Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014

I feel that it's only right to do a recap of this year for me. I guess it'll all be book related, since this is a book blog but I guess I'll have to see what pops up. Starting with the beginning of the year. 

To be honest, I can't remember anything that happened in January! It was March that things really started to pick up. Well, not on here. I didn't really have much drive blog-wise back in March. This is what really set my year off with a bang.

**Added further news that's happened, but everything in blue is after New Years! I really wanted to post something before New Years and I did (in a massive rush) but I've missed a bit out! So everything in blue is me going back and adding :)

Where it all started:
Book Events:

So on the 6th March, I went to my first author signing. The most incredible experience I've ever had. I met Lauren Oliver and I was a ruined wreck, uncontrollably shaking even before she appeared. It was amazing. She is amazing and we were allowed to have a few minutes with her to talk about the Delirium series as well as get pictures!

This was a trigger. After this event, I found myself checking book shops in London for different YA events and I just found myself hopping from event to event. Some author events I went to were just so out of the blue.  The description said a YA author and I'd immediately jump at it. No doubt, I became a little obsessed. In October/September I went to four different events in three weeks!! It hit me bad. 

Time To Choose Some Reading Challenges...

So it's time.

Having rebooted my blog in the middle of the year and engulfing the book blogging life, a new year is arriving and I must choose a book challenge for 2014!


Ok - so I've been digging around trying to find a reading challenge that is a real "challenge." One which I love is the Rewind 2014 Challenge - but the books I read are already normally delayed compared to others as I rarely buy books on the same year as published! 


So it got me thinking, I can set myself my own challenge right? So here we go...


Sabrina's Stacking Shelves #1

I've given up waiting around for the remaining books to arrive. So here I am, typing my first 'Sab's Stacking Shelves.'

I've broken my books into sections. I spent a lot on books this month and worst of all, this isn't even all of them!!! 

Feast your eyes. 

Books that are part of a series:

Matched by Ally Condie

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Storm by Bridget Kemmerer

Finale (Hush Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Dare You To by Katie McGarry

My 2013 Bests: Books, Music, TV and Movies!

I can't even remember half the things I did this year - everything's just gone by so quick. I thought I'd mix it up a bit and but my 'best' books, music and TV shows of this year! - All of which are *new* to me this year.

Books:
*If you press the book covers, I've linked it to their GoodReads page ;D

These are (some) of my best best books I found in 2013 (I hope I didn't miss anything out...)


The Delirium Series by Lauren Oliver - it seems like such a while ago I finished this series but it's seriously one of my favourites. Oliver's writing is just so perfect, with her beautiful description and the ending that surprisingly left me happier the more I thought about it, rather than disappointed which is what I know a lot of people thought. - Admittedly this isn't a new new series that I picked up this year, I picked up Delirium at the end of last year but I finished reading it this year, so it counts in my mind :P

Soulmates by Holly Bourne - a romance book with a twist. Not exactly the 'typical' of sorts but it was perfect. I love the fact that it didn't fit the ordinary lovey-dovey romance novels.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick - I read this book at the beginning of 2013 and it's stuck by me all the way through this year. As soon as I read about Samantha's life and Jase, I fell in love with the whole fictional world. It tore out my heart and I felt everything Sam was feeling. I need to find my Jase. 

Waiting on 2014: An Author I've Enjoyed In The Past - I'll Pick Up Their Next Book: USA

2014 just needs to hurry up, right? I mean, I can't even express my excitement for some of the releases that will be out next year!!

So what am I waiting on? I have to admit they are mostly romance and dystopian novels -- but these are two of my favourite genres.

I shall tell you ;)
January:
Masquerade by Nyrae Dawn (Expected publication: January 7th 2014 - USA, Forever) 

After I finished reading Facade, which is the second book in the Games series, I am so amazed by the way Dawn is able to write and keep me constantly on my toes!

February:
Cress by Marissa Meyer (Expected publication: February 6th 2014 - UK, Puffin)


I don't think I need to say much about this book. I can't wait to see how they all meet!

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi (Expected publication: February 6th 2014 - UK, ATOM)

Can't wait to finish this trilogy!! I wish this series got more recognition. 

Debate: I Judge a Book By Its Cover! So What?

I went to a talk a while back about the gender gap. The discussion led to the idea of how we judge books and if it’s the covers that attract us as a reader or if we do further research beforehand. I found that this conversation went on for quite a while and the whole idea that if you read in public, gripping onto is a typically ‘girly’ book, people will judge you.

