MariReads

Sunday Salon (October ReCap)

2009-11-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's November and it is feeling like fall here. The leaves are changing colors and falling, and it is actually cool! Love it. I usually have to wait until December for some fall weather around here. November started off beautifully last Sunday. Look at this picture! So pretty.

October was a fun month. Look at all these books! So much going on as well, including the 24 hour Read-a-Thon and Carl's RIP IV Challenge.

80. Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers
79. Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger
78. Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz
77. A Northern Light by Jennifer Connelly
76. Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine
75. Airhead by Meg Cabot
74. Thanksgiving at the Inn by Tim Whitney
73. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
72. School's Out- Forever by James Patterson

On the horizon for November...

Events

Miami Book Fair Nov 8-15th
Green Books Campaign on Nov 10th.

Reviews

Ethnic Knitting Discovery by Donna Druchunas
Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Jane Austen and Ben H. Winters
The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere

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WWII Challenge Completed

2009-11-07T16:02:00.000-06:00

This was a great challenge. Thanks Serena and Anna for hosting! This challenge came right at the perfect time. I was very interested in reading books set during WWII this spring and got through 5 books in a very short amount of time. I thought I would get through more before the end of the year but my reading took a turn to YA for a bit.

I am really glad I participated in this challenge and am interested to see what the War Through the Generations Challenge will bring in 2010.

Books read for the challenge:

1. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
2. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon

3. The Reader by Bernard Schlink

4. An Obsolete Honor by Helena P. Schrader
5. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

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Book Review- Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger

2009-11-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger

I must say, I was pleasantly surprised with this book by Leigh Bridger. I didn't have very good luck with the last Urban Fantasy book I received through Library Thing's Early Reviewer Program. I was actually expecting more of the same. Instead, I got a fresh new story and plot, a tough as nails female protagonist and some interesting supporting characters. The demon is one awful, scary and absolutely perfectly evil for this type of story.

There was some overuse of the F word, but after awhile I didn't even notice it anymore. Once I got to know Livia a little better, her use of swearing is very much part of her character. Livia is a soul catcher, reborn many times, and this time is living as a folk artist in Asheville, NC. She is surrounded by friends who have been by her side in every life. As Livia, she encounters a demon that has been following her throughout her lifetimes set on revenge. She gets help from her friends and from Ian, who turns out to be her soul mate.

Soul Catcher is the first book in The Outsider Series.

3/5

Read for Read a Thon. Finally reviewing the books I read. :)

Source: Library Thing's Early Reviewer Program

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DNF or place on hold?

2009-11-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes there are books that I just don't know what to do with- give up on them completely or hold off reading it until another time. Some books are just so bad that they can't be read at any time. Others are just not what's right for the mood I am in at the time I picked it up.

So, here is where this post comes in and perhaps others.

I thought I would share some info on the books that I marked as DNF and those I have placed on hold for a better time. This will also help me. I can reference these posts and make sure I am getting back to the books I want to read.

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Rumer & Qix: The Race to Terra Incognita by Kathleen S. Wilson

I gave up on it for awhile because it was just not capturing my interest. I am thinking that it has to do with the fact that the genre is not something I read usually. I don't know how to describe it. A bit of fantasy, a bit dystopian. I usually don't take books to review if they are not a genre I enjoy, but the premise sounded interesting.

Rumer, a petite apprentice reporter for the 31st century Global Quotidien with a flair for fashion, loves zipping across Nanjing with her loyal sidekick, Qix, in search of stories. But now, she’s furious with her boss for asking her to cover the exploits of Alfa, the planet’s wealthiest mega-conglomerate. Her parents died in an Alfa accident and she can’t understand how he can be so insensitive. She escapes into the indie networks and soon finds herself puzzling over an image of a bizarre nature sighting. Ever since the flora and fauna were replaced with Alfa’s Syncov™ replicas eons earlier, sightings like this have been routinely dismissed. When ethereal voices relay a message confirming Rumer’s hunch that things are terribly amiss, she slips away on a globe-trotting quest for answers. An epic battle is brewing between Dr. BigCo, the powerful Alfa CEO, and his nemesis, MoNa, the vulnerable matriarch of the cosmos. Will Rumer be able to turn things around before it’s too late?

Interesting, right?

