In My Mailbox #8

In My Mailbox is posted every Sunday, containing the items I received in the mail or picked up at the library during the week. My reading shelf has grown enormously in the last few months so I've been holding back on requesting any new books, but this lot slipped through the cracks. Not to say I'm not excited about reading these books, the highlight of this list has to be A Map of the Known World, I cannot wait to read it.

A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell | Pure by Terra Elan McVoy

Dear Swoosie by Kate Constable | My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey

Somebody's Crying by Maureen McCarthy | Sideways: A Novel by Rex Pickett

Q: I tend to stick to new release books for some reason, so I'd love to hear which titles you have on your TBR shelf that where released in the years gone by.

100 Followers / Books for Trade

Hello, all ONE HUNDRED followers.

I'm glad you're here and I love posting every day :)

To celebrate reaching this monumental moment, I thought about holding a contest but really there are so many amazing ones floating around the blogging world, I don't think I could match the brilliance. So instead, I'm going to share with you my trading list and hopefully this benefits you somehow.

Quality: There are some of my recent titles and there will be a lot more when I get through my reading shelf, but you'll notice there are a lot of books from my childhood listed here. They have been sitting on my shelf for years, they need a new home!

Condition: Most of these are in excellent condition, with only a few being gently read. If you are particular about the state of your books, please ask me for an overview.

Wishlist: You can find my wishlist here, but I am pretty easy and like most Young Adult books. So email me with the titles you have available.

PAPERBACK:

• In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth (ARC)
• Gossip Girl (Love the One You're With) by Cecily Von Ziegesar
• Fire by Kristin Cashore
• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
• Secret by Philippe Grimbert
• Start talking by Mary Jo Rapini & Janine Sherman
• If I Stay by Gayle Forman
• What If... All the Boys Wanted You by Liz Ruckdeschel
• Old School Ties by Kate Harrison
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
• Bone Chillers by Betsy Haynes
• So Super Starry by Rose Wilkins
• Crime in the Picture by Emily Rodda
• Green for Danger by Emily Rodda
• Cry of the Cat by Emily Rodda
• The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Emily Rodda
• New York Minute by Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen
• Tiki Doll of Doom by Betsy Haynes
• My Best Friend's Boyfriend by Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen
• Fear in Fashion by Emily Rodda
• Stage Fright by Emily Rodda
• The Secret of Banyan Bay by Emily Rodda
• Beware the Gingerbread House by Emily Rodda
• Claudia and Mean Janine by Ann M Martin
• The Secret of Jane's Success by Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen
• Playing Games by Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen
• The Ghost of Raven Hill by Emily Rodda
• There's Something About Roxy by Mary-Kate and Ashley
• All That Glitters by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
• Sweet 16: Cross Our Hearts by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
• The Cleaner by Paul Cleave
• Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger
• Kiss the Girls by James Patterson
• The Third Secret by Steve Berry
• Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs
• 1st to Die by James Patterson
• 2nd Chance by James Patterson
• The First Cut by Dianne Emley
• The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
• Forever In Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
• Developing Office Skills by Nettie Kerr & Barbara Yates
• Forever Young by Vicci Bentley

Hardcover:

• How to Date A Vampire by Sophie Collins
• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
• Beautiful by Amy Reed
• The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket
• The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
• The Babysitter's Club, #1 Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin

EMAIL ME HERE OR CHECK OUT MY BOOKMOOCH

Review: In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth

In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth

February 2nd 2010 | Walker Books for Young Readers

When a small mistake costs sixteen-year-old Eagan her life during a figure-skating competition, she leaves many things unreconciled, including her troubled relationship with her mother. From her vantage point in the afterlife, Eagan reflects back on her memories, and what she could have done differently, through her still-beating heart.

