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Sunday, February 27, 2011

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

This book counts toward the following challenges:


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I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1)
By Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books, 2010
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Date Finished: 25/2/2011
Genres: Action, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult
In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I AM NUMBER FOUR is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT.

~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "The door starts shaking."
~Last Line: "Wherever that might be."

Review: I originally wanted this novel after I read a co-blogger's review of it. Then my anxiousness grew once I saw the movie being advertised. I got the book only half a month ago; I've read it and have to say: I wasn't expecting what I got.

The first thing that pulled me in is probably the story line that I had heard on the movie commercial: "There were nine of us. Three are dead. I am Number Four." I mean, who wouldn't be drawn in by something like that?! Sure enough, of course, that was the plot. That alone really did make it interesting for me. I hadn't read anything like it in a while, if I'd ever read anything like it.

There was definitely some action. There's a HUGE battle at the end, at which someone very close to John (a.k.a. Number Four) dies. I cried, once again, like a baby. There is romance, as to be expected; John falls in love with Sarah Hart, the daughter of the realtor that sells John and his "father" Henri the house they stay in. Their love for each other was, at some points, a little cliche, but I was able to deal with it.

I have to say that this really was a well thought out book, the same as all these other books that have been taking up my time. I am glad that I bought this and had a chance to read it. Next goal: See the movie! :P

Colorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and Photos

Quotes from the Book:

"I pull the gloves from my back pocket and slip them on. Leather gardening gloves. I couldn't look more foolish if I were wearing clown shoes with yellow pants."

"I have home economics after lunch -- not because I necessarily care about cooking, but because it was either that or choir. And while I have many strengths and powers that are considered exceptional on Earth, singing is not one of them."

"The price of a memory is the memory of the sorrow it brings."

30 + Change #6 (February 2011)

Alrighty! Another month gone, four new books come:

1.) I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1) by Pittacus Lore. Cost: $9.99. I got this one because I really want to see the movie. Hopefully I can go see it soon. I finished the book

2.) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. Cost: $0.00. I think I bought this just because it was free and on my wish-list. Didn't really have a reason at the time. Might start a BuddyRead for it.

3.) Heartless (Pretty Little Liars, #7) by Sara Shepard. Cost: $8.99.

Total Spent: $18.98

Again, I didn't really want a lot. Which I'm sure is fine with my dad :)

Happy Reading!,
Zakiya LWings :P

In My Mailbox #13 & Sunday Confessions #6


In My Mailbox is a meme hosted every week by The Story Siren. To find out how to participate and the "official" details, check out the IMM page.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.

-----------------------------------------------------

Bought on Kindle:


--Heartless by Sara Shepard


I bought it right after I finished Killer yesterday! :D

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This meme was started by Marcie @ To Read or Not To Read. She started it as a way to share a little about herself, but to learn about the rest of us as well. She says, "Sometimes its about books and book related topics and sometimes it's not. This is all in good fun and I would love it if you would participate."

This week's question is

"Are you a moody reader?"

Sometimes I can be a bit moody in my reading. It's like, I know that I need to finish another and stop procrastinating, but I'm super-anxious to read a different one. Like Marcie, this doesn't happen all the time, just every once in a while.

Do you happen to be a moody reader?

Leave a link to your IMM &/or SC and I will be sure to come by! :)

Saturday, February 26, 2011

What's your status (26/2/2011)





This post was inspired by, well, my previous Reading Status posts. I wanted to make it something that everyone could particpate in. Every Saturday (and sometimes Sunday), I will post what I've finished in the past week, what I'm currently reading and where I am in the book/s, what I plan to read next, and possibly what I want to buy/get. I will be trying to do this ever week, so be sure to check back every weekend! Be sure to enter your links to your WYS posts in the Linky below. (The Linkys will always be left open on Sundays for those of you who can't post on Saturdays.)

This next portion of the post is an idea that I saw on the wonderful blog Small Review. She posts what reviews and memes she has posted and participated in that last week. Remember, however, that it is not mandatory for you to do this part of the post.



Things you don't wanna miss:
~Cover Love Challenge - Feb's colour is dark blue!
~Black History Month: Part Three








Now, for my status! (Please keep in mind that you do not have to use this exact format. Whatever works for you is what works for me.)

