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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Teaser Tuesday #14

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 page 252 in City of Glass by Cassandra Clare (GoodReads, Amazon):

Clary recognized the inside of the Hall of Accords tge moment she entered it. It was the place she had dreamed about, where she had been dancing with Simon and then Jace.

This was was where I was trying to send myself when I went throufht the Portal, she thought, looking around at the pale white walls and the high ceiling with its enormous glass skylight through which she could see the night sky.

I just love this book so far! :D This teaser has even me wanting to hurry up and read through it. LOL.

Happy Tuesday everyone!
~Z LadyWings

Monday, January 17, 2011

Music/ Movie Monday #4

Music/ Movie Monday is a "meme"* that I will try to post ever week or biweekly. In these posts, I will provide you with what song, artist, CD, etc. I am currently into the most. Also, I will be informing you on the latest movie/s I have seen and absolutely loved (or not-loved).

* Meme is quoted because I will not be providing a Linky for you to ad you liks to, nor will I be advertising these posts. However, if you would like to participate and leave a link or your movie and music info in a comment, I have no problem with that.

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Music

This week, I have been caught up on a few songs. There are 4, so I will rate them seperately.

1) Strip Me by Natasha Bedingfield. (Not sexual, parents.) I seriously LOVE this song. Natasha, in this song, is saying that you can do whatever you want to her, but she still has a voice that you can't take from her. It's really moving, and it would be a good song to listen to when & if you feel looked over.

Song Rating: 4.5 Wings
Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnhDIGTldho
More About Natasha Bedingfield: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natasha_bedingfield

2) Raise Your Glass by P!nk. Another song that I LOVE; can't get it out of my head! This song always makes me want to move. A great party song. P!nk is basically saying that you should embrace what makes you different, celebrate it. Have a great time. Definitely a good message :).

Song Rating: 4.5 Wings
Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjVNlG5cZyQ
More About P!nk: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P!nk

3) Grenade by Bruno Mars. In this video, BM is dragging a piano toward his girlfriend's house, but finds a terrible thing there when he arrives. You gotta watch the vid to see what. But he is singing about how the girl was never really in love with him, even though she said she was. And he would do anything for her, sacrifice anything for her, including his life. I enjoy listening to his dedication to her; good quality in a guy, lol.

Song Rating: 4 Wings
Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR6iYWJxHqs
More About Bruno Mars: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Mars

4) Fall For Your Type by Jamie Foxx ft. Drake. This video was a little confusing at first, but after about a minute, Jamie was falling out a window. There were things falling and breaking, and Jamie's place was trashed. In the song lyrics, J is basically telling the girl he's with that the problems they are going through have been recurring for him some way or another. He always falls for the same type of woman. *Note: The video does have a few half-naked-woman scenes, so parents should watch before younger kids.*

Song Rating: 4 Wings
Music Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9fUYcxP1UA
More About Jamie Foxx: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Foxx
More About Drake: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_(entertainer)

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Movies

No movies this week, unfortunately. I just haven't had the time to watch any lately :)

Happy Reading, Watching, and Listening!
~Z LadyWings

Sunday, January 16, 2011

In My Mailbox #7


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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From the store (had to re-buy*):


--The Clique (The Clique, #1) by Lisi Harrison
--The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins


From the store (new books!):


--XVI by Julia Karr
--Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson


Bought on Kindle:


--Killer (Pretty Little Liars, #6) by Sara Shepard


I actually bought all of this yesterday. Now I am broke. Again. LOL!

What'd you get in your mailbox?

* I had to re-buy these books because I loaned them out to friends, and never got them back. :(

Saturday, January 15, 2011

What's your status? (15/1/2011)





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.


Things You Don't Wanna Miss:
~Giveaway @ My Co-Blog!






