30 September 2010
Guest Post: Ana Means A Lot
One of my favorite bloggers is Ana from things mean a lot. She writes intelligent and interesting reviews, she always adds to my TBR pile/wish list, and she is one of the nicest in the blogosphere. Since Ana is busy with moving, I agreed to write up a guest post for her today. Head on over and check out my post on Reading Creatively aka Yes! That's What I'm Talking About!
Sexy Book Review: Marked
As I said in my Sunday Salon, this weeks' reads and reviews are focused on sex, the positive, life-affirming, chills-inducing good stuff, the stuff people want to remove from our libraries so as to not "corrupt" our youth. Well youth be warned...and let the sexy begin...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Title: Marked (House of Night 1)
Author: P.C. and Kristin Cast
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: 1 May 2007
Date Finished: 29 September 2010
Buy | Borrow | Accept | Avoid
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, YA Reading Challenge, GLBT Challenge, Hogwarts Reading Challenge, R.I.P. V
The Short and Sweet of It
Recently marked as a vampyre and chosen by the goddess Nyx, Zoey Redbird feels under prepared for the House of Night. But when she runs up against the beautiful and malicious leader of the elite Dark Daughters, Zoey must embrace her destiny.
The Sex of It aka Why It's Banned
This one definitely ranks up there on the explicit sex scale. It's no Full Moon Rising because people aren't actually having sex, but sex - primarily of the oral variety - is discussed quite often:
This statement comes right after our heroine comes across a dark hallway where two students are engaged in said nefarious activity...sort of...we're in the beginning stages anyway. I really enjoyed the reference to adult perception of teenage sexual activity. How many times has the issue of teenage fellatio been on news programs and cop shows? The authors really hit the nail on the head here as adults do seem to believe that rainbow parties are weekly activities for all teens and pre-teens, and anyone with any sort of logic knows that this just isn't true. Despite the positive "we're not all doing it and smart girls know it's not cool" message in this text, I'm sure book banners are still angry that it's even mentioned. And then there's the word bullshit which as we all know the hearing of which will cause spontaneous orgiastic activity.
The text also challenges religion of the fanatic variety, questions the infallibility of parents, and features a gay character. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
Overall Recommendation
While I didn't feel compelled to read this in one sitting, I still very much enjoyed the experience and will be continuing the series, at a leisurely pace. The combination of pagan and Native American mythology kept me interested; the action kept me excited; and the characters kept me intrigued. I will say, however, that the plot of the novel seemed to take place in a very, very short amount of time, limiting the depth of the feelings I had for the book. Everything entertained, but it flirted over the surface instead of weaving through the layers.
This Book Around the Web
If I've missed your review, let me know!
From the TBR Pile; The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia; Jenny Loves to Read; Bart's Bookshelf; Literary Escapism;
A Sexy Question: If a book mentions sexual activity but encourages teens to not engage in it, why is it still ban-worthy? Isn't that counter-intuitive or am I missing something?
Sexiness Kiss Quotient:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Title: Marked (House of Night 1)Author: P.C. and Kristin Cast
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: 1 May 2007
Date Finished: 29 September 2010
Buy | Borrow | Accept | Avoid
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, YA Reading Challenge, GLBT Challenge, Hogwarts Reading Challenge, R.I.P. V
The Short and Sweet of It
Recently marked as a vampyre and chosen by the goddess Nyx, Zoey Redbird feels under prepared for the House of Night. But when she runs up against the beautiful and malicious leader of the elite Dark Daughters, Zoey must embrace her destiny.
The Sex of It aka Why It's Banned
This one definitely ranks up there on the explicit sex scale. It's no Full Moon Rising because people aren't actually having sex, but sex - primarily of the oral variety - is discussed quite often:
Yes, I was aware of the whole oral sex thing. I doubt if there's a teenager alive in America today who isn't aware that most of the adult public think we're giving guys blow jobs like they used to give guys gum (or maybe more appropriately suckers). Okay, that's just bullshit, and it's always made me mad. Of course there are girls who think it's "cool" to give guys head. Uh, they're wrong. Those of us with functioning brains know that it is not cool to be used like that.
This statement comes right after our heroine comes across a dark hallway where two students are engaged in said nefarious activity...sort of...we're in the beginning stages anyway. I really enjoyed the reference to adult perception of teenage sexual activity. How many times has the issue of teenage fellatio been on news programs and cop shows? The authors really hit the nail on the head here as adults do seem to believe that rainbow parties are weekly activities for all teens and pre-teens, and anyone with any sort of logic knows that this just isn't true. Despite the positive "we're not all doing it and smart girls know it's not cool" message in this text, I'm sure book banners are still angry that it's even mentioned. And then there's the word bullshit which as we all know the hearing of which will cause spontaneous orgiastic activity.
The text also challenges religion of the fanatic variety, questions the infallibility of parents, and features a gay character. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
Overall Recommendation
While I didn't feel compelled to read this in one sitting, I still very much enjoyed the experience and will be continuing the series, at a leisurely pace. The combination of pagan and Native American mythology kept me interested; the action kept me excited; and the characters kept me intrigued. I will say, however, that the plot of the novel seemed to take place in a very, very short amount of time, limiting the depth of the feelings I had for the book. Everything entertained, but it flirted over the surface instead of weaving through the layers.
This Book Around the Web
If I've missed your review, let me know!
From the TBR Pile; The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia; Jenny Loves to Read; Bart's Bookshelf; Literary Escapism;
A Sexy Question: If a book mentions sexual activity but encourages teens to not engage in it, why is it still ban-worthy? Isn't that counter-intuitive or am I missing something?
