tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61877395599045855812024-03-13T12:06:18.012-04:00Pirate Penguin's ReadsSLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07061611122645753460noreply@blogger.comBlogger659125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-43428824789048947202015-08-03T07:00:00.000-04:002016-01-19T10:19:33.168-05:00It's been great but it's time to go... Well, this has been a long time coming. I've mentioned it more than once on PPR but for more than a year now I haven't been able to shake off the "blah" feeling I've had about blogging. I've thought about this long and hard and I've decided that it's time to stop blogging.<br />
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I say <i>stop</i>, not quit because quitting is permanent. I'm not making any promises about coming back but...I want to leave the door open<b> if </b>I decide to change my mind later on. I still intend on reading other people's blogs, commenting and lurking about hehe. The only difference is that I won't be updating my own blog. I'll still be active on my twitter and my tumblr so if you're around, feel free to follow me on both :)<br />
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I also want to say thank you to everyone who's read my blog, commented on my posts, retweeted or linked my blog to theirs, etc. I'm so grateful to each and every one of you who's ever interacted with me through this blog. I cannot express my gratitude enough. I would also like to thank everyone from the publishing world who's reached out to me in the past to participate in blog tours, giveaways and for allowing me the chance to review books before (and right after!) their release date. Every time an invite was issued my way, I would always be amazed and humbled.<br />
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Through<i> Pirate Penguin's Reads</i>, I've learned so much about the publishing industry, the (not so secret anymore) world of writers/authors and how reviewers, book sellers and librarians make a huge impact in the future of literacy. I don't think I've mentioned this but this blog has also indirectly lead me to my new career in librarianship. So as I move forward in my career path, I have this blog (and you, my beautiful readers) to thank for giving me all the knowledge I have about the book world.<br />
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I've also made some really awesome friends through<i> Pirate Penguin's Reads. </i>Particular shout outs to Alex and my lady YAckers. :)<br />
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So that's it, you guys. I didn't mean to write so much but it came pouring out and here it is. Thank you for sticking with me for these six years. I'll see you around ♥<br />
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<i>Note: GIF was found via a bing search. GIF is not mine. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-43634307369443152052015-07-08T17:03:00.000-04:002015-07-08T17:03:34.761-04:00Winner of HOW TO BE ALONE IS...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>Kara! </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>I've emailed you; you have 48 hours to respond. Thanks to everyone who entered! </b></span></div>
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<b>Note: Apologies for announcing the winner late. I had a hectic day yesterday. </b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-42034875366515369072015-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:002015-07-08T17:04:07.109-04:00Mini-review & giveaway for How to Be Alone by Tanya Davis, illustrated by Andrea Dorfman <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYTT6XS8EMw/UqUS3MXrTQI/AAAAAAAADTI/rwXwwf81Kd8/s1600/9780062280848_p0_v2_s260x420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYTT6XS8EMw/UqUS3MXrTQI/AAAAAAAADTI/rwXwwf81Kd8/s200/9780062280848_p0_v2_s260x420.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
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<strong>Publisher: Harper</strong></div>
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<strong>Release Date: October 20th, 2013</strong></div>
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<strong>Source: Publisher (thank you!)</strong></div>
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<span id="freeText14956464252714233907"><strong>Synopsis: A charming and deeply poignant illustrated poem based on the popular viral Internet video that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide</strong><br /><br />If you are, at first, lonely be patient. If you've not been alone much or if, when you were, you weren't okay with it then just wait...<br /><br />Since its debut on YouTube, Tanya Davis's beautiful and perceptive poem, How to Be Alone, visually realized by artist and filmmaker Andrea Dorfman, has become an international sensation. Her wise and perceptive words, vivid in their evocation of solitude's beauty and calm, have touched millions. Now her poem's deep eloquence and compelling illustrations have been adapted for the page in this beautiful, meditative volume, a keepsake to treasure and to share. <br /><br />From a solitary walk in the woods to sitting unaccompanied on a city park bench to eating a meal and even dancing alone, Tanya reveals the possibilities and joys waiting to be discovered when we engage in activities on our own. As she soothes the disquietude that accompanies the fear of aloneness, and celebrates the power of solitude to change how we see ourselves and the world, Tanya reavels how, removed from the noise and distractions of other lives, we can find acceptance and grace within.<br /><br />For those who have never been by themselves and those who feel lost or lonely on their own, this moving work encourages us to recognize and embrace the possibilities of being alone-and reminds us of a universe of joy, peace, and discovery waiting to unfold. </span><br />
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<strong>Review:</strong> This book is so light to hold but it carries an important message. HOW TO BE ALONE calmly asserts that the act of being alone is not a sign of weakness, but of quiet strength.<br />
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Being an introvert all my life, I was always told that I should be more social, go out more, etc. I internalized these messages for years until I reached my early 20s and realized that a) introversion is a thing b) there was nothing wrong with me for liking to be alone and c) being an introvert doesn't require a cure.<br />
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These revelations came at a slow pace. I wish I had had a book like this to tell me that being an introvert is not only common but a rather lovely way of living if you choose to see it that way. I admit that my first time finding Tanya's poem was through her youtube video--her voice is so soothing--but it was such a treat to read her words in book form. Tanya describes the many instances where one can be alone but find fulfillment and wonder in their own company. The language and imagery she utilizes in her poem are so charming and beautiful; the way she describes the baby steps of learning to be alone by doing simple acts: going to the movies by yourself, eating in public places alone or going to the library... One wouldn't think that these types of activities could be a practice in anything. However, through Tanya's words, readers can see these moments can teach us to appreciate being in the moment and understanding that once you're comfortable with yourself, the world becomes a more interesting place to explore.<br />
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As for the illustrations in HOW TO BE ALONE, Andrea Dorfman's drawings are colorful, easy on the eyes and perfectly accompany Tanya's words; their styles coalesce and create this really sweet, inspirational message that anyone--regardless of whether they're social butterflies or wallflowers--can understand. HOW TO BE ALONE is a quick read but it gives you plenty of things to think about.<br />
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<b>Final Verdict</b>: If you haven't had the chance to read this book or listen to Tanya's video, I recommend that you find five minutes to set aside during the day and read (or listen) HOW TO BE ALONE. It only takes a few minutes to absorb Tanya's message (as well as being treated to Andrea's peaceful drawing style) but you'll find yourself tremendously enlightened by Tanya and Andrea's vision.<br />
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<i>Here's the video that started it all....</i></div>
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<i>Wasn't that lovely?</i></div>
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<b><strike>Now onto the giveaway: </strike><span style="color: red;">GIVEAWAY OVER</span></b></div>
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<strike>One person will be winning a copy of HOW TO BE ALONE. If you are interested, please fill out this form. Here are the rules: </strike></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><strike>U.S. only (sorry international peeps!) </strike></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><strike>This giveaway will run from today (June 29th) until July 6th, 11:59pm EST. I'll announce the winner the following day (July 7th).</strike></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">The winner has 48 hours to respond; if they do not respond within that time frame, I'm picking someone else.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">For more information on privacy and giveaway policies, please click <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2009/11/privacy-policy.html" style="color: #7d7d7d; text-decoration: none;">here</a> and <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2009/11/contest-policy.html" style="color: #7d7d7d; text-decoration: none;">here</a>.</li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-37294187524502888172015-06-03T20:39:00.001-04:002015-06-03T20:39:33.809-04:00Monthly Wrap-Up: May 2015 <b>May 2015: Where I decide to simplify my life and get rid of books. </b><br />