Finished This Week:

  • I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1) by Pittacus Lore. Finished on 25/2/2011. This was SUCH an amazing novel! I can't wait until the second one comes out! :D
Currently Reading:

  • Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Have read 27%. I am hooked on this book. Once I start reading, I can hardly stop.
  • Killer by Sara Shepard. Have read 65%. Sadly, I haven't read anything in this novel in the past week. Definitely have to get on it.
  • Dorris Bridge by Clive Riddle. On page 138. Getting better. I need to start reading more, but so much to do! *Gah*
  • Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Have read 23%. This is a really good book. I am going super-slow, but I am enjoying it :).
Next On My TBR (To Be Read) Pile:

  • Reasons on My Wrist by Racaneya (I've actually started back reading this, but it's off and on so it's not in the list above.)
  • Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton
What I Would Like To Buy Next:

  • All-American Girl by Meg Cabot
  • Heartless by Sara Shepard

Don't Forget to post the link to your WYS post with the InLinkz below!

For example:

URL: http://walkingbutterflyfeet.blogspot.com/whats-your-status-2011
Name: Butterfly Feet Walking on Books


Friday, February 25, 2011

Current State of the Union (Feb 26)

Ever read The Clique series by Lisi Harrison? If you have, you know exactly what this is. If you haven't:

Massie Block's "Current State of the Union" is where she sums up the last few days with what's IN and OUT. It can be people, places, things, whatever. My BFF Leanne (Tales of the Mockingjay) and I have decided to bring this to real life. Ususally, Leanne and I will have different posts, but sometimes we might have the same ones :)

Right now, this is a "meme," meaning that we would luh-v if you would participate, but there won't be a Linky if you do. (You can comment with your link on either of our blogs.)

So, without another moment's wait:


Current State of the Union

IN

1. Dr Pepper*
2. Hamsters**
3. Going the wrong direction**

OUT

1. Coke
2. Gerbils
3. Abandoning friends


* It was one of those "you had to be there" moments!

** I was watching the movie Bolt right before I got on to post this :)


So what's your CSOTU?

The Final Warning by James Patterson

This book counts toward te following challenges:


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The Final Warning (Maximum Ride, #4; The Protectors, #1)
By James Patterson
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 2008
256 pages, paperback
Date Finished: 10/2/2011
Genres: Action, Adventure, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Science Fiction


In this breathtaking new story from the astonishing imagination of James Patterson, a girl has to save herself from an army assembled just to capture her-and maybe save the planet while she's at it.

Maximum Ride is a perfectly normal teenager who just happens to be able to fly, the result of an out-of-control government experiment.

Max and the other members of the Flock-six kids who share her remarkable ability-have been asked to aid a group of environmental scientists studying the causes of global warming. The expedition seems like a perfect combination of adventure, activism--and escaping government forces who watch the Flock like a hawk.

But even in Antarctica, trapped in the harshest weather on our planet, Maximum Ride is an irresistible target in constant danger. For whoever controls her powers could also control the world. Maximum Ride is James Patterson's greatest character, a heroine who manages to be human and fearless at once.

~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "Ssssss."
~Last Line: "My heart was so full of freedom that I felt like it mught burst."

Review: Leanne and several others forewarned me that The Final Warning wasn't nearly as entertaining as the preceding novels in the series. However, it was an ill forewarning. I enjoyed the Maximum Ride installation more than the other books, really.

In this book Max and the flock go to Antarctica to help save the world ... from global warming. I have to say, even though the world needs to save itself before it's too late, I definitely wasn't expecting them to travel to the South Pole. The flock enjoyed it down there, actually; they were free to fly around and got to see some penguins :). *Oh, how I do love penguins!*

As to be expected if you've started this series, there was unquestionably some action. Butt-kicking, "you better leave us alone" action at that. Obviously there's a little adventure involved since they are going to the bottom of the Earth. Max and Fang are having trouble with their relationship; to make it even worse for Max, Fang is falling for one of the scientists that they are working with. I LOVE Max, but she needs to make up her mind already! One minute she doesn't want Fang being all lovey-dovey with her, but then the next she can't stand seeing him flirting with other women, in this case the scientist previously mentioned.