Imagine you’re at college, it’s that time to celebrate the day you found your favourite book by rereading it, so you take it to college. You’re reading a stereotypically girly book in the canteen as it starts to fill with people. First thing that pops into people head is: ‘Are they reading for enjoyment?’ - because apparently no one reads for enjoyment and if they do they're weird.. Anyway, after figuring out that you are clearly reading for enjoyment reasons, the second thought is: ‘Oh dear, they’re into those sort of books!” - An issue?

One of the guest speakers was Maureen Johnson. She was the one who was most passionate about this topic. Later when I returned home, I did some further research on the idea that popped up. Flipcovers. This was sparked when Maureen started to receive emails from male readers basically saying ‘stop putting such girly covers on your books!’ – Errrr, but why are you even picking up that book in the first place? And I kinda feel like, if you picked up that book, you just have to deal with it...

‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ they all say. But how can I not when all they do is flash their cover fronts in my face. They are there for a purpose.

Book Reveiw: Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Title: Let The Sky Fall 
Author: Shannon Messenger
Published: 5th March 2013 (Simon Pulse)
Pages: 416

Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.


When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them
[via GoodReads]


Thoughts:
Ok, so I read this book through Pulse It, which is a reading community made by Simon Pulse which shares free books online every month. With the lead up to Christmas they are releasing a free book everyday. I so recommend you check it out because I know I basically want to read all the books! Click here to find out more.

For those who enjoyed reading Under The Never Sky, this book is for you. I'm, yet again, stuck for words to even explain how much I enjoyed this book. The narrations were just so natural and the everything was just tied down so well.


Confessions of a Book Addict #2: My Dilemma - Books I Wish I Was Told To Read

I'm a bit of an odd reader.

You must be thinking: "What? Odd? Aren't we all?" - but this is my weird book dilemma. I have issues with reading about characters' that are younger than me....yeah, I know, weird.


I'm not even sure where this issue of mine came from but it normally depends on the book and what the characters are like I guess.
Being 18, I sometimes find it hard to pick up a book based around a 15 year old because of the way they act. It has been easing off slightly since I read Night School and also Geek Girl, but there are some characters who are beyond stupid...and so annoying I could just slap them for being so immature. I can just about cope with books about a 16/17 year old. Just about. 


But as I've grown up, with a reading habit that kicked in quite late (well for me I think it kicked in quite late) and also the fact that when I went book shopping I had no clue which books were good. As a result, during my younger ages, I missed out on some book series and stand alones that I wish I could read but I'm scared about the age gap between me and the characters. For that reason, I have decided to compose a list of those books so that you can ensure you read them before it's too late!

Book Review: Left Drowning by Jessica Parker

Title: Left Drowning
Author: Jessica Parker
Published: 16th July 2013 (Skyscape)
Pages: 399

What does it take to rise from life’s depths, swim against the current, and breathe?

Weighted down by the loss of her parents, Blythe McGuire struggles to keep her head above water as she trudges through her last year at Matthews College. Then a chance meeting sends Blythe crashing into something she doesn’t expect—an undeniable attraction to a dark-haired senior named Chris Shepherd, whose past may be even more complicated than her own. As their relationship deepens, Chris pulls Blythe out of the stupor she’s been in since the night a fire took half her family. She begins to heal, and even, haltingly, to love this guy who helps her find new paths to pleasure and self-discovery. But as Blythe moves into calmer waters, she realizes Chris is the one still strangled by his family’s traumatic history. As dark currents threaten to pull him under, Blythe may be the only person who can keep him from drowning. 


*This book is intended for mature audiences due to strong language and sexual content.
Note: due to mature content recommended for Ages 17+


[via GoodReads]


Thoughts: 

This book has definitely pushed boundaries. I didn't expect it to be as mature as it was, especially when I'd read Flat-Out Love and Flat-Out Matt which are both, like, PG rating. But the contrast between the books shows that Jessica Parks can write a book with safety and also a book that hangs in danger. 

Confessions of a Book Addict #2: Getting to Know Me - Methods, Aims and Goals

I feel that my blog is quite stale in the fact that all there is is reviews of this, reviews of that and then the one or two events that I go to. Since my climb in twitter followers, I thought maybe it's time to casually blog. I mean, what better way to get to know someone, right? Well the next best option to actually meeting someone. But anyway. I'm starting now, currently sitting in my semi-empty college library, typing whatever comes out of this brain of mine...at 9:22am.

Right.

I have a confession to make. A cliché confession for an addict reader, rebooter of a book blog and also collector...of books.

