This time around, I will be participating in the Young Adult giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Down the Rabbit Hole  (two awesome blogs that you should definitely make a point to check out). Thank You ladies for hosting another wonderful, book filled hop!

This time around there will be two prize packs up for grabs.

Prize Pack #1:

A (used)  copy of Michelle Rowen’s Demon Princess Reign of Shine, a bookmark for The Eternal Sea signed by author Angie Frazier, and an Angle Burn Bookmark.

Prize Pack # 2:

A (used) copy of M.T. Anderson’s Thirsty, a book-plate signed by Clarity author Kim Harrington, and an Enchanted Ivy bookmark.

The Fine Print:

This hop will be open from January 27th at 12:00 a.m. and will run through January 31st at 11:59 p.m.. This contest is open to U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY! You must be 13 or older in order to enter this giveaway.

To enter this giveaway simply leave a comment on THIS POST ONLY. Please make sure to leave a valid e-mail address with comment. Winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org, and will be notified via e-mail on February 1st. Winners will have until February 3rd to reply back with contact/shipping information. If information is not received by the 3rd of February, a new winner (or winners) will be randomly selected.

Please make sure to visit all the other blogs participating in the Young Adult Giveaway Hop! Check them out here!

Happy Hopping!

Karina, a.k.a. Keek, has led a swell life. She has had two loving and semi-cool parents. A best friend, Nic, whom she makes upcycled jewelry with while spilling her guts about everything and anything.  A constant companion in fictional character Esther Greenwood of The Bell Jar. And as of recently a wrestler boyfriend who isn’t like most jocks.

But life is anything but predictable. When she finds out  about her father’s adulterous affair her world suddenly crashes down upon her. Her parents are divorcing. She’s pushed best friend and partner in crafting, Nic, aside. She got in a huge fight with her boyfriend over, what else, her virginity. And now, as luck would have it, she has the freaking chicken pox.

Can it get any worse?

Yes, she’s stuck at her grandmother’s technology free home, under a one hundred pound -or what seems to be one hundred pounds - knit blanket. Keek spends her days reading The Bell Jar and typing away on an old typewriter her gram has stored away. Through her daily writing sessions, Keek slowly starts to heal from the inside out. But what happens when she finds out that her biggest problem of all, her parents divorce, wasn’t caused by her father’s affair? Can Keek, a mere fifteen year old, possibly survive this?

And Then Things Fall Apart written by debut author Arlaina Tibensky is a realistic read that will tug on reader’s heartstrings. An emotional roller coaster, readers will experience grieve alongside character Keek with an understanding mind and a sympathetic heart.

Tibensky’s writing is quick paced, relatable, and above all charming. Each sentence is strong, working towards the greater good of the overall story. And Then Things Fall Apart is exceptionally well realized. In fact, readers can instantly put themselves in Keek’s shoes, and know exactly what she’s doing, why she’s doing it, and even how it makes her feel.

Readers will gain a sense that she’s a one of a kind character. Full of wit and meaningful insights to, not just her own world, but the greater world around her. Avid readers will appreciate Keek’s love of books. And Plath fans will appreciate her love of Esther Greenwood.

And Then Things Fall Apart relies heavily on Sylvia Plath’s famed The Bell Jar. Normally I do not like, nor do I gravitate towards, books that pay homage to another (more famous) book.  I ultimately feel that relying on another story is just a cop-out, that the author cannot tell his/her own story without the help of another. But reality is, I didn’t feel this way about Tibensky’s impressive first novel. I felt that Keek’s reflections of Plath’s The Bell Jar really helped to, not only better the story, but also better the reader’s understanding of Keek’s frame of mind.

Published: 2008 by Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books

Reasons why I liked this book, and chose it as Book of the Week:

I totally pick out books based upon the covers. And not that this cover isn’t beautiful or eye-catching, but what really made me made me pick up this book was the title. I felt that the title was so full of wonder and imagination that I just had to pick it up.

For some reason the man depicted in this book made me think of my own grandfathers and all the memories I have with them. For that reason alone, I adore this book.

I love how this story is about a storyteller. I think this shows the importance of storytelling, and the storytellers place in our world.

I think this book just how willing children are to believe. It shows a child’s innocence.

I love how when the story is being told from the young girl’s perspective it’s full of color, but when the elderly man starts to tell stories of his own, the colors shift to black and white. I love the dramatic effect it has on the overall story.

I particularly love the story of how a star fell from the heavens, down into a field, where the old man as a young boy proceeded to find it, preserved it, and kept it for all time.

The description is this book are lush, and paint beautiful pictures in the reader’s mind. For example, the fallen star is described as: “warm and smooth, as an egg straight from the hen.”

As a whole, the book is an explosion of color. And I love that.