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That sounds rather intense but it's true. I deactivated my netgalley account (I'll be permanently deleting it soon) and I went through my personal collection, sorting through books I want to keep (like my beloved copies of FANGIRL*) and the ones I don't want anymore. I'm going to try to sell my finished copies to my local indie bookstore and if I can't get rid of them all, I'll just donate the remaining copies to my library.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Snapshot of May</span></b></div>
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<li><a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/05/waiting-on-wednesday.html">I did a WoW where I featured THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE by Amy Reichert</a>. My good friend Alex told me about it and it sounds like an adorable read. It's pitched as a cross between You've Got Mail and How to Eat a Cupcake. </li>
<li><a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/05/mini-review-her-best-worst-mistake-by.html">I reviewed the super awesome HER BEST WORST MISTAKE by Sarah Mayberry</a>. A steamy read that promises to deliver an excellent story. I. Loved. It. </li>
<li>I posted the SUPERGIRL trailer <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/05/supergirl-trailer-d.html">which looks amazing</a>. </li>
<li>I shared <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/05/some-thoughts-on-sunday.html">some thoughts on a Sunday</a>. Six to be exact!</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's Going on with Me </b></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">I started listening to Sara Zarr's podcasts (thanks to Alex's recommendation ;D) and they're really great. She talks to various YA authors and other professionals in the publishing industry about the writing life. <a href="http://www.sarazarr.com/blog-podcasts">Take a listen if you're curious</a> :) </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">As I mentioned before, I'm ruthlessly going through my books and doing away with any that I haven't read or that I've read but I'm not in love with. It's nice to have the space in my room and hopefully my finished copies will fall into another reader's hands. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Still waiting to hear back about my app for grad school; I had a few issues submitting it but surprisingly I wasn't stressing out over it. Maybe I'm finally learning to be like Elsa and...wait for it....</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">weren't expecting THAT were you?</td></tr>
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Seriously wtf, WHERE IS THIS YEAR GOING? It just got here and now we're already halfway through O_o but as long as I don't see snow for another couple of months....I'll be fine. Anyway how is everyone doing lately? How has the first half of 2015 treated you?</div>
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<i>*that's right, MULTIPLE COPIES. I currently own 3. Consider me a rabid--aha--fangirl. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-87539310267384620402015-05-17T07:30:00.000-04:002015-05-17T07:30:01.854-04:00Some thoughts on a Sunday1) I hung out with a good friend yesterday and it was so nice to catch up after a semester where I barely saw any of my friends. Also...<br />
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2) I'm finally done with my first semester of grad school! WOOHOO. I can sleep and eat and read peacefully now.<br />
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3) I started taking out some picture books from my job and they're so cute! I know that they're meant for a younger audience but I find them so charming. I also like to see how authors and illustrators come together to create meaningful messages within picture books.<br />
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4) I'm not going to BEA this year (my registration was rejected unfortunately) but I <i>am</i> going to attend BookCon with a friend. Debating whether I should bring my blue penguin with me. Is anyone else going?<br />
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5) Oh fanfic, I've found you late in the game but better late than never? Dramione. Dramione Dramione Dramione. It's a crack ship but I don't care. I'll be the captain of this ship forever and for always. (Yes, I'm a tad bit obsessed...)<br />
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6) I think I've been bit with the spring cleaning bug. Or maybe it's just good timing what with the arrival of spring...but I'm considering a few changes for myself and this blog. I've analyzed my feelings about this over and over again. I'm come to the conclusion that it's because blogging has completely changed how I read books. This isn't a bad thing; through blogging I've grown and I'm more familiar now with what I like to read vs what makes me scrunch up my face in angry scowls. Anyway I've decided to not accept anymore review copies for now. And I plan on eventually taking a brief hiatus so that I can recharge and come back re-energized about blogging.<br />
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So those are my thoughts this Sunday....how is everyone else doing?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-1646583623400135342015-05-14T11:31:00.001-04:002015-05-14T11:31:45.258-04:00Supergirl trailer :D <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lm46-envrHo" width="480"></iframe><br />
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I'm not well versed in comics or DC or Marvel or whatever but... seeing this trailer makes me so happy! It's given me high hopes and I'm excited for its arrival this fall. Thanks to Alex for showing it to me ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-37857480615569348202015-05-12T21:53:00.000-04:002015-05-12T21:53:10.007-04:00Black Ice Winner<div style="text-align: center;">
The winner of the BLACK ICE arc by Becca Fitzpatrick is....</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#6 Michelle!</span></b></div>
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<b>Congrats! You have 48 hours to claim your prize otherwise you won't get it ;( </b></div>
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Anyhoo, thanks to everyone else that entered. No worries, I may have another giveaway in the future so stick around for that.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-33337893905657528532015-05-11T07:30:00.000-04:002015-05-11T07:30:00.928-04:00Mini-review: Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Publisher: Small Cow Productions </b></div>
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<b>Release Date: May 5th, 2012 </b></div>
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<b>Source: Bought from Amazon </b></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Synopsis: She thinks he's stuffy. He thinks she's spoilt. Then the gloves come off and so do their clothes!</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">For six years Violet Sutcliffe has known that Martin St Clair is the wrong man for her best friend. He's stuffy, old before his time, conservative. He drives Violet nuts - and the feeling is entirely mutual. Then, out of nowhere, her friend walks out just weeks before her wedding to Martin, flying to Australia on a mission of self-discovery. Back in London, Violet finds herself feeling sorry for suddenly-single Martin. At least, she tells herself it's pity she feels. Then he comes calling one dark, stormy night and they discover that beneath their mutual dislike there lies a fiery sexual chemistry.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">It's crazy and all-consuming - and utterly wrong. Because not only are they chalk and cheese, oil and water, but Martin once belonged to her best friend. A friend Violet is terrified of losing. What future can there be for a relationship with so many strikes against it?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Review: </b>Words. I'm going to try to come up with a string of coherent words to write this review. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Because you guys I SERIOUSLY LOVED THIS STORY. I have been bored lately with reading and I needed something to pick me up and I've been so curious about this particular novella since both blogging buddies Angie and Alex had good things to say about HER BEST WORST MISTAKE. Dude, they were right. >_< </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The story doesn't take long to begin. After Elizabeth (Violet's best friend and sister for life!) dumps Martin, Violet feels an inexplicable pang of...sympathy...? and offers him a gift/peace offering in the form of peach schnapps. After that, things head in an entirely new direction when both Violet and Martin realize that they've never hated each other's guts...instead they've had this insane attraction to one another that they could never act on. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">And once they do....oh lordie. This novella has so many steamy moments. I'm not complaining fyi.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dat mango scene though. *THUD*</td></tr>
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What's great about HBWM is that Mayberry knows how to write hot sex scenes but she's just as adept at writing those heart-melting scenes too. My heart seriously burst whenever Martin or Violet said the cutest things to each other or did these small gestures that spoke volumes of their mutual respect for each other. UGH. So much adorbs along with the steam. <div>
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Violet's friendship with Elizabeth is another constant thread throughout the story. Violet did take too long to admit what was happening but what Mayberry did with these two ladies made me appreciate the story even more. There is no bad blood between them, no harsh judgments or resentment. Their friendship is <i>just as important</i> as the romance--if not a tad more. I'm happy to see that Mayberry didn't vilify any character in this story; they were all grown-ups who faced the truth and dealt with the consequences.<br /><div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Final Verdict: </b>Honestly my only negative comment is that I wish this were a book and not a short, one-shot e-novella. I would love to revisit Martin and Violet. They're polar opposites at first, but like Darcy and Elizabeth, they can be very similar emotionally. HER BEST WORST MISTAKE gets an A+ for plot and steam, hehe. Definitely worth buying from Amazon or wherever else it may be sold. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">So in conclusion... </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aO5lfloDyq4/VVAY5XS6HfI/AAAAAAAAEHI/bZbO3mey63o/s1600/read-da-book.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aO5lfloDyq4/VVAY5XS6HfI/AAAAAAAAEHI/bZbO3mey63o/s320/read-da-book.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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The end. </div>
