Fangirl Friday

So can we just talk about how freakin' excited I am for Catching Fire?! Really and nothing I've seen has made me less excited. What am I most excited about? I would have to say, seeing the arena for this one. It was very complex and interesting in the book and I'm super excited to see what they have in store.

It just looks really amazing. I quite enjoyed The Hunger Games, there were definitely things that bothered me but as a while I thought they did quite well. I can't wait to see what they do with Catching Fire. From the trailer it looks like we will not be disappointed.

So, how excited are you guys? 
What are you looking forward to seeing in the movie?

Top Ten Tuesday

This week's topic is:

Top Ten Books You'd Want on a Deserted Island

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass - Lewis Carroll

Probably my favorite book(s) ever. Would definitely need this.

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging (series) - Louise Rennison

So maybe it's cheating to add a series, but these I could re-read non-stop for awhile. If I could only pick one book I might just pick the first one...or maybe the longest.

Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins

This book was just simply wonderful, and if I'm stuck on in island I want to dream of boys with swoon-worthy accents :)

Beauty Queens - Libba Bray

I'll need a book that show me that things could be worse, but not quite as bad as Lord of the Flies.

Harry Potter (series) - J.K. Rowling

I don't think I really need to explain this one, but if I could only pick one book from the series it might be Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Invincible Summer - Hannah Moskowitz

If this is your first time to my blog, just know that this book = on every one of my lists ever.

Looking for Alaska - John Green

Need a John Green on this list obviously.

The Hunger Games (series) - Suzanne Collins

If I could only take one from the trilogy it might be Mockingjay a lot happens.  Maybe just The Hunger Games though because it was amazing.

The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern

This book is just wonderfully, magically, amazing.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret - Brian Selznick

This book is just wonderful.

The Broke and the Bookish is a group of college aged and twenty somethings that have an unhealthy obsession with reading and would spend every last penny on books even if it meant skipping a few meals. We are the people who lurk in the library, buy handbags based on how many books can be stashed in them, and who refer to characters in books as if they are personal friends.

We sought after other bookish college students to share in our love for reading and were brought together by the College Students group on Goodreads that was created in September 2008. Our desire to share great books with each other in and our tendency to be opinionated and passionate about all things book related naturally led to the birth of The Broke and the Bookish in June 2010.

What I've read from the NPR Top 100 Teen Books List

So by now all of you have seen the top teen book list from NPR right? Hopefully most of you voted for your favorites. I thought I would do a quick share of what I have read/what I own and will get to someday... Feel free to post the list yourself and then link back in the comments to your post :) If you have any suggestions of which ones I should definitely read, let me know!