Stephen Gammell’s illustrations are reminiscent of some of his other works – specifically the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books. Don’t misunderstand, the illustrations aren’t scary – far from it. In fact they’re downright fantastical.

In a lot of ways this book is a fantasy.

I also love how the young girl befriends the elderly man with the soft clothes who sits on his green porch. I think this shows kids that friends come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. And that a friend could be found almost anywhere.

The writing is both strong and inviting.

I love how this book allows reader’s imagination to soar.

Published: 2011 by Viking Juvenile

Reasons why I liked this book, and chose it as Book of the Week:

Let me point out the main character is a cute, tiny owl. I LOVE owls. Am slightly obsessed with them.

I love that the end papers  ath the beginning of the book portray a raccoon (at night), the wildlife bandit himself, stealing from an orange slumbering squirrel. The end papers at the end of the book portray that same orange squirrel stealing back his acorns from the now slumbering racoon.

Apparently, I love books where animals are the main characters.

Little owl is beyond adorable. His eyes are bigger than the rest of his body.

I love how little owl is care-free.

This book shows the importance of appreciating the world around us, just like Little Owl does.

I love Srinivasan’s description of all the animals and their nightly activities: the possum’s waddle, the fireflies dance while the beaver’s gnaw.

Little Owl is curious.  I think this aspect of him shows the importance of being curious, and the importance of asking questions. Both questioning and being curious help us learn.

I love how this book gives readers a glimpse into the lives of wild animals. I feel like author Srinivasan has hit the nail on the head.

Even though this is a fictional picture book, I love how realistic this book is. Realistic besides the talking animals that is.

I love how this book shows the importance of being active.

The book is set at night, and as the story progresses daylight is swiftly dawning.

I love how simple this book is. I think it shows that things don’t have to be overdone to be enjoyable.

I’m a big fan of, not only owls, but also bats. In this book the bats are portrayed in a very vampire-esque way. Little fangs and when their wings are spread it looks like they are wearing capes.

I love Mama Owl’s description of how night ends: “The moon and stars fade to ghosts, Spiderwebs turn to silver threads. Dewdrops sparkle on leave and grass like tiny stars come down. Moonflowers close and mornin glories open. The sky brightens from black to blue, blue to red, red to gold [...] .”

Morning glories are beautiful, and I love that they have a plae in this book.

The writing is simply beautiful, lyrical even. That’s what really struck me about this book, especially the description above.

The illustrations are bold.

Bridget Duke, daughter of the most popular sports caster on television, has staked out her place within her prestigious high school – mean girl. She’s the kind of girl who makes up lies about her teacher and stepmother having an adulterous affair. The girl who tells her size two  best friend that she’s fat. And she’s the kind of girl who would not only cheat on a test, but will falsely claims that she – the cheater – is the innocent party and shouldn’t have to pay for some loser’s mistake.

But that was before the world shifted, turning  Bridget’s whole life upside down. Suddenly people are growing backbones. Her two best friends are completely ignoring her. People she barely knows are talking about her … out in the open. And worst of all, there are all these things written on the bathroom walls about what a total bitch Bridget Duke is.

She just can’t take it anymore. One day, when she’s gone, they’ll be sorry, all of them. Or so she thinks. Selfishly and hastily she crashes her car. But she’s not dead … completely. Crashing her car has landed her is a board room version of limbo where six of her peers proceed to judge her. This time they’re calling the shots, deciding whether or not Bridget lives or dies.

Paige Harbison’s Here Lies Bridget is a quick paced book that will take readers on a roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs.One moment readers will find themselves simply loathing Bridget, only to be cheering for her moments later.

Harbison’s characters all have personalities of their own, and even though Bridget is domineering their personalities shines through. They are well-rounded, each balancing out the other. And above all things, they are real. We all know or have known someone like Bridget, like Liam, even like teacher Mr. Ezhno.

Here Lies Bridget is Harbison’s first novel. The writing is simple yet strong. Readers will often times feel as if they already know Bridget’s story. Here Lies Bridget is very Dickensian. Reminiscent of The Christmas Carol, Here Lies Bridget not only allows the characters to re-examine their actions, but will also allow readers to examine themselves from the inside out.

Published: 2011 by Philomel

Reasons why I liked this book, and chose it as Book of the Week:

Judging by the cover alone, there’s an earthy feel to this book.

The end papers are simply adorable: white and green illustrations of whales, gorillas, pigeons, and of course kites.

I like that the main character, Floyd, loves flying his red kite. It seems that such small activities have been forever lost to video games, televisions, and other high-tech gadgets.

I love how the little thinks in life make the Floyd happy.

The apparent  sense of humor present in this book will be appreciated by all. Young kids, older kids, and even adults will find humor within the pages.

I love how this book shows a child’s logic. When Floyd’s kite gets stuck in a nearby tree, he figures the only way to get his favorite kite down is to throw random objects at the kite and the tree to loosen it.