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<i>For more coherent and well-written reviews, check out these two ladies: </i></div>
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<a href="http://animegirlsbookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/07/book-review-her-best-worst-mistake-by.html">Alex's review</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.angie-ville.com/2012/08/bibliocrack-review-her-best-worst.html">Angie's review</a></div>
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<i>Note: These GIFs were found via a Bing search. They do not belong to me. </i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-5514764611755756132015-05-06T06:00:00.000-04:002015-05-06T06:00:01.954-04:00Waiting on Wednesday <em style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center;"><strong>Waiting on Wednesday</strong> is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at </em><a href="http://www.breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #225fbc;"><em>Breaking The Spine</em></span></a><em style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center;">. </em><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFqACK4pAZY/VUgeXMYYiLI/AAAAAAAAEGE/EDBHbpF0Mlk/s1600/The-Coincidence-of-Coconut-Cake-Amy-Reichert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFqACK4pAZY/VUgeXMYYiLI/AAAAAAAAEGE/EDBHbpF0Mlk/s320/The-Coincidence-of-Coconut-Cake-Amy-Reichert.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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<b>Publisher: Gallery Books </b></div>
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<b>Release Date: July 21st, 2015</b></div>
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<b>Synopsis</b>: <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">YOU'VE GOT MAIL meets HOW TO EAT A CUPCAKE in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities.</span></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together. </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center;"><br /></em>
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<b>My reaction as a GIF: </b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFor1Bpe-1k/VUgjHgzwpuI/AAAAAAAAEGU/UQfFtzaDRxo/s1600/yesplease.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFor1Bpe-1k/VUgjHgzwpuI/AAAAAAAAEGU/UQfFtzaDRxo/s320/yesplease.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Drama with desserts? I'm with Dean--DUDE, YES. Thanks to my blogging buddy Alex for telling me about this title! I can't wait to read it in the future :D </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-58366675368637447222015-04-27T06:00:00.000-04:002015-05-12T21:54:11.583-04:00Blogoversary giveaway My blogoversary was actually March 20th but better late than never right?<br />
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So to make this short and sweet, I decided on a whim to try blogging six years ago. And I'm still here! Amazing. :) As a thank you to the lovely peeps who visit me here on PPR, I'm hosting a giveaway for an arc of Becca Fitzpatrick's stand-alone BLACK ICE. </div>
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Rules are simple:</div>
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<li>U.S. only (sorry international peeps!) </li>
<li>This giveaway will run from today (April 27th) until May 11th, 11:59pm EST. I'll announce the winner the following day (May 12th).</li>
<li>The winner has 48 hours to respond; if they do not respond within that time frame, I'm picking someone else.</li>
<li>For more information on privacy and giveaway policies, please click <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2009/11/privacy-policy.html">here</a> and <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2009/11/contest-policy.html">here</a>.</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-OV4etCLhs/VT2CKVRV2xI/AAAAAAAAEFM/5AIEl1WvXvQ/s1600/BLACKICE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-OV4etCLhs/VT2CKVRV2xI/AAAAAAAAEFM/5AIEl1WvXvQ/s1600/BLACKICE.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<strike>Ok, I think that's it! To enter the giveaway, please fill out this form. Good luck to those that enter! </strike><span style="color: red;"> GIVEAWAY OVER.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-89941993623860877482015-04-17T11:25:00.000-04:002015-04-17T11:25:58.167-04:00Happy Friday!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bhDrDRVjCqg" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Here, have a silly (and occasionally inappropriate) song about unicorns. I've had this song stuck in my head for days. JOIN ME IN THE UNICORN SONG.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-28384406396951218852015-04-08T06:00:00.000-04:002015-04-08T06:00:04.595-04:00Waiting on Wednesday <em style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center;"><strong>Waiting on Wednesday</strong> is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at </em><a href="http://www.breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #225fbc;"><em>Breaking The Spine</em></span></a><em style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center;">. </em><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUXChfWNMLE/VSS4WI8DWOI/AAAAAAAAEEg/HYFpb-2wMOA/s1600/vengeance%2Broad%2Bbowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUXChfWNMLE/VSS4WI8DWOI/AAAAAAAAEEg/HYFpb-2wMOA/s1600/vengeance%2Broad%2Bbowman.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b>Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers</b></div>
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<b>Release Date: September 1st, 2015</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Synopsis:</b> When Kate Thompson’s father is killed by the notorious Rose Riders for a mysterious journal that reveals the secret location of a gold mine, the eighteen-year-old disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers and justice. What she finds are devious strangers, dust storms, and a pair of brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, she gets closer to the truth about herself and must decide if there's room for love in a heart so full of hate. In the spirit of </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">True Grit</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">, the cutthroat days of the Wild West come to life for a new generation.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>My reaction as a GIF: </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-965nEYq2w/VSS6G3oc7TI/AAAAAAAAEEs/hJCQKXB-DyA/s1600/giffy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-965nEYq2w/VSS6G3oc7TI/AAAAAAAAEEs/hJCQKXB-DyA/s1600/giffy.gif" /></a></div>
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YES TO ALL (OF THAT DESCRIPTION). I wantz. </div>
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<i>Note: I found this GIF via bing. It's not mine in any shape or form. </i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-12495622092397674262015-04-03T23:14:00.001-04:002015-04-03T23:14:18.505-04:00The winner of the SHADOW SCALE giveaway is....<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">#4 Maeghan!</span></b></div>
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I've already emailed the winner and they have 48 hours to respond! Thanks to everyone that entered....and don't worry, more giveaways are coming up so stay tuned to try your luck again!</div>
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<i>Note: Sorry for the late post! My day turned out to be very long and busy. x.x</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-56572468665088715732015-04-01T07:00:00.000-04:002015-04-01T07:00:09.696-04:00Waiting on Wednesday <em style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center;"><strong>Waiting on Wednesday</strong> is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at </em><a href="http://www.breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #225fbc;"><em>Breaking The Spine</em></span></a><em style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-align: center;">. </em><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8YBTjiEWU8/VRrUaNmzmbI/AAAAAAAAEDw/afapyDmIgkc/s1600/WoE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8YBTjiEWU8/VRrUaNmzmbI/AAAAAAAAEDw/afapyDmIgkc/s1600/WoE.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
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<b>Publisher: Greenwillow Books </b></div>
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<b>Release Date: September 22nd, 2015 </b></div>
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<b>Synopsis:</b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">New York Times</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush–era America.</span></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety? Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, dazzles with this new fantasy that subverts both our own history and familiar fantasy tropes.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Walk on Earth a Stranger</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">, the first book in this new trilogy, introduces—as only Rae Carson can—a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance. Includes a map and author’s note on historical research. </span><div>
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<b>Thoughts: </b>I am super intrigued!!! I've been wanting to read more historical stuff in YA. Anything that fuses magical and historical stuff...THAT IS MY KIND OF JAM. :D And DAT COVER *o*</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-32075460535842756942015-04-01T00:21:00.002-04:002015-04-01T00:23:08.321-04:00Monthly Wrap-Up: March 2015 <b>March 2015: I was a busy bee this month with work and school. Little reading got done, unsurprisingly. </b><br />
