miranda
8. Everneath by Brodi Ashton
9. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
10. Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
11. Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer
12. Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale
13. The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
14. Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby
15. Undeadly by Michele Vail
16. When the Sea Is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen
17. Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
18. Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
19. Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
20. Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers
21. Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
22. Slide by Jill Hathaway
23. Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
24. The Selection by Kiera Cass
25. Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
26. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
27. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
28. Shift by Em Bailey
29. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
30. Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire
31. Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
32. Auracle by Gina Rosati
33. The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Frances Long

This list will change grow over the course of the challenge. These are just some of the debut books that I'm looking forward to. I know that I am forgetting a lot of them right now and that I'll be adding many. Are there any 2012 debuts that you are planning to read? Are you going to be participating in the challenge?

Review: Amplified by Tara Kelly

Title: Amplified
Author: Tara Kelly
Publisher: Henry Holt
Publication Date: October 25, 2011
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: Macmillan (ARC)

When privileged seventeen-year-old Jasmine decides she doesn't want to go to college, her father kicks her out.

Left to fend for herself, Jasmine takes her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. She finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side.

Too bad she has major stage fright, and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from Woodside can hack it.

Amplified is a fun read about a girl who is determined to find out if she can make it in music before committing herself to college without attempting to follow her true dream.

Jasmine is an interesting narrator because she's got aspirations, is terrified of trying to reach them, but is determined to try anyway. I admire that about her, and can relate to many of her fears and anxieties. I like that she is stubborn enough to go forward with it even though she's afraid and unsure. The other members of C-Side are great characters as well. Veta is fun and fearless, and she is instrumental in helping Jasmine get into a situation where she can potentially be successful. Sean is more difficult to win over but still offers Jasmine encouragement when she needs it. Felix is a pacifist and is funny and endearing. And Bryn is overbearing, but is also hard-working and underappreciated.

Santa Cruz is the perfect backdrop for these characters and their band. It provides the serenity of the ocean while still maintaining an edge. The pacing is steady, without being rushed or containing lulls, so it is easy to breeze through this story. Jasmine pushes herself and battles her fears, on stage and off. Her growth as a person and a musician are noticeable. Her relationship development with the members of her band is well-done. I particularly like the relationship between Jasmine and Sean. There are some romantic feelings there, but it is not the focus of the story and in the end I really like where they end up.

I also love Kelly's descriptions of the music. (This is one of my favorite things about books in which music plays an important role - the way authors translate sounds to words.) I enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend it to lovers of ya contemporary novels, music-themed reads, and stories in which the protag must overcome fears in order to achieve personal goals.

Waiting On: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and features upcoming releases.

The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
January 10, 2012

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too - post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Amazon | Goodreads

The reason that I want this book is simple: It's John Freaking Green. He's been on my auto-buy-in-hardcover list since I read his debut, Looking for Alaska, as part of an adolescent literature class in college. John Green was THE author for me. The one that made me start reading young adult literature. His books are smart and funny and sad and beautiful, and I love them. I pre-ordered this sucker the second it got a name and went up on Amazon. And for those who don't know by now, John is signing all 150,000 copies of the first printing. So if you want a signed copy, you can pre-order it from your favorite book store. (It's only ~ $9 for the hardcover on Amazon right now.)

Here's a video in which John reads the first chapter of the book. It's long, but it's totally worth watching at least part of it if you're interested. I fell in love with this book upon its announcement, but again (and for real, I guess) after watching this. It's going to be amazing. And awesome.

Squee!!! I can't freaking wait. Are you excited about the new John Green book? Did you listen to the first chapter yet? If so, what do you think?!

What book(s) are you waiting on?

Review: Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Title: Dearly, Departed
Author: Lia Habel
Publisher: Del Rey
Publication Date: October 18, 2011
Series: Gone With the Respiration #1
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: NetGalley

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria - a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country's political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible - until she's nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing room civility, she's suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting "The Laz," a fatal virus that raises the dead - and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble...and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there's no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

Dearly, Departed is basically a futuristic Neo-Victorian steampunk horror love story. What?! I know. But somehow it totally works.

Nora Dearly is a sympathetic heroine. She's a high society orphan who is now stuck with her aunt and attending boarding school. She is to become a lady and marry well. But this is not good enough for her. Right away, the reader can see that Nora is meant for more than a smart match. She watches war documentaries obsessively, she knows how to shoot, her father was a war hero. She's a feisty spitfire who won't submit to marriage or zombies without a fight. As far as zombies go, Bram is basically amazing. He's cute, smart, strong, and apparently pretty durable for a zombie. He is patient, cautious, and gentle in his interactions with Nora, because he wants her to feel comfortable rather than freaked out and afraid. Bram wants her to know that she is safe, that not all zombies are the insane, people-eating kind.

Bram and the rest of Company Z remind the reader what zombies come from - people. They show that there is humanity, personality, intelligence, and feelings in the undead. Pamela is the kitten to Nora's tiger, and probably experiences the most growth throughout the story. She's Nora's best friend, and is meek and lowly by comparison. When the shit hits the fan, Nora is her inspiration to be smart and actionable. There are several antagonists in the story: a couple of human villains and the crazed face-biting zombies, but also prejudice.