Sexiness Kiss Quotient:
29 September 2010
Sexy Book Review: Full Moon Rising
As I said in my Sunday Salon, this weeks' reads and reviews are focused on sex, the positive, life-affirming, chills-inducing good stuff, the stuff people want to remove from our libraries so as to not "corrupt" our youth. Well youth be warned...and let the sexy begin...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Title: Full Moon Rising
Author: Keri Arthur
Publisher: Bantam Dell
Release Date: 31 January 2006
Date Finished: 26 September 2010
Buy | Borrow | Accept | Avoid
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, Women UnBound, GLBT Challenge, Hogwarts Reading Challenge, R.I.P. V
The Short and Sweet of It
Riley Jensen, half-werewolf half-vampire, works as a liaison for an organization designed to police the nonhuman part of society, but when her brother goes missing, Riley finds herself forced to take a more active role. And it just had to happen right before the full moon when the more basic urges of werewolves take over.
The Sex of It aka Why It's Banned
We're talking lots and lots of explicitly described, down and dirty sex. Book banners may actually have heart attacks and die if they read this one. Even I wouldn't suggest a younger person to read this.
While Riley's brother is gay, the sex remains hetero throughout, but we're not exactly talking about missionary-position, virginal wedding night type stuff here. Instead we have writhing, naked bodies pressed together on a dance floor and indiscriminate, unapologetic sex in public with multiple partners - whether simultaneously or one after the other.
The basic reasoning behind these activities is interesting: werewolves go into heat the week before the full moon and their lust is practically uncontrollable. Because of these natural urges, they have created an ideology of casual sex. It is their way, and they do not feel like they should apologize for it just because current human morality frowns upon such activities. I appreciate Arthur's logic here, and I applaud the premise that different cultures vary in morality and these variances should be respected.
I think I'll pass on giving you the actual sex scenes from the book, but rest assured that passages are full of words such as the following: urges, erotic, lick, thrumming, sensual, hunger, caress, heat, quivering, deep, scream, intimate, electricity, carnal, skin, vibrated, roll over...you get the picture.
Overall Recommendation
Obviously, there was a whole lot of sex in this story, but I have to admit that it left me a bit cold. I'm not sure why exactly, but while the author kept telling me how hot the sex was, I just wasn't feeling it. This is the first in a series of books, and I don't think I'll keep going. Harris, Roberts, and Lowell satisfy my need for sexy novels, and really I just have enough series to read that I don't need to spend time on ones I feel lukewarm about.
This Book Around the Web
If I've missed your review, let me know!
Damn Heart; GoodReads;
A Sexy Question: How old do you think a person has to be before he/she can reasonably read "romance" novels? And I mean that in the "throbbing member", Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Lowell, Jayne Ann Krentz, etc. sense not the Nicholas Sparks sense.
Sexiness Kiss Quotient:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author: Keri Arthur
Publisher: Bantam Dell
Release Date: 31 January 2006
Date Finished: 26 September 2010
Buy | Borrow | Accept | Avoid
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, Women UnBound, GLBT Challenge, Hogwarts Reading Challenge, R.I.P. V
The Short and Sweet of It
Riley Jensen, half-werewolf half-vampire, works as a liaison for an organization designed to police the nonhuman part of society, but when her brother goes missing, Riley finds herself forced to take a more active role. And it just had to happen right before the full moon when the more basic urges of werewolves take over.
The Sex of It aka Why It's Banned
We're talking lots and lots of explicitly described, down and dirty sex. Book banners may actually have heart attacks and die if they read this one. Even I wouldn't suggest a younger person to read this.
While Riley's brother is gay, the sex remains hetero throughout, but we're not exactly talking about missionary-position, virginal wedding night type stuff here. Instead we have writhing, naked bodies pressed together on a dance floor and indiscriminate, unapologetic sex in public with multiple partners - whether simultaneously or one after the other.
The basic reasoning behind these activities is interesting: werewolves go into heat the week before the full moon and their lust is practically uncontrollable. Because of these natural urges, they have created an ideology of casual sex. It is their way, and they do not feel like they should apologize for it just because current human morality frowns upon such activities. I appreciate Arthur's logic here, and I applaud the premise that different cultures vary in morality and these variances should be respected.
I think I'll pass on giving you the actual sex scenes from the book, but rest assured that passages are full of words such as the following: urges, erotic, lick, thrumming, sensual, hunger, caress, heat, quivering, deep, scream, intimate, electricity, carnal, skin, vibrated, roll over...you get the picture.
Overall Recommendation
Obviously, there was a whole lot of sex in this story, but I have to admit that it left me a bit cold. I'm not sure why exactly, but while the author kept telling me how hot the sex was, I just wasn't feeling it. This is the first in a series of books, and I don't think I'll keep going. Harris, Roberts, and Lowell satisfy my need for sexy novels, and really I just have enough series to read that I don't need to spend time on ones I feel lukewarm about.
This Book Around the Web
If I've missed your review, let me know!
Damn Heart; GoodReads;
A Sexy Question: How old do you think a person has to be before he/she can reasonably read "romance" novels? And I mean that in the "throbbing member", Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Lowell, Jayne Ann Krentz, etc. sense not the Nicholas Sparks sense.
Sexiness Kiss Quotient:
28 September 2010
Sexy Book Review: Deliver Us From Evie
As I said in my Sunday Salon, this weeks' reads and reviews are focused on sex, the positive, life-affirming, chills-inducing good stuff, the stuff people want to remove from our libraries so as to not "corrupt" our youth. Well youth be warned...and let the sexy begin...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Title: Deliver Us From Evie
Author: M.E. Kerr
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 18 August 1995
Date Finished: 25 September 2010
Buy | Borrow | Accept | Avoid
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, Reading Resolutions, Women UnBound, YA Reading Challenge, GLBT Challenge, Hogwarts Reading Challenge,
The Short and Sweet of It
Parr's fifteen years old but he knows a few things. One, he doesn't want to be a farmer like his brother Doug and sister Evie. Two, he likes Angel Kidder. Three, his sister is a lesbian. Told from Parr's point of view, the story reveals all three of the Burrman kids' love lives: Doug and his slightly uppity girlfriend, Evie and her rebellious girlfriend, and Parr and his religious girlfriend. Evie's journey is at the heart of the story even as we - for obvious reasons - get more details about Parr's.