When I was younger, I always got that bit excited when I'd go to a Waterstones to look at and then buy books.


100+ Followers on Twitter!

So you may have seen in my 'update' post that I created a Twitter account for this blog. The welcoming was so amazing and I never thought people would even start to follow me! It's now been a month, and as you can guess by the title: I'VE GOT 100+ FOLLOWERS! 

WHAT?!?


I am still a bit confused how that happened but I wanted to write a thank you to everyone and a special thank you to Lucy (@LucyTheReader) who gave me a shout out when I started!!! 


There are tonnes of other 'booggeeters' (boo/gge/eter - book blogger tweeters? ~ word mash up failed...) and it's really fun to have joined the community. I feel like I need to give you all an individual shout-out but that is kinda impossible, so, if you have twitter and need people to follow: GO TO MY FOLLOWERS LIST!! 


...I feel like I'm writing an acceptance speech or something...ahaha, but the fact that people are starting to look at my blog is a bit crazy, especially because when I first started it, it lay with no views. 


So yes, thank you every single follower.  

*Virtual hugs to all*

Until next time :) 



and if you don't know about my new Twitter: @IHaveToRead_ <- there's a link 

Book Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Crescendo
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Published: October 2010 (Simon & Schuster)
Pages: 472 


Still Nora's point of view, she is completely shocked by the sudden change in Patch and his new attraction. The "new attraction" is none other than her arch-enemy Marcie Millar! How could he?! As a consequence to Patch's actions, she creates these excuses to just rebel against...everything. Not only this, she starts hanging out with Scott Parnell, an old family friend who's moved back to town, even after after Patch's warnings.
But the more pressing issue is who murdered Nora's father? She finds herself questioning if her Nephilim bloodline could be a reason for his death and as she starts putting the pieces together by herself, she finds herself in more danger. 
Thoughts:I have been meaning to pick up Crescendo for a while now. I borrowed Hush Hush from the library more than a year ago but I made myself swear that I'd buy it because I enjoyed it so much! Only this year did I go out and buy Hush Hush, Crescendo and Silence. I was so surprised how easily I managed to slip back into the series even after such a long break between reading the first book. 

Book Review: The Perfect Game by J. Sterling

Title:  The Perfect Game
Author: J. Sterling
Published: October 2012 (Amazon Publishing)
Pages: 379

Cassie swears that she won't fall for Jack, the hottest guy around. Girls chase Jack everywhere. But with Cassie, it seems that Jack is doing the chasing and as much as Cassie denies the fact that she likes him, she knows there's something more. Before we know it they are together, but being with the top baseball player isn't such a smooth ride as she'd hope. Can she change Jack's old ways?


Thoughts:

Urgh! I don't even know where to begin. I am just SO disappointed in this book!! I had such high expectations after reading some reviews.

I found the scenes in each chapter way too short and there was a definite lacking in description, especially during the beginning of the book making it much harder for me to "connect" with the characters. 



Book Review: Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson

Title: Girl at Sea
Author: Maureen Johnson
Published: May 2008 (HarperTeen)
Pages: 336

Clio had her summer planned out with a boyfriend, almost, in the bag. Until her mum tell her about the news. Now she has to spend the summer with her dad. In Italy! On a yacht! How could that be bad? But for Clio, it's nothing but hell as she is "essentially kidnapped" on a boat with her dad and his 'crew' made up of Martin (her dad's best friend), Julia (her dad's girlfriend), Elsa (Julia's daughter) and Julia's oh-so-good-looking but annoying, Aiden.


Thoughts:

So first thing I've noticed whilst reading books by Maureen Johnson is that she has a bit of a UK obsession. I haven't read one book yet where there isn't the mention of something British. Haha - I'm definitely not complaining though!

Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Published: 28th February 2013 (Orion)
Pages: 327

Eleanor is the weird new girl. Park is the quiet Asian kid that she sits next to on the bus. Through connection of comic books, slowly but surely something grows between Park and Eleanor, surprising both of them. But through their comic book and mix tape exchanges can their first young love defeat all?


Thoughts:

Eleanor & Park has been a book that I've been waiting to read for a long time. The book was cute but not as full filling as expected.


Busy Blogger.... (quick UPDATE!)

I have discarded my blog quite a bit, I have to admit. Balancing college and book reading/blogging is a tough job! Wow, how do people do it?!

Anyway, a little quick update...

  • I have finally managed to find time a little time between homework scribbles to read! So there are and will be some reviews that are going to be up this month and the next month too!