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Along with working at the library, I've also been getting a few translation gigs in. I translate bi-annually for my school district (translating parent teacher conferences and the like) and this spring has been particularly active! I've also been doing more homework and I studied this past weekend for my midterm (which was yesterday!). I think I did well :)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Snapshot of March </span></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">I posted about the cover for Marissa Meyer's <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-only-winter-im-looking-forward-to.html">final book in the Lunar Chronicle series, WINTER</a>. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I did a discussion post asking <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/03/discussion-post-are-you-book-collector.html">if anyone is a book collector</a>. It's something I'm noticing quite a few bloggers do; I'm not crazy about collecting a lot of books but I make some exceptions. Some.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">One WoW post this month: <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/03/waiting-on-wednesday.html">featuring Mindy McGinnis' A MADNESS SO DISCREET</a>. (Which sounds incredible!)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Last, but certainly not least, I reviewed one book this month: SHADOW SCALE by Rachel Hartman. I had a lot of positive things to say about the series finale but I had some teensy issues with it. I'm also hosting a giveaway for a finished copy of SHADOW SCALE-<a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/03/blog-tour-review-giveaway-for-shadow.html">-it ends on April 2nd so there's still time to enter! </a></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's going on with me: </b></span></div>
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<li>Nothing new, other than homework assignments that keep me busy. I'm trying to be on top of things and hand in assignments earlier rather than later. My professors are very flexible with deadlines and while I appreciate that, I'd rather get things done and graded. The sooner I know how I'm doing in my courses, the better. (Also, I can relax sooner too!)</li>
<li>Spring is technically here but it snowed on SPRING DAY so I don't trust my calender anymore.</li>
<li>HOWEVER, I've been seeing geese around here and I'm taking that as a good sign because they come back when winter is finally done... I want warmer weather now, please. </li>
<li>I'm reading! Only one book but it's SAVING FRANCESCA by Melina Marchetta. I read this once when I was in high school but I barely remember much (except for Will Trombal--for some reason, his character and his interactions with the mc are the only thing I remember). </li>
<li>So....I noticed that I forgot to celebrate my blogoversary again this year. I remembered that it was March this time but with so much happening irl, I simply forgot to plan ahead! I'll probably do a small giveaway in April so look out for it. </li>
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So that's it you guys! Not a lot to report for March...nothing bad or good. I've just been busy irl. How is everyone doing?<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-88964409686191023032015-03-26T07:00:00.000-04:002015-04-03T00:39:50.051-04:00Blog tour: Review & giveaway for Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Publisher: Random House</b></div>
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<b>Release Date: March 10th, 2015</b></div>
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<b>Source: Publisher (thank you!) </b></div>
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<b>Synopsis: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The kingdom of Goredd: a world where humans and dragons share life with an uneasy balance, and those few who are both human and dragon must hide the truth. Seraphina is one of these, part girl, part dragon, who is reluctantly drawn into the politics of her world. When war breaks out between the dragons and humans, she must travel the lands to find those like herself—for she has an inexplicable connection to all of them, and together they will be able to fight the dragons in powerful, magical ways.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">As Seraphina gathers this motley crew, she is pursued by humans who want to stop her. But the most terrifying is another half dragon, who can creep into people’s minds and take them over. Until now, Seraphina has kept her mind safe from intruders, but that also means she’s held back her own gift. It is time to make a choice: Cling to the safety of her old life, or embrace a powerful new destiny? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Review: </b>Sweet baby jesus, have I been waiting for this book. I fell hard for SERAPHINA <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2013/04/seraphina-by-rachel-hartman.html">when I read it two years ago</a> and once I heard the sequel was set to release in 2015, I was over the moon with excitement! Now the wait is finally over and SHADOW SCALE dropped into my life at the best time. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">SHADOW SCALE has an entirely different feel from book 1 and our lady Seraphina is no longer the quiet, hesitant girl from before. In SHADOW SCALE, readers are able to see a more confident Seraphina who, due to the outbreak of war, must embark on a journey to seek out the other half dragons. The journey that Seraphina takes is remarkable. One of my favorite aspects of SERAPHINA was the world building and SHADOW SCALE not only confirms Hartman's brilliant world building skill but allows readers to see that the scope of Seraphina's world is even greater than anticipated initially. I was blown away by Hartman's ability to describe the various territories Seraphina travels through and how each one had entirely different languages, culture, varying perceptions of religion and even people's treatment of dragons. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Hartman's world building skills are equally matched by her amazing ability to create characters that are all unique and have their own opinions and feelings towards their half dragon heritage. In the first book, readers deeply feel the shame and fear that washed over Seraphina at the thought of being part dragon; we're limited to Seraphina's emotions and perceptions of her heritage. However, in SHADOW SCALE, meeting the new cast of half dragons offers readers different viewpoints that contrast sharply with Seraphina's experiences. Seraphina's meetings with each half dragon (I keep saying this because I don't want to spoil by giving names!) vary from wondrous to downright terrifying but I was happy that Hartman did this. It made Seraphina more self-aware of herself and it demonstrated to readers that while Seraphina is connected to the other half dragons, they do not all share the same sentiments that she has. I must also mention that the cast of characters in SHADOW SCALE come from all walks of life: there are characters who represent different parts on the spectrum of sexuality and I applaud Ms. Hartman for writing about these characters in a kind, lovely way. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">This is also a small detail but I *have* to mention it: Seraphina visits this amazing library in one of the territories and my inner book nerd was glowing with pleasure at the thought her visiting the library. There is also a nod to librarians as they help Seraphina on her way towards finding more of her dragon comrades and reading these moments in SHADOW SCALE made me smile :) Go libraries! Go librarians and the power of knowledge! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Anyway, back to the review. *switches gears* SHADOW SCALE has so many excellent qualities but I did have some issues with the ending to this series. I won't say what but I wasn't entirely pleased with how some of Seraphina's relationships were resolved. I know that this series was meant to be a duology but I felt that Hartman included so many new details to Seraphina's story that a third book might have been warranted. Or at least some editing in SHADOW SCALE so that the ending could have been more fleshed out and felt more concrete. There was also one character who surprised me towards the end and I felt that their revelation (so close to the end of the book) changed the dynamics of the story, leading it somewhere that I felt was unnecessary. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I was left feeling slightly unsettled and concerned for Seraphina. But witnessing Seraphina's transformation from an unsure, fearful girl to a bright, self-assured and kickass dragon lady was enough for me to overlook this issue I had. ....Slightly overlook, mind you. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_-EBuTPAts/VROXbQzPTjI/AAAAAAAAEDM/QqBDmfmfsmQ/s1600/RH.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_-EBuTPAts/VROXbQzPTjI/AAAAAAAAEDM/QqBDmfmfsmQ/s1600/RH.gif" height="200" width="129" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Final Verdict: </b>While I'm not 100% satisfied with this series finale, I can't deny that Rachel Hartman is an incredibly gifted writer with an imagination as formidable as a dragon and just as glorious! If you haven't picked up Rachel Hartman's books, now is the time to do so. You will not regret falling into Seraphina's world. There is so much to love and admire!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Clickables: {<a href="http://rachelhartmanbooks.com/">main site</a>} {<a href="https://twitter.com/_rachelhartman">twitter</a>} </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b><strike>GIVEAWAY TIME: One lucky winner will be receiving a finished copy of SHADOW SCALE from the publisher! Click here to enter. Rules: This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and will be open from March 26th until April 2nd, 11:59pm EST. The winner will be announced the following day on April 3rd. Good luck!