New Year New Plan

Okay, starting January 1st I have decided that I am taking a month and going to dedicate it to one type of book. I have tried reading the kids book, the teen book, and then my book. I have been mostly reading teen and kids. My books have been falling by the way side. So every month I am going to read at least 4 books from one type of book. So, because my books have suffered the most I will be reading and reviewing them the month of January. In February I will read 4 kids books and so on.Equal time for equal books. Also because I know for Christmas I am getting books so I really need to clear my bookcase off. I need more room so on January 7th I will post the four adult books I have chosen for the month. Then on Feb 3rd post reviews and on the 7th the cycle starts all over again with a different age range. I hope you all enjoy the books and remember Keep Reading. 

December reads

With all that has been happening here I acutally forgot I did not list the books I am reviewing for this month.

I have 3 books this month Daughters,sons,and my reads.


Daughters
                                                     Title:

The Total Tragedy of a Girl named Hamlet                            Author: Erin Dionne                                                          Summary: Hamlet Kennedy just wants to be your average, happy, vinilla eighth grader. But given her family -- a genius seven-year-old sister who is attending middle school with her, and Shakespearean scholar parents who show up like a walking, talking Renaissance Faire-- that's not terribly easy.  School gets worse when her sister is named the new pre-algebra tutor, and even worse when the class project is announced : It's on Shakespeare.Add it all up, and Hamlet's life (like her name) seems like a total tragedy.                                                                          But, as Shakespeare said "it is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves," and Hamlet finds that, ultimately, being from a Freak Family can give a girl license to find her own brand of extraordinary. And there's nothing tragic about that. In fact, the curtain on Hamlet's eighth-grade year might just close to overwhelming applause.


Why I Chose This : My daughter started JR High this year and I wanted to show her it could be rougher. Also to be happy with who you are and your family.

Looking Forward To Reading :  Yes, I am not that old to forget the feeling of not fitting in and  then finding my spot in life (or high school) It will be nice to see someone struggle with the difficulties we all go through. And share them with my daughter.

**********************************************************************************

Title: Airhead
Author: Meg Cabot
Emerson Watts is Gone.

Emerson Watts didn't even want to go to the new SoHo Stark Megastore grand opening and had zero interest in meeting the newly appointed Face of Stark, teen supermodel sensation Nikki Howard.
     But how was Em to know that disaster would strike, changing her - and life as she'd known it - forever? One bizarre accident later, and Em Watts, always the tomboy, never the party princess, is no longer herself. Literally.
     Now getting her best friend, Christopher, to notice she's actually a girl is the least of Em's problems.
   But what Em's pretty sure she'll never be able to accept might just turn out to be the one thing that's going to make her dreams come true......
                                Nikki Howard is here to stay.

Why I chose this:  This is my sons first pick. He wanted an author I have read before. I have read Meg Cabot before he chose this book.

Looking Forward To Reading?: Yes, with books sometimes you pick winners and sometimes losers. I gave him the freedom to pick what he wanted to read. Hope it is a winner.


**********************************************************************************

Title: The Killing Hour
Author: Lisa Gardner

Summary: Each time he strikes, he takes two victims. He waits for the first victim to be discovered - a body containing all the clues investigators need to find the second victim, who counts the seconds...to a slow but certain death.
   Now, two girls have disappeared, and the deadly countdown begins again. Rookie FBI agent Kimberly Quincy knows the killer's deadline can be met - but she'll have to break some rules to do it.Joining forces with her father, renowned FBI profiler Pierce Quincy, and his partner, Rainie Conner, Kimberly will begin a dangerous hunt for a predator like none she's ever seen.
  He's had five years to perfect his game. Now the clock is ticking. For his victims and for Kimberly.......
                                                      TIME'S UP.


Why I chose this book:  I have read the others in this series and I loved them. It is also in that stack of books on my night stand that I stare at all the time.

Looking forward to reading?:  Yes, the other books are great. Looking forward to seeing Kimberly in the mix now.

Computer problems

Okay, the day before Thanksgiving my computer crashed. I was in shock, but I had books still. I read more than usual and now as you can see my computer is back up. I will be posting my reviews later this week it just feels great to be back.

Library Monday

It is Monday again, and yes I went to the library for kids books. I found 2 for the kids.

Title:Uglies
Author: Scott Westerfeld

Summary: Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license-- fot turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.
   But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole newside of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in , or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.