The setting is amazing. It is over a hundred years into the future and the world has suffered from climate changes and other disasters that have forced the population to migrate toward the equator. Because of this, governments collapse or become obsolete. Wars break out over territory. New Victoria is one of the societies that emerges, based upon the values of the Victorian Era but with the benefit of computer technologies and modern amenities. There is another faction that the New Victorians battle along their borders. This faction, the Punks, doesn't like the idea of computers running everything, which is where the steampunk element comes in.

The pacing is quick, and there is plenty going on in the plot to make this book unputdownable: missing people must be found, a zombie apocalypse must be stopped, vaccines must be discovered. The story is told in alternating points of view. The primary perspectives are those of Nora, Bram, and Pamela, with a couple of others added in sporadically to provide plot information. My one complaint is that I'm not sure about how successful these extra points of view are. I think that, at least with Wolfe, he could've been left out because his information can be given elsewhere and he's not a very developed character. I think Pamela does need her own POV, because her story is interesting and provides a ground view of what is happening in New London, and she has that depth and growth. Bram's POV is my favorite. His thoughts in reaction to Nora are really amusing at times and he is sincere and easily likable. Nora is also really fun, and Pam is interesting as well. I enjoyed the camaraderie of Nora and Pam, and the impact that Nora's friendship has on Pamela. I also really like the relationship development of Nora and Bram. There is a building of trust that has to happen, especially from Nora. And of course there are obstacles to overcome as well. He's a Punk; she's a royal. He's dead; she's alive. You know how it goes.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I was concerned that it could have ended up being a total freaking mess. But instead I got a pretty amazing story with heartfelt characters and a wonderfully paced plot with a good bit of action, and I liked it a lot. Who knew zombies could be so sexy? I'd recommend it to fans of futuristic settings, Victorian influences, steampunk, zombies, love, and smart characters.

In My Mailbox (37)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.


What's up bookish people?! It's that time of week for the sharing of the spoils! Here are the books that I've gotten since last time:

For Review:
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
You Against Me by Jenny Downham

Bought:
Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

E-Books for Review:
Cold Fire by Kate Elliot
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

E-Books Bought:
Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien
Ranger's Apprentice: The Lost Stories by John Flanagan


That's it for me! What books did you get this week? Let me know in the comments!

Review: Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Title: Something, Maybe
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: March 24, 2009
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: Won

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she’s got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad’s girlfriends and is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar... and that’s just how she likes it.

Of course, that doesn’t help her get noticed by her crush. Hannah’s sure that gorgeous, sensitive Josh is her soul mate. But trying to get him to notice her; wondering why she suddenly can’t stop thinking about another guy, Finn; and dealing with her parents make Hannah feel like she’s going crazy. Yet she’s determined to make things work out the way she wants - only what she wants may not be what she needs....

Something, Maybe is probably my favorite Elizabeth Scott book that I've read so far, and Hannah is probably my favorite Elizabeth Scott heroine of all of the books of hers that I've read so far as well. She is a normal, fun, teenage girl who's just got a really unfortunate and embarrassing family situation. Hannah likes to be goofy at work and is a little shy and prefers to remain away from the spotlight. Her shyness and desire for invisibility is a direct result of the negative attention she's received due to her parents. Her mom has an embarrassing job and wears skimpy clothes, but she's a caring and protective mother. Her friend Teagan is a fairly minor character but has personality, complements Hannah's character, and is a great outlet through which Hannah can examine her feelings. Josh and Finn are Hannah's co-workers. Josh is pretty boring to me, but Finn is adorable as hell. I won't say anymore about that.

This is a quick, light, fun, read. Hannah navigates her family issues, school, work, and relationships. There are some frustrating moments for Hannah, but there are also a lot of cute and funny ones. The story is mostly about Hannah overcoming her fears and realizing who are the people who love her and who are the people who love themselves.

I enjoyed Something, Maybe quite a bit. It's a fast, fun book. It's cute and rewarding, as well. I'd recommend it to fans of Sarah Dessen and contemporary YA romances.

Favorite Covers: November 2011

Here are some of my favorite covers for November 2011: The Black & Blue Edition

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
I'm starting to develop a THING (in caps) for black book covers. I want to buy a lot of books that are mostly black and line them all in a row. I especially like it when black covers have the white contrast, and not much more in terms of color. The lips are pink, and the hair is barely blonde enough to be not quite white. I want to buy this and put it next to The Night Circus, and then buy some more books that are mostly black and white. To put in my row.
Amazon | Goodreads

Crossed by Ally Condie
Aside from the fact that I just don't think the hole Cassia just punched through that bubble could have POSSIBLY made that much shrapnel spew forth, I really like this cover. I love the bubble theme going on in this series' covers, and the stark, clean background that reminds me of their Society. It's simple, interesting, and pretty, and still appropriately science fiction.
Amazon | Goodreads

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
What is going on?!! OMG, she's going to killlll meeeee! That's what I think when I look at this cover. This bitch is coming after me. Look. She's like RAWRRRRR. And it's got the black and white thing going on. I think there's probably too much white for me to put it on my black row, but I love the photography effect that is happening here. Like she just blew something the frack up.
Amazon | Goodreads


Do you also like any of these covers? Are there any books being published this month that you're tempted to buy for the cover alone? What new little works of art will you be picking up for your shelves this month? Let me know in the comments!