  • On top of this I have also opened a twitter account dedicated to this very blog! I know that on my personal twitter, I tweet very frequently so this twitter page should hopefully be filtered with everything...Books! Go go go --> @IHaveToRead_


  • In my earlier blogging I commented about joining Movellas, which I wrote about here, I don't know where to begin! It's been crazy being able to share my work and the feedback is amazing. I totally recommend it for every creative writer out there!! (This wasn't really much of an update, just a bit of ad, really)

Ok, now I'm off to write some reviews ;)

Social Media Week - Tech Tuesday: Storytellers on Social Media: The Author as a Digital Brand (24th September 2013)

So, a while back now, on the 24th September, I attended the Storytellers on Social Media: The Author as a Digital Brand during the Social! It was so much fun and I've never experienced anything like this event!

I heard about the event from CJ Daugherty, who I previously met at another event (YA genre panel also w/ Holly Bourne and Alexia Casale), and she advertised it on her twitter.

Transmedia stroytelling: Storytelling across multiple forms of media, with each element making distinctive contributions to a user's understanding of the story universe, including where user actions affect the experience of content across multiple platforms

Event: YA Panel with Holly Bourne, C.J Daugherty and Alexia Casale


My sneaky pic of the advertising poster
at Blackwell's. Hehe.
Holly Bourne - Soulmates
C.J Daugherty - Night School Series
Alexia Casale - The Bone Dragon


What an amazing event! This is my first YA panel and I am really baffled by how much fun it was!!! I arrived at Blackwell's a whole hour early on the 4th September and I never realised how deep the book store is. I was fully ready: having read all 5 books before the event and had questions for each individual author. All I had to do was wait...

Book Review and Book Soundtrack: SOULMATES by Holly Bourne

Title: SOULMATES
Author: Holly Bourne
Published: 1st September

This book is Holly Bourne's debut and it sure has got me excited about what she has in store. 

What if your love was so strong it could destroy the world, without you even realising it?

The book follows Poppy, aged 17 and totally against the idea of love. The meaning is rubbish. It's soppy. Cliché. Ew! Enter Noah, the guitarist from the new band Growing Pains, and something inside Poppy changes. A tug. A draw. Something unexpected. Before she knows it, her and Noah are falling so deeply for one another, it terrifies them both. Their chemistry sets sparks. Makes the floor shake beneath them. But not in a metaphoric way. 

Forgotten About?...and Book Signing Dates to Attend!!

So where have my book posts been?

You may or may not of noticed my absense from this blog for quite a while, but I can assure you that I am still well and alive. It's been a few more than 2 weeks since my post, so what's been happening??

I went to Peak District for a week. Now, that possibly couldn't of filled up all my time, so truthfully, I haven't been in the right mood to write anything. I have been reading a tonne of books but I haven't been bothered to sit down and write something presentable for this blog. My GoodReads page is fully awake and I am on that, but here I feel a little more "pressured" if I dare say. But with that, I am back and will try to work this blog back up again...for me.

Anyway.

With that aside you must be hear to read about the book signings. So over the holidays I've been keeping an eye out for author book signings or events that I want to go to. I have stumbled across one 1 author event/signing and 3 panel like events which have multiple authors (bonus!).

Young Adult Author Panel - Wednesday, Sep 4, 2013 at 6:00 PM
This event is in Blackwell's in Charing Cross, London and is totally free!! It includes a three author panel consisting of CJ Daugherty, Alexis Casale and Holly Bourne, all of which are British writers, which is a change for me because I side for American authors the most! Regardless of this fact I am super excited to attend this panel!!!

An Evening with Phil Earle and David Levithan - Wednesday, 2nd October 6:30pm
Here's another sneaky little panel to attend at Waterstones Piccadilly. Costs for the event is £5 but only £3 if you have a Waterstones card. Unlike the other events, I have heard and already read the books of one of the authors (David Levithan) so I won't need to stock up on too many books for this one ;P

UK vs.US: is any subject taboo in YA literature? An Evening with Tanya Byrne and Lauren Kate - Tuesday, 12 November 2013, 6:30PM                
The last panel which I've found, this one is at Waterstone Piccadilly, again, which costs £5/£3 depending if you are a Waterstones memeber. UK vs. US is something that is so interesting to me especially because of my reading habit. I also think this is going to be great because it's not just a typical author event, this has a topic to the conversation and I'm very keen on hearing the authors thoughts.