The Sex of It aka Why It's Banned
No surprise here, the primary reason your typical book banner would get in a huff over this one is homosexuality. Issues of homosexuality are directly addressed time and again throughout the story. Evie's mother berates her for not dressing more feminine, espousing the theory that if Evie is going to be gay, she should at least try to hide it. Evie replies the only way she can:
Cord, who has a crush on Evie, succumbs to the "lesbians just haven't met the right man" theory, and has this wonderful tidbit to offer:
The book is full of little scenarios like this, lines and actions and thoughts that remind readers of the stupid little falsities and generalities revolving around homosexuality. With this book, however, we have a two-for-one deal because not only would book banners get their grandma-style panties in a bunch over the homosexuality, but the 15 year old boy and his hymn-singing girlfriend get a bit frisky too:
Overall Recommendation
I found the juxtaposition of homosexuality and farming quite interesting. Kerr dispels common misconceptions about both groups. I found it rather refreshing that Kerr manages to raise the issues of each without harping on them in some soapboxy or melodramatic fashion. That being said, the book almost felt more about farming than it was about lesbianism. Telling the story from Parr's perspective seemed like a bit of a cop out; as if having Evie tell the story would have been too dramatic. Overall, I can't put my finger on exactly how I feel about this book (speaking of cop outs right?).
This Book Around the Web
If I've missed your review, let me know!
AfterEllen; GoodReads;
I think the wonderful Cass from Bonjour Cass! is putting up her review of this book today as well.
A Sexy Question: What's the sexiest kiss you've ever read about in a book?
Sexiness Kiss Quotient:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author: M.E. Kerr
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 18 August 1995
Date Finished: 25 September 2010
Buy | Borrow | Accept | Avoid
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, Reading Resolutions, Women UnBound, YA Reading Challenge, GLBT Challenge, Hogwarts Reading Challenge,
The Short and Sweet of It
Parr's fifteen years old but he knows a few things. One, he doesn't want to be a farmer like his brother Doug and sister Evie. Two, he likes Angel Kidder. Three, his sister is a lesbian. Told from Parr's point of view, the story reveals all three of the Burrman kids' love lives: Doug and his slightly uppity girlfriend, Evie and her rebellious girlfriend, and Parr and his religious girlfriend. Evie's journey is at the heart of the story even as we - for obvious reasons - get more details about Parr's.
The Sex of It aka Why It's Banned
No surprise here, the primary reason your typical book banner would get in a huff over this one is homosexuality. Issues of homosexuality are directly addressed time and again throughout the story. Evie's mother berates her for not dressing more feminine, espousing the theory that if Evie is going to be gay, she should at least try to hide it. Evie replies the only way she can:
Some of us look it, Mom! I know you so-called normal people would like it better if we looked as much like all of you as possible, but some of us don't, can't, and never will! And some others of us go for the ones who don't, can't, and never will.
Cord, who has a crush on Evie, succumbs to the "lesbians just haven't met the right man" theory, and has this wonderful tidbit to offer:
"Do you think being a dyke is sinful?" [Parr] asked him.
"Hell no! It's not serious enough to be a sin. It's kid stuff. Two women is...Now two men - that's another matter. That's sin in the Bible."
The book is full of little scenarios like this, lines and actions and thoughts that remind readers of the stupid little falsities and generalities revolving around homosexuality. With this book, however, we have a two-for-one deal because not only would book banners get their grandma-style panties in a bunch over the homosexuality, but the 15 year old boy and his hymn-singing girlfriend get a bit frisky too:
Parr and Angel have just left a dance; once they get in the car together...Why that naughty girl....
Angel was all over me, or I was all over her, or we were all over each other. We'd never really been off alone together, and we just let go.
I had to say, "Hey, wait!"
"For what?"
"Didn't you ever hear boys get excited?"
"Girls do too."
"It doesn't show though."
"I like it showing." She laughed.
Overall Recommendation
I found the juxtaposition of homosexuality and farming quite interesting. Kerr dispels common misconceptions about both groups. I found it rather refreshing that Kerr manages to raise the issues of each without harping on them in some soapboxy or melodramatic fashion. That being said, the book almost felt more about farming than it was about lesbianism. Telling the story from Parr's perspective seemed like a bit of a cop out; as if having Evie tell the story would have been too dramatic. Overall, I can't put my finger on exactly how I feel about this book (speaking of cop outs right?).
This Book Around the Web
If I've missed your review, let me know!
AfterEllen; GoodReads;
I think the wonderful Cass from Bonjour Cass! is putting up her review of this book today as well.
A Sexy Question: What's the sexiest kiss you've ever read about in a book?
Sexiness Kiss Quotient:
27 September 2010
Sexy Book Review: The Bermudez Triangle
As I said in my Sunday Salon, this weeks' reads and reviews are focused on sex, the positive, life-affirming, chills-inducing good stuff, the stuff people want to remove from our libraries so as to not "corrupt" our youth. Well youth be warned...and let the sexy begin...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Title: The Bermudez Triangle
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Release Date: 12 October 2004
Date Finished: 26 September 2010
Buy | Borrow | Accept | Avoid
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, Reading Resolutions, Women UnBound, YA Reading Challenge, GLBT Challenge, Hogwarts Reading Challenge,
The Short and Sweet of It
The summer before their senior year, the Bermudez Triangle finds themselves spending time apart. Nina heads off to a leadership program, where she falls in love with an environmentally conscious-hippie-ish Steve. Mel and Avery have their own summer romance back at home. With each other. When she returns, she is surprised and confused by the separation she feels from Mel and Avery, but things make a bit more sense when she catches them making out.