But anywho, this is a really good addition to the Maximum Ride series. What makes it my favorite (so far) is that Max, after a lot of calamities, gets to speak in front of Congress about how they seriously need to start taking action to help save the world from global warming. Honestly, everything she tells them is true, and we need to pay attention to that. Max even provides some ways for the real world (which is us) to help out; you can find those at the very bottom of this post.

I really do hope that you get a chance to read this novel. I know that you will at least enjoy it a little!

Colorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and Photos

Quotes from the Book:

"My eyes flickered when I heard the Voice inside my head. (You mean you don't have one? You can get 'em at Target.)"

"A teen magazine would have encouraged me to get in touch with my inner feelings. So I searched deep within myself and realized that my inner feelings were telling me to punch all of them in the face. Which is why teen magazines just don't seem to apply to my life."

" 'I am Gozen,' the big thing said.
Nudge's brow wrinkled. 'Like Japanese dumplings?'
'That woujld be gyoza,' Fang murmured at Nudge."


Save the World. Wings not required.

Did you know:

1. Every three months Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild the entire US air fleet.

2. Americans trash 700 plastic bottles every second. It's enough to make 2 million fleece sweaters every day.

3. A water faucet that leaks one drop per second will drip 165 gallons a month.

4. Recycling just one aluminum can saves enogh energy to operate a TV for three hours.

5. Americans use almost 100 billion plastic bags every year. Their use is banned in several countries.

What are you waiting for?

Book Blogger Hop #11 & Follow Friday #5

As always, the Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jen over @ Crazy-for-Books.

This week's question:

"Do you ever wish you would have named your blog something different?"

My answer: Not at all! I love my blog name, and I ah-dore the animated butterflies that I have as my rating symbols! :D

Do you wish you'd chosen a different name?
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Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee over @ Parajunkee's Views.

This week's question:

"Share your current fav television show! Tell us a bit about it..."

My answer: My favorite TV show is definitely Pretty Little Liars. I love the series, and, even though they change stuff, the TV show just puts everything into "perfect" vision. If you don't know already, Pretty Little Liars is about four girls whose former BFF is murdered. They are stalked by "A," and they desperately try to figure out their stalker while finding Ali's (their best friend) murderer. Lots of mystery and fun; romance, but nothing too graphic, if you know what I mean.

What's your favorite TV show?


Happy Weekend, everyone!!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Wicked by Sara Shepard

This book counts toward the following challenges:


__________________________________________________

Wicked (Pretty Little Liars, #5)
By Sara Shepard
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books, 2009
Date Finished: 2/2/2011
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Coming of Age, Mystery
In idyllic Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four very pretty girls just can't help but be bad. . . .

Hanna will do anything to be Rosewood's queen bee. Spencer's digging up her family's secrets. Emily can't stop thinking about her new boyfriend. And Aria approves a little too strongly of her mom's taste in men.

Now that Ali's killer is finally behind bars, the girls think they're safe. But those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it. And they should know by now that I'm always watching. . . .

~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: "Wouldn't it be nice to know exactly what people are thinking?"
~Last Line: "He had to go."

***SPOILERS INCLUDED***

Review: The fifth installation of the Pretty Little Liars series was ah-mazing! Emily, Spencer, Hanna, and Aria are oh-so-sure that since Mona is dead, they are "A"-free. Unfortunately for them -- and luckily for those of us who love the series -- there's a new "A" in town . . . and they know all the girls' secrets, just like they never left. Then "A" starts blackmailing Ali's old friends to hurriedly figure out who killed their dead friend -- or else.

As far as action goes, there really wasn't any. No adventure, but the romance is always there. There was so much mystery in this novel. Since we have New "A," the suspense of who it could possibly be kills the girls as well as myself. The girls, contrasting to the TV show where they believe "A" is Noel Kahn, believe that "A" is Ian. I love that the main charries are so determined to find their former best friend's murderer.

Overall, this is an excellent novel, and it makes a great addition to the Pretty Little Liars series!

Colorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and PhotosColorful Animated Butterfly Pictures, Images and Photos

Quotes from the Book:

"Hanna had even received a few faux-A texts of her own, but they were obviously spam -- I know all your dirty secrets! And hey, wanna purchase three ringtones for a dollar? So lame."

