On My Wishlist (15)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

On My Wishlist this week:

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Publish Date: December 22, 2009

Synopsis:
A Prodigal Son

A Dangerous Love

A Deadly Secret

Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.

Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.

From Goodreads

This just sounds like one of those great YA paranormal reads with that romance that we all love! And I think that cover is gorgeous, the purple and white make a really good contrast. I love how you can see the purple nail polish on her toes, too. I've heard lots of great things about this series, and it definitely sounds like one I want to read.

What's on your wishlist this week?

Teaser Tuesday (23)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

DO NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away, so that you don't ruin the book for others)

Share the title and author so that other participants can add the book to their TBR list is they like your teasers!

I've been slowly reading Acadia, Book I: The Lost King and the Goddess of Time by Ali M. Naqvi for a little while now. It hasn't been slow going because of the story, only because of my lack of time. I'm planning to finish it before I pick up another book. And so, here is a teaser from this epic story for you!

The cold air ripped through him like if he was riding a storm, taking away the warmth from his clothes, but it didn't bother him at all, rather curiosity and concern were the only things on his mind.
Damont halted on the hill that overlooked the town and the tower before the sea, but then felt as if his heart had just stopped beating at what he was witnessing...



This is very reminiscent of Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein. It has that epic journey feel to it. So far as I've gotten, Damont hasn't left for the big voyage yet, but I'm just getting to that part. I hope it's an exciting one!

Feel free to share your teasers with me. I'd love to see what you're reading!

Review: Passion by Lauren Kate

Title: Passion
Author: Lauren Kate
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publish Date: June 14, 2011
Genre: YA, paranormal
Pages: 420
Series: Fallen
1. Fallen (review)
2. Torment (review)
3. Passion
4. Rapture (expected pub Spring 2012)

Synopsis:
"Every single lifetime, I'll choose you. Just as you have chosen me. Forever."

Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

From Goodreads

**Warning, SPOILERS if you haven’t read FALLEN and TORMENT yet!**

I loved the way this was written!! At the end of TORMENT, Luce runs off into the Announcers, and PASSION picks up right where that left off. The whole book takes place over several millennia as Luce jumps back, trying to piece together Daniel’s curse and their relationship. It was really awesome reading about all of the different lives and cultures of Luce’s past lives. My favourite part, though, was how it was written from both Luce AND Daniel’s points of view. Up until now, it’s always been Luce’s POV. Seeing things through Daniel’s eyes - his past, his feelings, Luce - was really awesome. It enables us to learn so much more about him and his and Luce’s relationship.

There aren’t many new characters in this book, excluding the minor ones in Luce’s past lives, other than Bill. I want you to find out for yourself who and what he is, but he spends a lot of the book with Luce, helping her on her journey. He was the comedic relief in a more-or-less very serious book. Although he pushed Luce hard, he also helped her. He was a fun character to get to know, even though we really didn’t get many details about him.

I’m really happy that I’m enjoying this series! I hate when I start a series and love the first book, then don’t like the second. ‘Cause then I’m disappointed, but I still want to read the next because I figure it has to be better since the first was good. But that’s not what’s happening with this series! I’ve loved each book more and more! I think I can actually classify this one as my favourite so far. I can’t wait to see what Lauren Kate has in store for us in book 4, Rapture!



Make sure to check back at the beginning of August. I'll be participating in the Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy at I Am A Read, Not A Writer, and you could win a copy of PASSION or another fabulous YA novel!

In My Mailbox (23)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that gives bloggers a chance to share what books they've received in the last week. It's hosted by The Story Siren and you can find out more info about it here.



I got a lot of books for review this week! I hope I find time to read them all because they're all books I'm excited about reading. Here's what I got:

For Review from NetGalley
Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison {Goodreads | Book Depository}
Available October 11, 2011
The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle {Goodreads | Book Depository}
Available September 6, 2011
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies {Goodreads | Book Depository}
Available September 27, 2011

For Review
Her Dark Destiny by Dave Ferarro {Goodreads}
Angelfall by Susan Ee {Goodreads
Thanks to the authors for the ebook review copies!