The Sex of It aka Why It's Banned
Once again, the primary motivation for our holier-than-thou book banners challenging this one is homosexuality. Nothing overtly sexual is detailed on the page. As a matter of fact, most sexual activity is merely suggested, taking place off the page, and what readers get to see remains in the realm of kissing. In fact, this may be the most explicitly sexual passage in the book:
Not too porn-like is it? This is a really tame story, so the fuss seems ridiculous. Perhaps the real reason for the sensationalism is the awesome way Johnson portrays the gray areas of sexuality. Avery is not gay, not bi, not straight; she doesn't know what she is, but I kept thinking about how wonderful it was to see a character attracted to individual people instead of a gender.
Having just read Deliver Us From Evie, I was primed for the following passage:
I found it interesting that both books emphasized the struggles more butch lesbians have over the more feminine-looking. I guess it makes sense - being able to "blend" deflects attention, but Mel certainly receives more negative attention than Avery in the story.
Overall Recommendation
The characters in this book are smart, funny, distinct individuals who felt amazingly real to me while I was reading. Actually, the entire book felt real; the plot perfectly plausible (that was a lot of ps) and the details of the setting and the minor and supporting characters felt authentic. There is no explicit sex, vulgar language, or really anything that wouldn't be perfectly fine for a middle-grade kid to read. And as it is very well-written, I recommend this book for all ages.
This Book Around the Web
If I've missed your review, let me know!
things mean a lot; The Zen Leaf; GoodReads;
A Sexy Question: When shopping together, do you go into the dressing room with your significant other?
I do, just so you know. I follow Brian right into the little room to make sure everything fits and to just sit down. :) I must admit, however, that I have never made out in a dressing room....
Sexiness Kiss Quotient:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Release Date: 12 October 2004
Date Finished: 26 September 2010
Buy | Borrow | Accept | Avoid
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, Reading Resolutions, Women UnBound, YA Reading Challenge, GLBT Challenge, Hogwarts Reading Challenge,
The Short and Sweet of It
The summer before their senior year, the Bermudez Triangle finds themselves spending time apart. Nina heads off to a leadership program, where she falls in love with an environmentally conscious-hippie-ish Steve. Mel and Avery have their own summer romance back at home. With each other. When she returns, she is surprised and confused by the separation she feels from Mel and Avery, but things make a bit more sense when she catches them making out.
The Sex of It aka Why It's Banned
Once again, the primary motivation for our holier-than-thou book banners challenging this one is homosexuality. Nothing overtly sexual is detailed on the page. As a matter of fact, most sexual activity is merely suggested, taking place off the page, and what readers get to see remains in the realm of kissing. In fact, this may be the most explicitly sexual passage in the book:
They were kissing.
Kissing. As in kissing.
The real deal. Mel had Avery pressed into the corner. Her hands were on Avery's waist. Avery's hands were lost somewhere in Mel's hair. Full-on, serious making out.
Not too porn-like is it? This is a really tame story, so the fuss seems ridiculous. Perhaps the real reason for the sensationalism is the awesome way Johnson portrays the gray areas of sexuality. Avery is not gay, not bi, not straight; she doesn't know what she is, but I kept thinking about how wonderful it was to see a character attracted to individual people instead of a gender.
Having just read Deliver Us From Evie, I was primed for the following passage:
No one would call Mel a dyke. Mel wore pink shirts and cute little necklaces, and she had all of that long, orangey hair that was always whipped into some adorable arrangement. She hated Mel's cuteness at that moment...Mel had nothing to worry about. Only Avery would be seen as the rough dyke who lusted after the cheerleaders and couldn't be trusted in the locker room after gym. Other girls would put their books up over their boobs when they passed her in the hall, and they'd stop fixing their makeup when she walked into the bathroom. They would see her as a predator trying to sneak a peek or cop a feel...
I found it interesting that both books emphasized the struggles more butch lesbians have over the more feminine-looking. I guess it makes sense - being able to "blend" deflects attention, but Mel certainly receives more negative attention than Avery in the story.
Overall Recommendation
The characters in this book are smart, funny, distinct individuals who felt amazingly real to me while I was reading. Actually, the entire book felt real; the plot perfectly plausible (that was a lot of ps) and the details of the setting and the minor and supporting characters felt authentic. There is no explicit sex, vulgar language, or really anything that wouldn't be perfectly fine for a middle-grade kid to read. And as it is very well-written, I recommend this book for all ages.
This Book Around the Web
If I've missed your review, let me know!
things mean a lot; The Zen Leaf; GoodReads;
A Sexy Question: When shopping together, do you go into the dressing room with your significant other?
I do, just so you know. I follow Brian right into the little room to make sure everything fits and to just sit down. :) I must admit, however, that I have never made out in a dressing room....
Sexiness Kiss Quotient:
26 September 2010
Sunday Salon: Sex is Good
Launched in 1982, BBW - which has a dedicated website - spreads the word about the censorship of books and reminds the public of our need to stay constantly vigilant against oppression by small minded individuals who desire nothing more than to control the rest of us. Okay, so they might not put it in exactly those terms, but I'm a bit biased. I have a very strong dislike that borders on hate for people who try to ban books.
There I've said it. My feelings about this topic are not really logical, practical, or objective; I actually get angry to the point of fantasizing about causing violence. I feel no sympathy for the parents who are "just trying to protect" their children; I don't sympathize with the religious organizations who "just want to protect" the public from sin. Sympathy or empathy are not the primary emotions I have for these people: sadness at the smallness of their minds and pissiness at their unwanted "protective" actions are what I feel. I actually want to bitch slap these people. Does that make me a bad person? Hmmm...
One of the most common reasons books are challenged is *drumroll please* SEX. Shocked? Didn't think so. We've all known for some time that certain people think sex is some dark, dirty, secret act which no one knows about except middle aged married folks. What rock are these people living under? If I had to hazard a guess, I would say that children know about sex, as in the details of how it's accomplished, by the time they are in sixth grade. I'm not saying they have a grasp on foreplay, the emotion involved, the repercussions thereof, the many variations, etc., but they know enough. Once they know how to do it, I think it's very, very important for them to start learning about the whys, the whos, the whens, and the what ifs. But apparently those who want to ban books think we should stop with the how.