"She had no idea what had happened in any of her classes today. Her peanut butter and jelly sandwich at lunch could've been made with sawdust and sardines, for all she noticed."

" 'Want to see the Mii Noel Kahn made of you?' Mike clicked back to the main screen, toossing Aria a someone still likes you look. Noel had had a thing for Aria back in the fall. 'He made one of himself, too. You guys could get it on in Wii-land.' "

Black History Month: Part Three

Happy February! February is Black History Month, and I think it's important for me to support and tell/ learn about my heritage so....

Every Monday in February, there will be a post about three famous African American figures. This won't just be the usual Martin Luther King or Rosa Parks. These are twelve people that (some of them) I haven't even heard of. Overall, I believe this will be a wonderful feature that I will possibly be continuing over the future years :).

1) Frederick Jones
Frederick McKinley Jones (May 17, 1893 – February 21, 1961) was an African American inventor, entrepreneur, winner of the National Medal of Technology, and inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. His innovations in refrigeration wrought great improvement in the long-haul transportation of perishable goods. . . .

Around 1935, Jones designed a portable air-cooling unit for trucks carrying perishable food, and received a patent for it on July 12, 1940. Numero sold his movie sound equipment business to RCA and formed a new company in partnership with Jones, the U.S. Thermo Control Company (later the Thermo King Corporation) which became a $3 million business by 1949. Jones's air coolers for trains, ships, and aircraft made it possible for the first time to ship perishable food long distances during any time of the year. Portable cooling units designed by Jones were especially important during World War II, preserving blood, medicine, and food for use at army hospitals and on open battlefields.

~from wikipedia.org~

To learn more about Frederick Jones, go here.

2) Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary Jane McLeod Bethune (July 10, 1875 – May 18, 1955) was an American educator and civil rights leader best known for starting a school for African-American students in Daytona Beach, Florida, that eventually became Bethune-Cookman University and for being an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. . . .

Bethune was also active in women's clubs, and her leadership in them allowed her to become nationally prominent. She worked for the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, and became a member of Roosevelt's Black Cabinet, sharing the concerns of black people with the Roosevelt administration while spreading Roosevelt's message to blacks, who had been traditionally Republican voters. Upon her death, columnist Louis E. Martin said, "She gave out faith and hope as if they were pills and she some sort of doctor." Her home in Daytona Beach is a National Historic Landmark, her house in Washington, D.C. in Logan Circle is preserved by the National Park Service as a National Historic Site, and a sculpture of her is located in Lincoln Park in Washington, D.C.

~from wikipedia.org~

To learn more about Mary McLeod Bethune, go here.

3) Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) was an American novelist, playwright, short story writer, and columnist. He was one of the earliest innovators of the new literary art form jazz poetry. Hughes is best-known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. He famously wrote about the period that "Harlem was in vogue". . . .

While in grammar school in Lincoln, Illinois, Hughes was elected class poet. Hughes stated in retrospect he thought it was because of the stereotype that African Americans have rhythm. "I was a victim of a stereotype. There were only two of us Negro kids in the whole class and our English teacher was always stressing the importance of rhythm in poetry. Well, everyone knows, except us, that all Negroes have rhythm, so they elected me as class poet." During high school in Cleveland, Ohio, he wrote for the school newspaper, edited the yearbook, and began to write his first short stories, poetry, and dramatic plays. His first piece of jazz poetry, "When Sue Wears Red", was written while he was in high school. It was during this time that he discovered his love of books. From this early period in his life, Hughes would cite as influences on his poetry the American poets Paul Laurence Dunbar and Carl Sandburg.

~from wikipedia.org~

To learn more about Langston Hughes, go here.

In My Mailbox #12 & Sunday Confessions #5


In My Mailbox is a meme hosted every week by The Story Siren. To find out how to participate and the "official" details, check out the IMM page.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.

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Bought on Kindle:


--Three in One audiobook (Pride and Prejudice, Emma, & Persuasion)


Got it yesterday; it's super-good so far! :D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


This meme was started by Marcie @ To Read or Not To Read. She started it as a way to share a little about herself, but to learn about the rest of us as well. She says, "Sometimes its about books and book related topics and sometimes it's not. This is all in good fun and I would love it if you would participate."