Meet James Dashner - 2nd December
6pm - 7pm James Dashner will be at the London's Forbidden Planet megastore signing his new releasing book, The Eye Of Minds! This is also an author who've I have already read all his books and am waiting for The Eye of Minds to come out so this one is a definite.

I also am attending the TotallyBookBlog signing, which is bringing over some American authors and some UK ones in a massive room. But unfortunately this event was sold out last month, so sorry I didn't get to tell you guys sooner.

I am totally stoked for these book events.
I am, however, going to need to buy a lot of books this year, more than what I would like. So sadly, I have decided to not buy every book each author has written and maybe just buy the book that they are there to promote.

Let me know if you're going to attend any of these and we can totally hang out during the events! :D


I AM INSPIRED!



ZZZIIIIINNNNNGGG!
ZZZAAAAAAPPPPP!
BING!
 
That's right...I've become...inspired.
 
How? Why? When?

I guess you can say it was after attending that mini award ceremony and the discovery of Movellas. After going to the award show, I went to check out the site for myself....and now, I'm a new fledged movillain (a bit of Movellas lingo for ya ;) )

I have been told that this writing community is very welcoming and you are welcomed with open arms. Yes, this is definitely true! I've have tried out a creative writing site called Figment, which is American based, and in comparison with that site Movellas is ahead already! I've been welcomed with open arms and people are so aware of one another on Movellas, whereas I felt so lost in the billion people in Figment.

Another reason why I also transferred over to Movellas is also because of it being based in London and I found being on Figment I was unable to join in on any of the competitions because they were all American based (which I found so annoying!!!)

Anyway, as soon as I started I quickly transferred some of my old writing pieces over to start off with. One of the pieces is very old and the other a little newer...but both short pieces which I thought would be nice to have up as a little "starter". Another factor I love about Movellas is the fact that you can see if your piece has been read or viewed by someone else. It doesn't say who's read it, it just gives you a little number saying that someone has read a specific piece. Then like many social networking sites, there's a favourites button and a like!

As a consequence of being inspired, I have also decided to start writing again. I am desperately hoping that I can get further than the beginning chapters and maybe finish a semi-completed book (semi-completed meaning that I'd still need to going back to edit and tweak, a draft book). I have a good feeling about this one....fingers crossed it all goes well!

Anyway, I'd like to share my experience with the lot of you, the readers, here on my blog, find the link to my page below and I hope maybe you join too!

My Movellas Page

A short blog post today but I am super excited about becoming fully involved in this writing community and also experimenting out my writing, stretching it and improving it!

NOTE: I am not saying there is anything wrong with Figment! There are some great features that are on that sight, I love the reactions buttons and I will miss them loads. If you are an American, it is definitely a site to check out because the competitions are amazing! Many of the stories I've seen on the Huffington website on one of their sub-genre sites, which is how I discovered Figment in the first place. So just because I transferred, doesn't mean Movellas is 100% better. Just my thoughts :)

Sony Young Movellist of the Year 2013

So if you didn't know I am part of the Spinebreakers Editor crew and last night (16/07) I was lucky enough to attend the Sony Young Movellist of the Year 2013!

The whole competition was hosted on the Movella website with the help of Random House, The Reading Agency and the Sony Reading House which allowed people aged between 13 to 19 to submit their piece of creative writing. The winner would then get their books published by Random House to sell!!
 Not only this the judging of the whole competition was Malorie Blackman!

Here's my name sticker ^^
(I am a bit too proud over this ;P)
So I arrived at the King's Place for the event, meeting the other Spinebreakers out front. I've never gone to any of the Spinebreakers' events or any of the editorial meetings before so it was nice to finally meet everyone! Every started arriving at 6:30 where they served drinks and we got our own names and who we're represented on a sticker.

As we stood awaiting our time to go in we got to talk to Anna who is part of a publishing company that works digitally, CompletelyNovel. She also gave us her business card to keep! (To check out more about CompletelyNovel click here)

Entering the small hall at 7pm, the guests sat down amongst the 10 amazing young writers who were chosen out of the around 100 participants. As the presentation started we found out that Malorie Blackman was unwell and unable to attend, breaking my heart but I was still so amazed by their work I didn't feel like it was too much of a loss. Representatives of Movella gave us an introduction to the the lucky ten, where we then watched a short video of all those there and who they were, what they wrote and what inspired them. I was so amazed on the drive that each of them had! To even finish a novel at the age that they were is incredible and it is such an amazing achievement. I feel like I need to be more writing active like this lot!