I hadn't checked NetGalley in a while and when I did and found out these three books (three I'm counting down to on my sidebar) were available for review, I requested them immediately. I didn't even give a thought to my ever-growing TBR list! I just knew I had to have them, and now I do! I can't wait to jump in.

As for the copies I got for review from the authors, you should definitely check them out on Goodreads! They both sound like really good books! One's an angel story (which I love) and one is a post-apocalyptic story, with vampires, werewolves, etc., and sounds kick-ass.

What did you get this week?

On My Wishlist (14)

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where you list all the books you desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. It's also an event that you can join in with too - Mr Linky is always at the ready for you to link your own 'On My Wishlist' post. If you want to know more click here.

On My Wishlist this week:

The Goodbye Quilt by Susan Wiggs
Publish Date: March 29, 2011

Synopsis:
Linda Davis’ local fabric shop is a place where women gather to share their creations: quilts commemorating important events in their lives. Wedding quilts, baby quilts, memorial quilts each is bound tight with dreams, hopes and yearnings.

Now, as her only child readies for college, Linda is torn between excitement for Molly, and heartache for herself. Who will she be when she is no longer needed in her role as mom? What will become of her days? Of her marriage?

Mother and daughter decide to share one last adventure together a cross-country road trip to move Molly into her dorm. As they wend their way through the heart of the country, Linda pieces together the scraps that make up Molly’s young life. And in the stitching of each bit of fabric the hem of a christening gown, a snippet from a Halloween costume Linda discovers that the memories of a shared journey can come together in a way that will keep them both warm in the years to come...

From Goodreads

I saw this book when I was at the bookstore last week. It looks like a really cute story about a mother and daughter's bond. I think it would be an emotional read as they travel across country together. As much as my mom and I have our moments of disagreement, having a trip like this with her would be amazing. I can only image what it would be like. And since we probably won't ever do something like this, I'll have to live vicariously through this book.

What's on your wishlist this week?

Reviews: Children's books

I read a lot of kids books, but I don't feel right writing short little reviews for each one of them. And so, I decided to clump some reviews together for these types of books. Check out my reviews of three children's books I've recently read.

Title: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Author: Jon Scieszka
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Publisher: Puffin Books
Publish Date: October 1, 1989
Genre: Children's

Synopsis:
You may think you know the story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf - but only one person knows the real story. And that person is A. Wolf. His tale starts with a birthday cake for his dear old granny, a bad head cold and a bad reputation. The rest (as they say) is history.

But now it's time to find out what really happened, in this hilariously inventive retelling of the popular story.

From inside cover

During my two weeks of in-class placement this past May, we (my Associate Teacher and I) were teaching our students about Point of View and Voice. This book was a Godsend for this topic! It's the story of The Three Little Pigs, but from the wolf's point of view. What better way to teach POV than by showing them how it’s done?

The kids absolutely loved this book and so did I! A. Wolf has a great voice and it’s really easy for the students to relate to him as a character. The illustrations also kept the attention of the kids on the book versus other things. There is also a bit of repetition, which gives you the opportunity to get the kids involved in the reading. Definitely a bonus!

This is a really great teaching tool, but it’s also just a fun book to read with any kid. My teacher’s copy was tattered and worn, and I know my copy will be just like that in the years to come! I can’t wait.

**********

Title: It's a Book
Author: Lane Smith
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publish Date: August 3, 2010
Genre: Children's

Synopsis:
Playful and lighthearted with a subversive twist that is signature Lane Smith, It's a Book is a delightful manifesto on behalf of print in the digital age. This satisfying, perfectly executed picture book has something to say to readers of all stripes and all ages.

