May 30, 2010

The Hunger Games Movie Update and a discussion about the cast

So, most of you know that the final installment for THG trilogy is coming out in the US on Aug 24th, and in the UK on Aug 2nd.

Well, I was channel surfing this morning, and came across this movie with Emma Roberts, Wild Child. While I'm not a fan of the movie itself, I could really see a connection between the protagonists.

And I don't know about you, but I'm liking Alex Pettyfer as Peeta.

I'm not the only one who thinks this, though. I've seen people cast him for Peeta in a lot of other blogs too.

To me he's the perfect choice,.

I've also seen his co-star in Wild Child, Emma Roberts, casted as Katniss in some blogs.
Take a look at these:

*scraches head, thinking*

They look good and cute together, but I can't see Emma being the tough Katniss I have in my mind.

Thanks to Lauren, this is the Katniss I'd like to see:


Camilla Belle, people.

She has that look about her that makes her great for the role.
But she's old. She's, like, 24. Still, she doesn't look she's 24. She could very well play Katniss and say, "Hi, dude, I'm 17. Ish"
"I spoke to two producers from Lionsgate who are making the “Hunger Games” movie. They said Suzanne had given them her draft of the script, which is now being revised by another screenwriter. They hope to be able to announce a director this summer, and go into production in January to release the film later in 2011."
via MTV Hollywood Crush and Mockingjay

:D

Can you say YAY!?
Dude, this means we'll have a Hunger Games movie next year!!!

I'm really happy that Suzanne's in charge of the script, because, who better than the actual author for the job?

I just really hope they don't get Catherine Hardwick to direct it.

Catherine, man, I love Twilight, but you wrecked it.
Sorry, but no love for you.

Who would you like to see as Peeta and Katniss?
And what about Gale? I didn't bother to look for a pic for him because I seriously have no idea who would be good for the part. But I'd like to hear you thoughts!

May 26, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday #13, and a Winner!


Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it's not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous Brody, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you're a normal teenage girl, but when you're half human, half mermaid like Lily, there's no such thing as a simple crush.
Lily's mermaid identity is a secret that can't get out--she's a Thalassinian princess who's been living on land and going to Seaview High School, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, life on land has its drawbacks, like her obnoxious biker-boy neighbor, Quince, but it has that one major perk: Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren't really casual daters--when they "bond," it's for life.

When Lily's attempt to win Brody's love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily ever after never sails as smoothly as you planned.
I love me some mermaids! I'm not ashamed to admit that at age 18 I'm a huge fan of the Australian TV show, H2O, Just Add Water! Have you seen it some time?

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Now, for the winner of the Surf Contest:

The winner is...

jaz.parks!

Jaz, you've won a copy of Surf School and Surf Sisters!


Remember you still have time to enter my TCS Swag Giveaway!
It ends this Friday!
Look for the link on my left sidebar.


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

May 24, 2010

TCM's New Design, Take 2

Thanks to those of you who commented on my last layout change, specially to Jess :)

Now, this is the official new look of TCM. It still has a monkey, but it's got wider sidebars and main body, and it's cleaner than the last one.

I picked the background image because it reminded me of leaves.

I made a little button for you to put in your blogs; if you'd like to trade buttons with me, leave me a comment and I'll take your button and put it here, and you'll do the same for me :D Sounds good?

What do you guys think? Yay? Nay?

Here's a tip: the website/blog doesn't fit your screen? Then press "Ctrl" + "-" at the same time, and it will! Use this trick whenever the page is too big for your screen, this way you don't have to worry about Screen Resolution. Want to make it big like it was before? Press "Ctrl" + "+".

Comments much appreciated!

xoxo

(you can see my name on the post divider ;)

May 21, 2010

TCM's new design :D


Remember I told you I needed help with my layout?
Well, I'd love for you to tell me what you think of this one.

I'm creating this layout using digital elements from Carina Gardner.
She's made this awesome Paisley Kit, and I love how clean and peaceful it looks. Do you?

I've made this a one-sidebar layout because I want to keep it simple and yet girly. And that's why I've added a three-column footer, to have anything like stats ans such under there.

