Goodbye 2010

It has been a long year for me. Plenty of ups and downs. Lots of laughs, lots of tears, lots of pain. I have learnt a lot about life and about myself. Next year I will be an official adult and I will have a lot more responsibility. I have to think about the future, choosing universities, important exams. There is a lot of pressure. To say I am terrified is an understatement. I'm trying to be less scared though. Embrace new chances and take a leap of faith. I feel like I did this with my blog. I was so terrified at first but I wanted to try it out and it turned out being a great decision. This year has made me so much stronger and so much smarter. I have grown up a lot. 

I want to make myself a better version of myself. Healthier, happier and harder working. I must make better use of my time, blog more and work more. I want to feel accomplished. I want to live, not jut exist. I want it to be the best year of my life so far. I want to read more than I ever have before.

Enough about me. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year. I wish you all the best with next year. May it be filled with happiness and lots of reading. Have a happy 2011!

100+ Book Challenge

It is pretty simple. Read 100 books next year! Hosted by My Overstuffed Bookshelf.

Rules:


1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Posting on GoodReads or wherever you post your reviews is good enough.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2011. Books started before the 1st do not count. You can join at anytime.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.


Sign up HERE

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan

Title: Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares

Author: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Release Date: October 26th 2010

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Pages: 260 

Source: Bought

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

“I’ve left some clues for you. 
If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.” 

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

It was a great novel. Full of Christmas fun and spirit. It wasn’t too cheesy and cliché. It was perfect for what it was. It was full of humour which I did not expect, but loved. I don’t often find books that make me laugh out loud.

I loved Lily. She reminded me of Luna Lovegood. A heart of gold and a little bit odd. She was so cheery and happy and she always made me smile. Just a girl being herself. She reminded me a lot of myself. A bit of an outsider and a lover of Christmas. She was very relatable and I really enjoyed reading her sections of the book.

That being said I loved Dash just as much, if not more. He couldn’t be more opposite to Lily but I loved his sarcasm and his wit. Levithan is such a skilled writer. Dash was funny and amusing and I would definitely like to meet.

I loved the idea of the two of them conversing through the notebook. It allowed them to get to know each other honestly. They could write things they would never say. It was a very creative idea, something I have never seen before.  The two POV’s also added to the book, giving me a better understanding of the characters.

The secondary characters were just as good as Dash and Lily. Boomer was simply fantastic. He had me laughing out loud a lot. Lily’s family members really amused me too. Lily’s brother was great too.

There isn’t really anything negative I can say about it. It was perfect for what it was and that was a cheery Christmas book. I did feel a little spark that made it amazing was missing. It was still a really great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

4 out of 5 stars

New Year Resolutions

I love making New Year resolutions but guess what? I kinda suck at keeping them. I am, however, going to try extra hard this year to stick to them and if I'm not, feel free to give me a little nudge :P I cannot wait for this year to be over. It has been pretty shitty crappy so I hope 2011 is a good one. I hope it is good for you all too :)


Blogging Resolutions


1. Blog more - I try to blog as much as possible but I haven't been planning my posts so it gets a little overwhelming and then I run out of time. I will plan my posts and thus blog more :)


2. Read more - I'm not that fast a reader but I have made myself a little schedule if you will, giving a little structure to my reading plan. I aim to read two books a week and at least 100 books next year.


3. Post more "substantial" posts - I love memes, don't get me wrong but I would love to have discussion points and author interviews and provide something a little different.


4. Comment more - I try to visit others and comment as much as I can but I'm appalling at it. I will make it a promise to return each comment made on my blog and then some more


5. Improve my networking skills - I need to chat with more bloggers, email more authors, and just find out what is going on with everyone. I hope I am approachable and if anyone ever wants a chat I'm just an email or a tweet away 


6. Be less afraid of what everyone is thinking of me and my little blog - I need to learn to do what I want. I need to stop trying to be like every other blog while still giving you (hopefully) things you want to see


Life Resolutions


1. Lose weight - I want to feel comfortable in my own skin and I want to feel healthy.


2. Stick to a schedule - I am awful at time management and I just waste so much time doing nothing. Must make use of my time


3. Revise and study like crazy - I've got a year and a half left of school so if I work hard now I will finally get out of school and start living :)


4. Meet new fabulous people - bloggers and non bloggers alike. 


So these are my resolutions for now. Do have any new year resolutions?