The other SEX concern is books which include homosexuality. The best part about this - these books don't even need to have naked bits in them; as long as there is the suggestion of homosexuality, the book banning idget's go into manic mode. I'm not even going to spend much time on this point because the idiocy is obvious. And if it's not obvious to you, then you probably shouldn't be reading my blog.
I'd love it if you would let me know suggestions, or join me in reading and reviewing books that highlight positive sexual relationships.
Some of the Books on the Sex Pile
- Deliver Us From Evie by M.E. Karr: butch-on-femme love and girl-on-boy make out session
- Annexed by Sharon Dogar: wet dreams and stolen kisses
- Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton: uncomplicated hetero sex and possibly hookers
- The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson: teenage lesbians
- will grayson, will grayson by John Green and David Levithan: boys liking other boys...a lot
- The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things by Carolyn Mackler: we chunky girls have sex too
- Nora Roberts and Elizabeth Lowell: explicit pre-marital sexual encounters
- The Sexy Book of Sexy Sex by Kristen Schaal and Rich Blomquist: the title says it all
25 September 2010
Book Review: Why Our Decisions Don't Matter
Author: Simon Van Booy
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Release Date: 24 August 2010
Date Finished: 11 September 2010
Buy | Borrow | Accept | Avoid
Challenges: 100+ Reading Challenge, Reading Resolutions, Hogwarts Reading Challenge, Non-Fiction Five,
Why Our Decisions Don't Matter is a thought-provoking text challenging common perceptions about free will and personal choice. Using selections from a variety of sources, Van Booy presents arguments without expounding upon them heavily. The book is clearly designed to leave interpretation up to the reader.
For me, reading this was like getting snapshots of other texts I loved, texts I read in college when I was still "smart." Kerouac, Sartre, Camus, Russell, Wittgenstein, Plato, the list goes on and on. If I had to pick a favorite entry, it would be the selection from When Science Meets Religion by Ian Barbour...or Colin McGinn's Shakespeare's Philosophy...or..seriously, the text is full of intriguing, well-written, and clear additions to the debate. I actually have so many sticky notes in the text, the pages won't lay flat.
Despite the high level of thought, the text is remarkably easy to interact with. The selections are clear and to-the-point which is something I appreciate in a philosophical text because while I love to ponder the ideas presented, I'm really not a fan of having to wrestle with the language to get at the ideas.
I have Van Booy's Why We Love and Why We Fight on my TBR shelves, and I can't wait to read them.
This Book Around the Web
If I've missed your review, let me know!
HarperCollins; The Rumpus (a review set up like a graphic novel...awesome); Gutenberg Girls;
24 September 2010
Movie Review: Stand by Me
Title: Stand by Me
Director: Rob Reiner
Starring: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Cory Feldman, Jerry O'Connell
Release: August 8, 1986
Country: USA
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Rated: R
First Viewing: Yeah right. I've been watching this movie my entire life. I have no idea when I first saw it.
The Short and Sweet of It
Four friends set out to find the body of a boy who disappeared. And if you don't know the rest of what happens in this movie, FOR SHAME. Go right now. Go to your local video store and watch this.
A Bit of a Ramble
Stand by Me is not your typical coming of age story. When Gordie, Christopher, Teddy, and Vern set out to see a dead body, they bring along with them much more than canteens and backpacks. Each boy has his own problems: parents who abuse them, ignore them, and just don't understand them. But Reiner doesn't wallow in pity for the boys, he keeps the tone one of hope and growth with a bittersweet undertone.
I can't remember the first time I watched this film, but I know that every time I see it while flipping channels, I have to stop and watch. I have never set out on a journey to see a dead body, and I was in no way a 12 year old boy, but I think everyone can relate to this film. We may not have had abusive families, been plagued by knife wielding bullies, or had leeches in unmentionable places, but we've all experienced the pains of growing up and felt the perfect love for childhood friends.
Gordie writes that he has never had friends like he did when he was twelve and asks if anyone does. I think we all know the answer.
23 September 2010
Anticipatory Reads
Overwhelmed with unread books, I still want to get the word out about a few recently released and upcoming releases that I'm excited to read:
Innocent Until Interrogated by Gary L. Stuart "explores the unspeakable crime, the inexplicable confessions, and the troubling behavior of police officials [after the arrest and torture of five suspects accused of killing members of a Buddhist temple]. Stuart’s impeccable research for the book included a review of the complete legal records of the case, an examination of all the physical evidence, a survey of three years of print and broadcast news, and more than fifty personal interviews related to the case. Like In Cold Blood, and The Executioner’s Song, Innocent Until Interrogated is a riveting read that provides not only a striking account of the crime and the investigation but also a disturbing look at the American justice system at its very worst."
Jane and the Damned by Janet Mullany re-situates Jane Austen in a Georgian England where vampires are Englishkind's last hope against the invading French. "Jane now regards her creation as a vampire as a gift. She rejects the cure and discovers a world of freedom, love, and adventure. But as an immortal, she loses her ability to write and must sever ties with her beloved sister, Cassandra, and the rest of her family. Under the shadow of the guillotine, Jane will have to decide whether love and eternal life are too high a price to pay for the loss of what meant most to her as a mortal."
The Gentleman Poet by Kathryn Johnson "a page-turning read that will hold her audience to the very end. This mesmerizing novel is also a celebration of good food, glorious words, and the power of love, while bringing readers an intriguing glimpse of arguably the most famous writer of all time." The book is based on a what if scenario: "What if the greatest playwright of all time didn’t simply read about the wreck of the Sea Venture off the Bermuda coast? What if Will was on board, fleeing powerful enemies, daring one last great adventure near the troubled end of his career?"
My list of unread books released this Fall is rather tremendous, but I am hopeful that the October24 clearly the 9th not the 24th readathon will help me put a serious dent in the pile. But that is a whole month away!!! What's a girl to do? Work seems to be getting in the way of reading these days.