This week's question is

"If you could be transported into any book, what book would it be?"

Honestly... Let's see... Probably the Harry Potter series. I've always wanted to do magic, and how cool would it be to "live" during the time of the famous Harry James Potter himself?! :D

What book would you be transported to?

Leave a link to your IMM &/or SC and I will be sure to come by! :)

Saturday, February 19, 2011

What's your status (19/2/2011)





This post was inspired by, well, my previous Reading Status posts. I wanted to make it something that everyone could particpate in. Every Saturday (and sometimes Sunday), I will post what I've finished in the past week, what I'm currently reading and where I am in the book/s, what I plan to read next, and possibly what I want to buy/get. I will be trying to do this ever week, so be sure to check back every weekend! Be sure to enter your links to your WYS posts in the Linky Tool below. (The Linky Tools will always be left open on Sundays for those of you who can't post on Saturdays.)

This next portion of the post is an idea that I saw on the wonderful blog Small Review. She posts what reviews and memes she has posted and participated in that last week. Remember, however, that it is not mandatory for you to do this part of the post.








Now, for my status! (Please keep in mind that you do not have to use this exact format. Whatever works for you is what works for me.)

Finished This Week:
  • Nothing, but I'm working on lots.
Currently Reading:
  • Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Have read 0%. Haven't exactly started this one yet; it's for a BuddyRead.
  • I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. Have read 69%. This novel is SOO good! I can't wait until I have time to go and see the movie :).
  • Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton. On page 150. Have been super-busy this week, and didn't have very much time on the computer, so haven't read in this since last week.
  • Killer by Sara Shepard. Have read 65%. This novel is so darn good. Better than Wicked, I think.
  • Dorris Bridge by Clive Riddle. On page 114. Again, haven't read a lot of this in the past week.
  • Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Have read 19%. I think I'm at chapter 11? Somewhere around there. Interesting classic, really.
Next On My TBR (To Be Read) Pile:
  • Reasons on My Wrist by Racaneya
What I Would Like To Buy Next:
  • 3-in-1 audiobook (Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Persuasion)
  • All-American Girl by Meg Cabot

Don't Forget to post the link to your WYS post with the InLinkz below!

For example:

URL: http://walkingbutterflyfeet.blogspot.com/whats-your-status-2011
Name: Butterfly Feet Walking on Books


Friday, February 18, 2011

Human Trafficking

Author Laura Kreitzer (Shadow of the Sun) is doing a blog tour to inform people about human trafficking. This was supposed to be posted yesterday, but it's still SUPER important, so please read it!

**These words are Laura's only, as I have changed nor added/taken out anything.**

--------------------------------

Hello Literary-Folk!

My name is Laura Kreitzer, and I’m the author of the Timeless Series and the Summer Chronicles. This week I would like to alert everyone on a colossal crisis that’s gone unnoticed in the world: human trafficking. That’s why I’ve asked hundreds of blogs to be involved with spreading the word on this issue that’s become close to my heart.

As an author, and someone whose life is put in the spotlight, I keep most people at a distance. Only a handful of my friends know the whole me and the events from my past. But this week I’d like to share with you a part of myself that the outside world doesn’t see (and a part of me I don’t like to share). I was emotionally abused for five years by someone I thought loved me, my mind beaten into submission. Though the turmoil I went through doesn’t penetrate as deep as someone forced into slavery on the worldwide market for human trafficking, I can sadly relate in some ways: imprisoned, my life dictated down to what I wore, ate, where I went, whom I spoke to, where I worked, when I slept, bending to his every whim. He did not sway, even when I cried through some of the more traumatic things he had me do. I was a slave in my own home. In my desperation for freedom, I held out a gun and asked him to just end my suffering. I was desperate.

I can’t even imagine how many women (and men) in the world are in a similar situation. What’s even worse, I had it mild compared to the children that are sold for labor or sex. Surprisingly, the good ol’ U.S.A. is reported to be the host to two million slaves. Did you know this? Because I certainly did not; not until I was preparing to write my newest novel: Phantom Universe. The main character, Summer Waverly, was stolen as a child and sold as a slave to the captain of a modern-day pirate ship. From a loved child who only knew “time-out” as punishment, to being whipped into silence was something I knew nothing about. So I researched deeply into human trafficking and the psychological effects of torture of various types that one would endure in these circumstances. I felt shaken at my findings and knew I had to tell Summer’s story. (Read a sneak peek here.)

