Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Baby I'm Back! ...Again!

Baby I'm Back!... Again!  Have you ever seen the 90s sitcom Living Single?  If so, you'd know where I got the title from and you wouldn't think that I just lost my mind.  Or maybe you still would.

Well I did it!  I lived through the Texas Bar Exam (though I'm scarred for life) and I'm ready to get back to blog hopping and reading books and talking about books and all the other bookish things I love.

I think it will take me a bit to fully get back on schedule since I usually depend on pre-scheduling to stay consistent and I have nothing to pre-schedule at this point.  I don't really know what is going on and I haven't read a book since May (*gasp).

But I did want to pop in and say hi (*waves*) and thank any and everyone who have continued to stop and visit, leave comments, and support me even though I haven't been able to return the favor.  I was constantly amazed at the small number of bloggers who consistently came though on almost ever post and shared their thoughts.  And I especially appreciate those who encouraged me to keep going through the studying or tell me to get back to studying.  All those comments were seriously needed and appreciated.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Series (And I'm Losing My Mind!)

Reflections of a Bookaholic

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Favorite Series

It's OFFICIAL!  I've completely lost my mind.  I just realized today was Wednesday.  One doesn't keep track on days when they only serve as a ticking time bomb slowly (but surely) bringing you closer to your impending DOOM!  

Yes.  The Bar Examination (<-- notice the caps) is in less than a week.  Who has a test that spans for 3 days?!  Who does that?!  

In other news... There is a book world out there (that thinks I'm crazy) and I'm totally excluded and really sad about it.  But in this world, book lovers talk about books and reading and real life.  So let's do that about now.

Remember that for the month of June and July, my blogging friends will pop in to share their book loves! &nbsp;I know you get tired of hearing me gush on and on so let's hear from my fellow gushers :



Why I Love... Favorite Series by Peep & Julie


I had to think long and hard about which series to choose as my favorite. The truth is, I am not really a fan of series. I don’t enjoy it when I have to wait a few books until I can find out what will happen. I would prefer to read a really long book over a series any day. The only time I don’t mind a series is when the books all focus on different characters. In the end, if I had to pick a series I would choose The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta. I don’t usually like fantasy either but I believe that’s why Melina is so awesome - she made me love a genre that I usually don’t care for. There are only two books out now, Finnikin of the Rock and Froi of the Exiles. Quintana of Charyn (the final book) will be out in September.
Name of blog: Attack of the Book
How long you have been blogging: Hmm, maybe about 3 years off and on?
Primary genre focus: Young Adult, though I read other genres as well
One sentence about you or a quote or whatever you want to share: "You had me at Bacon..."





Gosh, it's hard to pick just one favorite book series! Can I choose three? Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and The Forest of Hands and Teeth.

My all-time fave series is Harry Potter. I love the magic and mystery in all the books. It's probably the only series I could read over and over. My favorite character is Harry, but I love Hermione. She's a smart cookie and a terrific heroine! I'm sad Harry's series came to an end. Yet, I’m looking forward to Rowling's new adult book!

As for The Hunger Games, it's the first book I'd ever read set in a dystopian world. The bleak, dangerous and futuristic world was new to me. THG is intense, edgy, romantic and breathtaking. The Hunger Games is a must read. If you haven't read it...what are you waiting for!

Another favorite book series is The Forest of Hands and Teeth. If you haven't read this series...be prepared. It's frightening, surreal, violent and very sad. The ending...all I can say is: "Holy Toledo!" It left me in a zombie-like stupor. I started thinking about what I would do if there was a zombie apocalypse. All three books in the series have stayed with me long after I turned the last page. I went to a book signing with Carrie Ryan. She's super funny and I got all three of my books signed!

All of these book series feature characters and worlds that range from the magical to the disturbing. They are filled with solid characterization and plotting with twists and turns that led me into believing everything would be alright -- then BAM the unexpected happened! I love books like that!

So, these are my fave book series! What's your favorite?

"That's Swell!": A Reel Swell Productions Blog Primary Genre Focus: I review everything from literary fiction to middle grade books. However, I would say my primary focus is young adult novels.

Since May of 2010, I've been reviewing books on "That's Swell!" I also review books and interview authors on my Huffington Post blog and for Common Sense Media. Aside from my blog, I am a freelance journalist, aspiring screenwriter and novelist.

Which series do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up.  Don't want to create an entire post?  Tell me your favorites in the comments.  Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!


If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.

LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)




Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Free Book on Kindle: Trouble in Paradise




Remember when I did my very first character interview with Danielle Shumaker from Vengeful Intentions by Stephanie Norris?  If you don't, check it out here.  Well... the first book in this drama-filled series is FREE on amazon.  Just go here! Soon... (like now).