Library Reading Challenge

I don't know if there is already a challenge like this but I thought I would do one anyway as I haven't found one. With huge hype over new books I seem to forget to actually use the library instead of buying all the new books. I  miss out on the slightly older titles that deserve as much credit as the new ones. My library is rather good and now we can rent ebooks for free as well. I need to use it more often and this will hopefully help me to do so. They can be of any genre, of any length, and in any format (not audio books though). There is no minimum or maximum but read as many as you can. I am definitely going to have a weekly trip to my library! I am now co-hosting with Lazy Girl Reads and we are considering some prizes for participants to win (as an extra incentive :P) so join in the fun!

Rules:

 - Do a post about the Library Reading Challenges on your blog (if you have one)
 - Add your link to the challenge post on your blog below
 - Books do not need to added in advance
 - The books must be read during January 1st - December 31st 2011
 - Post reviews on your blog/goodreads/shelfari and you can post your links on my blog once a month
 - Crossover books are fine

I aim to read about 20. How many do you hope to read?

In My Mailbox (8)

It is Boxing Day. I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and that you all got lots of books. Here's what I got this week.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis (From Daisy Chain Book Reviews)

So I hope you all had  great Christmas and a wonderful week :)

Merry Christmas

I cannot believe it. This year has gone so fast and time has just flown by. I know I haven't been blogging long but your comments and support mean so much more to me than anything I could find under a tree. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and if you don't celebrate it, Happy Holidays. I will still try to do some blogging over the next few weeks but I can't promise anything. I hope you all have a fantastic day tomorrow and that you cherish the time with your loved ones.

Merry Christmas

The Reader Room 2010 Survey

I did have a similar post earlier on in the week but I just discovered how to make forms (yay me) so I thought it would be a little easier (and anonymous). I would really love to hear your thoughts so I can improve and make the blog better. I appreciate you taking your time to help me make my blog better :)

Waiting On Wednesday (4)

This week I'm going to do something a little different. I'll be sharing book I'm waiting to get for Christmas. I can't believe it is only 3 days away. I'm so so excited. Here is what I have asked to get for Christmas.

Why?

Because I have heard the most amazing things about it. It looks so so good. I really hope I find this under my Christmas tree.







Why?

Because I really want to read something by Elizabeth Scott and this looks like a great place to start. It sounds very disturbing but so good.





Why?

It is the only Sarah Dessen book I haven't read yet. Crazy, I know. I must have it. I must. I must.

Why?

It looks so good. I love the cover. I love the subject matter. I just love it. I definitely want this to be under my tree.

Why?

I loved Beautiful Creatures and I really need to read the next book. I'm so full of anticipation it is unreal.

Do you have any books you are desperately hoping are under your tree?

What Do You Want?

I've only been blogging for a few months so I am still finding my feet. I'd only been reading YA book blogs for a few months before I started (but it was all I did for those few months). I try to post on my blog what YOU want to read but I am not psychic (unfortunately). I would love to hear what you want to see more of so post all your suggestions in the comments section and I will put a poll together and I will see what I can do for the new year :)

British Book Challenge 2011

I think it is very important to support new authors in your country. I don't read as many British books as I want to. Hopefully this challenge will help me become more aware of British authors and to support them. You just have to read 12 books in the year, one a month. That's it. Simple. International bloggers can enter to. The challenge is hosted by The Booklette and there are more details on her blog.

I'm now off to hunt for some British authors and get buying :)

In My Mailbox (7)

I thought I would still do a video even though Kristi, The Story Siren isn't hosting this week. It is a very random video, please excuse this. Snow tends to make me a little hyper and I've had a lot of sugar and late nights. All the books I got were from Netgalley (thanks!!)