I'm really liking this layout, and anyway, I can save my monkey template and use it again whenever I want to.

It's a little messy around here. The buttons on the right don't all work. The About and Contact are just images right now, but they'll be linked up to their pages soon.

Thoughts please!
How do you think it looks? Do I have designer material? I'm a beginner, so don't be too harsh, but do be honest. I want to make this as functional and pretty as I can.

May 20, 2010

Review: Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure, by Allan Richard Shickman

Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure, by Allan Richard Shickman

Release Date: July 15th, 2007
Publisher: Earthshaker Books
Age Group: Young Adult*
Pages: 160
Overall: 3 Monkeys
Source: Publisher
Interest: Series, For Review
Other Titles in the Series: Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country

Summary from Goodreads:

The hero, Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, conflict, love, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership among his people. Themes: survival, cultures, gender roles, psychological trauma, nature's wonders and terrors.
My Opinion:

When I was first asked to review this, I visited its website to see if I'd be interested in reading it.
I'd never read a book about prehistory, so I said yes, and then I started reading it.

Although I thought the beginning was a bit slow, once you get to the middle it does get good!

I love everything that has to do with past and lost cultures, and the description that Shickman gave us of Zan's people's beliefs and customs was incredibly believable. I was thrown into this lost and supersticious world for a few hours.

When we meet Zan, he's a little boy trying to prove himself to the men in his village. But a life changing event turns him into a man, and throughout the book we read about him living up to that new status. He earns the name "Zan-Gah", Zan of the Rock, and people start respecting him. It was nice to read about him being put almost in the same category as the clan's leaders, but still being modest and prudent. It shows that people back then had a little more respect for others and every living thing. Which is more than we can say for ourselves.

He goes looking for his long lost twin, facing terrible circumstances. Those times when he would be alone, it did get slow, but then the pace found its way to pick itself up, whether it be by challenging someone or discovering a new weapon.

Once he finds his twin though, it gets really good. I found myself wanting to throw a rock at Dael, Zan's twin, for being like he was. And then we meet Lissa-Na. Oh love triangle, how I love to read thou!

The ending was a bit too fairy-tale-ending for me, so I wouldn't know what the sequel's about.


*I don't know if I would put it in the YA category. To me, it really should be a Middle Grade book. This is important, if you ever want to read this, or give to your kids.

Visit Zan's World.

May 18, 2010

Help! Layout Issues

So, it's been a year, and although I love my monkeys I'm getting tired of the narrowness (real word?) of this layout. Since the person who made it for me created an image, I can't fix it on its HTML code. It's a fixed layout, static.

Also, I'm wanting a girlier, more relaxed layout. I feel like my monkeys are taking over here!

But, this layout has been here for so long, I'm scared of losing it!

And let's face it, when you find a new blog, what do you notice first? The layout, am I right?

I think I'll be making a new layout, and when it's done, I'll ask you for your opinion. If you think it's ok for me to change this one, I will. If you tell me "keep the monkey layout!", I will too.

It's all up to you, peeps.

May 17, 2010

Stuff You Need To Watch: Writer's Blok, by Jackson Pearce

WOW Jackson, could you be more awesome?
Seriously, guys, you need to watch this if you haven't already.
It's hilarious!



Also, Jackson will be uploading a downloadable mp3 of this song later today on her website.


p.s.: I'm turning this into a feature: "Stuff You Need To..."
What do you guys think?

p.s. 2: Damn YouTube won't let me modify the code for the video to fit my layout. You can still watch it on YT, but it's only a couple of px you can't see here.
Still, leave me a comment about the feature!

p.s. 3: I'm back to using my LJ, which will have the same posts that I post here, but will be sort of my personal/writing blog as well. If you want to friend me there, go here.

May 15, 2010

The Vampire Diaries Season Finale! Come and discuss!

OH. MY. GOD.
:D
Could TVD's finale have been more awesome? Seriously.
If you still haven't seen it, then don't read any further.
OK, so, when I started reading the first book, I was Team Stefan.
Later, I went from hating Damon, to kinda liking him.
In TVD: Dark Reunion, I was definitely Team Damon!
And in the TV show, aahhhhh!