From Goodreads

This is a cute book that addresses the growing issue of technology in our lives. The ape is a book lover, while the donkey (or jackass) is very involved in his computer. While the ape tries to explain what a book is, the donkey asks a bunch of questions like: “Can you blog with it? Can it tweet?” It’s great to see the change of attitude in the donkey as the book goes on.

To look at this from a teacher’s point of view (as I typically do with children’s books), it’s a great way to teach kids how to ask questions. On the other side, the use of the word “jackass” on the last page has me feeling a bit iffy. Although, it is a great opportunity to teach kids that there can be multiple names for one thing.

I think this is a really cute and funny book, and I’m happy to have it in my library. If I find a good way to use it in a lesson when I’m teaching, I probably will. 

The publisher, MacMillan, posted a great book trailer on Youtube. You can see it here.

**********

Title: Too Many Pears
Author: Jackie French
Illustrator: Bruce Whatley
Publisher: Star Bright Books
Publish Date: October 30, 2007
Genre: Children's
Source: From publisher through NetGalley

Synopsis:
Pamela the cow loves pears--and will do anything to get them. But will anyone else ever get to eat pears again?

From Goodreads

I have to admit, I read this because the main character is named Pamela. But it’s a really cute story of Pamela the cow that loves pears so much and will do almost anything to get them, including tugging a tree along with her to get to them! It teaches readers how having too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

This really short book is great for beginner readers. There are some difficult words, but the repetition (“Pamela likes…”) would make it easy for new readers. I also think that children who like farms or farm animals would really enjoy this book. Pamela is a very large, very silly cow, and I can see little kids loving her. I could see myself reading this to my future children.

Buy them all at The Book Depository:

Teaser Tuesday (22)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

DO NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away, so that you don't ruin the book for others)

Share the title and author so that other participants can add the book to their TBR list is they like your teasers!

So, I'm really supposed to be reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, since that's our current book club read, but I'm really not enjoying it very much. It's boring me. Definitely not my type of book. So on Friday (Canada Day!), I decided to relax and read what I've been dying to start: Passion by Lauren Kate! Now I'm here to share a teaser with you:

**SPOILERS if you haven't read TORMENT!!!**

In the end, when the Outcast had approached her, Daniel and the others had stared at Luce like she was the one who owed them something.
You are our entrance into Heaven, the Outcast had told her. The price. What had that meant?




It's sort of a recap of what happened at the end of TORMENT, but with insight. I had a lot of trouble choosing a teaser because of the way the characters jump through time. I don't know, it was hard to choose though! I hope you like what I decided on. I love the way this is written so far. It's told through both Luce and Daniel's POVs. I like how we get to see some of what Daniel feels as they travel back through Luce's previous lives. Can't wait to finish it!

Feel free to share your teasers with me! I'd love to see what you're reading.

In My Mailbox (22)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that gives bloggers a chance to share what books they've received in the last week. It's hosted by The Story Siren and you can find out more info about it here.



Thank goodness that Canada Post is up and running again! I'm not really one to pay much attention to politics, but I'm glad everything got relatively sorted out. And now I have books to show you all!!

Bought from Chapters' Buy 3, Get 1 Free promo
Die For Me by Amy Plum {Goodreads | Book Depository}
Wither by Lauren DeStefano {Goodreads | Book Depository}
The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, & June by Robin Benway {Goodreads | Book Depository}
Ape House by Sara Gruen {Goodreads | Book Depository}

Bought from The Book Depository
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka {Goodreads | Book Depository}
Stardust by Neil Gaiman {Goodreads | Book Depository}

Yes, Chapters/Indigo had a sale and of course I had to buy some books! I was smart, though. I bought two books that I've read and loved, but had yet to buy my own finished, hard copies of them. Check out my reviews of Wither and Die For Me.

The picture book is for my future classroom. I used it religiously for two weeks of placement and it provided a lot of teachable moments, so I had to get it. I also have been meaning to read STARDUST for a while. I loved the movie and want to see how different the book is (I hear: very, but better).

What did you get this week?