Floyd is an emotional character that readers will quickly relate to. He goes from hopeful (that whatever he throws up the tree with known the kite out) to annoyed to having a serious case of the blues (he’s literally illustrated blue for further effect).

I think Floyd being an emotional character shows kids the importance of expressing themselves, and the importance of expressing their emotions. We all know keeping emotions bottled up isn’t a good thing.

I love how determined Floyd is to get his kite back … and everything else he’s gotten stuck up in that tree.

So what else is stuck up in that tree besides the kite? A pair of sneakers, a cat, a bucket of paint, a duck, a chair, the kitchen sink, a whale and a rhino, the house next door, firefighters, etc..

As the story progresses readers will get to see the more absurd the object gets. It really makes me laugh…loudly.

The illustrations really drive the story forward.

I love how once he accomplishes his main goal, he’s perfectly content. Again, shows how children are pleased with the smallest things in life.

The writing is strong, charming, and will capture readers attention.

The colors used in the books really emphasize Floyd’s moods.

I love how this is the kind of book that could be read and reread over and over again. And it still will be just as funny as the first time it’s been read.

Floyd is a great character. He’s got real spunk and an apparent zest for life.

While browsing a local (well, local-ish) Barnes and Noble, The Fault in Our Stars was proudly displayed. It was even a signed copy, fancy right? (I’ve never seen any signed books before at this particular Barnes & Noble).

Picking it up to admire it in all it’s reading goodness, I slowly cracked open the cover … and what’s that that fell from the book and floated lazily down to my feet. A note! Like a message in a bottle, only a message in a book.

Hastily written, the note read something to the effect of (I don’t remember what the note said word for word, please forgive me):

“Are you a fellow Nerdfighter? If yes, turn this note over. If no, please ignore.”

I turned the note over. I mean, even if you aren’t a nerdfighter, curiosity would get the best of you.

“Nerdfighter, yes! Awesome! Who knew that there was another nerdfighter in this area (in New Jersey). I’d love to talk to other nerdfighters like myself, please find me on such and such social network (it was not Facebook, it was a site I’ve never heard of nor a name I could remember), username so and so (I don’t remember the person’s user name, and even if I didn’t I would not post it online for a number of reasons.) P.S. If you buy this book, please put this note in another copy of The Fault in Our Stars. Thanks!”

My first thought was – how Dash & Lily is this?!? My second thought was – wow! this person’s brave reaching out to people he or she has never met by way of letter in the book. Can I tell you a secret? I’ve always wanted to do such a thing, not that I want or even expect an answer or reply, just simply cause I want to leave a note in book. But never has. I’m such a coward!

Since I didn’t purchase the book I left the note exactly where I found it. I do sincerely hope that whoever purchases that copy of The Fault in Our Stars finds a new Nerdfighter friend out there.

Why did I share this story with you? Because I just found this so charming, and even old-fashioned. I’ve always felt that the art of letter writing is a dying art. I’m trying my hardest to breathe life into it, but I’m a small girl. It’s good to know that someone else out there may feel the same way.

But above all things, the point of this story: books really do bring people together.

Fifteen-year-old Alex has won the war – he’s convinced his mother that he’s too old for family vacations, especially family vacations to his uncle’s house in Warren. Left behind, Alex looks forward to kicking back and geeking out over the next few days. He’ll even squeeze in some homework … maybe.

But disaster strikes, literally, only hours after his family leave him behind. Not sure what has crashed into his house, not what has caused the now blazing fire, Alex has two goals: get out safely and make sure his family are all safe. Alex gets out safe enough, with only mere bumps and bruises,  but getting out is only half the battle. What’s going on?

Radio reports are saying a super volcano  has erupted. Located under Yellowstone National Park the eruption has caused a nation-wide disaster. Power is out. Water is at an all time low. The sun hasn’t shown for days. And now thick, sulfur scented ash has been falling steadily, coating everything.

Thankfully, Alex doesn’t have to survive this on his own. Taken in by his neighbors, Alex has everything he needs – food, shelter, and water. Even though he’s without his family, this is the next best thing. That is, until his seemingly peaceful neighbors kill three looters. Terrified by the gore and violence – Alex runs far away from the violence and towards the safety of his family … wherever they are.

Ashfall written by debut author Mike Mullen will take readers on an adventure of high and lows, of hope and despair, of love and loss. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Mullen’s book stands out from other similarly themed books, being that Ashfall is told from the male perspective, and shows that even the strongest of strong men get scared.

It seems that a lot of end-of-the-world type stories are full of flesh-eating zombies or a world set so far in the future, war and environmental circumstances have led the world to ruins. But not Ashfall. The cause for this end-of-the-world like story is an unexpected natural disaster.