What I've Read / What I Own...and will read eventually

1. Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling
2. The Hunger Games (series), by Suzanne Collins
3. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
4. The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
5. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
6. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
7. The Lord of the Rings (series), by J.R.R. Tolkien
8. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
9. Looking for Alaska, by John Green
10. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
11. The Giver (series), by Lois Lowry
12. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (series), by Douglas Adams
13. The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton
14. Anne of Green Gables (series), by Lucy Maud Montgomery
15. His Dark Materials (series), by Philip Pullman
16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
17. The Princess Bride, by William Goldman
18. Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
19. Divergent (series), by Veronica Roth
20. Paper Towns, by John Green
21. The Mortal Instruments (series), by Cassandra Clare
22. An Abundance of Katherines, by John Green
23. Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes
24. Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher
25. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon
26. Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
27. Twilight (series), by Stephenie Meyer
28. Uglies (series), by Scott Westerfeld
29. The Infernal Devices (series), by Cassandra Clare
30. Tuck Everlasting, by Natalie Babbitt
31. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie
32. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (series), by Anne Brashares
33. The Call of the Wild, by Jack London
34. Will Grayson, Will Grayson, by John Green, David Levithan
35. Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous
36. Howl's Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones
37. Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli
38. A Separate Peace, by John Knowles
39. Vampire Academy (series), by Richelle Mead
40. Abhorsen Trilogy / Old Kingdom Trilogy (series), by Garth Nix
41. Dune, by Frank Herbert
42. Discworld / Tiffany Aching (series, by Terry Pratchett
43. My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult
44. The Dark is Rising (series), by Susan Cooper
45. Graceling (series), Kristin Cashore
46. Forever..., by Judy Blume
47. Earthsea (series), by Ursula K. Le Guin
48. Inheritance Cycle (series), by Christopher Paolini
49. The Princess Diaries (series), by Meg Cabot
50. The Song of the Lioness (series), by Tamora Pierce
51. Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson
52. Delirium (series), by Lauren Oliver
53. Anna and the French Kiss, by Stephanie Perkins
54. Hush, Hush Saga (series), by Becca Fitzpatrick
55. 13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson
56. It's Kind of a Funny Story, by Ned Vizzini
57. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy (series), by Libba Bray
58. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs
59. The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros
60. Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury
61. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
62. Just Listen, by Sarah Dessen
63. A Ring of Endless Light, by Madeleine L'Engle
64. The Truth About Forever, by Sarah Dessen
65. The Bartimaeus Trilogy (series), by Jonathan Stroud
66. Bloodlines (series), by Richelle Mead
67. Fallen (series), by Lauren Kate
68. House of Night (series), by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast (I've only read book 1 but own the series)
69. I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith
70. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlsit, by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
71. Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver
72. Unwind, by Neal Shusterman
73. The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle
74. The Maze Runner Trilogy (series), by James Dashner
75. If I Stay, by Gayle Forman
76. The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley
77. Crank (series), by Ellen Hopkins (I've only read book 1 but own the series)
78. Matched (series), by Allie Condie
79. Gallagher Girls (series), by Ally Carter
80. The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale
81. Daughter of the Lioness / Tricksters (series), by Tamora Pierce
82. I Am the Messenger, by Markus Zusak
83. The Immortals (series), by Tamora Pierce
84. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles (series), by Patricia C. Wrede
85. Chaos Walking (series), by Patrick Ness
86. Circle of Magic (series), by Tamora Pierce
87. Daughter of Smoke & Bone, by Laini Taylor
88. Feed, by M.T. Anderson
89. Weetzie Bat (series), by Francesca Lia Block
90. Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen
91. Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (series), by Louise Rennison
92. Leviathan (series), by Scott Westerfeld
93. The House of the Scorpion, by Nancy Farmer
94. The Chronicles of Chrestomanci (series), by Diana Wynne Jones
95. The Lullaby, by Sarah Dessen
96. Gone (series), by Michael Grant
97. The Shiver Trilogy (series), by Maggie Stiefvater
98. The Hero and the Crown, by Robin McKinley
99. Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson
100. Betsy-Tacy Books (series), by Maud Hart Lovelace

Let's Talk: Book to Film Adaptations

Let's Talk is a weekly feature at i swim for oceans.

Question: What are your favourite and least favourite book to film adaptations, and why?

I think I'll start with least favorite, this is one that I read and watched recently and could not believe how horrible the movie was.

I read Battle Royale and it was awesome, full of psychological depth and character descriptions. Because of this, I was so excited to watch the movie, unfortunately my excitement was short lived. I found Battle Royale the movie to be a horrible film, never mind adaptation. It was just a slasher film. Every single aspect that made me love the book was not even touched upon in the movie, but they added stuff in! They added weird irrelevant scenes that made me question why I was still watching the movie. I think a movie has to have a least some basis in the book, otherwise they should just write their own movie.

On the flip side of Battle Royale though, I did really enjoy The Hunger Games movie. They were of course things left out, some bugged me a lot but the movie captured the book quite well. The characters really sealed the deal for me in the movie adaptation though, they were perfect. Same with Scott Pilgrim Versus the World and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Both awesome adaptations where the characters fit really well.

In Scott Pilgrim they did a fantastic job adding the weird video game element to it. One thing that I have occasionally done, sometimes accidentally, is watched the movie first. One bad thing, is knowing the ending of a book that will take you a fair amount of time to read. The thing I've found though is that if I watch the movie first I can enjoy both the book and the movie. Fight Club is a good example of this. I watched the movie ages ago when it came out, before I had heard of Palahniuk. I loved the movie so much. Then when I found out it was a novel, I snatched it up. I could enjoy comparing the two and loved that there was more in the book beyond the movie. This is where the big difference is. I can enjoy the extra stuff in the book, versus complaining that it's not in the film.