A storm began to brew in my mind; transforming, morphing, twisting, and expanding into this massive, black cloud. I had to bring this tragic atrocity to the forefront. My own emotional experiences, mixed with the research I did on human trafficking, made me feel an intense connection with Summer, and to all women who’ve been through this kind of brutality. The cloud ruptured and rained all over my computer one day. It took one month to write Phantom Universe, the first in the Summer Chronicles. I was so consumed by the story that I wrote nearly nonstop, only breaking for necessary tasks like eating, showering, and occasionally—very occasionally—sleeping.

Though the book I’ve written would be classified as Science Fiction, or as I’d like to call it, Dystopian, the emotions and psychological aspects are not Science Fiction—they're real. Reviewers have said many amazing things about Summer, this character who is so real in my mind and who I cried along with as the words poured from my soul onto my screen.

“I admired Summer's strength and ability to adapt,” says CiCi’s Theories. “I felt tied to her emotions,” Jennifer Murgia, author or Angel Star admits. And Tahlia Newland, author of Lethal Inheritance, remarks, “Summer is strong and smart in mind [. . .]”


Through her overwhelmingly horrendous past, Summer goes on more than just a physical journey in Phantom Universe, she goes on a psychological one as well; growing beyond her mute state to persevere and survive in a new world beyond the whip she’s so frightened of.

Now that the release date is here, I’m excited and terrified to share this story with everyone. I’m emotionally tied in every way to the words I’ve written, because they’re more than words. More than just a story on a page. Beyond the fictional aspects, there’s a real issue that needs to be addressed: human trafficking must be stopped. We shouldn’t sit idly by while this continues to plague us. Our world’s children—our nation’s children—are being affected. It’s time we take action!

Earlier this month Phantom Universe hit Barnes and Noble’s top 100 Best Selling list. I’ve decided to donate 10% of my sales from Phantom Universe, until the end of February, to the DNA Foundation.

“DNA hopes to help abolish modern day slavery, deter perpetrators, and free the many innocent and exploited victims. We are committed to forcing sex slavery out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

Freedom is a basic human right and slavery is one of the greatest threats to that freedom. No one has the right to enslave another person.”

—From DNA Foundation’s Website


I ask that you spread the word to everyone you know. Look around on the DNA Foundation website and find a way to get involved in ending human trafficking. Take action today. Everyone has a voice—you have a voice. Will you have the courage to use it?

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

10 Best Books You Forgot to Read in 2010

**Please note that the books chosen and the words "spoken," so to speak, are Laura's entirely, and I changed absolutely nothing.**

Laura Trutna is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and writes on Online Universities for Guide to Online Schools.

In the midst of our busy lives, we often miss the chance to read simply for pleasure. Whether we are interested in short fiction, nonfiction, epics, romances, or guilty pleasures, there's something great waiting to be opened. Here is a short list of the best, oft over-looked, page-turners from 2010.


http://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Life-Henrietta-Lacks/dp/1400052173/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295549276&sr=8-1 - reader_1400052173

1. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot

This investigative nonfiction novel tells the famous yet unknown story of Henrietta Lacks. In 1951, Henrietta died of cervical cancer and cells from her tumor were taken, without consent, to a lab in Johns Hopkins. There, the cells were reproduced over and over—50 million metric tons worldwide. They led to scientific breakthroughs like the polio vaccine and helped pioneer the cloning process. They've even been to space. But what of the woman herself? This book investigates the nature of science, the mysteries of biology and biography, and the ethics of a medical establishment that has made billions off of treatments that Henrietta's family themselves could never afford.