I think this will be one I put on hold.

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The Harsh Cry of the Heron by Lian Hearn

I had a hard time getting into this book. I put it down awhile ago having lost interest in the story and characters. It is the fourth book in the Tales of the Otori series and takes place many years after the end of the third book. The main characters are older and dealing with political issues and taking care of their territories. There is not the suspense and excitement that was part of the first three books.

DNF

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Saturday by Ian McEwan

This is going back on my to-read list of books. I got a hundred pages in, reading it off and on while on vacation. I don't think I was giving it the right amount of attention that it should be given. I had to return my library books before I was finished, which I think was a good thing. I will check it out again at another time when I am in the state of mind to give it a good read.

I was so impressed with Atonement, I was surprised at my lack of interest in this one. Will definitely have to give it another try. It has been about a year, perhaps it is time to actually give it another read.

On hold for another time.

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Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?
I would love to know your thoughts on my decisions.

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R.I.P IV Challenge Wrap-Up

2009-11-02T19:19:00.000-06:00

Carl's R.I.P Challenge is one of the most fun and enjoyable challenges out there. I love reading the books for this challenge so much that I read more than the four I signed up for!

Here is my Wrap-Up

What I read:

1. A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

2. Ghost in the Machine by Patrick Carman

3. Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs

4. Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass

5. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Graham-Smith

6. Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger

Lots of great books and some were even a little creepy. Next year I definitely need some scarier books

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Book Review- Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers

2009-11-02T09:23:00.001-06:00

Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

When I started this book I was reminded quite a bit of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Parker was a 4.0 student, head cheerleader and popular but an incident over the summer has her falling apart. She now must visit the school counselor every week, she is on academic probation and her friends have been told to keep an eye on her and report any destructive behaviors. The protagonists are very different, though, as are their experiences.

I really like the way the story is told. It is in present time but Parker has small flashes of the party over the summer. Little snippets that grow and grow as the story progresses. An interesting way to tell the story and very effective in setting the tone.

I look forward to more by Courtney Summers.

4/5

Source: Purchased from amazon.com.

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Book Review- This is NOT a Pumpkin by Bob Staake

2009-10-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

This Is NOT a Pumpkin by Bob Staake

I absolutely love this book. I got it last year to help my pre-k class understand the difference between pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns. It got them so riled up when I read this for the first time. They kept yelling, "Yes it is! It's a pumpkin." It was hard to keep from laughing. They were hilarious.

I read it to a small group this year while working with play dough to make pumpkins. They loved it as well, but figured it out much faster. :)

A perfect read for this time of year and for the young kids in our lives and the not so young as well.

Happy Halloween!

5/5

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New Books to read!

2009-10-26T17:35:00.000-05:00

I am really excited about the two books that were in the mail this past week. First, Ethnic Knitting Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes by Donna Druchnas will be reviewed on November 10th for the Eco-Libris' Green Books Campaign. Over 100 bloggers will be posting reviews of green books on that date. Be sure to look for them and support the campaign. I have already been having some fun looking through this one. Thank you Raz!

Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver came courtesy of Lisa, who has been helping to get the word around about the wonderful authors who will be participating in the Miami Book Fair in November. I have started on this one as well, and so far so good.

Be on the look out for the reviews of these books in November!

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia of The Printed Page

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Final Read-a-Thon Stats

2009-10-25T15:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I fell asleep. I made it to about 2:30am, finished that second book and decided it was time for bed. Still a little upset that I missed the first 6 hours. Hope you all had a better time at it than me. Did you all get as much read as you planned? How did you all do?

Pages read: 576
Books Read: 2
Hours spent reading: 12.5

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Read a Thon (Fourth Update)

2009-10-25T01:27:00.000-05:00

Getting sleepy. My eyes are starting to close and I am afraid when I open them it will be a few hours later. Since turning off the tv I have had a couple hours of uninterrupted reading. Another 75 pages read. I was really hoping to get this one finished before falling asleep. I am going to keep on until that happens, I think. I, unfortunately, do not think I will be making it to a third book.

Anyway, here are my stats up till now.

Pages read: 490
Books Read: 1
Current Read: Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger
Hours spent reading: 10.5
Food consumed: Bean and Cheese burrito, one cherry sugar-free popscicle, pumpkin spiced latte, sm Quizno's sandwich, cranberry-orange scone

On to try and finish this book.