Those are my thoughts on the whole book to movie adaptation, I still strive to read the book first, because I like complaining I guess. ;)

The Hunger Games VS. Battle Royale

So a lot of people have asked me if The Hunger Games and Battle Royale are similar. This stems from the fact that many people have been arguing that they are the same book and that Suzanne Collins ripped off the idea and yadda yadda blah blah blah. Those people clearly did not read either book very well. The only real similarity is the story idea of teens fighting each other to the death. That's it. It's like saying Harry Potter and Hex Hall are the same story because they both have special schools for special kids. It's a little ridiculous if you ask me. I think both The Hunger Games and Battle Royale were amazing stories and definitely worth the read. I think it really depends on what you want out of your stories to determine which book you should read.

The Hunger Games, could have been called The Life and Times of Katniss Everdeen, since she is our main character and everything we see throughout the series revolves around her. This worked fantastically for The Hunger Games, because it made you empathize with Katniss and the suffering of not only her District but the Districts like hers. She was a voice for the people and that is what the novels are all about—The Girl Who Was On Fire and how she sparked a revolution. I loved that the very games meant to suppress a revolution, ultimately caused a revolution.

Then you have Battle Royale. A story about a class full of kids forced to kill each other or be killed by the collars around their necks. There are main characters in this novel, and it is a lot about them. You really get into everyone's head though, not just the main characters. The story talks a lot about trust and instinct and human nature. Koushun Takami examined all sorts of different reactions to the situation that these kids were thrust into. Unlike The Hunger Games, these kids knew every person they were meant to kill. They were quite unprepared about what to expect because the Battles were not televised or spoken about too much. They saw a winner emerge, but never knew all the horrors that would have to be experienced. This novel really seemed to be an examination of humans and how certain people react certain ways; how some people can find trust in another person and how some may trust too easily, while others may not trust anyone fully.

So no, I don't really think these books are all that similar. I think there will be people, like me, who can enjoy them both. There will be others that will only enjoy one or the other though. Some people may like the extreme violence and questions within Battle Royale, but hate the romance and gentle characters in The Hunger Games. They are two books like any other two books and should be treated as such. If you liked either of them you might enjoy Lord of the Flies too *shrugs* so really they are comparable, but not really too alike.

Agree or disagree with me? Let me know in the comments.

Movie Review: The Hunger Games movie

Where I watched it: Movie Theater
Rating: 4 stars
Movie Release Date: March 23, 2012
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hour 22 minutes

I am one of the many that really enjoyed The Hunger Games series, so of course I was excited and nervous to see the movie. In short, I thought they did a very excellent job at it. The casting was spot on. I think every actor fit perfectly with the character they were playing. I really enjoyed the movie and thought it was done really well. There were quite a few things left out or condensed, but all in all I was not very disappointed.

Now for the long of it and there will be spoilers so reader beware ;)
There was barely any beginning to this movie. Everything happens very fast. You are introduced to some of the important characters, but they hardly feel important as Katniss and Peeta were whisked off to the Hunger Games. I think it worked okay for the movie, but it makes Peeta the logical love intrest, so it sort of cuts down on the internal struggle Katniss has picking between them. Next Madge? Anyone? Anyone? No Madge?! Why not. I think that Madge played a subtly important role and I was quite dismayed that they blotted out her existence. So the tributes are getting ready at the Capitol and I just felt like there wasn't much between Katniss and Peeta then. I think all the emotions that happen pre-games is what made them such dynamic characters in the books. You could see that they sort of become friends and then you see Peeta slow betrayal of that trust, that makes you wonder about him. I just felt like the character interactions could have been a bit stronger for the movie. I did love Cinna and Katniss, but again their movie relationship seemed a bit shallow and abrupt. There were also no transports for the dead bodies, which seemed a bit odd to take out, but ultimately didn't ruin the movie. I wished that there was more about Foxface but again, wasn't crucial to the story so they took it out. There were tons of things I loved about this movie though, like the command central for the games. It was very interesting to see the behind the scenes of the games. As easy as thinking it and they could do it. I'll mention the cast again, because the acting was great and they fit the characters so well. Definitely check out this movie. It got me so excited for the next three movies. I'm super excited to see the arena in Catching Fire. It's going to be crazy. Watching Mockingjay will be great too, because it's such a different story from the first two. So much happens and it's all very interesting. Anyways. the movie was lovely even though they left out a lot of things. My hope is that the relationships will get stronger in the next movie and then this series will be epic, like the books.