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Short-Inside-Doomsday-Machine/dp/0393338827/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295549673&sr=1-1

2. The Big Short, by Michael Lewis

A very topical book for 2010, The Big Short examines the global financial crisis of 2008, its continued fallout, and the few farsighted individuals who saw through the flawed mathematical models of Wall Street to profit from its shortcomings. Lewis's dry, conversational writing portrays the actions of a few men, like Steve Eisman, who bet against the grain and made millions on the hope that many Americans would soon go bankrupt. Steven Pearlstein assessed it as, at times, "a modern-day farce" but one that, in the end and like its characters, vindicates itself and "manages to give us the truest picture yet of what went wrong on Wall Street—and why."

http://www.amazon.com/Visit-Goon-Squad-Jennifer-Egan/dp/0307592839/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295549764&sr=1-1

3. A Visit From the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan

Told through the lens of the modern-day music scene, this composite of writing structure and technique explores the trials of the Boomer generation growing old in a society changed and eroded by technology. The book draws to a close in 2020, in a world reshaped by the war on terror. Ron Charles, in his Washington Post review, credits Eagan as she "transcends slick boomer nostalgia and offers a testament to the redemptive power of raw emotion in an age of synthetic sound and glossy avatars."

http://www.amazon.com/Room-Novel-Emma-Donoghue/dp/0316098337/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295549841&sr=1-1

4. Room, by Emma Donoghue

A haunting story of hope and survival, Room follows the daily life of its 5-year-old narrator Jack, who lives with his Ma in the isolation of a single 11x11 room which they never leave. Their prison is breached only at night by the mysterious and sinister Old Nick, until one day Jack learns there's a world outside Room. His fear of the unknown, his delight in simplicity, knows nothing of his mother's imprisonment and abuse. The result is extremely evocative.

http://www.amazon.com/Chelsea-Bang-Handler/dp/0446552445/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295549936&sr=1-1

5. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang, by Chelsea Handler

Many would hesitate to pick up this guilty pleasure read. However, Handler's writing is witty and without pretense, balancing well between irreverent comedy, memoir, and complete fiction. Her stories about her mother and father, embarrassing one-night stands, and drunken shenanigans-all laced with extreme hyperbole—will have you laughing out loud... and recognizing a bit of yourself.

http://www.amazon.com/Zeitoun-Vintage-Dave-Eggers/dp/0307387941/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295550074&sr=1-1

6. Zeitoun, by Dave Eggers

Eggers tells the true story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a painting contractor who found himself defending his property in the face of Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans' shattered levees. Eventually taking to his canoe and rescuing people from the waters, he is thanked by an armed squad who arrests him, accuses him of Al Qaeda involvement, and imprisons him. The book, through Zeitoun's private thoughts and experiences, becomes a searing examination of the Bush administration and the human tragedy in New Orleans.

http://www.amazon.com/Although-Course-You-Becoming-Yourself/dp/030759243X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295550265&sr=1-1

7. Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace, by David Lipsky

A sort of literary "Almost Famous," Lipsky—who began the novel as a piece for Rolling Stone— joined Wallace at the end of his promotional tour for Infinite Jest in 1996. The article was cancelled, but the resulting voice recordings—five days of ramblings, musing, thoughts, history, and philosophy from the writer (who committed suicide in 2008)—gave way to a novel full of honesty and earnestness; a glimpse into a deeply troubled, but gifted, psyche.

http://www.amazon.com/Nox-Anne-Carson/dp/0811218708/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295550332&sr=1-1

8. Nox, by Anne Carson

Not so much a novel as an epitaph, scrapbook, poem, and reconstruction, Carson's Nox is a story of a man, her brother, who ran away from home in 1978, died in unexpectedly in 2000, and who she barely knew. The story takes shape in folded, accordian-like pages which include photos, handwriting, stamps, stains, and old letters—a faithful reproduction of her own notebook and her attempt to remember and mourn her brother.

http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023521/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295550561&sr=1-1

9. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

Collin's adventure takes place in a post-apocalyptic North America, ruled over by a totalitarian capitol which lives in extreme wealth while checking the lesser, once rebellious, provinces in check with poverty and a Gladiator-style sacrificial rite known only as the Hunger Games. Technically classified as Teen fiction, this novel surprises with its stark representation of survival and its implied critique of the human fascination with pain, power, and aesthetics.

http://www.amazon.com/Beatrice-Virgil-Novel-Yann-Martel/dp/1400069262/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295550676&sr=1-1

10. Beatrice & Virgil, by Yann Martel

From the author of Life of Pi comes another anthropomorphized epic about nature, survival, and the true nature of evil and the human spirit. The main characters are the narrator, Henry, and a taxidermist who writes a play about a donkey named Beatrice and a howler monkey named Virgil. Their experiences stranded in the desert and the horrors they overcome (torture, sadism, murder) are exercises in survival. The taxidermist, who records it, represents preservation while the reader bears witness. The result is a representation of the Holocaust, of collective memory, and of the meaning of what it is to be human.