The books in no particular order are:


  • Wings by Danielle Paige, 16 from Norfolk
  • My Corrupted Lungs by Kyra Schlachter, 16 from Essex
  • Girl with a Thousand Faces by Emma Yeo, 17 from Tyne and Wear
  • The Name On Your Wrist by Helen Hiorns, 19 from Coventry
  • The Lives We Live by Edie Dams, 14 from Brighton
  • The Art of Forgetting by Warona Jolomba, 16 from Warwickshire
  • The Thorn in My Flesh by Alexandra Morley, 19 from Kingston
  • Gift: The Rebellion by Saskia Ross, 16 from Buckinghamshire
  • I Dare You by Molly Looby, 18 from Essex
  • The Mendacii Key by Annabel Green, 15 from Somerset

  • Out of the ten the top three were chosen first who were: Kyra Schlachter, Helen Hiorns and Emma Yeo.

    Then the winner....

    She went to the stage to recieve her very fancy glass award, which was presented by Malorie Blackman's publisher, as well as a Sony Reader. She then got a chance to give us a speech that seemed so confident and easy for her. She was great, balancing her amazement and adding humour. (Much better than what I would have been like if I had to do any sort of audience speech!) Then on top of that we got to hear a cheeky extract from the first page of the book!

    After the ceremony, we were surprised by recieving a tote canvas bag which had Malorie Blackman's most recent book, Noble Conflict, and also a voucher which allowed us to recieve a FREE copy of Helen Hiorn's book. But then to my disappointment, when I did come home and try to recieve my free book, THE VOUCHER DID NOT WORK! I am so devastated because I think the whole idea of the book is great and the fact that she is only 2 years older than me and has achieved what she has....incredible!

    There were more drinks and some lovely canapés that were served after the show...they were lovely canapés....just saying. But we also met two other Spinebreakers editors who were in the top ten, Annabel Green and Emma Yeo (who was in the top 3!).  I didn't get to talk to Emma but I spoke to Annie for a bit and she is so nice...I am so jealous of her achievement and that she has her book printed for herself...

    All in all, it was a great night! A really awesome experience and now that I know about this competition, who knows, I may try out next year...?!

    Lastly, a big THANK YOU to Spinebreaker for allowing me to attend!!

    Book Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

    Title: The 5th Wave
    Author: Rick Yancey
    Published: 7th May 2013

    Ok, so I'd heard loads of reviews on this book and they were all raving over this book. So naturally, I was super eager to read this!....this is where it gets a bit awkward. Yeah...I didn't really like this book...

    There are 5 stages. A division between humans and the aliens, them. Cassie and her dad get separated from Sammy, Cassie's younger brother, and are taken to a "safer" places. Cassie promises Sammy that whatever happens they'd find one another. When Cassie and her dad get taken to what looks like a camp of some sort, she later finds out that it's not the "safe" place that the soldiers said they'd be taking them and due to a turn of events Cassie runs. She runs for her life. Literally. It's her against them.

    This is until we meet Evan, who's hiding out in his family house, where he had to watch each family member die. They form an alliance and they go on a mission to find out where Sammy is, even though Evan is very reluctant, they venture on.

    Thoughts:
    The beginning was no doubt great!

    Behind This Reader, Is There A Writer? [Part 1]

    I always enjoyed creative writing. But the strange thing is that when I was younger I never really considered the idea that creative writing can be something that can be pursued as a job, or that I wanted to be an author. It is only recently that it's come across my mind. The reason being that I am currently looking into going to Uni and the various courses.

    I guess what you're about to read is an extension of my About Me page. But to all those keen readers out there, do you ever consider writing yourself?

    When I was younger I would never write anything and to be honest, I never really read anything either! I had a diary that only lasted a month or so because I got bored of the routine after a while. Whenever I did write, it was for school. My oldest and fondest memory of writing was in year 3 in primary school. We were told to create a story from the idea of "a hole in the fence." Mine was insanely strange and didn't really have any plot to it. I remember writing about going beyond this "hole in the fence" and finding an alien there, where it then ate me and whilst in it's mouth I discovered a bomb...which then, of course, blew up and I died. I also remember in year 5, this story also lead to these characters being eaten. It was based on these different fruit and veg who were trying to escape but (sadly) the human came down and ate them (they later died in stomach!). I remember this story being SO long that whilst my class were watching a film, I was still writing.

    Since then, I discovered books! And what a brilliant world they are. I have never been so wrapped up in anything other than the world of books and reading them.

