In My Mailbox: July 31

I've got a special edition of In My Mailbox for you today. My husband did a beautiful translation in Spanish. If you speak Spanish, let me know what you think!





For Review:
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (Enter the t-shirt contest!)
Matched by Ally Condie

From Author:
Mistwood by Leah Cypess (SIGNED)

From Paperback Swap:
Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
I'd Tell You I Love You but then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

Happy Potter Day!

Happy Birthday JK Rowling and Harry Potter!

If you haven't already, please check out our Birthday Contest a couple of posts below.

To celebrate the life of JK Rowling, and the richness of imagination she has shared with us, I've posted below a few quotes from her that focus on writing and her inspiration. Enjoy!

• (On whether she has unpublished works): Yes, quite a lot, though none of it is published (which is no loss, I assure you). The first things I wrote were the Rabbit stories, which were about a rabbit called Rabbit. I wrote them between the ages of six and eight. Then when I was eleven I wrote a novel about seven cursed diamonds and the people who owned them. Since then I’ve written loads: short stories, bits of novels for adults, all kinds of things.
  
  
• The five years I spent on HP and the Philosopher's Stone were spent constructing The Rules. I had to lay down all my parameters. The most important thing to decide when you're creating a fantasy world is what the characters CAN'T do. - Southwest News Interview, July 8, 2000
  
  
• It took me a long, hard five years to complete The Philosopher's Stone. The reason so much time slipped by was because, from that very first idea, I envisaged a series of seven books - each one charting a year of Harry's life whilst he is a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And I wanted to fully sketch the plots of all the stories and get the essential characteristics of my principal characters before I actually started writing the books in detail. - TheStar.com Interview, November 3, 2001
  
  
• Whenever Jessica fell asleep in her pushchair I would dash to the nearest cafe and write like mad. I wrote nearly every evening. Then I had to type the whole thing out myself. Sometimes I actually hated the book, even while I loved it.
  
  
• Only once have I sat down, written something end to end, and let it stand. That was the chapter in Philosopher's Stone when Harry learns to fly. - BBC Interview, Fall 2000
  
  
• There were many different versions of the first chapter of 'Philosopher's Stone' and the one I finally settled on is not the most popular thing I've ever written; lots of people have told me they found it hard work compared with the rest of the book. The trouble with that chapter was (as so often in a Harry Potter book) I had to give a lot of information yet conceal even more. There were various versions of scenes in which you actually saw Voldemort entering Godric's Hollow and killing the Potters and in early drafts of these, a Muggle betrayed their whereabouts. As the story evolved, however, and Pettigrew became the traitor, this horrible Muggle vanished.
  
  
  
• When we were editing 'Philosopher's Stone' my editor wanted me to cut the scene in which Harry, Ron and Hermione fight the troll. Although I had accepted most of the smaller cuts he wanted me to make I argued hard for this one. Hermione, bless her, is so very annoying in the early part of 'Philosopher's Stone' that I really felt it needed something (literally) huge to bring her together with Harry and Ron. - JKRowling.com
  
  
• I wrote what I thought was half the book and suddenly realized that there was this huge, gaping hole in the middle of the plot ... The whole profile of the books got so much higher since the third one and there was an edge of external pressure. - The Wizard Behind the Harry Potter
  
  
• It took a year for my agent, Christopher, to find a publisher. Lots of them turned it down. Then, finally, in August 1996, Christopher telephoned me and told me that Bloomsbury had ‘made an offer.’ I could not quite believe my ears. ‘You mean it’s going to be published?’ I asked, rather stupidly. ‘It’s definitely going to be published?’
  
  
• So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realised, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.
  
  
• So given a Time Turner, I would tell my 21-year-old self that personal happiness lies in knowing that life is not a check-list of acquisition or achievement.
  
  
• Though I personally will defend the value of bedtime stories to my last gasp, I have learned to value imagination in a much broader sense. Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power that enables us to empathise with humans whose experiences we have never shared.
  
  
• Unlike any other creature on this planet, humans can learn and understand, without having experienced. They can think themselves into other people’s places.
  
  
• One of the many things I learned at the end of that Classics corridor down which I ventured at the age of 18, in search of something I could not then define, was this, written by the Greek author Plutarch: What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.
  
  
• ...we touch other people’s lives simply by existing.
  
  
• We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.
  
  
• (In quoting Seneca): As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.

I hope you find these as informative and inspirational as I have. Please, share more. What are your favorite quotes from JKR as they relate to writing, imagination, or inspiration?

Sources: JKRowling.com Accio-Quote Harvard Magazine Veritaserum Quips and Tips for Successful Writers For more on JKR on writing: JK Rowling's Commencement Address at Harvard (A MUST read!) WordCount article by Michelle Rafter

NFL News: Sam Bradford Gets $78 mill., $50 mill. guaranteed!

Seriously? Now, I love my football--actually, I'm a heart-pulsing, passionate, sweat dripping, hand wringing, voice losing, die-hard kind of fan--but this just seems absurd for a rookie who has thrown zero passes in the NFL.

The former OU quarterback reportedly agreed to an astonishing six-year, $78 million dollar contract with the St. Louis Rams.  According to reports, Bradford becomes the first player in league history to make at least $50 million in guarantees. 

For Bradford, the time has come to start living up to the hype. Good luck with that.

Read all about the insanity here: ESPN: Rams-Bradford Agree to Terms

Friday's Celebrity Frisky Virgin: Julianne Hough

The former Dancing With The Stars beauty announced in 2008 that she was still a virgin and wanted to remain so until marriage.