Happy Reading to all of you.

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Read a Thon (Third Update)

2009-10-24T21:58:00.001-05:00

Not easy to read while watching college football. I have only managed 50 pages since the Texas-Mizzou game started. Only 150 to go to finish my book No. 2. Fingers crossed I manage at least that tonight. Going to try my hardest to stay up as late as possible.

Good luck to everyone still reading!
Thanks to all the visitors who stopped by. It was quite a nice surprise when I came online a little while ago. Off to (belated) visit some of the other readers of the hour. :)

Pages read: 312
Books Read: 1
Current Read: Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger
Hours spent reading: 5.5
Food consumed: Bean and Cheese burrito, one cherry sugar-free popscicle, pumpkin spiced latte, sm Quizno's sandwich

Texas wins 41 to 7. Go Horns!

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Mid-Event Survey

2009-10-24T19:10:00.000-05:00

We have reached the half way point. Woohoo!

Here is how I am doing:

1. What are you reading right now? Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger

2. How many books have you read so far? 1

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Cracked Up to Be

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Nope.

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Yes. A bit of a hangover from a late Friday night and then lunch with the hubby. Now, UT football game is about to start.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? I am always amazed at the number of people who participate in all capacities. A truly great community builder

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? Nope. Think it works great.

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Don't go out the night before!

9. Are you getting tired yet? Been tired all day, but I am pushing through.

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered? Considering my late start and lack of snacks, I think I am the one who needs some tips. :)

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Read a Thon (Second Update)

2009-10-24T17:14:00.000-05:00

What hour is this by the way? 10? I can't believe I have only been reading for a couple hours. I am almost finished with Revelations. Yay. Should be on to my next book soon.
Totals are pathetic, but here they are. :)
Pages read: 206Books Read: 0Hours spent reading: 2.5Food consumed: Bean and Cheese burrito at Matt's El Rancho.
Yup. I went out and ate with the hubby and stopped at REI and BookPeople. Another reason my totals are not great. I did take my book with me and read in the car.
Hope you are all faring better than me. As soon as I finish this book I will be visiting some blogs and doing a little cheering. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to cheer me on. I really appreciate it. :)_________________________________________

Read a Thon (My Late First Post)

2009-10-24T13:17:00.000-05:00

I am getting such a late start today on the Read a Thon. I really meant to start on time but wasn't feeling well this morning and slept until about an hour ago. But I am here now and have gotten started. Thanks Eva and Alita for the cheering on. I am still participating!
I have gotten started on my first book, Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz. _________________________________________

Book Review- A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

2009-10-21T16:30:00.001-05:00

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

A Northern Light is the story of Matt Gokey, a bookish girl growing up in the North Woods in 1907. She has a hard life taking care of her Pa and siblings after the death of her mother as well as being one of two kids in school to get a high school diploma. Her interests are more scholarly than farm oriented and she has a difficult time deciding what she wants- college and the chance to become a better writer or a wife to the handsome son of her neighbors who unexpectedly shows interest in her.

It took me awhile to get used to the jumping back and forth between past and present. I feel the story would have worked just fine if the events took place chronologically. Also, there is a lot going on in this one. One part of the story is about Matt and her struggles with family, boys and getting to college, the other is the mystery of a young women's death. Both stories are interesting but I would have liked them separated if only to learn more about Grace and her life before ending up dead.

The choices Matt makes are what moves the story along. Some of her choices, though, drove me crazy and made me want to give up on the book entirely. I am glad I didn't because in the end I really enjoyed her story. I especially loved the word of the day starting each chapter and her word duels with Weaver. What a great idea! I may have to start this with the hubby.

3.5/5

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WInner of Moving Day by Meg Cabot

2009-10-16T19:55:00.004-05:00

We have ourselves a winner!

First, thanks to Lisa and Scholastic for providing the books for review and for the giveaway. Don't forget that Meg Cabot will be participating in the Miami Book Fair that takes place from November 8-15th.

Second, thank you to everyone that entered. I tried to get to all of your blogs to say hello. A lot of new names and blogs to visit. I had fun. Sorry if I haven't made it to yours.