Teaser Tuesdays: A Wish After Midnight


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
    My Teaser: This week's teaser comes from A Wish After Midnight.  I chose this book for one of my challenges.  I always planned for it to be my next book but something always came up and I chose a different.  I'm so glad to finally have picked this one up.


    "When you're different, people treat you like you're some kind of freak.  They're afraid, maybe, and people who are scared can be cruel.  They don't know what to do with you because you don't fit into any of the boxes they're in.  You're not this, so you don't fit into this box, and your not that, so you don't fit into that box, either. "




    Brief Description of A Wish After Midnight

    Genna Colon desperately wants to escape from a drug-infested world of poverty, and every day she wishes for a different life. One day Genna's wish is granted and she is instantly transported back to Civil War-era Brooklyn.


    Be sure to share a link to your teaser!


    Saturday, July 14, 2012

    Giveaway Results: Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop


    RESULTS ARE IN!!


    Congratulations to Ruth Hill  from My Devotional Thoughts. She has won a book of her choice (cause that's all I ever do and everyone is accustomed to this by now).  


    Thank you everyone who entered my giveaway : )

    The winner will have 48 hours to respond with their address and confirm their book choice. If there is no response, I will choose a new winner. Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway. The winner was selected by Rafflecopter.

    Didn't win this time? No worries, I'm getting ready to move soon and I've got to get rid of some of these books.  I have no where to put them!!  More giveaways to come :)

    Thursday, July 12, 2012

    Character Interview: Danielle Shumaker by Stephanie Nicole Norris


    This is the first time I've had a character interview over on Reflections of a Bookaholic and I'm a quite a bit excited to introduce you to Danielle Shumaker.


    Thank you for joining us today at Reflections of Book-a-holic Danielle, how are you today?

    I’m good I’ve got things to do so this better be quick.

    If you need to reschedule by all means (she interrupts me)

    I’m already here now so just ask your questions.

    Ok, tell us a little bit about yourself Danielle.

    What do you want to know, I’m in my early thirties don’t have any kids running around that’s about it.

    What about work?

    I was working for the newpaper in Memphis Tennessee but was let go.

    What happened?

    I got into some trouble in Chicago.

    I’ve got a newspaper here that says there was some sort of accident in Chicago in Paradise condominiums and it has your name written all over it, why don’t you tell us about that?

    I actually can’t talk about it right now.

    Why not?

    My attorney gave strict instructions (she smirks)

    That’s ok, we’ll find out later. So what’s going on with you, Victoria, and Joshua?

    You sure do ask a lot of questions.

    I’m trying to get your side of the story. I’m here to help you give insight to how you feel in all of this after all you are the one causing the trouble.

    You want to know my side of the story? Well let’s see, Joshua and I had still been sexually involved all the way up to about a year and a half ago when he decides to just drop me like a bad habit and move to Chicago with Victoria. I mean who does he think he is and who is she?

    I see, but why be mad at Victoria? 

     She knew we were a couple before they started seeing each other and she continued to see him, took him right away from up under my nose like most of these unloyal skanks do.

    By unloyal skanks do you men or women in general?

    Yeah, whatever.

    Did Victoria owe you any loyalty I didn’t know you were friends.

    We’ve never been friends, but it should be the code of every woman not to mess with another woman’s man.

    How do you know she knew this? I’ve talked to Victoria several times and she’s never said anything that shows she knew about you and him.

    Do you really expect her too?

    So now what, you plan to continue to destroy your life to destroy theirs?

    (The chair scoots back and she stands up) Sometimes you’ve got to do, what you’ve got to do.

    (She leaves)

    Well that’s the end of the interview ladies and gents Danielle Shumaker has left the building.

    I must admit that Danielle had a point about a few things even though I'm not sure I cared for her attitude.  There are two sides of the story, I guess I'll have to wait to read the entire story and hold my judgments till I find out the gossip facts.



    Vengeful Intentions

    Part II of Trouble In Paradise Blurb

    After serving eight long months in jail and becoming obsessed with the woman who put her there Danielle Shumaker is released when the evidence held against her comes up missing. With Victoria clouding her mind with thoughts of revenge Danielle is caught off guard when someone else wants to make her pay for her past transgressions.

    Not needing the added drama Victoria is still torn between her feelings toward Greg and her undying love for Joshua. With new knowledge that Danielle has been released from jail; Victoria is stunned into disbelief knowing that Joshua has not been honest with her.

    Things heat up when Joshua catches wind of Victoria’s affair and Caroline wants her husband back by any means necessary. Will this love story end in tragedy or will these couples learn to forgive and forget? Find out in part II of Trouble In Paradise.