Julianne dated her brother's best friend, and current DWTS professional, Mark Ballas, prior to her stint on DWTS.  She was also engaged to dancer Zach Wilson for a time.  As she pursued her country music career in 2008, Julianne began a very public relationship with country music singer Chuck Wicks.  The two broke up in November of 2009. 

Currently, Julianne, 22, is rumored to be dating Ryan Seacrest.  The two have avoided answering specifics about their rumored relationship, but the possible lovebirds were recently spotted canoodling while on vacation in Italy.

The latest rumor?  Julianne may be moving in with Ryan.  Interesting...could wedding bells be next?

The Hunger Games [Review]

Written by: Suzanne Collins.

Published by: Scholastic.

Format: Paperback.

Released: 5th January 2009.

Rating: 5/5.

Official synopsis: "Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. But Katniss has been clse to death before—and survival, for her, is second nature. The Hunger Games is a searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present. Welcome to the deadliest reality TV show ever..."

I think I may just have found a brand new obsession. The Hunger Games is one roller coaster of a book. Perhaps one the of the most amazing opennings to a trilogy I have ever read. Right from the very first page, you are drawn in the the futuristic but somewhat backwards, world of Panem - what was once known as North America.

The Capitol rule all. After a war, a rebellion, one district of the thirteen was destroyed leaving just twelve. And to remind them every year just who is in charge, and what they can do, they host the Hunger Games. A reality TV programme with a sickening difference. Two tributes are chosen from each district - one boy and one girl, between the ages of 12 and 18. 24 young adults who are thrust into the arena where the worlds camera's focus on them. Who will be the victor? Whoever survives the bloodbath, the death and destruction that follows.

Yes. To show they rule, the Capitol use murder as a form of entertainment. 

The concept was mindblowing and when I first heard of these books some time ago I was a bit reluctant. It's such a repulsive idea, that innocent young people who haven't yet really lived be thrown together and forced to fight to the death, for the sake of entertainment, for a reality TV show just like Big Brother. But I was sent these books (both The Hunger Games and the sequel, Catching Fire) by the brilliant Steven at Scholastic, and as soon as I began reading, I regretted the time that I have wasted by not reading them. The concept, yes it's repulsive. But the book certainly isn't. It's compelling. I know I seem to throw this word around a bit, but addictive - it truly is. I just could not bare to put this book down, even for just a second. I was totally overwhelmed.

I was captured from the word go. Always wanting to read on to see what would happen to Katniss Everdeen next. How would she fare in the arena? What will she have to face? Who will she have to kill?

The characters in this book all complement one another really well. I loved Katniss. I could really sympathise with her. I'd do almost anything for my younger sisters (although whether I'd go as far to volunteer for the Hunger Games, I don't know...). I thought that Peeta was an interesting character. And just like Katniss, along the way I just couldn't get a good idea as to what he was up to. Just like Katniss, I went through periods of liking him, thinking he was someone to keep on side, to hating him, thinking that he was sly and cunning. Haymitch made me laugh. Effie Trinket is the sort of character that no matter what they do, you just can't help dislike them - some of the things she says are anger-inducing. The other tributes however, I feel a bit mixed about. I loved little Rue. Cato I disliked quite strongly, along with all the other Career Tributes - their attitudes, just as they've been bred to have, are sometimes a bit too much to handle. But generally I thought the Tributes were a good mixed group. It's just a shame that you don't get to see too much of some of them. Overall though, they are a great bunch of characters and credit to Collins for creating such an interesting bunch!

Panem is also rather interesting. Once known as North America, natural disasters and wars have changed the landscape dramatically. The book is set in the future, although how far into the future, I don't know. But it's not how you'd expect. It's almost as if humanity has gone backwards. It has the feel of a medieval setting. The villages. The woods. Even the clothes they describe feel somewhat old, until you get to the Capitol. It's an interesting look into the future and shows that not everything moves forward as you might expect. 

Suzanne Collins, overnight, has become something of an idol to me. She has taken such a horrific idea, but given it such a twist. Her writing is smooth, her descriptions so vivid and encapsulating. I cannot praise her, or this book enough! I am dying to find out what happens next, and thank goodness I have Catching Fire sitting right next to me, so I shall be diving right back into the world of Katniss, Peeta, and the Hunger Games. I just know that the wait between Catching Fire and the third and final book out next month, Mockingjay, is going to be something of torture! Please do not miss out and regret the time lost that you could of been loving these books. Get them now!

My thanks to Steven Salisbury of Scholastic for my copy. I cannot thank you enough!

Retro Friday: The Princess Academy

Retro Friday is a weekly meme hosted at Angieville and focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out-of-print, etc.

Princess Academy
By: Shannon Hale

PRINCESS ACADEMY is one of the rare books that I have read multiple times. Every time I read it I get something new from the experience.

I think that one of the strongest parts of Shannon Hale's writing is her character development. I fall in love with every single one of her characters every time.

Miri shines in this novel. I think that if there were a literary character that I think best represents me, Miri would be it.  I too, am a mountain girl.  I live in Utah, high above sea level. I grew up in a very small rural town where the people worked very hard on farms, dairies, or orchards.  Miri is smart, and eager to prove herself. Yep, me to a tee.