My list of unread books released this Fall is rather tremendous, but I am hopeful that the October
22 September 2010
Serial Confessions: Waiting in the Shadows
Yesterday I posted about the series I've started but haven't finished. Today I'm regaling you (isn't that a great word) with all of those series which are waiting for me on the TBR shelves.
House of Night by P.C. Cast
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
"Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever. Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them. In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything." ~from the webpage. I have both Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness.
Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley
"Charlotte Usher feels practically invisible at school, and then one day she really is invisible. Even worse: she's dead. And all because she choked on a gummy bear. But being dead doesn't stop Charlotte from wanting to be popular; it just makes her more creative about achieving her goal. " ~from the webpage. I have the second book in the series but not the first. Isn't that fun?
The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger
"The Parasol Protectorate Series books are comedies of manners set in Victorian London: full of vampires, dirigibles, and tea. They are either Jane Austen doing urban fantasy, or PG Wodehouse doing steampunk." ~from the webpage. I have both Soulless and Changeless, books 1 and 2, and I can't wait to read them.
Incarceron and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
Imagine a living prison so vast that it contains corridors and forests, cities and seas. Imagine a prisoner with no memory... Imagine a girl in a manor house in a society where time has been forbidden, where everyone is held in a seventeenth century world run by computers, doomed to an arranged marriage that appals her, tangled in an assassination plot she both dreads and desires. One inside, one outside. But both imprisoned. Imagine a war that has hollowed the moon, seven skullrings that contain souls, a flying ship and a wall at the world's end. Imagine the unimaginable. Imagine Incarceron. ~from the webpage. I have book two, Sapphique, but I don't have Incarceron.
Canongate Myth series
The Canongate Myth series is a collection of books written by various authors each rewriting and revising a legendary tale, a myth. "Myths are universal and timeless stories that reflect and shape our lives — they explore our desires, our fears, our longings, and provide narratives that remind us what it means to be human.The Myths series brings together some of the world's finest writers, each of whom has retold a myth in a contemporary and memorable way." ~from the webpage. I only have three of these so far - a set of 14 so far - and I'm very excited to dig in.
The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
"...Clary Fray is introduced to the world of the Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world [when] Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque monster sent by the evil and powerful Shadowhunter, Valentine. Clary just wants her life to go back to normal--but that turns out to be impossible. Clary and her allies are all that stand between Valentine and the total annihilation of all Shadowhunters." ~from the Amazon. Books 1 and 2 wait for me on the TBR shelves.
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
Joined by destiny, the lives of the Drew children, Will Stanton, and a boy named Bran weave together in an exquisite, sometimes terrifying tapestry of mystery and quests... these children pit the power of good against the evil forces of Dark in a timeless and dangerous battle that includes crystal swords, golden grails, and a silver-eyed dog that can see the wind. --Emilie Coulter. I have the complete series in one novel that I'm saving for the October Read-a-thon!
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Lia and Alice buried their father on a rainy day in the fall of 1890. His death was sudden, and strange happenings are keeping the twins from resuming their wealthy, well-educated lives. Lia begins to dream of flying and Alice, while reserved, does not appear to mourn her father. Lia's boyfriend, James, uncovers an ancient tome that cryptically tells of two sisters, one the Gate and one the Guardian. One has the power to return Satan to Earth, the other the responsibility to keep her sister in check. —Cara von Wrangel Kinsey. I have the first two in the series which I believe are the only two currently out.
The Faery Court by Melissa Marr
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens. Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer. But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires. Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything. ~from webpage. I have Wicked Lovely, the first in the series, and it has been languishing on the shelves for some time.
Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. They are the powerful and the wealthy—and in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires...when she turns fifteen, Schuyler’s life changes dramatically. She has a mosaic of blue veins on her arms, and craves raw meat. The death of a popular girl from Duchesne is surrounded by a mystery that haunts her. And strangest off all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her. Schuyler wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger? ~from the webpage. I only have the first book.
Sweep by Cate Tiernan
Morgan Rowlands never thought she was anything other than a typical sixteen-year-old girl. But when she meets Cal, a captivatingly handsome coven leader, she makes a discovery that turns her whole world upside down: she is a witch, descended from an ancient and powerful line. And so is Cal. Their connection is immediate and unbreakable: Cal teases out Morgan's power, her love, her magick. But Morgan discovers too soon that her powers are strong - almost too powerful to control. And she begins to suspect that Cal - her love, her soul mate - may be keeping secrets from her...secrets that could destroy them both. ~from back cover. There are apparently like 15 books in the Sweep series, and I have the first three in one volume.
Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler
A fantastic and gripping read that never shies from its difficult subject matter, Kessler illuminates, through the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a very real problem facing teens today. While Lisabeth Lewis explores her self-induced hunger and attempts to battle the Thin voice, her incarnation as Famine explores the horrors and causes of world hunger. ~from webpage. This is the only book I have, which makes sense as it doesn't even come out until October.
Witch & Wizard by James Patterson
This is the astonishing testimonial of Wisty and Whit Allgood, a sister and brother who were torn from their family in the middle of the night, slammed into prison, and accused of being a witch and a wizard. Thousands of young people have been kidnapped; some have been accused; many others remain missing. Their fate is unknown, and the worst is feared—for the ruling regime will stop at nothing to suppress life and liberty, music and books, art and magic...and the pursuit of being a normal teenager. ~from webpage. I have the second in the series which doesn't come out until December, but I don't yet have the first in the series.
Goblin Wars by Kersten Hamilton
Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried...Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. ~from Goodreads. Tyger, Tyger is the first in the series and hasn't been released yet, but it's waiting on my TBR shelves.
Hero by Mike Lupica
Fourteen-year-old Zach Harriman can feel the changes. The sharpening of his senses. The incredible strength. The speed, as though he can text message himself across miles. The confidence and the strange need to patrol Central Park at night. His dad had been a hero, a savior to America and a confidante of the president. Then he died, and the changes began in Zach. What Zach never knew was that his father was no ordinary man--he was a superhero, battling the world's evil. This is a battle that has been waged for generations and that knows no boundaries. ~from Amazon. This is another one that hasn't been released yet, so I only have the ARC of book one.