    ~Love Is A Drug Ink~ Releases July 16, 2012
    Available in all Ebook formats ~ Available in Paperback at www.stephanienorris.net

    Find Stephanie Norris on Facebook www.facebook.com/authorstephanienorris

    Follow Stephanie Norris on Twitter at @stephanienrrs1 and @dramaticromance

    Follow Stephanie Norris' blog for a chance to win part II! http://stephaniennorris.blogspot.com/

    Wednesday, July 11, 2012

    Why I Love Wednesdays... Bookish Worlds

    Reflections of a Bookaholic

    Welcome to Why I Love Wednesdays!  For the month of June and July, my blogging friends will pop in to share their book loves!  I know you get tired of hearing me gush on and on so let's hear from my fellow gushers :)  Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Favorite Bookish Worlds!




    There are plenty of bookish worlds I enjoy reading about – Hogwarts, Avonlea, and Nancy Drew’s River Heights come to mind as happy places to be. If I could hop into any fictional setting, though, I’d definitely go for Lieutenant Eve Dallas’ New York City of 2058. If you aren’t familiar with the In Death series, it’s by J.D. Robb (a pseudonym for Nora Roberts) and it’s the perfect blend of detective work and romance. Think “Law & Order” with a bit more lovin’. Throughout the 34 books in the series, Robb has created a futuristic setting that’s easily recognizable, but with cooler toys and fancier gadgets. Think Autochefs (no need to cook!), off-planet resorts, household droids, and all sorts of fancy ways to adorn yourself and your possessions. It’s a world in which you can choose “professional mother” status as your career or go for a virtual beach jog from the comfort of your own home. Beyond that, Eve’s personal life is pretty enviable as well. Her amazingly brilliant and handsome husband, Roarke, is a billionaire with an Irish accent, and they live in a fabulous home in Upper Manhattan, complete with an indoor gym and a spa. Yes, there are dark events in Eve’s past and her job as a homicide cop can be gruesome, but I return to these books again and again because I’m fascinated by this world and the characters who inhabit it.

    ~Sarah from The Brazen Bookworm
    Blogging since: March 2011
    Primary genre focus: Historical and contemporary romance





    There is something about the worlds writers are able to create that resonate with readers. Sure, some are absolutely atrocious (The Hunger Games comes to mind), but there are always those that stand out and beckon the reader in with an enticing fragrance that is irresistable (Harry Potter is the epitome of this, but I've already written about that world). Because of these wonderful worlds that authors somehow conjur up, this week's "Why I Love" is dedicated to the Book World.

    A great example of what I consider a loved Book World would have to be The Shire from JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. There is something otherworldly about that place; perhaps because it is, technically, otherworldly. What I love so much about The Shire is the sense of community you feel from the members. They celebrate everything as a community; whether happy or sad. There is such a joyous approach to life in The Shire that it becomes contagious for the reader. We want to basque in that wonderful aura and run among the lush green fields and hills that encompass the surroundings. We want to dance and celebrate at Bilbo's 111th birthday. We want to drink pints and toast to a new year with our neighbors. We also want to partake in elevensies...

    Let's all take a field trip to New Zealand and see the Hollywood version of The Shire! I'm game :)

    I originally started my first blog in 2007 while I was living overseas as a means to keep everyone back home updated on what I was doing. However, I soon became incredibly neglectful of that and, instead, sent out mass emails. In 2010/11, I really started getting serious about blogging...and had to create a new domain because I couldn't remember my password to the original blog for the life of me :) I've been blogging pretty steadily since then and have focused mainly on book reviews and writing.
    I tend to focus the majority of my reading on historical fiction or literary fiction, but I am not opposed to reading anything. Even if I'm not interested at the beginning of a book, I continue reading, hoping that things will get better. I can't bring myself to abandon a book at all...even if it's awful.

    I think one of the best quotes that describes my love for books, bookstores, libraries, reading, etc. would have to be Jorge Luis Borges' "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library". Maybe that's why I love Borges' Labyrinth. It's like that scene in Beauty and the Beast when Belle sees the library for the first time...magical





    Which bookish worlds do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up.  Don't want to create an entire post?  Tell me your favorites in the comments.  Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!


    If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.

    LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
    When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
    Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
    Please participate :)





    Tuesday, July 10, 2012

    Teaser Tuesday: I've Got Your Number


    Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
      My Teaser: This teaser is from my current audiobook, I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella which is the perfect audiobook to listen to during bar prep.  Just when I think my life sucks, I get to disappear into the outrageous escapades of Poppy.


      “We're playing Scrabble. It's a nightmare."
      "Scrabble?"He sounds surprised. "Scrabble's great."

      "Not when you're playing with a family of geniuses, it's not. They all put words like 'iridiums'. And I put 'pig'.”

      Be sure to share a link to your teaser!

      Sunday, July 8, 2012

      The Sunday Best: Reviews!!