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton 

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

So that is all I've got for you today. What did you get in your mailbox? Feel free to post your links below and I will try and stop by :)

Lack of Posting

I know that I have been making excuses for the past few weeks. Things are hectic and mad with revision and Christmas and family stuff. Things aren't likely to pick up into the new year because I'm doing a lot of preparation for the blog and the direction I want it to take. I am, however, planning something nice (hopefully) that I hope you will enjoy. It is not something I've seen any blogs do and I think it will be helpful for me too as a progress tracker (slight hint there) but yes so I'm working on that now and I hope to have it done before Christmas (as a little present to you all) so I hope you are all having a good weekend and I thank you for your patience :)

Read, Review and Recommend

Hey Guys. I'm planning to become a much better blogger in 2011. I've found my feet (so to speak) and I'm going to try and do posts with more content, less memes and just more books. I'm planning to start a weekly guest post called 'Read, Review and Recommend'. Each week a different guest blogger will recommend a book that they loved and write a short review explaining why they love it.


If you have a blog and would like to take part please email me at: thereaderroom@hotmail.co.uk with details of your blog as well as the book you would like to read if possible, though not essential at this stage. I do plan to start it the first week of January so the quicker the process is the better. Your guest post will include a link to your site (an image as well if provided) and I will have a list of all guest posts on a page which will also have a link to your blog.


Feel free to email me with any queries and I hope some of you will take part. Thanks :)

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren where you show the books you got this week. I'm going to be very busy this week unfortunately, with it being the last week of school before Christmas and exams in January but hopefully I'll have a bit more time once school has finished.

Selina Penaluna by Jan Page

Flightsend by Lina Newbury

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Flawless by Sara Shepard

Perfect by Sara Shepard

Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

So that is what I got this week. What did you get in your mailbox?

Some Kindle Help

Sorry I've been a rubbish blogger. Two biology tests than count towards my A level exams and two maths mocks have left little time for blogging. I apologise. It is, however, Friday (yay) and my kindle arrived (double yay) so I'm hoping you'll forgive me. And whilst you are forgiving me, how about a little help?

I'm terribly impatient and terribly nosy and the two don't work too well together. Thus, I am asking you wonderful kindle owners for help. My list of questions are as follows:

1. Does it cost money to receive books from Netgalley onto your Kindle? I keep getting messages about it exceeding my limit (which I get to 0 as I know I will accidentally spend hundreds of pounds)
2. Do Netgalley books have a limit on the Kindle and if so where can I find out how long I have left with them?
3. What is this whole email yourself files business? I don't get all the whispersync, whisper-whatever else stuff. Is there a way to get everything to my Kindle without having to pay? Will I need to connect to an internet connection to do this?

Thank you for your time and I hope you all have a lovely weekend :)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games#2)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Release Date: September 7th 2009 (paperback)
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc
Pages: 472
Source: Bought
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Just a warning. There are spoilers for The Hunger Games in this review.




I loved the pace of this novel. There was always something happening, the plot full of twists and turns, leaving you constantly awake. I was reading the book with bated breath for most of the book.


I liked Peeta even more in Catching Fire than in The Hunger Games. His love for Katniss just seemed to get stronger, which I loved. He cares for her so much, which is evident in The Hunger Games, but as it was ambiguous through most of the first book, I enjoyed the bluntness of it in this book. There were a lot of new characters introduced which I loved. They really added something to novel. President Snow, head of the Capitol, was definitely a man you don't want to mess with. The description of him sent shivers down my spine.


I did have some doubts about Catching Fire, fearing that it couldn't live up to The Hunger Games. I also wondered what the content of the book would be like as I was unsure how long they could draw out the Hunger Games since Peeta and Katniss won the games. I was, however, pleasantly surprised, as nothing seemed overdone. It was all fresh while still keeping to the storyline. Suzanne is very skilled indeed.


The book was just Superb, living up to the greatness of the first book. The combination of characters, the pace and the constant ambiguity all made the book truly spectacular. I am so eager to start Mockingjay though it will be sad when it is all over.

5 out of 5 stars

TBR Pile (3)

Happy Monday Guys :) I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I finished Catching Fire yesterday. IT WAS SO AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I can't get over how amazing it was. I've written the review (handwritten in pencil, cause I'm cool like that. Had a free at school and maths wasn't working out for me) I will try and get it up later today or tomorrow. I shall now share with you some book that are in my TBR pile :)

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John

I love the cover. It is really modern, and edgy and it just appeals to me. So does the story. A deaf girl has taken on the challenge of getting the rock band Dumb a gig. If she succeeds she gets to manage the band and get a share of the profits. It sounds so interesting and as I love music , I love the idea of incorporating music and books in one. I can't think of anything better.

Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales

It is a novel set in High School, dealing with the challenges teenagers have to face. Violet is very focused, and wants to focus on her studies and extra curricular activities and trying to talk to boys. It also faces the issues of friendship, when friends choose different parts. I'll be interesting to see if it will bring anything new to the table.

Genesis (The Rosie Black Chronicles #1) by Lara Morgan

I love the artwork on the cover. Very modern again. I love it. It's a dystopian novel, set 500 years into the future. Rosie is a girl in the poorer division, and finds a box. A box that is very important to a secret organisation, and they will kill to get it. She goes on the run with two strangers and have to put her trust in them. Sounds very interesting.

So that is what I've got to show you today. Hope you enjoyed and I would love to hear any of your recommendations :)

2011 E-Book Challenge

Since I ordered my Kindle I thought this would be a fitting challenge to get right into it and learn more about the Kindle. I've very excited to get it and start reading. This challenge is hosted by The Ladybug Reads with all the challenge details on her blog. There are four levels, and I'm going to try level 3 - Addicted (12 books). It runs from January 1st to December 31st 2011 and every genre count. It definitely sounds like a lot of fun.

I will be listing the books I plan to read on the challenge page, located at the top of my blog. I hope to see some of you joining in the fun!

In My Mailbox (5)

Here's what I got In Mailbox this week! And I decided to try doing a video IMM this week. So I hope it isn't too awful. I'd love to hear your comments.

On another note. I've got 50 followers!!!!!!! I'm so so so excited. You guys are the best and I love you all. Thank you for following and for commenting and just for all the support. You really are wonderful. 

Early Christmas Present

I bought myself a nice early Christmas present and I just can't wait until it arrives next week. EEK! Can you guess what it is???

A KINDLE

I'm so excited. I'm gotten a few books from the netgalley and now I have something to read them on. It is so pretty. I've been eyeing it for months now and have finally bought it. Its the Kindle with 3G and wireless so you can buy books on the go. I will definitely be buying more ebooks once I get familiar with it. I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Book Blogger Hop (2)

This is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy For Books where you answer a question each week and this aims to promote blog interaction and make new friends. This weeks question is:

 "What very popular and hyped book in the blogosphere did you NOT enjoy and how did you feel about posting your review?"

hmm, that is such a tough question. To be honest I've only read a few really hyped books and I did love them. I suppose Hush, Hush wasn't quite as good as I hoped but I loved it none the less. In general when I don't love a book everyone else does I feel pretty bummed about it because I feel as if I'm wrong. I do try to be nice and constructive and state WHY I didn't like something. I do like to give really popular books a go because there is usually a reason why so many people like them. If you read a mixed review, sometimes it just doesn't fit that person. I encourage you to still give them a go!

What do you do besides reading / reviewing as a hobby??

um, well I do Ballroom and Latin dancing once a week and I play the flute. I love to bake when I have a spare moment as well. I enjoy browsing book blogs, reading reviews. Super fun!

Busting The Newbie Blues

Busting The Newbie Blues is an event hosted by the amazing and fabulous Small Review. Definitely pay her a visit, her blog is spectacular. This event is to help bloggers, especially newbies, to have more blog interaction, resulting in (hopefully) more comments and followers. Experienced bloggers can also take part, sharing tips and tricks and what it was like for them when they were a newbie. There are two questionaires, one for newbies and one for established bloggers. Choose which one fits you best and get answering. Post the answers on your blog and put the link in Mr Linky on her blog. Simple. Click the icon above to see her post.


New Bloggers: 

•  When did you start your blog?

November 1st 2010

• Why did you start your blog?

I love reading and it is a great way to escape from the outside world. Blogging looks like lots of fun and a  great way to make new friends.

• What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

Reading so much. It sounds silly as I have a book blog but I'm so busy with school so reading more than a book a week is difficult. But knowing you guys want to read reviews and such encourages me to read quicker.

• What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?

when people follow and don't comment, or people comment and don't follow.

•  What do you find most encouraging?

Getting comments and feedback. it makes my day, heck it might even make my week.