Have you seen the movie yet? If so leave your thoughts in the comments, or a link to your own movie review.

Hunger Games Trailer

So I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm fairly excited for the Hunger Games movie to come out! I loved the books (Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay) and hope that the movie does them justice.
They released the character posters a little while ago and they are awesome.

The Capitol Website: www.thecapitol.pn

Official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/thehungergamesmovie

Official Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/#!/lionsgatemovies 

Official Trailer Twitter #Tag: #TheHungerGamesTrailer

Official Website: http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/

And now for the trailer!!!!!

Review: Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins

Where I got it: My Collection

Rating: 4.5 stars  

Cover Rating: 3.5 stars 

Genre: Young Adult

Publication Date: August 24, 2010

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Page Count: 390 p.

Buy it: Book Depository / Amazon

Sequel to The Hunger Games and Catching Fire

It's official, President Snow hates Katniss and Katniss sparked a revolution. When Katniss is rescued form the arena by rebels, she's not sure who she can trust. She thought she knew who the enemy was, but now she's not as positive. So for now she's staying in District 13, with the survivors from the air raid on District 12. Peeta was captured by the Capitol and is being held and tortured. Katniss just wants to get him back and make Snow pay. She may not get a chance though, when she's held back by District 13's President Coin.  Katniss may have more enemies than she thinks, and far fewer allies than she hoped.

**This review will probably be quite spoiler-y so read at your own risk, if you haven't read Mockingjay**

I was sort of frustrated with this book in a lot of ways, there were just so many things that infuriate me. I also didn't like the ending, not the resolution, just the style of it. Katniss was in and out of a daze most of the time, so the end of the book seemed very disjointed and I had a hard time piecing together what was going on. I also was just so frustrated with Katniss. Her love triangle was mostly just an angle. She didn't really seem to love either of them. It is hard though, because the Katniss Gale knew and love died in the first Hunger Games, meanwhile Katniss and Peeta grew closer, but she distanced herself. I also am still not sure who Katniss can trust, everyone seems to be keeping a lot of secrets. I'm not sure who did drop those parachutes. Was it the Rebels? Was it the Capitol? If it was the Rebels why weren't they shot out of the air, why did the medics go in to help? This brings me to the thing that killed me the most about this book. Prim dying. What!?! I guess it's a circle, the series started with Katniss taking Prim's place to save her life, so I guess she had to die, but it was just cruel. There was really no happy ending in this book. Not that a book needs a happy ending, but I feel like something nice could have happened. The whole society was a mess though, so I guess it only makes since. No one had a happy ending, why should the hero? So even though after I'm finished I am loaded with questions and theories, I guess it means that this was an incredible series. If everything was cut and dry, what would we have to talk about? It would have left nothing to mull over days and weeks after. Nothing to debate passionately about with other readers. This was such a great series, I think I may have to reread this one in the new future.

First Line:
"I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather."


Favorite Lines:
"The scream starts in my lower back and works its way up through my body only to jam in my throat. I am Avox mute, choking on my grief."

Review: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

Where I got it: My Collection

Rating: 5 stars  

Cover Rating: 3.5 stars (Again nice original concept, but I don't know there's just something I don't love about it. )  

Genre: Young Adult

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Page Count: 391 p.

Buy it: Book Depository / Amazon

Sequel to The Hunger Games

So Peeta and Katniss have become victors of the Hunger Games and are paraded around for praise. President Snow is not happy about it though, and let's Katniss in on a little secret; if she does not convince him that she is in love with Peeta, he will kill all of the people that they love. Katniss tries the best she can, but no performance is enough. Then she hears up uprisings in the other districts, rumors flying that District 13 is alive and well. Katniss realizes that she was the catalyst of this revolution sweeping to the Capitol and there is little she can do to stop it. She might just have to fuel it if she wants to survive. 