I am a total sucker for the best friend love. I think all of us know that real love begins with a deep friendship, not from a smoldering look shot across a biology class.  At least the kind of love that lasts.  Peder is a perfect fit for Miri.  He also has dreams and desires beyond the quarry and mountainside.  He accepts Miri for who she is and loves her ambitions.  When others were hesitant of Miri's "crazy ideas," he believes in her.

Along those lines, Britta is everything a best friend should be.  Britta is a culmination of the traits possessed by many friends that I had over the years: self-sacrificing, kind, positive, supportive, and unconditional.  Miri in turn is just the confidence boost that Britta needs. In fact, it seems that Miri has an uncanny ability to notice the good things in everyone around her, including those that cause her pain.

This is a book for a younger demographic. However, I find myself falling in love with it every time I reread it.

Oh, and I know I've said this many times.  Shannon Hale is so wonderful. Makes me love her stories even more.

Sleight of Hand

Over the course of seven books, JKR plotted a complex mystery embedded in the frame of a fantasy adventure. Ms. Rowling expected a lot from her readers, and she got it. She expected an active participant to pick up on her clues and to follow their trail. What she got was a world full of HP readers who not only jumped in enthusiastically to sleuth out the clues, but also delighted in stringing them together to plaster the Internet with theories of what was yet to come.

There are three central questions to the Harry Potter mania which drove the search for clues:

1) What exactly happened in Godric’s Hollow?
2) Where did Snape’s loyalty lay? and
3) How would Harry defeat Voldemort?

JKR's mystery-plotting style rests heavily on that old reliable magician’s trick: sleight of hand.

Misdirection is perhaps the most important component of the art of sleight of hand. Using misdirection, the skillful magician choreographs every movement in a routine so even the most critical and observant spectators are compelled to look where the magician wants them to. (source)

While laying her most important clues, JKR diverts the readers’ attention away from the clue and to her carefully plotted distraction. There are various methods she employs for this diversion, including some aspects that are not necessarily sleight of hand.

A Dozen Golden Eggs for Tricking Your Reader:

1) give meaningful names
2) focus attention elsewhere
3) divert with action or a joke
4) distract with high emotions
5) camouflage by use of myths and folklore
6) hide in a list
7) discredit the witness
8) drop in dreams
9) mark with colors and themes
10) mirror parallels
11) reverse expectations
12) juxtapose the villain with the scene of the crime

Play fair with your reader. You must leave clues.

Plotting a mystery is a very fine balancing act. If the author leaves insufficient clues to give the reader a shot at solving the puzzle, the reader feels cheated. However if the author makes the clues too obvious, the reader also feels cheated out of the pleasant surprised “gotcha” at the end. The evidence is overwhelming that JKR has walked that tightrope gracefully and masterfully and has not cheated her readers, but left them with many hours of happy sleuthing, and definite pleasant surprises.

We'll break apart each of these steps in separate posts over the next few months. I will not do them back-to-back, but will label them all under "Mystery Plotting" and "Clues" so you can follow the thread.

Secret Celebrity 30-Something Virgin?

Definitely maybe. According to Gawker and CDaN, there is another 30-something virgin in this world tiptoeing through the sex jungle that is life, only she is doing it (or, you know, not doing it) in Hollywood. She-who-must-not-be-named is said to be very attractive and stars on a hit network television show.

Any guesses?

Stereotype Slayer #4: Virgins Are Scared Of Sex

My undercover virgin notes reveal a pretty surprising stereotype this week. Numerous men have told me they believe the reason a woman chooses to stay a virgin has nothing to do with love or innocence, but with fear.  When I inquired further, they simply say, "Virgins are scared to have sex."

I had to think about this one for a minute. Am I scared? I mean, I'm definitely raring to go, but I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't nervous. Still, many of my sexually active friends over the years have told me they always get nervous making love with someone they truly care about. Besides, if I am truly terrified of sex, I wouldn't look forward to it so much, and I certainly wouldn't have racked up a ton of fantasies...but that's for another day.

I am scared of one thing: Getting my heart broken. Then again, who isn't afraid of having their heart ripped to shreds? 

Simply put, virgins aren't scared of sex.  We're just a happy-kind-of-nervous when it comes to being with the one we love, and that makes us no different than any other soul searching for its other half.

Stereotype #4--SLAYED.

Celebrate Harry Potter's and JK Rowling's Birthday Contest!

Harry Potter and his masterful creator, JK Rowling, both celebrate their birthday this Saturday, July 31. To honor (or hallow :-) this event, I am announcing my first contest for the Harry Potter for Writers blog!

With prizes! Three of them!!!!
That's right. Not one, but three winners!

1. A copy of Wizarding World Press' Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter. This book caused a sensation in Harry Potter fandom when it was released, and still is highly sought after today. Not only will HP fans thrill to discover all the clues JKR slyly wove into her text, but writers can learn a lot from this book by dissecting JKR's craft.
   
   
2. An electronic copy of one of my chapters from A Writer's Guide to Harry Potter, "Revealing Wormtail: or How to Bait a Rattrap." This lesson is 56 pages of detailed analysis, with examples, of JKR's adept mystery plotting. It enables the writer to learn new methods to plot their own trail-of-clues mystery, weaving subtle clues and red herrings into the subtext.
   
   
3. A one-chapter (25 page) critique of your own manuscript. Not only have I published editorials, short stories, and a novel over the last several years, I have also worked in the publishing industry as an editor and marketing consultant for smaller presses. Send me your first chapter from your WIP, and I will provide detailed feedback on what I think is working, and where I feel you need improvement.
   