When fourteen-year-old Amelia learns she will be getting a heart transplant, her fear and guilt battle with her joy at this new chance at life. And afterwards when she starts to feel different - dreaming about figure skating, craving grape candy - her need to learn about her donor leads her to discover and explore Eagan's life, meeting her grieving loved ones and trying to bring the closure they all need to move on.

Told in alternating viewpoints, In a Heartbeat tells the emotional and compelling story of two girls sharing one heart.

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I've been meaning to post this review for quite some time now, I'm so sorry! I keep taking my reviews way too seriously, I finally found my way through this when I was writing a few opinion pieces for my favourite books available at my local library. I managed to write, write, write quite easily and I definitely feel I am getting better at it, I'm able to push through the impossible stages. One day, I would like my reviews to seem like I am simply telling a friend the good and bad parts of a story.

Each book I choose to read seems to aim at opening our eyes to situations faced by a small minority of teens today, circumstances that are not widely discussed and possess intricate details that are not so well known to the general public but could happen to anyone. I'm not sure how realistic this story would feel to a heart transplant recipient but I found it to be a light, easy read even though the outcome for both characters could very well have been an untimely death.

In A Heartbeat is told in alternating chapters of two teenager girls - Amelia, who will die in a matter of months if she does not receive a new heart and Eagan, an ice skater who happens to sign up as an organ donor by chance on her drivers license a few months beforehand.

I found Eagan's side of the story (the organ donor looking back on her life) much more interesting, whereas the other side compliments it very well bringing forward what life will be like with a brand new heart.

The new heart not only gives Amelia a brand new outlook on life but she starts to crave grape flavoured candy - her donors favourite. She starts to feel different with an inkling for ice skating. All of these faint feelings made me quite critical of the ideas behind the story but didn't really interfere with my empathy for the characters.

I think it's very important to be excited about a read as you stare at the cover on your shelf waiting to be read. I was excited to read this copy as the idea of learning about a teenagers heart transplant seemed quite interesting but I found it to be an okay read and not really getting the feeling of greatness I get with my favourite books.

If the summary captivates you, definitely pick this up anyway, simply to experience the circumstances of a heart transplant.

(For anyone who has read this or does read this, it did bother me that we never found out about Miki, the little girl helping Eagan along her way. I was hoping it to be the little sister she never met. Maybe a sequel is planned?)

In My Mailbox #7

In My Mailbox is a weekly update of the books I received - either from the library, in the mail or from a bookshop. Feel free to share what books you picked up this week.

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson | Bright Star by Jane Campion

Medina Hill by Trilby Kent | Dreaming of Amelia by Jaclyn Moriarty

How It Ends by Laura Wiess | Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell

Secrets of My Hollywood Life, #3 by Jen Calonita

Q: Where do you get most of your books from?

ie. Requesting from the library, Borders, Book Depository.

Waiting on Wednesday

The cover for Elizabeth Scott's new novel was so enticing I had already added it to my wishlist, there is now a summary so here goes...

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Simon Pulse | 6 April 2010

Sarah and Brianna have always been friends, and it’s always gone like this: Guys talk to Sarah in order to get closer to Brianna. So even though Sarah met Ryan first—and has a huge crush on him—she’s not surprised that he ends up with Brianna. Except…he might be interested in Sarah, too.

The more the three of them hang out, the more the tension builds between Sarah and Ryan. The more temptation grows. The more their feelings become irresistible. And when they find themselves alone together, there’s no turning back….

Credit: Collegiate Bookworm

Wishlist on Wednesday #4

Wishlist on Wednesday(WoW) is a weekly meme hosted by somebody in the blogging world. If you'd like to participate, simply pick an unreleased title off your To Be Read list and let us know the reasons you are so excited to read it.

A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker

4 February 2010 | Razorbill

When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can't get any worse. Then she marries her 'husband' : jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona's long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer.

Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.