Thanks so much to Laura and My Dog Ate My Blog for guest posting today! I have to say these books sounds super-interesting. I, myself, will have to go and get a few. Happy Reading everyone! :D

Teaser Tuesday #18

This meme is hosted weekly by MizB @ Should Be Reading. Anyone can participate, even if you don't have a blog (you can post back in MizB's comments).

*Grab your current read.

*Open to a random page.

*Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from that page. You can share more if you want!

*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!!! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give away too much information. You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

*Share the title and autor as well, so that Teaser participants may add to their TBR list/s if they enjoy your teasers!

*Leave a link in the comment section of MizB's blog so that others can check out your teasers! You may leave your teasers here with the book title and author if you do not have a blog. (MizB's Blog)

This week's teasers come from the Kindle Location 1521-35 in I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (GoodReads, Amazon):

"We watch the parade. The mayor of Paradise passes by, sitting on the back of a read convertible. He throws more candy to the children. There will bea lot of hyper kids today, I think.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around."



I'm already over halfway done with the novel. It is SUPER-ahmazing, and I can't wait until the movie comes out! :D

Monday, February 14, 2011

Black History Month: Part Two

Happy February! February is Black History Month, and I think it's important for me to support and tell/ learn about my heritage so....

Every Monday in February, there will be a post about three famous African American figures. This won't just be the usual Martin Luther King or Rosa Parks. These are twelve people that (some of them) I haven't even heard of. Overall, I believe this will be a wonderful feature that I will possibly be continuing over the future years :).

1) Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician, educator, and author. She was a Congresswoman, representing New York's 12th Congressional District for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. In 1968, she became the first black woman elected to Congress. On January 25, 1972, she became the first major-party black candidate for President of the United States and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. She received 152 first-ballot votes at the 1972 Democratic National Convention.
~from wikipedia.org~

To learn more about Shirley Chisholm, go here.

2) Matthew Henson
Henson met Commander Robert E. Peary in November 1887 and joined him on an expedition to Nicaragua, with 4 other people that Peary chose. Impressed with Henson’s seamanship, Peary recruited him as a colleague. For years they made many trips together, including Arctic voyages in which Henson traded with the Inuit and mastered their language, built sleds, and trained dog teams. In 1909, Peary mounted his eighth attempt to reach the North Pole, selecting Henson to be one of the team of six who would make the final run to the Pole. Before the goal was reached, Peary could no longer continue on foot and rode in a dog sled. Various accounts say he was ill, exhausted, or had frozen toes. In any case, he sent Henson on ahead as a scout. In a newspaper interview Henson said: “I was in the lead that had overshot the mark a couple of miles. We went back then and I could see that my footprints were the first at the spot.” Henson then proceeded to plant the American flag.
~from wikipedia.org~

To learn more about Matthew Henson, go here.

3)Wilma Rudolph
Wilma Glodean Rudolph (June 23, 1940 – November 12, 1994) was an American athlete. Rudolph was considered the fastest woman in the world in the 1960s and competed in two Olympic Games, in 1956 and in 1960.

In the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field during a single Olympic Games. A track and field champion, she elevated women's track to a major presence in the United States. She is also regarded as a civil rights and women's rights pioneer. Along with other 1960 Olympic athletes such as Cassius Clay, who later became Muhammad Ali, Rudolph became an international star due to the first international television coverage of the Olympics that year.

The powerful sprinter emerged from the 1960 Rome Olympics as "The Tornado," the fastest woman on earth. The Italians nicknamed her "La Gazzella Negra" (the Black Gazelle); to the French she was "La Perle Noire" (The Black Pearl). She is one of the most famous Tennessee State University Tigerbelles, the name of the TSU women's track and field program.

~from wikipedia.org~

Another week, three more people. If you have any suggestions for next week's three spotlights, please leave a comment! :D