Now, on to the reason you are here. I had 27 entries and using the Random Number Generator the lucky number was 15. Which means the winner of Moving Day by Meg Cabot is...

Rhapsody in Books

Congratulations! Be sure to email me your mailing address to marireadsATyahooDOTcom.

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Current Read: A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

2009-10-13T19:15:00.005-05:00

It has been quite awhile since I have participated in Teaser Tuesday. Can't even remember the last time. Wanted to share this one from my current read, A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly.

' "Huh?" I stood there in a trance, the bucket at my feet, listening as the words became sentences and the sentences became pages and the pages became feelings and voices and places and people.' page 30. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly.

Anyway, this quote got me wanting to share with you all. It is perfect for all of us readers. It rings true to my reading experiences especially as a kid. How easily I could lose myself in my books. It is a little harder as an adult, but every now and then I can completely lose myself in a good book.

Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

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***I have an extra hardcover copy of Moving Day, Book 1 of the series Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls by Meg Cabot, to give away. All you have to do is leave me a comment here to enter. You have until midnight CST on Wednesday, October 14th. Open to everyone.***

Book Review- City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

2009-10-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

City of Glass ends the suspense of the previous two books. Clary and Jace are back along with their friends and family but this time in Idris, the home of the Shadowhunters. They are there to help the Clave fight against Valentine and his demons as well as to find the cure for Clary's mother.

Better than the previous books, CIty of Glass still seemed to be missing a little something. It was a fast read and had a lot of suspense but I had no problem skipping ahead and places and scanning my way through to get to the end quicker. I never felt that I missed anything important by doing that. It was 2am and I still had about 100 pages to go to the end and I really wanted to get some sleep before going to work the next day. I guess that is a sign that I liked it, right? I couldn't put it down.

One thing that did annoy me, though, was how long it took everyone in the book to understand what was happening when the reader (me) knew very early on. I wasn't reading to the end to find out the secrets and mystery but to see if the characters ever figured it all out. Thankfully they all did eventually.

I thought this was the final book of the series but I understand that there is another book to come. City of Fallen Angels will be released in March 2010.

3.5/5

Serial Readers Challenge
RIP IV Challenge

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***I have an extra hardcover copy of Moving Day, Book 1 of the series Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls by Meg Cabot, to give away. All you have to do is leave me a comment here to enter. You have until midnight CST on Wednesday, October 14th. Open to everyone.***

Sunday Salon (10/11/09)

2009-10-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

It has been quite a week. Three book reviews were posted.

Moving Day by Meg Cabot
School's Out-Forever by James Patterson
Thanksgiving at the Inn by Tim Whitney

Go and check them out and be sure to enter the giveaway for Moving Day, Meg Cabot's first book in her new series for young girls.

Challenge Update:

I have been doing pretty well on most of my challenges but failing miserably on others. For example, the Classics Challenge. I have only read two books for this one so far and it ends at the end of October. Need a couple short classics to finish in the next couple weeks. Ideas?

Here's how the others are going...

eBook Challenge (3/10)

Serial Readers Challenge (1 series completed)

WWII Challenge (5 books read)

A to Z Challenge (18/26)

RIP IV Challenge (5 books read)

Everything Austen Challenge (5/6)

How are you all doing on your challenges?

One more thing! A quick thank you to Heather of Gofita's Pages. She kindly awarded me the Let's Be Friends Award. Sorry it took me so long to send along my thanks.

Blogs that receive the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers.

I pass this on to all of my new Followers. I have noticed my Followers growing lately and makes me very happy to see that there are new people reading my blog. Thank you to everyone who has recently found me. When my Followers reach 100, I think I will have to have a big party- lots of great book giveaways!

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***I have an extra hardcover copy of Moving Day, Book 1 of the series Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls by Meg Cabot, to give away. All you have to do is leave me a comment here to enter. You have until midnight CST on Wednesday, October 14th. Open to everyone.***

Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-Thon '09

2009-10-10T15:26:00.004-05:00

It is almost that time again. Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon will be on October 24th and I will once again be participating.

Will you be joining in the fun?

I have been thinking about what books to set aside for that day.I have a lot in my TBR pile and what a great way to (hopefully) make a dent in it. So, here is what I am thinking:

Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz
Soul Catcher by Leigh Bridger
Frenemies by Alexa Young
Knocked out by my Nunga-Nungas by Louise Rennison
Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers
Artemis Fowl:The Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer

I have more, but I will start with these.