Just as amazing as the first book, Catching Fire was a fantastic sequel. I will try to be brief, so I can get on to reading Mockingjay. This book added more wonderful characters and a lot more fire to an already fast paced story line. Cinna once again crafts jaw-dropping wardrobes, that may or may not be little incites into rebellion. This book left me bitting my nails until the very end, there was just so much happening. Rebellions are always quite exciting, especially in a dystopian-y type of world. These people are treated like crap all the time, and the slightest spark, sets the fire roaring. I really cannot wait to tear into the last book and see how this all plays out. Again, all the characters were flawlessly crafted to play off each other with their fears and jokes weaving in and out smoothly. The emotions ran high in this sequel, and I can only imagine that they will pique in the next book to nearly unbearable levels. This book was a surprise and it turned out better than I hoped. Seriously read this series, it was a mistake that I waited so long. 

First Line:

"I clasp the flask between my hands even though warmth from the tea has long since leached into the frozen air."

Favorite Line:

"There is nothing in this world that could break me faster at this moment than these three faces."

Review: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Where I got it: My Collection

Rating: 5 stars  

Cover Rating: 3.5 stars (I like it and it's original and relevant, but it isn't as eye-catching as I usually go for. )  

Genre: Young Adult

Publication Date: September 14, 2008

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Page Count: 374 p.

Buy it: Book Depository / Amazon

In The Seam, a part of District 12, life isn't always easy. Food and money don't fall from the sky, and the Capitol looks down on hunting in the forest. Katniss ignores this last bit along with her friend Gale, they both have a family to feed after all. Both of them have many slips with their name on them in the raffle for The Hunger Games. This event, brought to you by the Capitol, pits two kids from each district against one another in a fight to the death. This is the Capitol's way of keeping everyone in line and preventing a revolution from rising. Katniss steps forward to take her sister's place when they draw names at the reaping. Katniss can not let her sister die, even if it means she must die herself. Katniss has been surviving quite well in The Seam though, so many she has enough instincts and will to survive The Hunger Games.

The beginning of this novel seemed slow to me, but it could be because I was trying my hardest not to love this book. I failed miserably and absolutely loved every minute of this book and did not want to put it down. The writing was just fantastic and the characters memorable and expressive. Each person came alive with Suzanne Collins' writing. I felt like I was actually there with them, or at least a spectator of the sport. There were many shocking things that happened, even though I sort of knew what the outcome would be early on. That didn't stop this book from surprising me in many ways. I really enjoyed Katniss, she was a survivor and it showed in everything she did. I love that she becomes The Girl Who Was on Fire, with a flaming entrance to the pre-game events. It is truly horrible that the Capitol would make all these young people fight to the death. Why couldn't they have adults do it? I guess it's not as tragic then, maybe wouldn't keep people in line as well. It's terrible that a small twelve-year-old girl could be matched up against a bunch of large, surly eighteen-year-old brutes. Peeta was an interesting character too, I can never quite tell what he was thinking. I could never be sure whether or not Katniss could trust him, or if he was telling the truth. I have already started Catching Fire, and am eager to see what happens next with everyone. I am looking forward to hearing more from the other characters that weren't too present in The hunger Games. If you have not read this yet, I would do it soon, especially before the movie comes out.

First Line:

"When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold."

Favorite Line:

"The birds fall silent."

Interview with Amy Plum

If you haven't checked out my review of this book yet (I LOVED IT) you can right here. Also, did you know Amy has a map on her website of Paris and it has little notes on the places that are mentioned in the book? Check it out! 

1. So you've lived in Alabama, Chicago, New York, Paris and London, as well as some other small places. Which was your absolute favorite place to live? 

Paris and New York are my favorite places on earth, both to live and to visit. Since my parents are gone, I don’t really have a “home” to go back to. But when I am in either of those cities, I have this happy bubble inside me that feels like it’s constantly on the verge of bursting. In New York it’s the creativity, the energy, the 24/7 activity, and the fact that no one looks twice when some guy wearing only a Speedo and a leather jacket dances by them on rollerblades. In Paris it’s the ancient history of the city, the millions of ghosts that are everywhere, pulling on the edges of your consciousness, that seduces me. There’s an ambiance of lazy luxury, appreciating life (whether with the food, art, or beautiful people) being at the forefront of its inhabitants’ minds. Paris is a woman: she’s incredibly sexy, sophisticated and cool. New York is a man: he’s artistic, bohemian, and has so much nervous energy that when you’re with him you can’t help but buzz and jump around with his contagious excitement. I love both of them equally! 

2. What is a book you've read recently, that you think everyone should read? 

I know they’re the books on everyone’s favorite list at the moment, but I have to say the Hunger Games series. 