</strike><span style="color: red;"> GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>For more information about giveaways hosted on PPR, please click here: <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2009/11/contest-policy.html">contest policy</a> & <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2009/11/privacy-policy.html">privacy policy</a>. </b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-58002321754896792942015-03-25T07:00:00.000-04:002015-03-25T07:00:01.144-04:00Waiting on Wednesday <div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;"><strong>Waiting on Wednesday</strong> is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at </em><a href="http://www.breakingthespine.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d7d7d; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #225fbc;"><em>Breaking The Spine</em></span></a><em style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.55px;">. </em></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><b>Synopsis: </b>Grace Mae knows madness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">She keeps it locked away, along with her voice, trapped deep inside a brilliant mind that cannot forget horrific family secrets. Those secrets, along with the bulge in her belly, land her in a Boston insane asylum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">When her voice returns in a burst of violence, Grace is banished to the dark cellars, where her mind is discovered by a visiting doctor who dabbles in the new study of criminal psychology. With her keen eyes and sharp memory, Grace will make the perfect assistant at crime scenes. Escaping from Boston to the safety of an ethical Ohio asylum, Grace finds friendship and hope, hints of a life she should have had. But gruesome nights bring Grace and the doctor into the circle of a killer who stalks young women. Grace, continuing to operate under the cloak of madness, must hunt a murderer while she confronts the demons in her own past.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">In this beautifully twisted historical thriller, Mindy McGinnis, acclaimed author of </span><em style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Not a Drop to Drink</em><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> and </span><em style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">In a Handful of Dust</em><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">, explores the fine line between sanity and insanity, good and evil—and the madness that exists in all of us. </span></div>
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<b>My reaction as a GIF: </b></div>
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Also if you're interested, Mindy McGinnis is hosting an international giveaway for an ARC of A MADNESS SO DISCREET on her blog. Click <a href="http://writerwriterpantsonfire.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-madness-so-discreet-arc-giveaway.html">here</a> to check it out! </div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-90578994595557334482015-03-20T07:00:00.000-04:002015-03-20T07:00:00.310-04:00discussion post: are you a book collector? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I found this video where Tiernan, the vlogger, talks about how some people are <i>book collectors</i>. And by that, he means that there are some people who obtain many books--whether through purchasing them, trading, etc.--and begin to amass a huge personal collection. Some people take it a step farther: for example, you own allllll the harry potter books with the old covers as well as the new ones that came out. Or maybe you loved The Fault in Our Stars <b>so much</b> that you have the first edition that's blue, the paperback, the special silver edition and the paperback with the movie poster. </div>
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Does this sound familiar? Maybe you know someone like this or maybe you do this. That means you're a book collector! And there's nothing wrong with that, it's actually very nice because you're supporting someone's work. Sometimes you may even be continuously paying for it in its various forms. But as I watched Tiernan humorously discuss this topic, I realized that I'm a<i> little</i> bit of a book collector. I have gotten more than one copy of the same book in the past but only for books that I really, REALLY like and wouldn't mind sacrificing the space on my shelf for. But I definitely do not go out and buy the movie tie-in editions or foreign editions. At least, not all of the time. </div>
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I do have some exceptions however. One that immediately comes to mind is Laini Taylor's <i>Daughter of Smoke & Bone</i>. <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2012/02/daughter-of-smoke-bone-by-laini-taylor.html">I abso-freakin'-lutely ADORE that book </a> and I have 3 copies on my shelf: the arc I received at BEA (a signed copy, I love it so), the hardcover and the paperback. I would love to buy the books in Spanish but I don't feel the need to get them in every form that's available. So my fangirling has its limits. I think it's a huge compliment to authors if readers go that extra mile, seeking out all the editions of a book or series that they're in love with but I personally don't feel inclined to do that. My reasons are more practical: I have limited space, I want to make it count....and why on earth would I even need copies of <i>Daughter of Smoke & Bon</i>e in other languages that I can't even read?*</div>
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Watching his video and explaining how he's a book collector also led me to another conclusion about myself: this is also why when I see people who have MASSIVE bookshelves filled to the brim, it looks awesome and I'm happy for them but I think to myself, <i>omg, I couldn't keep that many books! </i>It is too much. I love books, don't get me wrong, but I don't want them to take up SO much space. </div>
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But that's just me. I think I'm right in the middle of the spectrum. I like having books but I don't want my collection to have a life of its own. What about you? Are you a book collector? Are you like me who (usually) only keeps one copy of a book? Or maybe you're both? Let me know in the comments!</div>
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Here's the video I mentioned btw: </div>
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<i>I have to say, some of his examples of comments people have made to him when they see his collection..... I get them too. I HATE when people say I could buy other things with my money besides books. NO. My money, my decision. Also, clearly I AM buying other things like food and clothes because I'm walking around being alive. ;P Ok. Mini rant over. </i></div>
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*But would I say no if an Italian edition fell into my path? Hell no. Lol. I could at least decipher that....</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-36404979985461363712015-03-12T23:45:00.000-04:002015-03-12T23:45:27.622-04:00The only winter I'm looking forward to <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2015/03/12/the-lunar-chronicles-winter-marissa-meyer-excerpt/24725161/">source</a></td></tr>
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Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicle series, <a href="http://www.marissameyer.com/blogtype/behold-the-winter-cover/">posted a link to the cover of WINTER</a> (the final installment in her series!). Along with the gorgeous, vibrant cover,<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2015/03/12/the-lunar-chronicles-winter-marissa-meyer-excerpt/24725161/"> there's also a short excerpt of WINTER</a> that's worth checking out.<br />
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#WinterIsComing, you guys. I can't wait. :D WINTER will hit shelves on November 10th, 2015...right before my birthday too. *dances* Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-37664093991801137322015-03-01T07:00:00.000-05:002015-03-01T07:00:00.596-05:00Monthly Wrap-Up: February 2015 <b>February 2015: A month of some reads, a lot of homework and a new room :D</b><br />
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My room has finally been repainted! I've lived in the same house since I was 8 and my room has had the same colors for all this time. (Top half pink, bottom half dark purple....with a Barbie border *shudders*) It was cute for the time when I moved here as a child but now at 23 I was desperate for a change and I got my wish! It's now an awesome purple color. It's called 'orchid blush' according to Home Depot. How fanceh lol.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Snapshot of February: </span></b></div>
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<li>I posted about two new books I hadn't heard of previously. One being a modern retelling of Jane Eyre where our girl Jane is Korean, and the other being Lydia Bennet's diary from the LBD series. Can you say <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/02/two-bookish-finds-that-i-stumbled-upon.html">SQUEE</a>?</li>
<li>I did a discussion post <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/02/discussion-post-how-did-you-come-up.html">where I shared my story of how I chose the name of my blog and asked peeps how they decided on their names</a>. I'm pleasantly surprised to see that so many of you really like the name of my blog! :) </li>
<li>I reviewed Heather Demetrios' <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/02/ill-meet-you-there-by-heather-demetrios.html">I'LL MEET YOU THERE.</a> This is a fantastic book and if you haven't picked it up yet, I urge you to get on that. Whether you buy it, trade for it or request it at your library...I promise you, it's so worth it. </li>
<li>I discovered this crazy cool video featuring <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/02/adult-wednesday-addams-my-new-favorite.html">an adult Wednesday Addams fight back against sexist asshats</a>. Imagine my delight when I saw that this was a web series :D</li>