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***I have an extra hardcover copy of Moving Day, Book 1 of the series Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls by Meg Cabot, to give away. All you have to do is leave me a comment here to enter. You have until midnight CST on Wednesday, October 14th. Open to everyone.***

Book Review- Thanksgiving at the Inn by Tim Whitney

2009-10-10T14:22:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving at the Inn by Tim Whitney

Thanksgiving at the Inn turned out to be the perfect feel good read for me right now. I received the book earlier this summer from Bancroft Press but didn't get a chance to read until last night. It turned out to be perfect fall reading and to get me ready for the Holidays that are quickly sneaking up on me.

Heath Wellington III has been suspended from school for cheating, his father is a sometime alcoholic and a struggling writer and his grandfather just died. Life isn't easy but things begin to change when he and his father make the trip to Massachusetts to take over ownership of Senior's Inn. Heath and his father find the kindness of others and family in a new place and are able to begin healing their relationship right in time for Thanksgiving.

A wonderfully, sweet story of families, forgiveness and love. A great group of characters that keeps it interesting throughout. I never knew who else I would be meeting and what their secret would be. Loved it. I look forward to more young adult books from TIm Whitney.

Thanksgiving at the Inn came out on October 1st.

4/5

Other Reviews:

Melody's Reading Corner

Cafe of Dreams
Pop Culture Junkie

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***I have an extra hardcover copy of Moving Day, Book 1 of the series Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls by Meg Cabot, to give away. All you have to do is leave me a comment here to enter. You have until midnight CST on Wednesday, October 14th. Open to everyone.***

Book Review- School's Out-Forever by James Patterson

2009-10-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

School's Out - Forever by James Patterson

Max and her flock are still on the run when a new attack sends Fang to the hospital and into the hands of the FBI. An agent takes them into her home. Have they finally found a safe place for themselves with someone to care about them or is it a trap?

Another great installment in the Maximum Ride series. I actually liked this one a little better. The flock is getting older and having to deal with a lot more...budding romances, finding their parents, discovering new powers and figuring out who they can trust.

4/5

Serial Readers Challenge

***I have an extra hardcover copy of Moving Day, Book 1 of the series Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls by Meg Cabot, to give away. All you have to do is leave me a comment here to enter. You have until midnight CST on Wednesday, October 14th. Open to everyone.***

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Book Review and Giveaway- Moving Day (Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls, #1) by Meg Cabot

2009-10-07T00:00:00.003-05:00

Moving Day by Meg Cabot

Allie Finkle and her family are moving and she is not too happy about it. She doesn't want to change schools or have to make new friends. She doesn't want to give up her geode collection and her pink perfect bedroom. The new house is old, dark and looks like a haunted house. She will do anything to keep her parents from moving.

What a fun book for young girls. The voice of Allie is right on. It sounds just like my niece (who will be getting this book next) and her friends. Her comments and observations, her rules-everything was just really cute and funny. Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls is a series all girls will enjoy especially if the other books are as fun as this one. There are three other books out that I can't wait to get and read before passing them on to my 9 year old niece.

Oh yeah, and the cover is really cool. The dust jacket is actually a poster!

4/5

Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries, will be participating in the Miami Book Fair this November. She will be promoting her new series for middle grade, Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls.

***I have an extra hardcover copy of Moving Day to give away. All you have to do is leave me a comment and you are entered. You have until midnight CST on Wednesday, October 14th. Open to everyone.***

Giveaway Closed. Check back soon for winners.

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Hard to pass up a clearance sale

2009-10-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

I was bad. I ordered books from Amazon again. I hadn't planned on it, it's just that someone mentioned on a Twitter post that there were some good books on sale. I mean really good deals. Hard to pass up. I know you all have the same problem- saying no to books when they are on clearance.

So, I bet you are wondering what I got?

School's Out-Forever by James Patterson
Just One Wish by Janette Rallison
Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers

Yup, lots of YA. These will be perfect for the Read-a-Thon.

One other book came from a fellow BookMoocher. Frenemies by Alexa Young.

Back on a Book Ban I go!

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia of The Printed Page

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