3. How close are the actors in your book trailer to what your characters actually look like? 

The kids they chose are super-cute, but they don’t look anything like Kate and Vincent. 

4. For those wishing to live abroad, what is some advice they must know? 

Don’t judge anything in your new country by the same standards you would back home. Wherever you go, try not to have the attitude “Our way is better”. Try instead for “Our way is different”. And then, even if you come across something you don’t like, attempt to find the charming side in it. You will have a much better experience if you do! 

5. Did you know Kate's story would be paranormal to begin with or did her early draft life start of differently? 

Yes, I approached the idea of the book knowing it would be a paranormal romance. But before I even thought of what paranormal creature I would write about, I tried to figure out what Kate, my human protagonist, was like. The book began when the first sentence (which has since been cut) came to mind: “Ten days after I got my driver’s license, my parents were killed in a car accident.” That defined Kate for me, and everything else grew from that. Once I had her personality down, I tried to think about what kind of supernatural being she would fall for. 

6. Which was your favorite character, if you have one? 

Kate and Vincent are my favorite characters, of course. But after them, I would have to say Jules. Since we don’t see him much in Book 1 the reader doesn’t know this, but he has a very three-dimensional personality in my mind. He has found a way to deal with his fate that I completely understand and empathize with. 

In My Mailbox #1

In My Mailbox is brought to you in part by The Story Siren. So without further ado here we go!

Purchased:
What the Dickens by: Gregory Maguire
A terrible storm is raging, and ten-year-old Dinah is huddled by candlelight with her brother, sister, and cousin Gage, who is telling a very unusual tale. It’s the story of What-the-Dickens, a newly hatched orphan creature who finds he has an attraction to teeth, a crush on a cat named McCavity, and a penchant for getting into trouble. One day he happens upon a feisty girl skibberee who is working as an Agent of Change — trading coins for teeth — and learns that there is a dutiful tribe of skibbereen (call them tooth fairies) to which he hopes to belong. As his tale of discovery unfolds, however, both What-the- Dickens and Dinah come to see that the world is both richer and less sure than they ever imagined.


Dead is the New Black, Dead is a State of Mind and Dead is So Last Year
Fashion statement...or something freakier?

The first installment of this creepy, campy paperback original series introduces the psychic Giordano sisters—and their very strange hometown, Nightshade, California.

Teenage girls are being mysteriously attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy Giordano is a junior. When Daisy discovers that a vampire may be the culprit, she can’t help but suspect head cheerlead Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new “look.” Samantha looks a little...well, dead, and all the popular kids at school are copying her style. Is looking dead just another fashion trend for pretty popular Samantha, or is there something more sinister going on? To find out, Daisy joins the cheerleading squad....

Dead is the New Black is a fast-paced mystery that combines romance, humor, sibling rivalry, and lots of attitude.


Along For the Ride by: Sarah Dessen
When Auden decides to spend the summer before college with her father and stepmother in a small beach town, she finds herself freed to discover a new world of friendship with other girls, as well as an unexpected romance with Eli, a rising star on the BMX circuit and a fellow insomniac, who joins her in exploring the late night world of the small town. As Auden struggles to turn from the path her mother has set for her and Eli tries to come to terms with the death of a friend for which he holds himself responsible, the two break out of their mutual self-imposed isolation and find one another.




The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins
Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.



Contest:

Won from HipWriterMama
Jumping of Swings by: Jo Knowles
Jumping Off Swings tells, from four points of view, the ramifications of a pregnancy resulting from a "one-time thing" between Ellie, who feels loved when boys touch her and Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life.



Library:

Secrets, Lies and My Sister Kate by: Belinda Hollyer

Belinda Hollyer warms the heart with this touching novel about the bond of two sisters and the true meaning of family.

Mini adores her older sister, Kate. Although they look nothing like each other, they are best friends-or so Mini thinks-until Kate begins to act strangely. She dresses in all black, picks bitter fights with her parents, and even gets a tattoo! Mini knows something is bothering her sister, but Kate won't confide in her like she used to. Then one day Kate disappears without a trace. In her determination to find her sister, Mini unveils a shocking family secret that paralyzes her parents with regret. Now it's up to Mini to find Kate and bring their broken family back together again.