    I guess when I say "creative writing", I mean writing stories, in some shape or form. It was probably around when I was 15, half way through year 10, when I sat down in front of a computer to type whatever came out of my head. I remember it was the time when I had just recently finished reading All American Girl  by Meg Cobat and loved the idea of a prince and an every day girl. I titled it "Prime Man" as the main character Sammi falls in love with who she thought was the Prime Minister's son...but then later find out he isn't! Dun dun dun! Haha, it's pretty cringe-worthy stuff, here's a little taster of my awful writing inspired by Meg Cobat:

    I need to get away. I can’t deal with the phones ringing in my head and a never ending noise of chatter. Having a load of shots before leaving the club was a bad idea. I practically run out of the office and quickly walk to the park round the corner where I find an empty bench which I sit on. I lean back and shut my eyes, listening to the birds chirp their little hearts out.

    “I thought I told you to wait?”

    I jumped and I opened my eyes. Brent. He smiled and sat next to me. This is not my day.

    “So what happened to you? You just left me there. I had to ask to find out what happened to you and Rebecca said you basically ran out of the door.”

    I ignored him. I just wanted him to leave, so I just sat there and didn’t say anything.

    “Ah, I see, were playing the ‘I’m not speaking to you’ game. Alright then, I’ll talk to you and you can just sit in mute zone. But I have to warn you I may get annoying!”

    “What do you want from me? Do you just want to get laid or something? ‘Cause if you do your talking to the wrong girl.” I fold my arms and wait for his response; he seems surprised by my outburst.

    “If I wanted to get laid, I would be able to find another person who will be much more willing than you. No, you intrigue me. I‘ve read some of your articles, including the one about my dad and I’m impressed. None of the shit that other journalists normally write.”

    Now it was my turn to be shocked by what he said. I suddenly take in the fact that, although he is the president’s son, he is also an average twenty five year old.

    “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Now if you excuse me, I need to get back to work.” I get up and start to walk away. He gets up and walks beside me.

    “Are you just going to stalk me or what?” I pick up my pace to try ditch him but I know that he’s not going to. He’s on my heels.

    “Like I said, you intrigue me. I was wondering if I could take you out some time?”

    “Take me out?” I almost burst into laughter, “Won’t it be bad for your image, being seen with me, a journalist? Where’s your girlfriend?” I look around and the carry on moving.

    “I don’t have one,” he slides his hands into his pockets, “And I think that if I was worried about how people see me I wouldn’t be talking to you now.”  

    Interesting right....? Realistic? No. I find it so funny when I read back over this! I wrote quite alot and they're all split into smaller chapters, but I never wrote an ending. I had a beginning and middle-ish part, which I couldn't wrap my head around properly...(it involved a love-triangle!) I guess you could say I lost the plot of it all and ended it, unfinished. I have been always troubled by the middle sections of books and therefore never make it to the end! Is it always this hard?

    When did you start writing and what you write? Better or worse than my extract?...i don't think it could be worse ;P 
    Is there a writer in every reader or is reading just a side hobby and nothing more? Comment below, I'd love to hear all your views :D

    Coming Soon: Behind This Reader, Is There A Writer? Part 2!

    Book Review: Flat-Out Matt by Jessica Park

    Title: Flat-Out Matt
    Author: Jessica Park
    Published: 25 March 2013

    DO NOT read this book or this review if you have NOT read Flat-Out Love.

    First off, I need to thank that Jessica Park for writting this amazing cute companion book! I was so thrilled when I heard she was writing this and, like many of her other fans, I had to put my say in on what I wanted in it. Damn! She got it spot on!!

    Book Review: The Almost Truth by Eileen Cook

    Title: The Almost Truth
    Author: Eileen Cook
    Published: 4th December 2012

    I've been needing to put a review up for this book for a while now. I read it, probably near the end of February and since then I just haven't had time to sit down a write one.

    The Almost Truth is the first book I've read written by Eileen Cook...WOW...! I read the blurb of this book and was like, "yeah, this could be alright" and let me tell you, my "alright" was not the word to describe this book. I moment of almost in tears hit me when I was reading this book and I could probably say that if I was emotional, I probably would of cried...I am however rarely emotional during anything so an almost tear is HUGE!! (The only other book which made me almost shed a tear was The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.) 

    So this book revolves around a con. Sadie's mum wiped out all of her savings which was the only way she was going to get out of her "hell-hole" and move far away. She is in need to find money. And quick. With the assistance of best friend, Brendan, they set up the best con they can think of. But then this hoax becomes much more for Samantha. She starts living and breathing it. Believing in things she shouldn't. And uncovering something that could change everything.