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:
  • Remember Me by Christopher Pike (series omnibus). Finished on 10/1/2011. LOVED this series! So glad that I finally finished it, though :). Wish there were more books about Shari and Peter; definitely want to start Pike's Thirst series ASAP.
  • Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride, #3; The Fugitives, #3) by James Patterson. Finished on 11/1/2011. This was by far the best book in the series -- so far. I have The Final Warning, and will probably be reading that one in Feb.
  • SPEAK by Laure Halse Anderson. Finished on 12/1/2011. LOVED this book SOOO much!!! I am really glad that I read it, and if you haven't read it yet, you need to! :D

Currently Reading:
  • Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton. On page 110. Really loving this one. It's gotten super-interesting :).
  • Wicked by Sara Shepard. Have read 75%. I just started getting into this book earlier this week, and I am really enjoying it. Already bought Killer for when I'm done. LOL :)
  • City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. On page 1. Haven't started yet, but reading it for a BuddyRead.
  • Dorris Bridge by Clive Riddle (ARC). On page 1. Haven't started this one yet either.
  • Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead. On page39. Read only a little of this in the last week. One of my BFFs loved it, and I know I will, too!
  • The Shapeshifters: The Kiesha'ra of the Den of Shadows by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. On page 14. Started rereading this omnibus this week. I am remembering wayy too much from the last time I read it; haha.

Next On My TBR (To Be Read) Pile:
  • XVI by Julia Karr

What I Would Like To Buy Next:
  • More 2011 Debuts period :)

Don't Forget to post the link to your WYS post in the Linky Tool below!

For example:

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

Friday, January 14, 2011

Book Blogger Hop #8 & Follow Friday #1

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

This week's question comes from Barb @ Sugarbeat's Books

"Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?"

My answer: I'm not really sure why I read so many fantasy novels. I think I am drawn to them because I know they can't really happen, so I don't have to worry about being scared and not being able to sleep like a baby. Also, there is always a great amount of action, adventure, and (YA) romance. :)

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This is my first week participating in Follow Friday, so here goes!

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee over @ Parajunkee's Views.

This week's question:

"What makes up your non-human family?"

My answer: My non-human family is made up of, let's see.... A bunch of fish in a tank that seriously needs to be cleaned out this weekend. Yeah, I know, I'm supposed to take care of their living environment, but I've just been so dern (country word -- two points!) busy lately... I am making my dad help me, too.I've always wanted a puppy, but never got one. Nor have I ever had any other type of pet.

Happy Reading! :D

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Thursday Interpretation #4

Thursday Interpretations is a "meme," which means that you may participate in this on your blog, but I won't be advertising it nor adding a Linky for links to your post/s.

Anyway, Thursday Interpretation will be a weekly post where I post a motivational quote (and/or a book quote) and tell you my feelings about it. You are more than welcome to post a comment telling how you feel about the quote.

*Remember that these are only my opinions. They are not influenced by anyone else.*

This week's motivational quote:

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift." ~Unknown Speaker

My Thoughts: This quote is amazing. I really do love it. It's basically telling you to remember the past, but don't dwell on things that can't be changed. Tomorrow is something you shouldn't worry about either, but pray that you live to see tomorrow. Today is a pure gift, and you should cherish every moment you have in it, from waking up to falling asleep. :)

Happy Reading, everyone! :D

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Guest Review #5 - Chloe

Another guest review! This time it's my good friend Chloe from GoodReads. Let's all give her a great-big-butterfly-welcome! :D Here is her review of A Great and Terrible Beauty:
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A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Books
Release Date: Dec. 9th 2003
Pages: 403
Reading Level: Young Adult




A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, #1)
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.

Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy. (Goodreads)

Review:

***sort of spoiler alert***

This book was really fascinating. I loved that it was set in Victorian England but seemed modern fantasy. It had the feeling of both an old dusty book and a new age classic.

Gemma was a lovable character, and her unique views on the world were fun to read. She did not seem to fit in with the girls at Spence until magic came along and created a strong bond between her, Felicity, Pippa and Ann.

The Realms were both enchanting and disturbing, and I found myself wanting to go explore them along with the girls. The shock and surprise about who Mary Dowd really is sent my mind whirling, and when Gemma has to face up against Circe I was on the edge of my seat, trying to take it all in.

I think Libba Bray has really created a fantastic novel and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

5 wings

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Can You Believe It?!

Woudl you believe me if I told you I got the Stylish Blogger Award again?! LOL. I can barely believe it myself! Thank you soo much to The Book Angel, who blogs at Fay-Bay's Books, for passing this award on to me! :D

The rules of accepting this award:

1) Thank the person who gave you the award, and link back to them in your post.
2) Tell us seven (7) things about yourself.
3) Award 15 super-stylish bloggers this award :D
4) Contact those bloggers and let them know they have won.