• What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?

I love memes. I have copied a few ideas from other blogs, editing slightly. I do try to be somewhat original though.

•  What do you dislike about blogs you’ve read? Do you try to avoid this?

I love pictures, I find them very encouraging. I'm sure people that don't use book cover images and such like have wonderful blogs but I find it much easier with pretty visual aid.

• Any advice for other new bloggers?

Just have fun. Post what you want to post. Be original and don't be afraid. The more you you are the more people will love you :)

•   Anything else you’d like to share about your experience?

I'm just having so much fun and would like to thank everyone for the support.

•   Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your blog?

I feature Mainly YA books, with reviews, lots of weekly memes and it is just a lot of fun. I hope you stop by.

Thanks for hosting Small Review :)

Into The Old World Reading Challenge

This is a 2011 challenge hosted by Splash of Our Books and My Love Affair With Books. The Challenge runs from January 1st to December 31st 2011 and all you have to do is read books published BEFORE 2009. They can be of any genre as well. How awesome is that? it will be a great excuse to read the older books that I own but haven't gotten around to reading.

Here are a list of a few books I'm thinking of reading for the challenge.

1. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
2. Flawless by Sara Shepard
3. Perfect by Sara Shepard
4. Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
5. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
6. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

So that is my list for now. Click on the image for more information and how to sign up :)

November 2010 Recap

It has been exactly one month since I started my blog. I know it is not very long but I am having such fun with it. I want to thank you all following me and commenting and just the overall support. I hope you know it is greatly appreciated :)  I've been a few blogs doing monthly recaps and I know I just did a weekly one but because a lot of my followers are newish and may have missed the first couple of posts I decided I'd do one anyway.

All links lead to goodreads

Books Bought:

• Lost It by Kristen Tracy
• Scarred by Julia Hoban
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 
• Hate List by Jennifer Brown
• Boy's Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
• Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
• Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Books Won:

• A Gathering Light by Jennifer Donnelly
• Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Books Borrowed:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
• Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
• Evermore by Alyson Noel

Books Read: (link to reviews)

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
• Scarred by Julia Hoban

Other Books Reviewed:

• Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

And since it is the first day of December I thought I would share some christmasy pictures I took :)

 The first is my mini christmas tree in my room. It changes colour and is so pretty :) I plan to decorate my whole room with tinsel and fairy lights this weekend. Ah, how I love christmas.

The second was taken yesterday while it was snowing. This is my garden, all white and gorgeous :) it was so pretty but so so cold. And I did nearly die while walking to school. It was definitely worth it though :)


Happy first of December guys :)

Waiting On Wednesday (3)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Breaking the Spine where you share the the books you are anticipating.

So here is what I'm eagerly anticipating this week :)

Luminous by Dawn Metcalf

When sixteen-year-old Consuela discovers she can remove her skin, revealing a lustrous mother-of-pearl skeleton, she slips into a parallel world known as the Flow, a place inhabited by archetypal teens with extraordinary abilities. Crafting skins out of anything – air, water, feathers, fire – she is compelled to save ordinary people from dying before their time. Yet now someone is murdering them, one by one, and Consuela finds herself the focus of an intricate plot to end the Flow forever when all she really wants is to get back home, alive. Goodreads


How awesome does that sound? So interesting and completely not done before. And the cover is just sensational, so pretty. I think it is a 2011 author debut so it can be used in the 2011 author debut challenge hosted by The Story Siren.


Abandon by Meg Cabot

She knows what it's like to die. Now Death wants her back.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce knows what happens to us when we die.

That's how she met John Hayden, the mysterious stranger who's made returning to normal life—or at least life as Pierce knew it before the accident—next to impossible.

Though she thought she escaped him—starting a new school in a whole new place—it turns out she was wrong. He finds her.

What does John want from her? Pierce thinks she knows... just like she knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly Heaven. But she can't stay away from him, either, especially since he's always there when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she might find herself back in the place she fears the most.  Goodreads


Well, for starters, it's Meg Cabot. That is reason enough to want to. The cover is super gorgeous. It is a paranormal series and I am so excited to read it. It looks like its going to full of mystery and darkness. I can't wait for it to come out!


So that is what I've waiting for this week. What are you waiting for?