So, the nitty gritty...how do you enter? Follow TWO of these simple steps:

1. Follow me on Twitter: @HP4Writers
   
   
2. RT my contest announcement on Twitter. For your convenience, I've placed it here as well.
   RT @HP4Writers #HappyBirthdayHarry CONTEST!: Win 1 of 3 prizes for fans of Harry Potter & writers. Rules here: http://tinyurl.com/3964dye #HP4Writers
   
   OR, if you do not have a Twitter account:
   
   
3. Post a comment here on my blog, on the comment thread below or any of the other articles, and
   
   
4. Follow my blog!
   

Note:

• I will choose three winners from those who complete either the first two or last two tasks above. Double your chances by doing all four!
  
• The first winner gets first choice of the prizes, the second chooses from the two prizes remaining, and the third the prize that is left.
  
• Anyone local and overseas my enter, but I will only ship the Ultimate Unofficial Guide book to a US address.
  
• Please post any questions you have about the contest on the comment thread below.
  
• The winners will be chosen at 9:00 am EST on Sunday, August 1, 2010 and will be notified through their e-mail or Twitter account.
  

That's it! Have at it. Spread the word. Enter now!

And Happy Birthday Jo Rowling and Harry Potter!

PS: Happy Birthday to my dad, who also celebrates his B-Day this Sat!

Ask HTMiLy (4)

How do you get the "You might also like" pics under each post?

This is so super easy. All you have to do is go to the LinkWithin Website and it will show you how to set it up. This is a great widget, I get a lot of click to other posts from it.


How to have numberings on comments? What should I change in the HTML?

That isn't too complicated to do. I found a tutorial at Bloggerstop.net that should explain how to do it pretty simply.

Okay it is not about design, not about HTML but about posting a "short" link when you want
to have someone come check out a post. Rather than posting  example (here is my post: http://draft.blogger.com/home) how do you just shorten this URL in the comment to a few underlined words like Here is mine and it will click over to the blog site post?

jackie b central texas

I am assuming that you want to know the code for how to make links in comments. So that when you post this:

Here is my post

It looks like this:

Here is my post

All you have to do is type in this code:

<a href="http://yourlinkhere.com">Here is my post</a>

Obviously, you will change the text in red to the link and text that you want to show up.

Got a question for me? Fill out the form!

Why Wednesday #4: Why Tell A Guy You're A Virgin?

There are two schools of thought regarding when, how, and if I should tell a guy/date about my virginity:

1.  Wait. Let the guy get to know you--appreciate you--before telling him. 

2.  Tell him right away.  Give the guy the opportunity to run. 

I've tried both options. I'll let you decide which turned out the best.

Option One, Wait: This is the #1 most recommended method for handling your virginity (Yeah, I know, that just sounded like some infomercial for wrinkle cream or acne wash).  The general school of thought is that the guy will get to know you, appreciate you, and be more accepting, perhaps even try to stick it out. There is one slight hiccup, however: The Third Date.  The third date is commonly known as "the sex date."  I had been dating Bicker Dicker for about a month at this point, but, because of our hectic schedules, we had only been out on two dates (the rest of the time we were on the phone).

Third Date, Valentine's Day: After an elegant dinner, we hopped in his car and headed down the highway.  It hadn't crossed my mind that this was date number three until he interrupted one of my favorite songs to play a "special" track he picked out especially for me. Okay, cute, right?  The fact that his hands were shaking while he found the song should have clued me in. Damn. It was a sex song.  Granted, it wasn't Bump 'N Grind, but it was distinctly sex-driven.  I sat there, fairly calm, and waited for him to ask me back to his place.  It never happened.

Turns out, he played the song hoping I would ask to go back to his place.  Seriously.  Beg for sex?  Um, no.  When I didn't, he put on the pout of the century, dropped me off in the middle of my icy driveway, and roared off down the road. So, there I was in brand new heels, trying to get to my door without busting my butt on the ice. Though he called three days later, acting like the attentive boyfriend (it was kinda creepy, really), I couldn't get over the fact that he left me in the icy driveway, at night, in heels.

Option Two, Tell Him: Yeah, I did exactly this before my first date with a certain man.  I expected him to run.  He didn't.  He stalked.  For over a year. Yeah.

Neither option worked out so well for me.  I suppose the best thing to do is listen to your gut--if your gut says, tell him, then tell him; if you aren't comfortable telling him, wait. If he's the right one, everything will just fall into place...hopefully.

Waiting On Wednesday (6): Mockingjay

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

Published: 24th August 2010.

Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge... The thrilling final instalment of this ground-breaking trilogy promises to be one of the most talked-about books of the year.

Now, I am a realtive newcomer to the world of The Hunger Games, only getting the first two books today and beginning to read the first. But already I am captured by this book. Completely addicted and dying to find out how it all ends in Mockingjay. I cannot imagine how you people who have had to wait since last year's Catching Fire are still sane!


And how amazing is that cover? I wasn't sure about it at first but now I love it. Very striking. Love the US cover as well! Roll on 24th August!

CSN Preferred Blogger Program

Remember when I did a giveaway of a bookcase awhile back on the blog?

Well, I was lucky enough to be selected as a CSN stores preferred blogger, which means this time I get to review a product.

CSN Stores has a crazy awesome selection of small appliances. One I know that many of my readers would be interested in is a coffee maker. Of course, if coffee isn't your thing (like me, I'm a crazy non-coffee drinker), there are thousands of other items to choose from.