    This book definitely gives you the unlikely twists and turns when reading this book. So if you are thinking this will be a sweet "fall in love with boy and steal money" con, you are so so so so so wrong. Be prepared!

    A word of warning if you do consider reading this book: do not read it expecting something realistic. There are somethings that are realistic, but the majority of the book is pretty fictional. The con isn't pick-pocketing or anything minor, it is pretty much a full convention, living and breathing each day with the con-filled air. If you're up for that....you WILL be blown away!

    A Visit To The Book Store: London Foyles

    I guess you could say that my visits to bookstores are rare for me now. I tend to go for the online book buying because, for the majority of the time, the books are so much cheaper.

    I happened to go to Foyles in London yesterday, spending a good while in there. It doesn't sound the least bit exciting for a reader reading this post, but I assure you I have something interesting to go into. The majority of my pulls go into the section of teen, craft and newly found interest of creative writing. On this book visit I held the urge to wipe out my card to buy a tonne of new books. I found it quite an achievement, especially because I have accountless other books which I have on my self that need to be read.

    So the point in this post? I'll call it browseing the shelves. I browsed. Adding different books that I want and wish to read.

    So my first stop was the crafts section. This consisted of felt crafts, mini porjects using a variety of mediums, crochet, knitting, sewing, beading, quilting, etc. I only found 2 books in this section that were of interest.

    These where the two that I picked out from these sections. The one on the left is a dress making book called Stylish Dress Book: Simple Smocks, Dresses and Tops written by Yoshiko Tsukiori. The book is very simple, consisting of images of the finished dress at the beginning with page numbers where you then turn to at the back of the book. There are diagram images that explain how to sew the dress together. On top of this, which I thought was an added bonus, at the very back there was a sealed bag slipped in which had the dress patterns! All these dresses are very simple and as a keen costume maker, I found this book held enough detail without confusion. I also tend to create my own patterns for costumes so it was also nice to see that there were made patterns at the back.

    Moving onto the second book, Big Little Felt Universe: Sew It, Stuff It, Squeeze It, Fun! written by Jeanette Lim. I have had my eye on this book for a while now, but have never been able to find it so I can flick through it before purchasing. If you are very crafty with felt making and sewing, this would definitely be something you could go and look at.  Everything made is in 3D form, so there's cactus plant, cake, fruit and a few doctor equipments. Everything has step-to-step instructions with fully coloured pictures and then templates (BINGO!).
     
    I then swiftly moved onto the teen section of the book store. I never really know why, but whenever I get into any bookstore, I find myself needing to find the authors' books who I enjoy reading. Just randomly sweep over the shelves to find those authors first then I can happily browse. Anyone else do that?...Or just me?

    Where You Are (Between the Lines, #2)
    Anyway, to add to my to-read pile is Tammara Webber's Where You Are, which is the second book of the Between the Lines series. This book continues to follow Emma and Ried but we are indroduced to the narration of Graham, with the events all after the filming together. It almost picks up from the ending of the first book, and is also the last book in the series that has Emma and Graham as a main character focus.

    Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)Book number 2 is the first book in the Starcrossed series by Josephine Angelini which I've hear tonnes of raving reviews on! I have been very close to buying both the first and second one but held it in. This book is the first of a trilogy and the last book has recently been released! It follows sixteen year old Helen Hamilton who discovers all these myths that aren't just ancient history and meets a boy named Lucas who has a major role in the event that is about to happen. All for Greek Mythology!
    Mind Games (Mind Games, #1)

     


    Last but not least, I came across the hardback of  Mind Games by Kiersten White. The reviews for this book has been mixed but I have heard many authors who have been reviewing and sharing their thoughts of this book, which have all been very positive. Here's a little summary for ya all:

    Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future.

    Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey. [via GoodReads]

    How can that be all the books you want to read, you may be asking? And the honest truth is that this is only a tiny part of all the books I looked at yesterday. I had to only pick out three books at random because otherwise this post would be far too long - But I hope, if you haven't already, that you check out these books and maybe next time I will do another "To Be Read" post!


    One last thing, I posted this glorious picture of a HUGE stack of Sarah Dessen books on twitter, and she retweeted me!

    AAAHHHHH! My world collapsed! If she knew how much I loved her as an author and what that retweeting meant...Oh gosh...amazing!
    Haha, ok, my excitement over ;P

    Let me know what books you've got on your to read pile? Have you read any of the books above? Thoughts?