So, I'm assuming you've all seen this episode, since you're reading this.

Here's a little recap:

Isobel, Elena's birth and vampire mother, gave John, who happens to be Elena's birth father, the invention that disables all vampires, exposing them to The Council.

This is something that the writers of the show came up with, since it's not in the book, but it's a cool twist. Isobel is such a bitch, it's fun to hate her!

Elena's little brother, Jeremy, is still mad at her for having lied to him about the vampires.
Stefan and Damon tell him it wasn't her fault.

OK, so, in the books Elena has a little sister, Margaret.
In the TV show, they changed her for an emo teenage brother, called Jeremy.
While this brings an interesting relationship between him and Elena, he can be really annoying sometimes!
Still hurting over Vicky's death, who wasn't supposed to die so soon.
Come on dude! We get it, but find something useful to do! She died like ten episodes ago!
Anna's here, and she's waaay better than Vicky.

It's Founder's Day, and Elena, being a descendant of a founding family, is on the parade.
Stefan confronts Damon, telling him Elena's his, and that history won't repeat itself.
Aaaand, here comes Elena, looking exactly like Katherine.
The Salvatore brothers drool a little over her.

I still think that they should've casted a blond Elena, since in the book she's blond.
But I like Nina as Elena, she's very strong and powerful on the screen.
Plus, she's gorgeous!
Nooot liking the dress, though.
It could have been better without that green thing.And the red flower?
What, she's descendant from Spanish people?
'Cause that's what she looks like.

But Paul...They always dress him exactly like Stefan.

Ian, I'm so happy they chose you. You are the perfect Damon!

Poor Damon's left to watch Elena and Stefan parading. He's smiling but we all know he's hurting inside.

And that's why I'm Team Damon.

He spots Bonnie among the crowd, and walks over to her. He thanks her for what she's done, un-casting the spell Emily had put on the invention.

Ok, I hated this. First, they leave Meredith out of the show
(if you haven't read the books, Meredith is Elena's and Bonnie's friend. She's the one that's always calm and collected),
and then they turn Bonnie into this?
Book Bonnie would have never, ever lied to Elena.
I loved the innocent Book Bonnie, and liked the spicy TV Bonnie.
But I don't like TV Bonnie anymore.
She'll have to do a lot to regain my trust again.


Matt's still angry at Tyler, with good reason, and Caroline tells him that it'll take a while before Matt forgives him.

:D
Loving this pic, it tells so much of what's to come!
I don't want to say too much because there might be people reading this who haven't read all the books, but I'm reaally looking forward to the next season!

John activates the device, exposing all the vampires, who are caught by policemen and taken to an old building. Damon's among them, and so is Anna.
Anna had given Jeremy a phial with her blood, and told him that if that blood was on his system when he died, he'd turn into a vampire.

John kills Anna and sets the building on fire.
Mayor Lockwood is trapped there too.
But how could he? Does this mean he's a vampire?

HAHAHA
I know why! Do you?

(I couldn't find any more pics, so you're gonna have to remember what I'm talking about)

Bonnie comes along, stopping Elena from entering the burning building.
She casts a spell, helping Stefan take Damon out of there.

Still not liking you, missy.

The vampires in the building die.
Elena goes to the school to get her stuff, Stefan goes home.
Damon goes to see Elena.
Aaaannnnnnnd!
Elena and Damon kiss on her front door!
Aunt Jenna opens the door and asks Elena to come inside.
:O

I loved how he touched his lips after she'd gone inside.
That was a major swoon moment for me.

And Jenna, that was wrong what you did there, woman!

Jeremy drinks Anna's blood, and swallows a bottle of Elena's happy pills.

That, I saw coming. It'll be interesting to see how that turns out.

John tells Elena how sorry he is for what he's done, and we learn the truth about Elena.
She's actually Katherine!

*mouth hanging open*

WHAAAAAAAT?

Loved the "Hello, John. Goodbye, John."!

Katherine's not supposed to appear until the, like, third book I think.
That was a serious cliffhanger right there.