I've always liked the idea of the assignment put upon many teens in high schools today to look after a realistic electronic baby doll, but unfortunately my school never participated in this activity; A Match Made in High School takes this idea and pushes the envelope a little further with marriage being put upon senior students for an entire year. If this circumstance happened in real life, it would be a little crazy but within the limits of a teen fiction novel it seems like a fantastic read and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

If you have any idea who started Wishlist on Wednesday, please let me know and I'll credit them.

Dreaming of Amelia

I was browsing the store yesterday and happened upon the book section where I spotted Dreaming of Amelia, the cover was captivating and it definately stood out amongst the rest of the books, if only to my eyes.

This is the first time, in quite awhile I've wanted to read something so badly off of my wishlist. I swear I would've bought it and crossed another item off my To Do List for the year but I was promised a copy by the publisher over the weekend and it should be arriving any day now.

I am very excited to read this book!

Tumblr Quiz

I was over at Tumblr, I'm so close to joining as pretty much all of the pages on that site look awesome. I love the font used on the entire site, I would like it please. Also if anyone knows another word for MEMES, please tell me, I entirely dislike this word.

01. You’re currently confused about someone’s feelings for you.

02. You have been in a serious relationship before.

03. You own an iPod of some sort.

04. You do not like your sibling’s girlfriend/boyfriend.

05. You drink too much alcohol.

06. You have been to the Olive Garden.

07. You have taken medicine of some sort this week.

08. It is really cold in your house right now.

09. You are extremely dependent on others.

10. You do not like to express your feelings in front of others.

11. You ate a lot of food today.

12. It doesn’t take much for you to cry.

13. People consider you a sappy sort of person.

14. Someone in your family is rich.

15. You have been to Disney World or Disneyland before.

16. You hate when people constantly talk about themselves.

17. You are a good listener, but you hate complainers.

18. Someone has called you for a serious medical emergency before.

19. You have had a serious surgery.

20. Your house has a spare bedroom.

21. Your house is old.

22. You have at least one cousin under the age of three.

23. You have never held a baby before.

24. You can’t handle toddlers.

25. You have a painting in your room.

26. You have been to Canada.

27. You have been to Mexico.

28. You love cherry flavored lollipops.

29. You celebrate Easter.

30. You observe Lent.

31. You are Catholic.

32. You do not believe in God.

33. Religion is not important to you.

34. You want to have a small family one day.

35. You would rather have more sons than daughters.

36. You have more aunts than uncles.

37. You hate being too cold.

38. You currently are way more tan than everyone else.

39. You wear shoes in your house.

40. Your parents are clean freaks.

41. You are more messy than clean.

42. You are currently angry at someone.

43. Patience is so not a virtue to you.

44. Your desk is extremely clean.

45. Your bed sheets are either blue, green, black, or white.

46. When you hear “black & white” it reminds you of Katy Perry’s ‘Hot n Cold’ song.

47. You have no clue what that song is.

48. You think rap artists are completely pathetic.

49. You are glad George Bush will be [is] out of office.

50. Politics are boring to you.

51. You take a vitamin daily.

52. You feel like you are sick often.

53. You hate throwing up.

54. You think it’s gross when people set food down on their desk at school with no napkin.

55. You also find it gross that people sit on top of desks.

56. You are now cringing at the thought of someone’s food where someone’s ass was.

57. You love having bubble baths.

58. You do not like chocolate at all.

59. You are allergic to nuts.

60. You have been stung by a bee before.

61. You have been to the emergency room before for something.

62. One of your parents is 50 or older.

63. You are the baby of your immediate family.

64. You hate broccoli.

65. Cooked carrots are good, though.

66. You go on tumblr too much.

67. You are really comfortable right now.

68. You like witty t-shirts.

69. You are a major fan of underground bands.

70. You have been on an airplane before.

71. You are not afraid of heights.