<li><a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/02/interview-giveaway-with-kat-ross-author.html">I was invited by the lovely Kat Ross to be in her blog tour for her debut novel, SOME FINE DAY.</a> (Which sounds scary/amazing judging by its synopsis!) There's also some awesome prizes for anyone who comments throughout her tour so click on the link if you're curious!</li>
<li>I reviewed <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/02/bake-sale-by-sara-varon.html">BAKE SALE</a>, a kids' graphic novel by Sara Varon. It was cute but a little weird tbh. </li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What's going on with me: </span></b></div>
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<li>I saw The Duff last night with a friend. We were planning on seeing The Kingsman (we're hugh Colin Firth fans) but the theater we went to had such a long line and we were already late for the showing so we opted to see The Duff instead. I knew walking in it'd be completely different to the book which I read years ago but I was curious to see how different it is. Unsurprisingly, it's COMPLETELY different from the book but still pretty enjoyable! I thought Mae Whitman did a great job portraying Bianca. Maybe I might do a post about the movie, but overall it's worth your time and it's a fun film even if you haven't read the book. My friend and I were LOLing because the girls next to us (tweens) were all OMG I didn't expect them to kiss blahblahblah. I kept thinking, have they never seen a rom com?!</li>
<li>Um, am currently procrastinating on doing my hw... it's bad x_x </li>
<li>I'm debating on whether I will be able to afford going to BEA and BookCon this year but I desperately want to go.</li>
<li>I'm still rereading THE WINNER'S CURSE and I picked up EL DEAFO by Cece Bell. No surprise that I'm loving TWC and that ED is immensely enjoyable as the reviews I've read have promised it will be. Hopefully I'll have reviews up for them both in March. </li>
<li>Speaking of March, WHO IS EXCITED THAT SHADOW SCALE WILL BE RELEASED? MEEEEE. PS I'm going to be posting a review for SC and have a giveaway for it EEP x) </li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz4ZIJLgngI/VPIgoCzzPCI/AAAAAAAAEAk/FQWoDhA7K4Y/s1600/68741-Hello-March-Spring-Is-Almost-Here.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bz4ZIJLgngI/VPIgoCzzPCI/AAAAAAAAEAk/FQWoDhA7K4Y/s1600/68741-Hello-March-Spring-Is-Almost-Here.png" height="187" width="320" /></a></div>
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So how have you all been? Good, I hope. And warm... I'm ready to be done with this winter. It's probably been the coldest I've ever gone through. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-36633894892912232812015-02-28T14:03:00.000-05:002015-02-28T14:03:18.060-05:00Bake Sale by Sara Varon <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHPbluVc7Q4/VOqzbvxzvjI/AAAAAAAAD-U/w6Jz4Vl8d4s/s1600/BkS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHPbluVc7Q4/VOqzbvxzvjI/AAAAAAAAD-U/w6Jz4Vl8d4s/s1600/BkS.jpg" height="200" width="142" /></a></div>
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<b>Publisher: First Second</b></div>
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<b>Release Date: August 30th, 2011</b></div>
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<b>Source: My workplace (so thanks, public library!) </b></div>
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<b>Synopsis: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Cupcake’s life is pretty good. He’s got</span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">his bakery, and his band, and his best friend, Eggplant. His days are full of cooking, socializing, and playing music. But lately, Cupcake has been struggling in the kitchen. He’s sure the solution to all his problems is out there somewhere. But maybe that solution is hiding closer to home.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Sara Varon returns with an ageless tale as dreamy and evocative as her break-out hit graphic novel </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Robot Dreams</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">. At once deeply metaphorical and hilariously literal, </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Bake Sale </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">is a story for anyone who’s ever looked for an easy answer to life’s intractable difficulties. It’s also a cookbook: Varon includes seven delicious recipes, from classic cupcakes to sugared flower petals to marzipan.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Review: </b>I picked this up on a whim because it looked like a cute graphic novel to breeze through. I was right, it was cute and it was very easy to read but my only question is...what's the point of the story?!?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Our main character is Cupcake, a--surprise--cupcake who owns his own bakery and spends his time baking so that his inventory is fresh every single day for his patrons. His life is nice, he works at a bakery and tries out new recipes, he plays drums in a band with a group of vegetables and he hangs out with his bestie, Eggplant. Then Cupcake finds out that Eggplant is traveling to Turkey to visit his aunt Aubergine...whose business partner is none other than Turkish Delight, his baking idol. Eggplant invites Cupcake to join him but can't pay for his ticket. So Cupcake decides to do everything he can to pay for his own ticket to meet Turkish Delight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Ok, so let's start with the fact that this book features a cast of characters that are anthropomorphic food groups*. I know. I don't get it either BUT if you suspend your confusion about this, you'll enjoy the story more. Varon's drawing style is clean and easy on the eyes; there isn't much dialogue but the little that appears is straightforward. Cupcake's decision to work more in order to earn more money to see Turkish Delight takes a toll on him financially and socially: he feels lonely now that he's not needed by his band mates and he's in a baking slump that results in icky coffee and crappy pastries for his business. What I liked about BAKE SALE was that despite the silliness of a <b>cupcake</b> being a narrator, his life and his troubles are human experiences. I appreciate that Varon presented all of the highs and lows we go through in a way that's accessible (and cuter) for a young child to understand. What was also sweet (haha) about BAKE SALE was the friendship between Cupcake and Eggplant--they support each other and near the end, Cupcake decides to make some sacrifices for his friend. I won't say what Cupcake does but it ends up altering the direction of the story and I was left pondering for a few days what was the main point of BAKE SALE. </span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--I1juvJg4ls/VPIQd2nmvyI/AAAAAAAAEAI/E6RCoImjcQ0/s1600/SV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--I1juvJg4ls/VPIQd2nmvyI/AAAAAAAAEAI/E6RCoImjcQ0/s1600/SV.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/14/books/whats-on-at-new-york-comic-con.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b style="color: #181818;">Final Verdict: </b><span style="color: #181818;">BAKE SALE is a quirky novel for sure. It's cute, it'll make you go 'awww' but I'm left scratching my head and wondering if there's even a message in this story. Or if the message is that there IS no message. Even though it had a meandering plot pace until its rushed (and frankly out of nowhere) ending, I still enjoyed BAKE SALE. Definitely give it a try if you find it in your library, if not for the fluffy story then for the recipes it has. I'm not a baker but even I was tempted to try out the delicious-sounding recipes! (highlight for a teensy baby of a spoiler) </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: white;">P.S. I'm also wondering: did Cupcake win the contest?!?!</span></span><span style="color: #181818;"> (end of slight spoiler)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #181818;"><b>Clickables: {<a href="http://chickenopolis.com/">main site</a>} </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #181818;"><i>*Cupcake being the exception because he's not a vegetable or meat or dairy. But whatever, let's go with it. </i></span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-78867577113556025622015-02-26T13:50:00.000-05:002015-02-26T13:50:11.150-05:00Interview & Giveaway with Kat Ross, author of SOME FINE DAY <div class="MsoNormal">
Whew! It's been a while since an interview has happened around these parts. Kat happily remedied this by reaching out to me and inviting me to participate in her blog tour for her debut novel. So I'm happy and proud to have her as a guest on the blog today. Give a virtual round of applause to Kat Ross, author of SOME FINE DAY. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1UWCVj-H3DI/VO9Zw1YyBwI/AAAAAAAAD-w/KjEAWf7Jovg/s1600/giphy%2B(2).gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1UWCVj-H3DI/VO9Zw1YyBwI/AAAAAAAAD-w/KjEAWf7Jovg/s1600/giphy%2B(2).gif" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://giphy.com/search/ice-king/2">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>If you had to explain SOME FINE DAY in ten words or less, how
would you describe it?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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Oh, this is hard! Here goes:</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Girl gets kidnapped, meets boy, saves boy, ends up in…[insert
spoiler here] </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJU0UP6Cjpw/VO9awYQ4O9I/AAAAAAAAD-8/WRQdPy4m80g/s1600/OFD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oJU0UP6Cjpw/VO9awYQ4O9I/AAAAAAAAD-8/WRQdPy4m80g/s1600/OFD.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>SOME FINE DAY is your debut novel (which recently
released-congrats btw!). How did you celebrate on your release date? :D</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sipping lemonade on the beach in the Florida Keys! I'd booked
the trip before I knew my release date, but I tend to be an introvert, so I was
actually kind of relieved I didn't have to throw a big party (: <b>(Lucky....I'd give anything to escape this arctic winter we've been having.)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>When I looked into your debut, I read about hypercanes…which