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all. ~from webpage. Only book 1 has been released, and that's the only one I have.
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
Everyone born after the Shift has the ability to see ghosts. Aura not only can see ghosts, but she works as a ghost "translator" for her aunt Gina's law firm, which focuses on "wrongful death litigation" for the purpose of putting these restless spirits at peace. Of course, Aura's job complicates her life, but not near as much as her boyfriend, Logan. Logan seems destined for fame as the front man of The Keeley Brothers band, but his death makes things difficult: Logan is still present as a ghost, but physically gone. Plus, there's a new Scottish guy at school who is supportive and interested in Aura. ~from Amazon. Again, I only have book 1.
Trial of Blood and Steel by Joel Shepherd
Sasha is a princess, the like of which the highland country of Lenayin has never seen before. Spurning her royal heritage to be raised by the great warrior, Kessligh, her exquisite swordplay astonishes all who witness it. But Sasha is still young, untested in battle and often led by her rash temper. In the complex world of Lenayin loyalties, her defiant willfulness is attracting the wrong kind of attention. Lenayin is a land almost divided by its two faiths: the Verenthane of the ruling classes and the pagan Goeren-yai, amongst whom Sasha now lives. The Goeren-yai worship swordplay and honour and begin to see Sasha as the great spirit—the Synnich—who will unite them. But Sasha is still searching for what she believes and must choose her side carefully. ~from Goodreads. I have the second book in the series but not the first.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. He and the other Gladers are surrounded by an enormous, ever-changing stone maze . . . and solving it is their only way out. ~from webpage. I know, I know, I should really have read this already; it's been waiting on my shelves for a very long time.
Sacred Books by David Michael Slater
When a rare bookstore opens in town, Daphna and Dexter are intrigued by the cryptic volumes within. But the mysterious store owner, Asterius Rash, is only interested in one particular book – a book so rare it involves magic just to possess it. Daphna and Dexter come under Mr. Rash’s spell, and in an effort to break loose, they delve into a world of the past – uncovering family secrets, and the true meaning of The Book of Nonsense. ~from webpage. Three installments are out, with two more coming, but I only have the first in the series.
The Abhorsen Chronicles by Garth Nix
Sabriel - Every step brings Sabriel closer to a battle that will pit her against the true forces of life and death—and bring her face-to-face with her own destiny. Lirael - With only her faithful companion, the Disreputable Dog, Lirael must undertake a desperate mission under the growing shadow of an ancient evil, which threatens the fate of the Old Kingdom. Abhorsen - The Abhorsen Sabriel and King Touchstone are missing, and Lirael must search in both Life and Death for some means to defeat the evil Destroyer—before it is too late. ~from webpage. I have the third book but not the first two. I'm collecting them backwards...
The Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett
I really don't think I need to summarize this one. I've always wanted to read it, but with almost 40 books in the series, it's a bit intimidating...
My question is simple: Where, oh where, should I begin?
"House of Night ... follows 16-year-old Zoey Redbird, who gets “Marked” by a vampyre tracker and begins to undergo the “Change” into an actual vampyre. She has to leave her family in Tulsa and move into...a boarding school for other fledglings like her. It’s within the school’s walls that the heart of the action takes place as Zoey meets new friends, finds love, comes to terms with how her life will be different now and begins to realize her awesome new powers." ~from House of Night webpage I have the first two books, Marked and Betrayed.
"Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever. Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them. In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything." ~from the webpage. I have both Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness.
"Charlotte Usher feels practically invisible at school, and then one day she really is invisible. Even worse: she's dead. And all because she choked on a gummy bear. But being dead doesn't stop Charlotte from wanting to be popular; it just makes her more creative about achieving her goal. " ~from the webpage. I have the second book in the series but not the first. Isn't that fun?
"The Parasol Protectorate Series books are comedies of manners set in Victorian London: full of vampires, dirigibles, and tea. They are either Jane Austen doing urban fantasy, or PG Wodehouse doing steampunk." ~from the webpage. I have both Soulless and Changeless, books 1 and 2, and I can't wait to read them.
Imagine a living prison so vast that it contains corridors and forests, cities and seas. Imagine a prisoner with no memory... Imagine a girl in a manor house in a society where time has been forbidden, where everyone is held in a seventeenth century world run by computers, doomed to an arranged marriage that appals her, tangled in an assassination plot she both dreads and desires. One inside, one outside. But both imprisoned. Imagine a war that has hollowed the moon, seven skullrings that contain souls, a flying ship and a wall at the world's end. Imagine the unimaginable. Imagine Incarceron. ~from the webpage. I have book two, Sapphique, but I don't have Incarceron.
Canongate Myth series
The Canongate Myth series is a collection of books written by various authors each rewriting and revising a legendary tale, a myth. "Myths are universal and timeless stories that reflect and shape our lives — they explore our desires, our fears, our longings, and provide narratives that remind us what it means to be human.The Myths series brings together some of the world's finest writers, each of whom has retold a myth in a contemporary and memorable way." ~from the webpage. I only have three of these so far - a set of 14 so far - and I'm very excited to dig in.
"...Clary Fray is introduced to the world of the Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of warriors dedicated to driving demons out of our world [when] Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque monster sent by the evil and powerful Shadowhunter, Valentine. Clary just wants her life to go back to normal--but that turns out to be impossible. Clary and her allies are all that stand between Valentine and the total annihilation of all Shadowhunters." ~from the Amazon. Books 1 and 2 wait for me on the TBR shelves.
Joined by destiny, the lives of the Drew children, Will Stanton, and a boy named Bran weave together in an exquisite, sometimes terrifying tapestry of mystery and quests... these children pit the power of good against the evil forces of Dark in a timeless and dangerous battle that includes crystal swords, golden grails, and a silver-eyed dog that can see the wind. --Emilie Coulter. I have the complete series in one novel that I'm saving for the October Read-a-thon!