I already know what I'm going to get though. You'll have to wait for the review to find out!

Part Two: The Unfortunate Fortune Cookie May Be Fortunate?

After reading your comments, I channeled my optimistic side and thought a little more about this whole ripped-love-fortune thing. Here's the original post, just in case you might be curious:  http://thefriskyvirgin.blogspot.com/2010/07/unfortunate-fortune-cookie.html

WARNING: I'm going to get all deep, philosophical, and borderline icky-sweet here.  If you have a weak stomach, take a Dramamine or grab a barf bag before reading on.

Perhaps, rather than some bad omen, it was a metaphor for two people, two hearts, two souls, searching for their match in life.  In order to read the fortune in its entirety, I had to piece the halves together, much like two souls need to come together to feel whole in life.  Maybe the once cruel fortune was really trying to tell me that my best friend, my soul mate, is out there--perhaps at a distance--wishing to feel complete.  All that needs to happen now is for fate to piece our souls together, like I did the fortune.

This is what I'm going with anyway...

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld: Review

Pretties
By: Scott Westerfeld
Copy received from Paperbackswap.com
July selection for Tell Me What to Read


Synopsis (From Goodreads): Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun -- the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom -- is a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life -- because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive.

My Review (contains spoilers from the first in the series Uglies):  It's been awhile since I read UGLIES. I was afraid that I had forgotten most of the important parts of the series. Luckily, the book seemed to flow seamlessly, and most of the things that I had forgotten came back. Oh, and my review of UGLIES was absolutely no help. Man I sucked at writing reviews.



The more I read of this series, the less I like Tally. I can't really put my finger on it, but I think it might have something to do with the fact that she lets things happen to her rather than taking control of the situation.  I really liked the new love interest, Zane. I would have almost preferred the story to be told from his point of view.


I was a little turned off by the introduction of new words. There seems to be a consistency in dystopian novels that as culture changes and evolves, so does the language. I have to admit that I have yet to see a story that I feel does this well.  The words used in PRETTIES are unfamiliar and sometimes comical. They were more of a distraction to the story, I felt. But, I know some readers will appreciate the new words and the changing of cultures that they symbolize.

The climax of this story was wonderfully done. In fact, I loved this book from about halfway through on to the end. Without giving away too much of the story, there is a very interesting subplot that involves taking anthropology a little too far.  I vastly preferred this subplot to the one involving Shay. Shay became less interesting to me in this novel because she seemed so bent on revenge and jealousy. I didn't know quite how to relate to her.


I felt like this novel was just setting up for the third novel, and almost could have been skipped. I did like the addition of Zane. Learning about his past was interesting, and I really would have liked to learn more. That being said, I am interested to read the third novel, but really just felt like this one had little to offer on its own.


My Rating:

 

Profanity: None

Sexualty: Mild; only kissing and general tension

Drugs and Alcohol: Mild

Violence: Mild

True Blood Tuesday

Okay, this was a gruesome week on True Blood--totally living up to its name: blood, blood, and more blood.

Franklin & Tara: Tara does her best to play Franklin, who gets peeved when she doesn't notice his clean-shaven face.  Seducing Franklin, Tara succeeds in getting him to untie her...of course she then had to follow through with her seduction, which included biting his neck and pulling the flesh from his bones.  Ick.  The next morning, Tara takes an antique club-thing and beats the crap outta Franklin (think brain crushing).  More ick.  Tara escapes to find Sookie, which she does.  I'm not thinking freaky Franklin is dead, though.

Eric: Much to Sookie's disgust, Eric effectively voices his disinterest in her.  He even went so far as to forcefully tell her she means nothing to him.  Sookie followed with, "I fu*&!@ hate you, Eric Northman!" Not sure Eric liked hearing that, but he is far too focused on avenging his family to worry.  Russell is clearly his target.  HIGHLIGHT: Who didn't swoon when Eric scooped the Queen into his arms after leaving her no option but to marry Russell? Yeah, I just found the whole scooping-thing sexy.

Lafayette & Jesus: Jesus and Lafayette put a beating on some thugs who were busy taking baseball bats to Lafayette's new car.  All wasn't good for the new pair, however: Jesus decided Lafayette's job as a V dealer is a deal breaker and ended things...for now. 

Jason & Crystal: Crystal has secrets she is unwilling to share with Jason. She clearly fears for the two of them, should someone find out about their attraction.  One secret? She's engaged to one of the thugs who trashed Lafayette's car.  Jason, meanwhile, looked good in his jeans.  Sorry, it's all I could focus on.

Sam:  Have I mentioned I can't stand his father? You can now add the mother to my "strongly dislike" list.  The second she slapped Tommy--revealing that if it hadn't been for his father, she would have terminated her pregnancy--then demanded that it's his duty to provide for them, I couldn't stand her.  And how does he provide for them? By illegal dog fighting. Tommy shifts into a pit bull and fights.  Sam figured everything out by the end of the show, so hopefully he can stop them before Tommy gets hurt.

Bill, Sookie, and Lorena: Russell ordered Lorena to kill Bill for withholding information about Sookie. Lorena, following Russell's orders, slices Bill's chest open, slices her finger, sticks her finger inside his chest wound, and blends their blood.  Ick. She continues to pour her heart out to Bill, blah, blah, blah.  Bill says he would have enjoyed seeing her before she turned.  He also brilliantly told her that he welcomes death because it would mean getting away from her. She then allowed two gross werewolves (Alcide's ex and her scummy fiancee, husband, whatever) to feed on Bill.  Yeah, I hate Lorena.  And we're supposed to sympathize with this character by the end of the season? Hmm.