sound legit scary. How did you discover hypercanes? What is it about them that
caught your interest?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I was researching extreme climate change scenarios and that
word just caught my eye. They're a (still theoretical, thank God) class of
mega-storm predicted by Kerry Emanuel at MIT, and yes, they are legit scary! I
thought I'd have to make something like that up, so I was delighted to discover
that under particular conditions, they could actually exist in the real world. We're
talking storms the size of continents, with wind speeds in the many hundreds of
miles per hour. And then I thought, what if there was more than one? And they never
went away, like the Great Red Spot on Jupiter? Things would get ugly in a
hurry.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxxZG0iPct0/VO9XFkRzqzI/AAAAAAAAD-k/CLBng0ae-ws/s1600/hypercanechart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxxZG0iPct0/VO9XFkRzqzI/AAAAAAAAD-k/CLBng0ae-ws/s1600/hypercanechart.png" height="263" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this nifty chart that explains how hypercanes contrast with hurricanses. Gulp. <a href="http://www.disaster-girl.com/2012/01/hurricanes-on-speed-hypercane.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>What was your process for writing SOME FINE DAY? It seems like
you’d have to do a lot of research just to write about hypercanes. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I really enjoyed that part of it. One of the biggest
challenges was figuring out how people could survive so deep underground. Where
would the air come from? The water? What would they eat? How would they travel
and communicate? And conversely, how would you survive on the surface under
such hostile conditions? I tend to get obsessive about accuracy. There a scene
in the sequel (still unfinished) where the main character, Jansin, has to climb
out of one of the ventilation tubes, and I actually spent hours digging out
biomechanics studies about the maximum speed a human can climb a ladder (it's
something like three feet per second). <b> (O_O!!!!)</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Having gone through the process of publication (and knowing
what you know now), what advice would you give to your past self?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Be in it for the long haul. Don't let the bumps in the road
derail you. Just keep writing, and write what you want to, not what you think
will sell. This is supposed to be fun, after all. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>If you could live in any fictional world, what would you
choose and why? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Maybe the alt-world London of Jonathan Stroud's amazing <i>Bartimaeus</i> trilogy—but only if I had my
own personal djinn. <b>(Did you hear that thunk? It was the sound of more books being added to my TBR pile.)</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd9Z8vKnzQ8/VO9fsNmFMSI/AAAAAAAAD_U/_xrgIQAIhPY/s1600/feed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd9Z8vKnzQ8/VO9fsNmFMSI/AAAAAAAAD_U/_xrgIQAIhPY/s1600/feed.jpg" height="200" width="116" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>What are some awesome books you’ve read lately? YA or
otherwise! </b></span></div>
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I adored <i>Grasshopper Jungle </i>by
Andrew Smith. He's just brilliant on every level, and does the best genre
mash-ups. Also <i>Code Name Verity</i> by
Elizabeth Wein, and <i>Night Film </i>by
Marissa Pessl. Now I'm reading <i>Feed</i>
by M.T. Anderson, which isn't new, but has one of the best first lines:
"We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely
suck."</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Are there any characters from different novels that you’ve
read that you think would make a cute couple? Hehe. Or maybe a character of
yours paired up with another book’s character?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I could totally see Jansin having a major girl-crush on Amy
Gumm from the <i>Dorothy Must Die </i>series.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Do you have any fictional crushes? ;)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Team Gale, all the way. <b>(THANK YOU. I totes agree.)</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>What “buzz words” or phrases in book descriptions make you
pick something up? Modern retellings, spies, forbidden romance….? There are so
many options. :D </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Gothic, eerie, darkly funny, time travel, myths with a twist,
bad-ass girls…</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And now.... </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Lightning
round!</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1_P7SpGEkI/VO9l0_0oMII/AAAAAAAAD_s/tj3W7GfYtAQ/s1600/star_trek_03_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1_P7SpGEkI/VO9l0_0oMII/AAAAAAAAD_s/tj3W7GfYtAQ/s1600/star_trek_03_1024.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://google/">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Jane Eyre or Jane Austen? </b>Jane Austen (especially if there's
zombies) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Brackets or parentheses?</b> Parens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Star Trek or Star Wars?</b> Star Trek<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Night owl or early bird?</b> Early bird, to an extreme<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Gel pens or sharpies?</b> Precise V7 rolling balls! I'm an
addict. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJU0UP6Cjpw/VO9awYQ4O9I/AAAAAAAAD_A/sNHx863nuPI/s1600/OFD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJU0UP6Cjpw/VO9awYQ4O9I/AAAAAAAAD_A/sNHx863nuPI/s1600/OFD.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">Synopsis</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">: <i>A generation ago,
continent-sized storms called hypercanes caused the Earth to flood. The
survivors were forced to retreat deep underground and build a new society. </i></span><i><span lang="EN-GB">This is the story that
sixteen-year-old Jansin Nordqvist has heard all of her life.</span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB">Jansin grew up in a
civilization far below the Earth’s surface. She’s spent the last eight years in
military intelligence training. So when her parents surprise her with a coveted
yet treacherous trip above ground, she’s prepared for anything. She’s especially
thrilled to feel the fresh air, see the sun, and view the wide-open skies and
the ocean for herself.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB">But when raiders attack
Jansin’s camp and take her prisoner, she is forced to question everything she’s
been taught. What do her captors want? How will she get back underground? And
if she ever does, will she want to stay after learning the truth</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gX3H9iE4uk0/VO9nMs4pUxI/AAAAAAAAD_4/PNBRA8Tc00Y/s1600/kat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gX3H9iE4uk0/VO9nMs4pUxI/AAAAAAAAD_4/PNBRA8Tc00Y/s1600/kat.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span lang="EN-GB"></span></div>
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Kat Ross was born and raised in New York
City and worked several jobs before turning to journalism and creative writing.
An avid traveler and adventurer, she now lives with her family—along with a
beagle, a ginger cat, and six fish—far enough outside the city that skunks and
deer wander through her backyard.<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>Clickables: {<a href="http://katrossbooks.com/index.html">website</a>} {<a href="https://twitter.com/katrossauthor">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://katrossbooks.com/trailer.html">book trailer</a>} {<a href="http://katrossbooks.com/blog.html">blog</a>} </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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We hope you've enjoyed the interview! Kat is being super generous and hosting a giveaway with amazing prizes! The grand prize is a Kindle Paperwhite with a custom
cover, preloaded with SOME FINE DAY while the other two winners will receive a signed copy of Kat's novel and a CD audiobook. Best of all, THIS IS INTERNATIONAL. So jump on it, friends! </div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="558031df4" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/558031df4/" id="rcwidget_wd19b065" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i>Note: all images and GIFs were found via search engines. I've credited them as best as I can. Just to be clear--none of these belong to me. </i><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-28909350793832875152015-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:002015-02-17T08:00:05.009-05:00Adult Wednesday Addams: my new favorite thing <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qVO3sNcJ7A8" width="480"></iframe><br />
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This video has made the internet go nuts but in a (mostly) good way. Adult Wednesday Addams is another awesome web series that I recently found thanks to HuffPost. However it's not new. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyX7977vwwko1lurVlEJszQ">Two seasons are already available on Youtube</a> and each episode is great. I can't decide if this one or the babysitting one is my favorite...or maybe the dog-walker one. Idk! Watch this one and see for yourself! (I will say that this episode has a lot of cursing so if that isn't your thing, this episode might not be the best one to start with...but I think its message is important.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-21729980838055202802015-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:002015-02-16T08:00:00.921-05:00I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qj7gGHA_EvU/VMhLTdK1_AI/AAAAAAAAD8M/StZObnUxpLE/s1600/imyt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qj7gGHA_EvU/VMhLTdK1_AI/AAAAAAAAD8M/StZObnUxpLE/s1600/imyt.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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<b>Publisher: Henry Holt & Co. </b></div>