Seven Totally Random Things About Me:

I) I am easily surprised - somtimes.
II) My favorite colour is dark yellow :).
III) I love participating in blog hops and weekly memes.
IV) GoodReads.com is my second-favorite site, following my blog.
V) I love getting comments from my followers, and others as well; they let me know that someone is looking at my blog, and I'm not just wasting time (Thanks, Followers!!).
VI) I am a very social person, esp in bookstores! LOL.
VII) My 2011 reading goals are to read 150 books and 50 000 pages (wish me luck!).


The 15 Stylish Bloggers I'm passing this award on to:

1) Coffee Table Press
2) Confessions of a Book Addict
3) Confessions of a Bookaholic
4) Confessions of a Vi3tBabe
5) Cornucopia of Reviews
6) Deranged Book Lovers
7) Down the Rabbit Hole
8) Dreaming of Books
9) Emilie's Book World
10) Green Lillipads
11) I was supposed to be SLEEPING
12) Icey Books
13) In Between the Lines
14) In the Hammock Book Reviews
15) In the Library of LadyViolet

Thanks again to The Book Angel, and congratulations to the new recipients! C:

Teaser Tuesday #13

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 are coming from page 154 of Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, by James Patterson (GoodReads, Amazon):

"Tonight ve implement our Re-Evolution Plan! Vhen ve are done, ve vill haf a world of less dan a billion people. Each country vill be under our control! Dere vill be no illnesses, no veakness. De new stron, smart populatioin vill save dis planet und take us into de tventy-second century!"

"Yeah," I said. "And if you look in the dictionary under 'delusional megalomaniac,' you'll see your picture."

"Nussing you say vill bozzer me," ter Borcht said more calmly. "It is time to eliminate you. You haf failed all de tests. You are not useful."


I'm pretty sure you're wanting to know what happens to Max and the flock, right? Well I'm not gonna tell you :).

Happy Reading to all,
Zakiya LadyWings

Monday, January 10, 2011

Evermore by Alyson Noel

This book counts toward the following challenges:


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Evermore (Immortals, #1)
By Alyson Noel
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 2009
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Date Finished: 1/1/2011
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Romance, Action



Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.
~from goodreads.com~

~First Line: " 'Guess who?' "
~Last Line: " 'Always have. Always will.' "

Review: The Immortals series debut was fantastic! After reading Radiance I knew I would love this one.

Ever, the heroine, was so closed off from the world. I mean, I understand that she was still grieving over her recently lost family, but still. She should have been trying to make new friends and get back to real life.

Not that she doesn't have friends. Her two best -- and only -- friends are Haven and Miles. Haven's obsessed with vampires, and Miles is gay and loves acting.

Add Ever's eventually-boyfriend Damen to the mix and you've got a strange group. Of course, Damen isn't anywhere near outcast-ism like the others are. He's gorgeous, the perfect guy, and all the girls want him.

There was so much action in the book. Now, just so we're on the same page, let me say that "action" in this book and my perspective means "boyfriends that end up being a mystery without a bestselling author, friends that don't unerstand everything about you, a guardian that's doing her best to raise her niece, and, overall, a girl who doesn't believe she can trust anyone, that she's the only one with her abilities." Now wouldn't you say that's action? Or maybe drama's the word. A little of both in this work.

Mix all that in a bucket, add in a female antagonist that wants to destroy Ever and a totally unexpected visit to Disneyland, and you've got the marvelous novel entitled Evermore.

Truly, this novel was ah-mazing. I am so excited to begin reading Blue Moon, but I should probably finish some of the books I'm reading first. :)

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:

"Before I can answer, Miles looks up from his Sidekick and shoots her the look -- the one with the direct translatioin of: Caution all ye who enter."

" 'Disneyland?' I climb out of my car and gaze at him in shock. Out of all the places I thought we'd end up, this never cracked the list."

"I try to clear my mind of all incriminating thought, knowing she'll only use it against me. But the thing is, trying to clear your mind is about as effective as telling someone to not think about elephants -- from that moment on that's all they'll think about."