So, Bill's dying. Tara rushes off to find a getaway car, while Sookie is desperate to find Bill.  Tara is confronted by Alcide (bare bum alert!), who assure her he is a good guy and is looking for Sookie. Meanwhile, Sookie reaches Bill and professes her love and determination to save him, before--who else?--Lorena slams her against the wall and starts sucking Sookie's neck, blaming her for everything. 

Despite the gore, there were some highlights: Eric carrying the Queen away with ease, Jason in jeans, Alcide's bare bum.  Yeah.

Next week looks intense: Sookie in the hospital (possibly bitten by Bill as well); Eric going after Russell; Tara telling someone (Franklin?) to just get it over with; very dramatic stuff for next week.

Makeup Magic Monday--Urban Decay Primer Potion

This is quite literally a "can't live without" product for all women.  How would you like to put on eye shadow and have it last, not melt off, and not crease? Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a miracle in a bottle.

It is the ultimate eye shadow base with ABSOLUTELY NO CREASING! Your eye makeup will look perfect ALL DAY and will STAY PERFECT until you wash it off at night. I'm in love with this primer.

NOTE: I put it on first and let it dry for a good minute or two, before dusting on my bare minerals.

NOTE: You do not need as much eye shadow when using this primer; it quite literally makes your colors look rich and vibrant. Use a light hand until you are comfortable.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is available at Sephora for $18. This is a must have for anyone who wears any eye shadow!!

Numbers [Review]

Written by: Rachel Ward.
Published by: Chicken House.
Format: Paperback.
Released: 5th January 2009.
Rating: 4.5/5.

Official synopsis: "Since her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Jem has kept a secret. When her eyes meet someone else's, a number pops into her head the date on which they will die. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, Jem avoids relationships, but when she meets a boy called Spider, and they plan a day out together, her life takes a new twist and turn. Waiting for the London Eye, she sees everyone in the queue has the same number - something terrible is going to happen."

Numbers is a thriller unlike many I have ever read. It's gritty. Powerful. Highly addictive and real. What if you could see the date that someone was going to die? What would you do? What would you say?

Fifteen year old Jem has always detached herself from others. She has a gift: she can foretell the date that people will die when she looks into their eyes. Her mother died of a drug overdose and ever since she has been jostled around, from home to home. She prefers to wander the streets by day, skipping school. She's alone, feels alone, and prefers to be that way. A troubled young girl, who struggles to handle her gift, often seen as a curse. But then she meet's Spider.

Spider is one of the most lovable characters I've had the fortune to read for a while. He's just one of those people you can't help but be drawn to. He's enthusiastic about life. And doesn't give Jem a choice as to how close they get.

The concept of being able to 'fortell death' isn't new. It's been done before. But Rachel Ward has succeeded in breathing new life into an old idea. It's fresh. Very different. And very real.

The book doesn't just deal with the paranormal idea of Jem's gift. They have to suffer at the hands of a cruel teacher who mocks them on a daily basis, telling them how they will never amount to anything. Predicting lives of poverty, unemployment, drugs and crime. The shame is that for a lot of people my age, this is a real prospect of life. For me, this only made the book more appealing because it deals with all sorts of issues that effect all teenagers today.

The cliffhangers at the end of chapters leave you gasping to read on and the book hurtles towards it's dramatic conclusion. 

Written with consummate skill, this gripping novel will have you aching for more. Thankfully, the second book in the series, Numbers 2: The Chaos came out last month! This is definitely a book you do not want to miss out on!

Thank you to Claire at Chicken House for my copy! :D

Text Analysis - The Sneak

So, here's a fun game I like to occasionally play. I pick up a Harry Potter book from the many on my shelf, flip it open to a random page, and break apart what's happening in a particular section ... what's working, and, sometimes, what's not.

For today's game, I opened Order of the Phoenix (Bloomsbury edition) to Chapter 16, "In The Hog's Head," page 309, where the group that will soon become known as Dumbledore's Army is meeting for the first time.  They are all rather nervous, what with Umbridge's crackdown at school, meeting in a dodgy place, and a nearby heavily veiled witch whom Harry fears may be Umbridge.  The atmosphere is set for a risky venture and Hermione is about to provide a critical clue.

She rummaged in her bag and produced parchment and a quill, then hesitated, rather as though she was steeling herself to say something.

'I - I think everybody should write their name down, just so we know who was here. But I also think,' she took a deep breath, "that we all ought to agree not to shout about what we're doing. So if you sign, you're agreeing not to tell Umbridge or anybody else what we're up to.'

Bolds and italics are my addition.

In this short passage, JKR laid a critical clue that there would be a traitor within Dumbledore's Army and how Hermione would reveal her.  Of course, in hindsight, we all know that this is the parchment Hermione had placed a binding oath upon, which later pox-marked Cho's traitorous friend. None of that is obvious here.  However, with subtle wording, JKR played fair with her reader that something was afoot, giving three words/phrases showing Hermione's reluctance for asking people to simply sign a roster. Hermione even warned the students, and thus the reader, that they were signing an agreement--she just never said it was bewitched.

Another hint of what is to come lies a few paragraphs further into the text.  JKR diverts her reader with Ernie Macmillan's reluctance to sign.:

But Ernie was looking rather hesitant about signing too. Hermione raised her eyebrows at him.