Why I chose this:  I have read the back and it looks like a good story. No romance to make my son uncomfortable when we discuss it. I also wanted to show him other options besides Vampires

Am I looking forward to reading this:  Yes, the story looks good and what girl does not hope to be beautiful.


.............................................................................................................................

Title : The Name of This Book is Secret.        Author: Pseudonymous Bosch                 Summary : If this were a normal cover for a normal book, I would tell you that this book is fantastic! Gripping! (According to their covers, all books are fantastic and gripping.) You'd meet the brave young heroes, Cass and Max-Eanest. And you'd hear about how a mysterious box of vials, The Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances. If this were a normal book, I would brag about the hair - raising adventures that follow - About the brain - twisting riddles Cass and Max-Ernest solve and the nefarious villains they face. But, sadly , I can't tell you about any of those things: They might make you want to read this book.

     You see, not only is the name of this book a secret, the story is, too. For it concerns a secret - A big secret- that has been tormenting people like you for over...Oh NO! Did I just mention the secret ? Then it's too late.

    I'm Afraid nothing will stop you now. Open the book if you must. But, please, tell no one.

Why I chose this: I wanted to introduce my daughter to all types of books. Mysteries, fantasy. To give her more choices.

Am I looking forward to reading this: Yes, I thought to title was different and now that I have read the summary I am sure I will like it.

............................................................................................................................

Library Monday

Ok, Because I can't alway buy books.We all went down and got library cards today. My son and daughter got these books.

Title : Vampire High                                  Author : Douglas Rees                            Summary: It doesn’t take long for Cody Elliot to realize that his new high school is a little different. The other students are supernaturally strong, don’t like the sunlight, and are always placing orders at the local blood bank. When his new friend shows him his fangs, Cody doesn’t need any more clues—these kids are vampires! As Cody struggles to fit into this secretive community, he disrupts centuries of human-vampire segregation, with some serious—and some seriously funny—consequences.

In sharp, humorous, and insightful prose, Douglas Rees creates a world of vampires where the real issue for humans is not the fear of being bitten, but the need to get along.

.............................................................................................................................                                

Title : Vicious Little Darlings
Author: Katherine Eraser


Summary: Sarah Weaver wasn't looking forward to starting at an all-girls school. But that was before she met Maddy. Maddy and her best friend, Agnes, are fun and rich and interesting-and for some reason, they seem to really like Sarah. Before long, Maddy and Agnes have moved Sarah into a big house off campus, where they cook together, buy each other presents, and share each other's secrets. So why does Sarah feel like something's bizarrely wrong? As more and more cracks start to show in Maddy's and Agnes's perfect veneers, Sarah notices some strange and disturbing things: Maddy's compulsive lying, Agnes's obsession with Maddy, and the deterioration of their friendship. And just when Sarah begins to question her own sanity, things turns deadly.
.............................................................................................................................

TBR Thursday

Well, I posted my reviews now I am updating my blog 3 books for the next review


Title: The Mother -Daughter Book Club
Author: Heather Vogel Frederick
Pub: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers


Summary: The book club is about to get a makeover..... Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma's already read every book in existence, and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, the new book club is scheduled to meet every month.
 
   But what begins as a mom-inspired ritual of reading Little Women soon helps four unlikely friends to navigate the drama of middle school. From stolen journals to secret crushes to a fashion-fiasco first dance, the girls are up to thier Wellie boots in drama. They can't help but wonder : What would Jo March do ?


Why I chose this: I was attracted to the title. This is the main idea of the blog ( it grew into more). I wanted to encourage my daughter to read. Then I read the back. Ok mentions classic books. Looking forward to read YES.
.............................................................................................................................



Title: Infinity ( Chronicles of Nick)
Author Sherrilyn Kenyon
Pub: St. Martin's Griffin

Summary: At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough, and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends... until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.
   Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.
   But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh-eating zombies---- and he's next on the menu.
   As if starting high school isn't hard enough.....now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that?


Why I chose this: I am trying to also encourage my son to read, but most books are about girls... this had a boy as the main character that was refreshing. My son liked the twilight series so I thought this would be a good book for him to read.