      I'm especially grateful when I stumble across wonderful posts that interest me and brighten my day.  Plus, I'm drawn toward memes right now because I'm missing the interaction with bloggers (*sniffle *sniffle)  I decided to be proactive (I hate that word) and participate in The Sunday Best, hosted by Tanya at Girlxoxo.com.

      On Sundays, we share the best post on our blogs from the week and link them up. Join us in showing off your Sunday Best and leave a comment or two.

      My Favorite Blog Post of this Week:

      Favorites From Other Book Blogs:
      List Week: Quickie Reviews from Sort of Beautiful
      Review: Beauty Queens from My Little Pocketbooks
      Audiobook Review: Problem at Pollensa Bay from Tales of Whimsy

      What did you think of the links I posted?  What were your favorite posts of the week, leave a link in the comments so I can visit them!



      Friday, July 6, 2012

      No Foodie Fridays BUT...

      Fourth of July really threw me a bit off schedule.  I didn't realize today was Friday!  Anywho...there is no Foodie Fridays this week, but don't forget to check out my first ever Cookbook Review here.  First cookbook review ever!!

      I really want to know the types of things you look for in a cookbook so that I can write helpful reviews.  Plus...of course, I love when you read my posts.  AND it is one cookbook that I'm really excited about.

      Come on... you want to check it out :)

      Wednesday, July 4, 2012

      Why I Love Wednesdays...Favorite Character

      Reflections of a Bookaholic

      Welcome to Why I Love Wednesdays!  For the month of June and July, my blogging friends will pop in to share their book loves!  I know you get tired of hearing me gush on and on so let's hear from my fellow gushers :)  Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Favorite Characters!
      My favorite book characters are the ones I remember long after I finish reading a book. They usually have a rare quality or quirk about them that makes them stand out above the rest. Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, Boo Radley, Scout, and Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Emily Grierson from William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily are all examples of characters that made a memorable impact on me.

      As much as I love suspense and an excellent plot, a book is never truly great for me unless I can connect to the characters. If you are looking for an awesome character driven story, my top two recommendations would be Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Robert McCammon's Swan Song.

      ~Jennifer from Book Den.
      Blogging since January 2011.
      Primary genre focus: Anything imaginative. A lot of the books I read (in any genre) can be considered "dark fiction"

      The Towering Pile
      My favourite book character is Elena Michaels from Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series. She is the ultimate butt-kicking female protagonist. In a way Elena is like my feminist hero. You could say she's in a male-dominated profession (being the only female werewolf in the world). She's constantly surrounded by men (hyper-masculine ones, at that), and she effortlessly holds her own among them. She can fight with the best of them, and is the best tracker in the Pack. Elena is fiercely loyal, intelligent, and self-confident. She has flaws, like a real human being, and deals with a lot of inner struggles, having had a pretty messed up life, but she always ends up making decisions that, while not necessarily the best, are always understandable. Basically, Elena feels like a real person to me, and I think that's what makes a character great.

      ~Lianne from The Towering Pile
      Blogging since Nov. 1, 2011
      Primary genre focus: It's eclectic, but I read more fantasy than anything else.
      Random fact about me: I collect R.L. Stine books; I have 246 of them so far!

      There are so many characters that I could claim as my favourite, but the first character I thought of when Alexis presented this topic to me is Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series. I’ve always identified with and adored Hermione, but when it comes down to it I think Luna is my favourite. The reason why I love Luna so much is that she has so much depth. She’s a free spirit and everyone makes fun of her for the things she likes, but she’s still brave enough to be herself. She doesn’t question her beliefs, despite the fact that people see her theories as crazy. She’s described as a bit spacey, yet she’s intelligent and dedicated enough to be sorted into Ravenclaw. Luna is a fabulous friend because she’s loyal and she will always tell you what she thinks, but she’s also kind and caring. Luna provides a lot of comic relief in the later Harry Potter books, but I also think she’s one of the smartest and bravest characters in the series.

       ~Ashley from the Book Labyrinth
      Blogging since: August 2010 (Over one and a half years!)
      Primary Genre Focus: YA, pretty much any genre (I especially love contemporary, dystopian, paranormal… and anything with a bit of romance in it)

      Ashley is a YA Book Blogger and MLIS graduate who hopes to work in libraries and research someday, but she currently works as an admin assistant to support her book habit.
      Which characters do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up.  Don't want to create an entire post?  Tell me your favorites in the comments.  Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!


      If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.

      LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
      When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
      Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
      Please participate :)





      Tuesday, July 3, 2012

      Books I Wish I Were Reading Instead of Studying

         

      They tease me as they sit on my nightstand.  Yet I continue to study.  I'm not sure why.  It doesn't seem to be working.  *Sigh*
      09 10