"I--well, we are prefects," Ernie burst out. "And if this list was found...well, I mean to say... you said yourself, if Umbridge finds out..." ...

..."Ernie, do you really think I'd leave that list lying around?" said Hermione testily.

"No. No, of course not," said Ernie, looking slightly less anxious. "I--yes, of course I'll sign."

Nobody raised objections after Ernie, though Harry saw Cho's friend give her a rather reproachful look before adding her own name.

If the witted reader was alerted to a sneak about, Ernie's pompous objections spotted him as the likely culprit. Still, there was Cho's no-named friend being rather forced to sign. Not being named, Cho's friend slips under the radar. And Ernie's objections leaves the reader feeling that all the subtextual innuendo is building to that list being found ... not to a betrayer "shouting," or in US terms, "blabbing."

Sneaky...sneaky. That's JKR. She lets you know something is afoot, but diverts you into another direction. No in-your-face clues, but a well-laid trail just the same.

What clue and diversion have you written into your text recently?

To follow more clue or text analyses, click on the labels below.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading (hosted by Sheila at Book Journey), is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This weekend I had a wonderful vacation at Bear Lake, ID. Thanks to everyone who participated in my impromptu #whereisem Twitter giveaway. I was sad to return home on Monday to my hot desert home.  Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the day:

Those are my sisters holding Abigail. She is their only niece, so of course they love to hold and spoil her.

I've got two contests going right now. (I know, I swore I wouldn't do any contests for awhile after my blogiversary thingy. But, I just love to give people things)

Design a t-shirt for Nightshade. This one involves a little more creativity, but I'm really excited about the entries I'm already receiving.

Win a paperback copy of Girl in the Arena. This was one of my favorite books from last year. Go read Lise Haines' guest post and leave a comment.

Now on to what I'm reading:

What are you reading this week?

In My Postbox #12

In My Mailbox idea from Kristi @ The Story Siren, and all links take you to Amazon UK.

First off, let me apologise for this epicly late IMP. I went to see Toy Story 3 yesterday (AMAZING! :D) and completely lost track of time. I meant to do this on Saturday and schedule it but I forgot! Well, I suppose it's better late than never! 

I got some very cool books this week. One I've read and adored. And some I am very excited about. So without further ado, let In My Postbox commence!

When I Was Joe by Keren David.

"When Ty witnesses a stabbing, his own life is in danger from the criminals he’s named, and he and his mum have to go into police protection. Ty has a new name, a new look and a cool new image – life as Joe is good, especially when he gets talent spotted as a potential athletics star, special training from an attractive local celebrity and a lot of female attention. But his mum can’t cope with her new life, and the gangsters will stop at nothing to flush them from hiding. Joe’s cracking under extreme pressure, and then he meets a girl with dark secrets of her own. This wonderfully gripping and intelligent novel depicts Ty/Joe's confused sense of identity in a moving and funny story that teenage boys and girls will identify with - a remarkable debut from a great new writing talent."

I ADORED this book and am so excited for the next book about Ty/Joe, Almost True, out in September! Thank you to Fabio at Frances Lincoln for my copy!

Candor by Pam Bachorz.

UK Proof/Advanced Reader's Copy.

"My name is Oscar and I am the perfect teenager. My girlfriend is the hottest girl in school. I get straight As. I am class president. But there is a terrible reason I am so perfect: the Messages. Oscar Banks lives in the pristine town of Candor. Son of the mayor, he is good-looking, smart and popular. And he knows something he's not supposed to - he knows about the brainwashing Messages embedded in the music that plays all over the town. But Oscar has found a way to burn counter-Messages that keep him real. Up to now, it's all worked perfectly. There's just one problem: Nia Silva, the newest Candor arrival. What will Oscar risk to keep the Nia he loves rather than watch her become a Candor automaton? Deeply chilling, "Candor" is a psychological thriller that will haunt readers with its vision of a world controlled by something worse than Big Brother."

This sounds so good. Looking forward to reading this! Than you to Jenny at Egmont for my copy! :D

Glee: The Beginning by Sophia Lowell.

"CALLING ALL GLEEKS! Get more of your favourite characters in this official Glee prequel! All great performances deserve a warm-up! Enroll early at McKinley High to find out what went on before New Directions was even a glimmer in Mr Schuester’s eye. When did Rachel first decide Finn was more than just a jock? When did Puck and Quinn start their secret romance? And how did the fledgling Glee Club function without a fearless leader? Hint: It wasn’t exactly a perfect melody. Break out the gold stars and refill the slushies: it’s time to find out what happened to all your favourite characters before the show-mance began. These novels contain additional storylines to those featured in the hit TV show."

Gleeks! Looking forward to having a read of this. Although my sister has forbidden me from reading it yet. She's coming home off holiday today (Monday) and is demanding that she be allowed to read it first or I shall be in trouble! I don't fancy facing her wrath, so this will be reviewed in due course! :) Thank you to Sam at Headline for my copy!

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow.

"Dru Anderson: Night Hunter. Knife Wielder. Heart Breaker. Dru can sense evil, which helps when she and her Dad are tracking down ghosts, suckers, wulfen, and the occasional reanimated corpse. It's a dangerous life, but it's the only one she knows. Then Dru's dad turns up dead and she suddenly finds herself in the middle of a deadly game where every move she makes could be her last. Dru is more special than she realizes - and whatever killed her dad could be coming for her next. Can Dru stay alive long enough to fall for one - or both - of the guys hungry for her affections? Find out in the heart-stopping first book in a thrilling series."