 Looking forward to reading: Now that I have read the back YES

..............................................................................................................................
Another from my TBR stack

Title: Snow Angel
Author : Thom Racina
Pub: Penguin Group


Summary: Julia Larsen has stepped into a nightmare. What was supposed to have been a joyous family reunion has become deadly, as she finds her parents' bloodied corpses inside thier secluded mountain retreat. Julia, estranged from her husband, turns to longtime friend Matthew Hinson, a charismatic and handsome man to whom she's always been attracted.
     Then the unthinkable happens, as Matt is arrested for the brutal murders. Julia is the only person who believes in his innocence. But as the trial begins amid a spectacular media circus, she becomes caught in a war between passion and doubt. Has Matt been framed, or is he the brilliant killer the police claim he is? And if so just how safe is she in his clutches?


Why I chose this?: Besides the fact that it has been on my bookcase since its release. I have read a few of Thom Racina's other books and have not been disappointed. I like to read authors that I have liked thier books in the past.


Looking Forward to reading? Yes. I like the author and is next of books in my stack to read (13 books on my nightstand.) Trying to clear a hole for Christmas Gifts this year so the books won't fall when I pick one to read.

            

want Wednesday

When I started this blog only had a few books in mind to read. Now I find a ton I want too read
 
So every Wednesday I am going to list books I am going to get next trip to the bookstore. There will be 3 books a childs book a young adult book and a book I want


The Girl who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

  I have read many review for this title and 90% of them are very positive. I am looking forward to get this for us.










 


City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare  

      This is a book people either love or hate. I want to see what we think.













Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur

My friend is giving me thier copy. She just finished it and says I will love it. I hope so.

That is list for want Wednesday

New Book

I entered a contest at WWW.GOODREADS.COM and I won a book for my son

Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese


   Just thought I would update that.

Book Store

Just got back from the bookstore and bought books for our reviews.

Daughter

 Sideways Stories from Wayside School  by  Louis Sachar
 The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives  by  Michael Buckley
 It's Raining Cupcakes  by  Lisa Schroeder
 Matilda by Roald Dahl
 Heck : Where the Bad Kids Go by Dale E. Basye

Son

 Hunger by Michael Grant
 Clockwork Angel  by  Cassandra Clare
 The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  Infinity  by Sherrilyn Kenyon 

My reads

  Snow Angel by Thom Racina
  The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner
  Jack & Jill  by James Patterson
  Fear Itself  by Jonathan Nasaw
  Immoral  by Brian Freeman  

 As I read the first three books on my list I am finding I am looking forward to reading all 3 books not just my books. Each month like I said I will list the 3 books we have picked and type the summary of the book . Then the next post will be the cover of the book and my review.          

November 2011 Reads

First book I am reading is for my daughter.

           The Doll People  by Ann M. Martin

Summary:  Annabelle Doll is eight years old-- she has been for more than a hundred years. Not a lot has happened to her, cooped up in the dollhouse, with the same doll people, day after day, year after year...until one day the Funcrafts move in.

The second book I will be reading with my son is

            Gone  by  Michael Grant

Back of book: In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE. Everyone except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not a single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Gone, too, are the phones, internet, and television. There is no way to get help.
   Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents-- unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers-- that grow stronger by the day.
   It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen and war is imminent.
    The first in a breathtaking saga about teens battling each other and their darkest selves, Gone is a page-turning thriller that will make you look at the world in a whole new way.

And the final book is an older book that has been sitting in my bookcase for years

             2nd Chance  by James Patterson
            
 Back of book:The Women's Murder Club is back! A brilliantly diabolical killer is murdering people from every walk of life. The deaths seem unrelated but police homicide inspector Lindsay Boxer senses a connection and, together with medical examiner Claire, assistant D.A Jill, and Chronicle reporter Cindy, finds a link that sends a chill through the entire nation. The killer's motives are unspeakable.





                  
Those are the picks of the month. I will be reviewing these books on Nov. 30th.


      I will be posting only twice a month. First to tell you what we are reading. Then when I am finished. I will post a review for each book on one of the pages. The books and summarys will always be posted on the main page.

    Comments are always welcome (new at this blog thingy) so any suggestions will be valued.

Introduction

I am a 37 year old mother of two. Who for year has collected books, and tried to encourage my children to read. When I started trying to clear my book case out. My children showed an interest in reading. To encourage them I suggested we start a reading group for just us. They loved the idea. So here is how it works. Once a month we go to the bookstore and everyone picks 1 book ( I take one out of my bookcase). Then once a week we sit down and talk about the book we are both reading. (Different books for my son and daughter) They are both at different reading levels. Every month I will be reading 3 books and reviewing them for other readers.