Even though Ashfall’s plot line may have been strong, but the overall writing was not. The issue was Mullen’s overly descriptive storytelling. It seemed that every single moment of Alex’s day was accounted for, from how many days he at salad for breakfast to every time he had to go to the bathroom. Often times description is a great thing, but if too much description seems like overkill. While Mullen’s descriptions can be appreciated, they more often than not make for a slower, longer read.

The shining light, for me, was main character Alex. Alex was not the kind of character to let fear rule his life and the situation. I really liked, not only his perspective of the events, but just how ingenious he was. For example, he knew that walking through the soggy ash was physically impossible. With some quick thinking Alex used a pair of skies to help get him off to a somewhat swifter start.

But Alex wasn’t enough to save Ashfall for me. Unfortunately, no matter how much I wished, this just wasn’t the book for me. It just wasn’t my kind of story. But that does not mean that it’s not the book or the read for others.

Published: 2011 by Roaring Book Press

Reasons why I liked this book, and chose it as Book of the Week:

The color green is one of my most favorite colors.

Words can’t describe just how creative this book is – from the plot line to the illustrations.

I love how this story is about a little boy who recounts the life of his great-grandfather. I think this book makes all readers think about those special people in their lives, especially their grandpa’s and great-grandpa’s.

All milestones are accounted for – from growing up on a farm, having the chicken pox, reading classic stories of wizards and secret gardens, and even his first kiss.

I love how reading classic books was included as an important milestone. I feel like that tiny aspect really shows just how important books are in our own personal lives, and in our society.

A sense of whimsy filled readers as they read along.

I love how this book illustrates the power of storytelling.

I also love how this book show the importance of memories – creating them and sharing them.

All the illustrations, with the exception of the nameless great-grandson telling the story, are of topiary trees.

I particularly love the Wizard of Oz topiary trees.

The text is sharp, short, and strong.

This book makes me wish I had a green thumb instead of a black one.

In its own way, this book is really inspiriting to readers of all ages.

There’s an illustration about three pages in, of a tree-lined path, that reminds me of one of my favorite spots in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Because this book is short and sweet, it holds readers attention.

Another illustration that stands out to me, and that I found moving was the topiary depictions of war: there are plants/flowers in bursting shades of red. I feel that that really did represent war and all it means.

I love how this book shows that everything changes and progresses over time. Nothing and no one is ever stationary.

Even though his great-grandfather is “pretty old” he’s got spunk – after all he did create all those topiary trees.

I loved how as I was reading this I started recalling my favorite memories involving me and both of my grandfather’s.  It makes me realize just how lucky I am to have such memories.

I love the cover art.

The book flows well. Both the writing and the illustration work well together.

It’s 2083 and the New York City Anya Balanchine calls home is in a dire state. Once famed museums are no more than nightclubs. Both coffee and chocolate are illegal. Laws seem to change on a daily basis. But it’s the only New York she’s even known, and some things are out of her control.

But the one thing she can control  is never falling victim to her environment and its circumstances.  Being the good Catholic girl that she is, Anya does her best to be not only a care giver, but a protector of her family. Not only does she take care of herself, but she’s also responsible for her older brother Leo who is mentally slow due to the car accident that left their mother dead, her younger sister Natty who suffers from nightmares of being left alone, and Galina her grandmother who’s slowly dying in the room her crime boss father was killed in.

Anya’s plate is full. And the last thing she needs to worry about is her sleazy ex-boyfriend, Gable Arsley, spreading false rumors that will cause even more trouble for Anya. Trouble that involves both her illegal family business and the law.

After giving him two bars of the family chocolate, Gable is found poisoned and practically on his death-bed. All eyes and fingers point to the angry girlfriend – Anya. But luckily for her there’s a new boy in town, the son of the new New York City DA, who has done everything in his power to ensure Anya’s freedom and safety. As much as she likes Win, she doesn’t like owing anyone anything. But worse than that, she doesn’t like the idea of falling in love with him. Falling in love would mean even more trouble – for him, for her, but more importantly for her beloved family.

All These Things I’ve Done written by author Gabrielle Zevin is a compelling coming of age story that is a solid start to a fresh new dystopian series. A unique read that stands out amongst the young adult shelves, All These Things I’ve Done is sometimes bleak, but more often promising.

Zevin’s writing shines though. All These Things I’ve Done is carefully crafted with both apparent skill and talent. Zevin let’s readers into her imagination by recreating a scarier, more startling New York City of the future. Equally enthralling are Zevin’s well-rounded characters. Each play intricate roles in the greater plot. Anya may be a good Catholic girl but she’s kick-butt. A leader among followers, Anya loves as fiercely as she fights.

All These Things I’ve Done is just the start to Zevin’s newest series, Birthright. Readers will not be able to stand the wait in between book releases. For now, All These Things I’ve Done will satisfy any reader’s tastes, yet leave them wanting more.