When Jenna found 'Elena' kissing Damon, she actually asked Katherine inside!

At this point, I looked like a fish out of water. My mouth opened and closed and my eyes were huge.

I felt so bad for Damon, who thought he'd actually kissed Elena! But this helped him realise how much he actually loves her, and will be great when it's time to confront Katherine, 'cause he'll be on Elena's side.

So, we're left wondering what'll happen with Katherine in Elena's home, what Elena'll do if she sees her (personally, I think Katherine will sneak out before this happens. The whole point in her being back is to get the Salvatore brothers back, if I remember correctly. So, she wouldn't want to be exposed so easily).

Damon's love for Elena is now confirmed. So what will he do?

Stefan... nothing much there.
He's just as overprotective of Elena as always.

Jeremy!
Will he turn, or die?

Tyler, I almost forgot!
Did you see his eyes? Beautiful, well done!

Caroline, will you become what I know you'll become in the next season?
Probably.

And Bonnie, will you still be a bitch, or will we forgive you?


Leave your thoughts in a comment below and let's discuss!



This post is part of the Vampire Diaries Challenge hosted by Amy at My Friend Amy.

May 14, 2010

The Official Cinderella Society Blog Tour Giveaway!

The lovely Kay Cassidy has kindly offered me to host a giveaway for some really cool TCS swag!

Isn't that cool? Bookmarks galore!
Fill out THIS form to enter.
This giveaway will end on May 28th. That's two weeks from today.
It's also open internationally!
Because Kay rocks.

You haven't read my interview with her yet?
Not only me, but some of her fans asked her a question, and she gave us some really cool answers! No joke!
Go here to read the interview.

May 13, 2010

In Which I Talk About My Beta and Being a Beta

Last year I started a book during NANO. I already had the idea in my mind, and NANO definitely helped me put it on paper. I didn't finish it, I still haven't -writing a book is hard, especially for me, being used to writing short stuff- but I was lucky enough to find me a Beta reader.

Her name is Tanya, and boy, is she awesome!

I think we were meant to work together, because we think so much alike. When I read a part of my MS, and think "I should change this", she'd email me and say "I think this needs a little work" and we're talking about the exact same thing. She really gets my characters and has learned to love them like I do (or at least that's what she tells me! lol), and what could be better than that?

I already know the exact point in which I want my book to end, but I'm having trouble getting there. Tanya has just told me she's finished reading what I've sent her, and that we can start brainstorming. This will help me tremendously! I hope to have a book by the end of July.

I'm crossing my fingers!

Tanya, you have no idea how much I love you, girl! Thanks for being supportive and understanding! (This is my first book ever. Longest thing I've ever written. And it's scary.)

--------------------------------------------------------

A couple of months ago one of my online friends, Jordyn, said she'd finished her MS, and so I asked her if I could be one of her Betas. She said yes and I squeed! I'd been told her writing was awesome. And it is. I think that for me to get to write stuff as deep as her it'll take a while.

Her novel's called The Movie Romance, and it tells the tale of a girl, Anya, dealing with the loss of her friends.

There are parts in this novel that have me in tears. So powerfully it's written, and so beautifully.

One day, Jor, you'll find an agent and get that recognition you deserve.

So, thank you for letting me read this.

xoxo,
Ella

p.s.: Are you an aspiring writer? Do you have an awesome Beta like me?

May 10, 2010

Awesome Linger Trailer!



Oh. My. God.
Have you seen this?
If you haven't, please play that video!
That is AH.MAZING.
Honestly, Maggie you are talented, girl!

She did everything!
I can only imagine how long it must have taken her to cut all those wolves and that growing tree!
Beautiful, really beautiful!

May 9, 2010

TSC Blog Tour: Q&A with Kay Cassidy

Today I welcome Kay Cassidy, whose book, The Cinderella Society, has just been published! Congrats Kay!

When she asked me if I'd like to be a part of her Blog Tour, I said yes right away.

So join me in welcoming her, and read this very fun and short interview!

Not only did I ask Kay a couple of questions, but I asked you to ask her one too. Here they are:

----------------------------------
Hi Kay, thanks for being here!

