Geektastic:Stories From The Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci

Geektastic: Stories From The Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci

Released: June 7th 2010 (August 1st 2009)
Publisher: Little Brown For Young Readers
Page Amount: 403 US Hardcover Edition


Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside)and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to edit short stories from some of the best selling and most promising geeks in young adult literature: M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr.With illustrated interstitials from comic book artists Hope Larson and Bryan Lee O'Malley, Geektastic covers all things geeky, from Klingons and Jedi Knights to fan fiction, theater geeks, and cosplayers. Whether you're a former, current, or future geek, or if you just want to get in touch with your inner geek, Geektastic will help you get your geek on!
-Information from Goodreads.com 

My Thoughts:
Totally fell in love with this whole book. I loved each and every story. I'm not sure which is my favorite. But I loved learning more about the essence's of the geeks. I found out that I am a Music Geek, and truly proud to be so.I can't go anywhere without my Ipod Nano Black 16 GB 4th Generation. I will be getting this amazing novel to add to my personal collection.

I recommend checking out this amazing geeky book out. I loved the cartoons in it as well!! 5/5 stars

Happy Reading, Ashley

Fall For Anything by Courntey Summers

Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers
Released: December 21st 2010
Publisher: St. Martin's Giffin
Page Amount: 230 US Paperback Edition



"When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he seemed to find inspiration in everything he saw? And, most important, why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. Culler seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on...but are some questions better left unanswered?"
-Information from Goodreads.com.


My Thoughts:
This is the first Courtney Summers novel I read. WOW, what a powerful and heartbreaking novel Fall For Anything is.  It touched my heart and I felt Eddie's pain and sorrow. And also her wanting answers as to why her father killed himself. I don't know if anyone could ever truly know why someone close to them chose to end their life. Especially if they seemed find to everyone around them. 
  
I'm not sure if this is for everyone do to there is swearing throughout the novel. However you can handle the subject matter then you should read this.

5/5 stars, Happy Reading , Ashley 

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Released: August 24th 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Series: The Hunger Games, Book Three
Page Amount: 390, US Hardcover 


"Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding."
-Information from Goodreads.com 


My Thoughts:
I am sadden to see this amazing series come to an end. I took my time in reading the last installment to an heart racing and action pact series. There were times I wasn't sure how the story was going to end. I was shocked, I cried and I cheered for all the characters. I am truly glad to have read this series. It is definitely one of my favorite series.


I do not want to give too much away incase there are some of you that haven't read Mockingjay (are you crazy?) or the first two The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. Seriously if you haven't read these yet you need to. I will be getting them for my own collection very soon. I am looking forward to the movies!! 


Happy Reading, Ashley

Book Challenge Update

I was going to try and read 80 books this year. However since I was behind I decided to just go for 50. I know that's backing down. But I've had a hard time with reading this year. And I really want to finish a book challenge. So I think 50 will be easier for me. Maybe next year I'll shoot for 80.

Happy Reading, Ashley

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
Released: February 1st 2008
Publisher: Little Brown, For Young Readers
Page Amount: 224 (US Hardcover Edition)



"As children, Jennifer Harris and Cameron Quick were both social outcasts. They were also each others only friend. SO when Cameron disappeared without warning, Jennifer thought she'd lost the one person who would ever understand her. Now in high school, Jennifer has been transformed. Known as Jenna, she is popular, happy, and dating—everything "Jennifer" couldn't be. But she still can't shake the memory of her long-lost friend.

When Cameron suddenly reappears, they both are confronted with memories of their shared past and the drastically different paths their lives have taken.

Sweethearts is a story about the power of memory, the bond of friendship, and the quiet resilience of our childhood hearts."
 -Information from  Goodreads.com



My Thoughts:
A very cute and touching story about Jennifer (Jenna) and Cameron, childhood friends who went through a scary moment. When Cameron disappears from her life Jennifer changes herself. She becomes Jenna Vaughn, a girl who tries to do the right thing by other things. When Cameron re-enters her life she starts to question whether or not to keep living the life she has or become her old self again. Really loved this one!!


You should check out this very short and quick read. 5/5 stars!! 

Happy Reading, Ashley 

But I Love Him by Amanda Grace

But I Love Him by Amanda Grace
Released: May 8th 2011 (first May 1st 2011)
Publisher: Flux
Page Amount: 264



"Tonight was so much worse than anything before it. Tonight he didn't stop after the first slap.

At the beginning of senior year, Ann was a smiling, straight-A student and track star with friends and a future. Then she met a haunted young man named Connor. Only she can heal his emotional scars; only he could make her feel so loved — and needed. Ann can't recall the pivotal moment it all changed, when she surrendered everything to be with him, but by graduation, her life has become a dangerous high wire act. Just one mistake could trigger Connor's rage, a senseless storm of cruel words and violence damaging everything — and everyone — in its path.
This evocative slideshow of flashbacks reveals a heartbreaking story of love gone terribly wrong.
-Information from Goodreads.com



My Thoughts:
First off this book was hard for me to get through because of how emotional draining it was to read what Ann was going through with her relationship with Connor. I don't know how to describe my thoughts on But I Love Him by Amanda Grace. I've seen domestic violence, so I felt as if  I was reading parts from my childhood. Amanda Grace did an amazing job of having the reader go through the abuse physically and emotionally. This book isn't for the light hearted. There is swearing throughout the story, however given the subject matter it was needed.

I gave this a 5/5 stars, I'm still thinking about it right now. Check it out. Happy Reading, Ashley

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. 




Borrowed:
But I Love Him by Amanda Grace (Goodreads/ Amazon)
Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers (Goodreads/ Amazon)
Sweethearts by Sara Zarr (Goodreads/Amazon)
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Goodreads/Amazon)
Plague by Michael Grant (Goodreads/Amazon)
Geektastic: Stories From The Nerd Edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci (Goodreads/Amazon)
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (Goodreads/Amazon)

Bought:
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
*I got these last week*

For Review: N/A

Happy Reading, Ashley

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Released: August 1st 2010 (first released July 27th 2010)
Publisher:  Harlequin Teen
Series: The Iron Fey, Book Two
Page Amount: 359 (US Paperback Edition)

*Following blurb might contain spoilers and following review if you haven't read The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.*


"Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey iron bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. 
 But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart."
 -Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
I loved every single moment in this amazing and magical world. Julie Kagawa's writing style is beyond words. I felt like the words lifted off the page and that I was Megan. You are a roller coaster throughout the whole story and I didn't see the ending coming. I cannot wait to get the rest of this series.  The Iron Fey is my book candy!!

5/5 stars, Seriously go read this series you won't be disappointed, Happy Reading, Ashley!!