Betrayals: A Strange Angels Novel by Lili. St Crow.

"The second novel in the Strange Angels series picks up with Dru neatly tucked away in a Schola that's more like a prison than a secret training facility. Except for one tiny detail ...she's the only girl in the place and is totally surrounded by tons of cute boys. But a traitor in the Order wants Dru dead and she can't trust anyone except for Graves. Too bad he's being kept busy with a new crew of wulfen teens and doesn't have time for her. As she learns the truth about who she can and can't trust, Dru's only hope may be to save herself - although the one gift that makes her special is draining away, and she doesn't know how to get it back. Will Dru survive long enough to find out who is really after her? Or is she destined for the same fate as her murdered parents? Lili's characters come alive on the page in a way that's visually stunning and she creates the same terrific pace, danger and teen romance as in Strange Angels."

Jealousy: A Strange Angels Novel by Lili St. Crow.

"Dru has made it to Schola, the leading school where the vampire-fighting Order is based. There she is up against the capricious Anna, the only other female who shares her powers. Dru must unlock the mystery of who betrayed her mother, battle her intensifying feelings for both Graves and Christophe, and try to stay hidden from Sergej's deadly nosferat - bloodthirsty hunters who'll stop at nothing to destroy her."

Looking forward to reading these three books. They sound really good and I've read some of the reviews and they seem quite favourable! Thank you to Parul at Quercus for these!

Well there you go. That's what came through my postbox this week. What about you, what did you get? Hope everyone has a great week!

The Unfortunate Fortune Cookie

I discovered I loved Chinese food when I was 20.  For years, this little southern girl stayed with what she knew--her mama's southern cooking, her daddy's BBQ, and, of course, Tex Mex.  In order to lure me into a Chinese restaurant, my family and friends dangled the fortune cookie carrot in front of my face, knowing I fall for anything related to fate or serendipity. 

Not only did I love the food (pork-fried rice, anyone?), but I loved cracking open those little fortune cookies at the end of a meal.  I actually still have some of my favorite fortunes from years past. Yesterday's fortune cookie is not a keeper.

After my meal, I ripped into the wrapping, cracked open the cookie, and anxiously looked for my fortune.  Um, yeah, where's my dang fortune? Looking in each cookie half, I spotted a piece of paper in each. Oh! I got two fortunes?! No, idiot, you didn't get two fortunes; you got one...that is ripped in two. Pulling out each half, I pieced them together to read my quasi-fortune.

"Your true love awaits your arrival." 

Seriously? Um, okay. Would have been cool if it hadn't been torn smack dab down the middle. I've had empty fortune cookies--they suck. Never have I had one split in two. Yeah, and I've never had a fortune related to love. This can't be good. 

NASCAR Rundown: Jamie McMurray Wins the Brickyard 400

We were back to racing this weekend with the Brickyard 400 after a one week break in the schedule (I go through withdrawals when I don't have my racing).  Jamie McMurray brought home the win for Chip Ganassi, giving Chip the three big wins in racing this year: Daytona 500 (Jamie McMurray), Indy 500 (Dario Franchitti), and now the Brickyard 400. Congratulations to Jamie, his team, and Chip! Jamie and his wife are absolutely adorable kissing those bricks!

The big "son of a b" moment: Juan Pablo Montoya blows a tire and collects Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the process, ruining a top 15 or better for Dale. Wrong place, wrong time.  Yes, Dale is my driver, always has been...and don't bother talking smack--I've heard it all and my skin is thick. Believe what you want, but Dale will win a championship--I am certain of it.  How am I certain? Because my gut tells me it will happen...if you knew my gut, you'd understand why I listen to it.

Anyway, it's good to have racing back...football soon to follow. Lord help me, I love my sports.

In My Mailbox July 25

In My Mailbox
Hosted by: The Story Siren


It's been awhile since I've done one of these, what with vacations and all.  But, I am excited to show you what I've received over the last three weeks.

For Review:

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld (October 5, 2010)  Scott Westerfeld is coming to the Provo City Library in October.

The Exiled Queen (A Seven Realms Novel) by Cinda Williams Chima (September 28, 2010) Cinda emailed me after reading my review of The Demon King and asked if I wanted a review copy. I've started reading this one and I think I like it even better than its predecessor

Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart (August 24, 2010) I've heard really awesome things about this book. I can't wait to dig into it!


Won in a contest:

Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White (March 2010) I won this SIGNED copy from Shelli at Market My Words. This has a beautiful cover, and I'm so excited to have a copy. It also came with some bookmarks that aren't shown.

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (October 2010) This copy came from Goodread's Giveaway program.  I already have a copy (oops) and so I'm having a t-shirt design contest for my extra copy.

Bought:

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (October 2009) Had some drama with Amazon to get this to me.  My first one came back damaged due to poor packaging. But, they overnighted me a new one. My husband read this in one day and can't wait to get his hands on my copy of Behemoth. I can't wait to get this one signed in October!

Not Pictured The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (July 2009) Had to have a copy of this one. 'Nuff said. I didn't get a picture of it because I lent it to a friend already.


Received from Publisher:

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel (August 3, 2010) This is a finished copy. It has a wonderful sparkly quality to it. However, the vampires contained in THIS novel are in no way sparkly.

From Paperbackswap.com:

Briar Rose by Jane Yolen I got this one from the library awhile back but never read it. I'm on the search for a wonderful Sleeping Beauty retelling. If you know of one, please suggest it!