These first ones are from me:

Imagine you’re at a party with your friends, the Cindys. What would be your party playlist?

I create a soundtrack for each book, so I would definitely have to play The Cinderella Society's soundtrack. Listing all the songs might give away some story elements, but I will say that Who I Am by Jessica Andrews, Soar by Christina Aguilera, and Savin' Me by Nickelback would be on the playlist.

Say you’re at a bookstore and you have five minutes to get anything and everything you want. Get ready, and GO! What do you get?

Oh my gosh, I would be burning up the carpet trying to nab them all! :-) Truth be told, I have zero self control and already own the majority of books that capture my fancy. But if I did have self control in bookstores (insert much laughter here) and didn't own them already, here are five I would grab that have hit the shelves in the last month or two:

MISTWOOD by Leah Cypess

THE BODY FINDER by Kimberly Derting

THIS WORLD WE LIVE IN by Susan Beth Pfeffer

HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins

PRINCESS FOR HIRE by Lindsey Leavitt

Question from KatiebMundieMom:

Kay is amazing. I can't wait to read your interview with her! Ask her what her favorite Cindy moment is, that she's done.

Awww... thanks, Katie! :-) The Cindy creed is "Celebrate your strength – Embrace your future – Be extraordinary". I think my favorite moment of living by the creed was when I founded the Living Your FiveTM inspirational web project. Living Your FiveTM is all about choosing the five ways you want to make a positive difference in the world and then living your life accordingly. I absolutely believe that we all have unique talents and passions that can make the world a better place – and I hope everyone takes a moment to learn how to be an Honorary Fiver and join Alyson Noel, Tera Lynn Childs and I on the Fiver journey.

From Shesten at IHeartMonster:

Have her tell us about a Cinderella-like experience from her life...

Hmm... if it's a Cinderella makeover moment, I would have to say the spa day I indulged in right before The Cinderella Society hit shelves last month. Even though I write a series that's about ultimate life makeovers (including the appearance kind), I'm super laid back about my own appearance. I pretty much live in yoga pants and knit shirts (boot cut sweats and fleece tops in winter), so a spa day is truly a girly indulgence for me. So relaxing!

From Kris at Voracious YAppetite:

Hi Kay, my question is: What’s your favorite Disney princess (other than Cinderella)? If you could be any princess from history, who would you be? What is your idea of the perfect prince?

Fun! I actually took the Disney Princess quiz on Facebook and my Facebook page has the answer: I'm Belle. :-) I adore Belle – she's very smart and independent, so I thought that was a great result for me. I haven't done a lot of princess research (I rely on my friend Lindsey Leavitt for that – check out her fabulous PRINCESS FOR HIRE), but I did just buy a biography of Catherine the Great. I'm looking forward to reading that one. My idea of a perfect prince would be my husband. Wise, funny, kind... the smartest thing I ever did was marry my best friend. :-)

Kay
---------------

That was so much fun!

I'll have to listen to that playlist and check out those books, some of which are already on my Wish List.