72. You consider yourself paranoid.

73. You have had a panic attack before.

74. The thought of being old and alone bothers you.

75. You would choose the elderly over children.

76. You feel like you’re living in the wrong decade.

77. You have smoked weed before.

78. You think it’s way too cold outside right now.

79. You love the thought of sleeping in tomorrow morning.

80. You would rather go to bed early and get up early.

81. You feel like the early bird catches the worm.

82. You are a big breakfast eater.

83. You are currently suffering from the common cold.

84. You are craving something salty.

85. You have been in a car today.

86. There is something plugged in near you.

87. You have heard of the TV show “Private Practice.”

88. You do not like medical television shows.

89. You prefer horror to comedies.

90. You adore Leo & Kate.

91. You think high-waisted pants look good.

92. You hate cheesy movies.

93. You enjoy camping out.

94. Bugs don’t bother you.

95. You do well in school without trying.

96. You are extremely jealous of someone currently.

97. You feel like you have changed a lot from 08-09.

98. You like energy drinks.

99. You like italics.

100. You know the entire script of Mean Girls.

In My Mailbox #7

Out of the Woods by Lyn Gardner

David Fickling Books | 13 April 2010

The fun fair is in town! With its clouds of pink candy floss and whirling big wheel, what child could resist such temptation? Little do the Eden sisters know that they are being lured into a wicked witch's lair. . . . Belladonna wants

Aurora's heart and Storm's all-powerful musical pipe, and she will stop at nothing to get them. Driven by vanity and greed, she makes a truly formidable adversary.

After escaping from a deadly game of hide-and-seek in the enchanted fair, our three heroines flee through the woods, with several ravenous wolves and a sweet-toothed lion hot on their heels. Now they face their biggest challenge yet: a treacherous journey into the Underworld. For only when the pipe has been safely returned to the land of the dead will the Eden sisters truly be out of the woods. . . .

The Dragon Whisperer by Lucinda Hare

Corgi Childrens | 5 August 2010

Quenelda has always had a magical bond with dragons, and her greatest wish is to fly one and fight alongside her father in the war against the hobgoblins. Root, on the other hand, wishes only to avoid the fearsome creatures, so the role of Quenelda's esquire is the last thing he needs.

But an unexpected friendship is forged, and when Dragons Dome is besieged by a deadly plot, this unlikely duo must find a way to defeat the dark forces. Epic battles, whispered legends and soaring magic combine in this breathtaking debut fantasy, with black and white illustrations by David Wyatt.

Things Hoped For by Andrew Clements

Philomel 2006

When Gwen's grandfather disappears from their home in New York City, he leaves a message saying not to worry--but it's hard when Gwen has upcoming violin auditions at Julliard! But then she meets Robert, a fellow musician, and things seem to look up.

At the same time, there are other forces in motion, like the scary great uncle who keeps coming by, and the strange man Gwen sees one day when shopping. Then the even stranger story Robert tells her about what she saw. And finally, the discovery that brings their worlds to a halt, uniting Gwen and Robert in ways neither of them could have foretold.

In this remarkable follow-up to the wildly popular Things Not Seen, Andrew Clements brings readers a multi-layered story all about art, friendship, love, and life.

What If . . . You Broke All the Rules by Liz Ruckdeschel, Sara James

Delacorte Books 2007

In What If. . . You Broke All the Rules, Haley will turn 16 on Valentine's Day. But there won't be any big parties or celebrations to mark the occasion—her parents are so distracted by their own lives that they forget her birthday.

Haley's dad is absorbed in finishing his documentary, and Haley's mom is spending waaaay too much time with a former coworker from San Francisco. With Perry and Joan preoccupied, Haley will suddenly find herself in a world without rules.

Will Haley turn into a wild child or do the responsible thing? And how will Haley choose to spend her spring break—with a trip to Paris with Sasha, to Sebastian's hometown of Seville, making a movie in New Jersey with Irene, or in the Hamptons with Coco, Whitney, and their crew? It's up to you to choose Haley's destiny!

&

Boom! by Mark Haddon | Fallen by Lauren Kate | Posse by Kate Welshman