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<b>Release Date: February 3rd, 2015</b></div>
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<b>Source: Publisher (thank you!)</b></div>
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<b>Synopsis: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Review: </b>I had such a book hangover after I finished I'LL MEET YOU THERE late last year. To be honest, I don't think I'm over this story because it was so utterly brilliant.<b> </b></span></div>
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Skylar is one tough cookie. She's had to shoulder a lot of responsibility ever since her dad passed away and her mother subsequently fell apart. Skylar's willingness to sacrifice her own happiness so she could help her mother was a loving gesture and a frustrating experience for me to read. I appreciated that Demetrios explored this aspect between Skylar and her mother; the fact that they essentially switch roles as parent and child and how this in turn affects Skylar in ways even she doesn't realize in the beginning of I'LL MEET YOU THERE. Other relationships I'd like to highlight are Skylar's friendships with her besties Dylan and Chris. I've mentioned <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2015/01/isla-and-happily-ever-after-by.html">in a past review that I'd like to see more guy-girl friendships that remain platonic </a>and yay, I found this with Skylar and Chris. They may not always agree on things but their friendship is unbreakable--just like Skylar's friendship with Dylan, a girl who is the toast to Skylar's butter. Lol. I wish I could read a companion novel about either Chris or Dylan...or both? Please?<br />
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As for the setting, it's also crucial that I mention that Sky's hometown of Creek View reads so realistic with its small-town feel and how everyone ends up doing the same thing as their parents and never leave. Much like her relationship with her mother, Sky's feelings towards her hometown are a jumble of emotions that she sorts through as we read along. Sky's only safe place is at her job in Paradise Hotel, run by the super awesome Marge. Marge is Sky's boss but she is also the mother figure that Sky lacks in her life. Marge is literally the best you guys. She's full of love and wisdom but she's also not afraid to be blunt with our protagonist. Marge is also an important figure in Josh's life and continually proves herself as an amazing character. (Plus she ships Sky and Josh. She is the captain!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sFjepWmbwoY/VOFnWKQFwfI/AAAAAAAAD9w/5hKaqfhZFFM/s1600/ship.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sFjepWmbwoY/VOFnWKQFwfI/AAAAAAAAD9w/5hKaqfhZFFM/s1600/ship.gif" height="154" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh+Skye 4eva</td></tr>
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Then we have Josh Mitchell. Where do I start with this boy? Irrevocably changed from his tour in Afghanistan, Josh can't go back to being the carefree guy he once was. Haunted by his memories and coping with his injuries, he tries to find meaning back in Creek View. You guys, I loved his character. Josh has so many layers and carries so much grief due to his time in war but when he meets Sky he's able to breathe and be himself. I loved how his unexpected friendship with Sky gradually transitioned into this amazing romance that was incredibly realistic. Demetrios does not shy away from making these two work for their relationship; Sky and Josh challenge each other in different ways and each have their own demons to contend with...but when they're able to trust in each other, they're magic.<br />
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At the risk of making this review too long, I have to talk about one more aspect about this story: the sex positivity in I'LL MEET YOU THERE. I won't spoil any details but this is a much needed topic that needs attention. I'LL MEET YOU THERE does a fabulous job exploring this topic with certain characters. :) </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq8Wi9fdpos/VMhM34FORRI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/MwoiXyEmblw/s1600/Demetrios-Author-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq8Wi9fdpos/VMhM34FORRI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/MwoiXyEmblw/s1600/Demetrios-Author-Photo.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Final Verdict:</b> I could go on about I'LL MEET YOU THERE.<b> </b>This book is so deserving of all the praise it's received. It really is. From the fully-fleshed cast of characters, the setting of Creek View which is a character in itself, and the slow, unfurling relationship that blossoms between Skylar and Josh.... it's breath-takingly gorgeous. Even the messy parts are beautiful. SIGH. I can't recommend this book enough. Seriously--Pay list price for this book. It is worth the money and it has a spot on my keeper shelf. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><b>Clickables: {<a href="http://www.heatherdemetrios.com/">main website</a>} {<a href="https://twitter.com/HDemetrios">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://heatherdemetrios.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a>} </b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><i>Note: all GIFs (and image) were found via Bing, the search engine that wants to be Google. </i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6187739559904585581.post-57366836886708712342015-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:002015-02-08T07:30:02.066-05:00discussion post: how did you come up with your blog name?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHa9kJhW-08/VMcmb4kkj7I/AAAAAAAAD78/oNV782LXSH8/s1600/dory.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHa9kJhW-08/VMcmb4kkj7I/AAAAAAAAD78/oNV782LXSH8/s1600/dory.gif" height="178" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source: found via google!</td></tr>
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This is something I always think of whenever I find a new blog. I've seen so many that take the term 'bookish,' 'bookworm,' 'biblio-,' etc... and some of them are quite clever! It's not surprising to find so many variations with the word 'book' since we're a community of readers but I think it's cool whenever I come across a blogger who's managed to think of another name to go by. Or they incorporate books/reading into it in a fun way. Some of my favorites just off the top of my head: <a href="http://supernaturalsnark.blogspot.com/">Supernatural Snark,</a> <a href="http://www.talesofwhimsy.com/">Tales of Whimsy</a>, <a href="http://inkcrush.blogspot.com/">Inkcrush</a>, <a href="https://chachic.wordpress.com/">Chachic's Book Nook</a>, <a href="http://thebooksmugglers.com/">The Book Smugglers</a>. (I've linked them all if you're interested in checking them out--they're all awesome.) </div>
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I've been asked by more than one person about my blog name but honestly it's not an exciting story. When I was still brainstorming about creating a blog and wondering what to name it, I had considered 'book mouse' or 'book faerie' but again, I wanted a name that stood out. Also, I wanted a cute name. That same day my mom came home and, knowing her only daughter loves toys, surprised me with a stuffed penguin (this was around the holidays btw). It was an adorable medium-sized penguin wearing earmuffs. EARMUFFS. I was enchanted. Then I swear to you, I looked at it and thought, "Penguin...what would sound nice with penguin?" </div>
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"Pirate," my brain quickly supplied. </div>
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"Pirate Penguin!" </div>
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Then I tagged on "Reads" and viola, "Pirate Penguin's Reads" was born. I liked the sound of it, the alliteration. And it was cutesy (or so I think). The name felt right, and so I went with it. Sometimes I wonder now if it's too restrictive but I'm so used to it and it takes more work to reinvent oneself with a new blog name and a new blog. So Pirate Penguin's Reads is here to stay for the long haul :) </div>
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Not all that interesting right? xD So I'm curious to know how you decided on your blog's name. Did you have a set plan when you decided on a name or did you just go with it as I did? Let me know in the comments.</div>
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Since my name stuck, I've also become more of a fan of penguins (I liked penguins before but I never thought about them until my blog name--funny how things work!) and I have a little penguin collection happening. Here are all my toy penguins as of now: </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_rWxH2U_Xwg/VNbK5PCIt3I/AAAAAAAAD9E/D8KlbvJrF68/s1600/WP_20150205_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_rWxH2U_Xwg/VNbK5PCIt3I/AAAAAAAAD9E/D8KlbvJrF68/s1600/WP_20150205_007.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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The penguin that sparked the idea behind my blog name...along with his blue companions xD </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odytBtt-AQg/VNbK5A9DmfI/AAAAAAAAD9I/33As6cIIyXo/s1600/WP_20150205_010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odytBtt-AQg/VNbK5A9DmfI/AAAAAAAAD9I/33As6cIIyXo/s1600/WP_20150205_010.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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The trio of blue penguins ;D The one in the middle is actually a hand cream container! (Bought by my mom as well--she's da bestest ♥) </div>
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I have other penguin-y things (earrings, watch, clip-on bookmarks...) but the little guys hang out on my bookshelf while the big guy sits on top of another bookshelf. I've actually taken the blue penguin on the far right to BEA with me!</div>
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<i>Note: both photos shown here are mine. I doubt anyone would take them but whatever. Precautions. ;P </i></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10