Check out past Tour stops and watch out for the next ones!
3/8/10 Guest blog at Mundie Moms
3/10/10 Interview at Juiciliciousss Reviews
3/20/10 Interview at Page Turners
3/30/10 Interview at Not Enough Bookshelves
4/1/10 Interview on author Saundra Mitchell’s blog
4/11/10 Week-long festivities at YA Roundup
4/13/10 Official launch party at Teen Fiction Cafe
4/14/10 Guest blog at The Book Butterfly
4/15/10 Interview at The Book Cellar
4/16/10 Interview at Chick Lit Teen
4/17/10 Interview at Bookworming in the 21st Century
4/18/10 Interview at The Compulsive Reader
4/19/10 Interview at Journey Through Books
4/20/10 Interview at YA Booknerd
4/21/10 Fresh New Voice Interview at Book Chic
4/22/10 Guest blog at The Bookologist
4/22/10 Chat at Mundie Moms *9pm EST*
4/23/10 Interview at Frenetic Reader
4/24/10 Interview at Shooting Stars Magazine
4/25/10 Interview at Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf
4/26/10 Chat for 10 in ‘10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge *8pm EST*
4/27/10 Interview at Windowpane Memoirs
4/28/10 Interview at Alley of Books
4/29/10 Chat at L8Bloomer Online *9pm EST*
5/1/10 Guest blog at The Page Flipper
5/2/10 Guest blog at The O.W.L.
5/3/10 Interview at Market My Words
5/6/10 Interview at So Many Books, So Little Time
5/8/10 Interview at Booking Through 365
5/9/10 Interview at The Clock Monkey (That's this right here!)
5/11/10 Interview at The Children’s Book Reporter
5/12/10 Interview at Mrs. V’s Reviews
5/14/10 Interview on Danielle Leafty’s blog
5/17/10 Interview on author Jen Nadol’s blog
5/18/10 Interview on author Christy Raedeke’s blog
5/18/10 Interview at Writer Unboxed
5/19/10 Interview on author Christina Diaz Gonzalez’s blog
5/20/10 Interview on author Kim Derting’s blog
5/24/10 Interview on Egmont author Chelsea Campbell’s blog
5/25/10 Interview on Egmont author Alexandra Bracken’s blog
5/26/10 Interview on Egmont author Kristina McBride’s blog
5/27/10 Interview on Egmont author Lindsay Eland’s blog
5/28/10 Interview on Egmont author Bree Despain’s blog
6/10/10 Interview at The Last Word
6/23/10 Interview on Joelle Anthony’s blog
7/5/10 Interview at Writers on Writing
7/8/10 Interview on Holly Cupala’s blog

May 8, 2010

Review: The Awakening, by Kelley Armstrong

The Awakening (Darkest Powers #2), by Kelley Armstrong

Release Date: May 1st, 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 368
Overall: 5 Monkeys
Source: Borrowed, E-Book
Interest: Series
Other Titles in the Series: The Summoning (Darkest Powers #1), The Reckoning (Darkest Powers #3).
Other Titles Reviewed in The Clock Monkey: The Summoning (Darkest Powers #1).

Summary from Goodreads:
If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.
My Opinion:

From the beginning I was hooked, and I read this book in just three days. This book was as exciting as The Summoning, but more fast-paced which kept me at the edge of my seat all the time!

While in the first book we see Chloe clearly falling for Simon, here we get to see Derek's other side, his warmer side, turning this into a brother love triangle. The events that push Chloe and Simon away, bring her and Derek closer. And I still haven't picked a team! Both Simon and Derek are lovely and mysterious, things I love to read about the book's hero. Simon is more open about his feelings towards Chloe, while Derek keeps to himself. This made me swoon for him: he's the kind of guy who suffers in silence and takes all of the responsiblity on himself, trying to protect the others. In the rare occasions in which he smiled, I would go all awwww and smile too.

In the last book, we see Chloe, Simon, Derek, Rae and Tori managing to escape the conspiracy in Lyle House. Only to be caught again. This time we learn more about this conspiracy, and the people behind it.

I was really interested in reading more about Chloe's stone necklace, and wanting to know why it was a different colour. We only get a glimpse into that story, so I'm really looking forward to reading about its real power in The Reckoning.

We also see Chloe's powers as a Necromancer increasing, discover Tori's so-far-non-existing power, as well as learn more about Derek's, Rae's and Simon's.

In those scenes where Chloe's powers were set in motion, I'd get chills on the back of my neck, and had to take my mind off the book for a second, to remind myself that what I was seeing wasn't real.

That's what I love about Paranormal books: the fact that (when they're well written) they can transport you to a whole other world.

So, congrats Kelley! You've won a new fan.

Visit Kelley Armstrong:

May 7, 2010

Book Blogger Hop - May 7th


This weekly event is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books.

I decided to join this event because I'm finding some cool blogs through it, and it's FUN!

If you found me through the Blogger Hop, leave a comment!

--------

There're some things I wanted to share too:

* I'm getting tired of this layout. I want a larger main section (this part, where the post goes), and a cleaner layout. But I'm broke, oh so broke, therefore, I'm gonna try to make the layout myself. The overall layout is not what worries me, it's the header that does. I can make a layout I like, but headers have always been a problem.
So if you see this look changing, don't freak out! I'll be testing some things later.