Lia and Alice buried their father on a rainy day in the fall of 1890. His death was sudden, and strange happenings are keeping the twins from resuming their wealthy, well-educated lives. Lia begins to dream of flying and Alice, while reserved, does not appear to mourn her father. Lia's boyfriend, James, uncovers an ancient tome that cryptically tells of two sisters, one the Gate and one the Guardian. One has the power to return Satan to Earth, the other the responsibility to keep her sister in check. —Cara von Wrangel Kinsey. I have the first two in the series which I believe are the only two currently out.
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens. Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer. But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires. Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything. ~from webpage. I have Wicked Lovely, the first in the series, and it has been languishing on the shelves for some time.
Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. They are the powerful and the wealthy—and in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires...when she turns fifteen, Schuyler’s life changes dramatically. She has a mosaic of blue veins on her arms, and craves raw meat. The death of a popular girl from Duchesne is surrounded by a mystery that haunts her. And strangest off all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her. Schuyler wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger? ~from the webpage. I only have the first book.
Morgan Rowlands never thought she was anything other than a typical sixteen-year-old girl. But when she meets Cal, a captivatingly handsome coven leader, she makes a discovery that turns her whole world upside down: she is a witch, descended from an ancient and powerful line. And so is Cal. Their connection is immediate and unbreakable: Cal teases out Morgan's power, her love, her magick. But Morgan discovers too soon that her powers are strong - almost too powerful to control. And she begins to suspect that Cal - her love, her soul mate - may be keeping secrets from her...secrets that could destroy them both. ~from back cover. There are apparently like 15 books in the Sweep series, and I have the first three in one volume.
A fantastic and gripping read that never shies from its difficult subject matter, Kessler illuminates, through the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a very real problem facing teens today. While Lisabeth Lewis explores her self-induced hunger and attempts to battle the Thin voice, her incarnation as Famine explores the horrors and causes of world hunger. ~from webpage. This is the only book I have, which makes sense as it doesn't even come out until October.
This is the astonishing testimonial of Wisty and Whit Allgood, a sister and brother who were torn from their family in the middle of the night, slammed into prison, and accused of being a witch and a wizard. Thousands of young people have been kidnapped; some have been accused; many others remain missing. Their fate is unknown, and the worst is feared—for the ruling regime will stop at nothing to suppress life and liberty, music and books, art and magic...and the pursuit of being a normal teenager. ~from webpage. I have the second in the series which doesn't come out until December, but I don't yet have the first in the series.
Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried...Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. ~from Goodreads. Tyger, Tyger is the first in the series and hasn't been released yet, but it's waiting on my TBR shelves.
Fourteen-year-old Zach Harriman can feel the changes. The sharpening of his senses. The incredible strength. The speed, as though he can text message himself across miles. The confidence and the strange need to patrol Central Park at night. His dad had been a hero, a savior to America and a confidante of the president. Then he died, and the changes began in Zach. What Zach never knew was that his father was no ordinary man--he was a superhero, battling the world's evil. This is a battle that has been waged for generations and that knows no boundaries. ~from Amazon. This is another one that hasn't been released yet, so I only have the ARC of book one.
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all. ~from webpage. Only book 1 has been released, and that's the only one I have.
Everyone born after the Shift has the ability to see ghosts. Aura not only can see ghosts, but she works as a ghost "translator" for her aunt Gina's law firm, which focuses on "wrongful death litigation" for the purpose of putting these restless spirits at peace. Of course, Aura's job complicates her life, but not near as much as her boyfriend, Logan. Logan seems destined for fame as the front man of The Keeley Brothers band, but his death makes things difficult: Logan is still present as a ghost, but physically gone. Plus, there's a new Scottish guy at school who is supportive and interested in Aura. ~from Amazon. Again, I only have book 1.
Sasha is a princess, the like of which the highland country of Lenayin has never seen before. Spurning her royal heritage to be raised by the great warrior, Kessligh, her exquisite swordplay astonishes all who witness it. But Sasha is still young, untested in battle and often led by her rash temper. In the complex world of Lenayin loyalties, her defiant willfulness is attracting the wrong kind of attention. Lenayin is a land almost divided by its two faiths: the Verenthane of the ruling classes and the pagan Goeren-yai, amongst whom Sasha now lives. The Goeren-yai worship swordplay and honour and begin to see Sasha as the great spirit—the Synnich—who will unite them. But Sasha is still searching for what she believes and must choose her side carefully. ~from Goodreads. I have the second book in the series but not the first.
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. He and the other Gladers are surrounded by an enormous, ever-changing stone maze . . . and solving it is their only way out. ~from webpage. I know, I know, I should really have read this already; it's been waiting on my shelves for a very long time.
When a rare bookstore opens in town, Daphna and Dexter are intrigued by the cryptic volumes within. But the mysterious store owner, Asterius Rash, is only interested in one particular book – a book so rare it involves magic just to possess it. Daphna and Dexter come under Mr. Rash’s spell, and in an effort to break loose, they delve into a world of the past – uncovering family secrets, and the true meaning of The Book of Nonsense. ~from webpage. Three installments are out, with two more coming, but I only have the first in the series.
Sabriel - Every step brings Sabriel closer to a battle that will pit her against the true forces of life and death—and bring her face-to-face with her own destiny. Lirael - With only her faithful companion, the Disreputable Dog, Lirael must undertake a desperate mission under the growing shadow of an ancient evil, which threatens the fate of the Old Kingdom. Abhorsen - The Abhorsen Sabriel and King Touchstone are missing, and Lirael must search in both Life and Death for some means to defeat the evil Destroyer—before it is too late. ~from webpage. I have the third book but not the first two. I'm collecting them backwards...
The Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett
I really don't think I need to summarize this one. I've always wanted to read it, but with almost 40 books in the series, it's a bit intimidating...
My question is simple: Where, oh where, should I begin?
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