* I've just reviewed Surf School and posted a giveaway. It's for both Surf School and its sequel, Surh Sisters. Open Internationally, ends May 25th. Really nice Australian book!

* I've just, and I mean just, finished reading The Awakening, by Kelley Armstrong. LOVED it. Review coming later, maybe today.

May 6, 2010

Review (and Giveaway): Surf School, by Laurine Croasdale


Surf School, by Laurine Croasdale

Release Date: 2007
Publisher: Pan Macmillian Australia
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 213
Overall: 3 & 1/2 Monkeys
Source: Publisher
Interest: Series
Other Titles in the Series: Surf Sisters

Fifteen-year-old Tilly, Fran, Marlee and Pink are surfer girls.

They have been meeting for the first surf of the season every year since they first met at the surf school run by Tilly’s dad, Phil, when they were eight.

Phil has big plans for the surf school this year, but when he is injured in a hit-and-run accident, everything suddenly seems uncertain.

While Phil languishes in hospital and the police track his attacker, Tilly is determined to realise his plans and keep the surf school open. To do this, she needs all the help she can get from her friends.

But Marlee is training for the surfing competition to win a new board and beat the moody Kyle, Pink is warring with her parents and intrigued by the stranger Kim, and Fran is busy making jewellery.

My Opinion:

Reading this book made me want to go to Australia and surf with the girls! Tilly, Marlee, Pink and Fran, all fifteen-year-olds, are great friends and really cool surfers!

We begin this book reading Tilly's and Marlee's Blood Book. This is their secret book, where they put all their hopes, dreams and fears. It's really special to them and it reminds me of when I was younger, because my friends and I kept a journal very much like the Blood Book.

It's summer and it all seems to be going well with the girls, Tilly and Marlee are getting ready to enter a competition, and the Surf School, the one that brought them together, is doing okay. Until Phil, Tilly's dad, gets run over by a car. He's seriously injured and Tilly and her brother Sam are left to take care of the School.

Pink meets a handsome guy, very mysterious, and she's smitten by him.

Fran, I think she lacked the background the other had. Maybe I'll learn more about her in Surf Sisters, the sequel to Surf School.

There are also some boys here, of course, two of the girls' love interests: Kyle, surf-know-it-all and somewhat bully in the water and Jamie, sweet guy who's fallen for someone who pays him zero attention. We'll want to punch Kyle in the face sometimes, and go awww for Jamie when he gets crestfallen.

The pressure Tilly's been handling starts hurting her friendship with the girls, even with her older brother. She thinks she's alone, and refuses to talk to Marlee.

A big misunderstanding leads the girls to stop talking, and this is very painful for all of them.

The resolution of the book was very well delivered, and I can't wait to read Surf Sisters!

I'd recommend this book to: teen surfers, kids who have to deal with adult situations.

I really think anyone would enjoy this quick read!

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I've been offered to host a giveaway for both Surf School AND Surf Sisters. I've posted the giveaway before, but wanted to give it more publicity. Those who've already entered don't have to re-enter.
This is open Internationally and ends on May 25th.

Want this!!!

Little Miss Momma is giving away a BLOG DESIGN by Dumplin Design Studio!
I reaaaally want it, I think it's time for a change, and DDS has beautiful designs!
Click here to enter.
And forgive me for posting this, but I do want to win :)
And I'm telling you about it!

May 2, 2010

2010 Debut Author Challenge

The Story Siren


I just decided to join this challenge, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, because many of the books I'm reading have just been released or they will be, and after reading the challenge's guidelines, I noticed that I, being an International blogger, can list books released years before too. Which is great because I don't have the same access to those books published in this year as most of you do.

So, here's my list for the challenge. I reserve the right to change it any time.

1. The Iron King, by Julie Kagawa (2010)
2. The Iron Daughter, by Julie Kagawa (2010)
3. Manifest, by Artist Arthur (2010)
4. Moonlight, by Rachel Hawthorne (2009)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

I seriously hope I can finish this challenge!
Wish me luck!
Ella
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