Friday Follow (20)

Q: You are a matchmaker -- your goal, hook up two characters from two of your favorite books. Who would it be? How do you think it would go?

In a non-romantic pairing, I think that Stephanie Plum from the series starting with One for the Money  and Kinsey Millhone from the series starting with A is for Alibi should meet.   I feel like if they did meet they may even go into a very successful business together where they do PI work and catch bail jumpers.

In more of a romantic pairing, I think Hannah from Delirium and Gale from The Hunger Games should meet. I can't say that this pairing is based on anything more than these were two characters that I really loved in the books that did not seem to find a happy ending (note: I haven't read Pandemonium yet so that could affect my perception of Hannah). But I do think they both had a desire to rebel against the society they were raised in--in some ways a stronger desire than the protagonists in the books. The difference was that they did not have the same opportunity to display that desire to the world that the protagonists had. So I think they would understand things about each other that no one--not even their closest friends would understand.

Follow Friday (19)

Q: Activity! Dreamcast your current read.

My current read:


Now there is already a cast for this book--but I have not watched the show yet because I want to finish the books first (everyone I know who has read the book has told me to finish it first then watch the show), but from everything I have heard it is well cast.

So here is my question for you: what has been your favorite book cast?
For me there are two choices:

Clark Gable is Rhett Butler--I could not imagine anyone portraying that character better!


I have a huge literary crush on Darcy as portrayed by Colin Firth!

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First I want to thank everyone for their support during this very difficult time for me. Your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes have been very much appreciated and shared with my family. (if you are unsure of what I am talking about please see Taking A Break)

Q: Have you had a character that disappointed you? One that you fell in love with and then "broke up" with later on in either the series or a stand-alone book? Tell us about him or her. 

This is a great question--and one I am really struggling to answer. My first thought is Scarlett from Gone with the Wind, but the more I thought about it the more I realized it was more that I wanted to like her but I never really did. I admired her determination to survive and to do what she had to in order to beat the odds. But the way she stole her sister's beau, the way she treated Rhett (who is one of my literary crushes), and even the way she pawed after a married man--oh it makes me angry and annoyed just to think about it.

So then I thought about Bridget Jones from Bridget Jones's Diary. Initially, I thought she was a funny character, but as the story continued and particularly as it continued into the second book I started to really not like her at all. She comes off as stupid and incompetent on many occasions. Do people really see her as a modern day Elizabeth Bennet? Irk! And throughout Pride and Prejudice, I never doubt what Darcy sees in Elizabeth. But I question many, many times what Darcy sees in Bridget Jones!

But finally I settled on Al from Divergent. In the beginning, I really felt for Al. He made a very tough decision when he changed factions--that takes courage. He openly showed his vulnerability--which I also think takes courage. But as the story progressed and as Tris started to describe some of the changes in Al, I became more and more unsure of him, of his motives for changing factions, of his motives regarding Tris, of his motives in general. So I came to not like him very much at all by the end.

Now I cannot wait to hear what characters disappointed you?

Follow Friday (17) and Hunger Games Movie Countdown Trivia and Giveaway (14)

Q: What is the best book you've read in the last month? What is the worst book you've read in the last month?

It might seem like this question would be easy but there have been so many good books that I cannot decide, but here goes:
My Favorites:

My Review.  In general though, this book stuck with me.  I was drawn into the world that Lisa McMann created.  I cannot wait for another installment!


My Review.  I loved getting to see Anna and St. Clair again, but I may love Lola and Cricket even more!

My Not-So-Favorites:
I hate to classify anything as the worst--but these were the books that disappointed me this month.

My Review.  The first time I read this one--I loved it.  But I recently re-read it to prepare for Pandemonium and found Lena more annoying than charming as a narrator.


My Review.  I was so excited about this book because I had heard it was so funny.  But it fell a little flat for me. 

So, have you read these books?  What did you think?
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My blogging buddy, Jen, and I have been working on a sequel to our Valentine's day celebration (the Famous YA Couples Trivia Quiz). 

So everyday I will post a trivia question about either a YA dystopian novel in general or the Hunger Games in particular.  Everyone gets one opportunity a day to answer--and it does not matter if you are right or wrong.  Any answer is worth a chance to win a prize!  This contest will continue until March 16.

The prize:
1) The Girl Who Was on Fire
2) The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook
Since these books are available from the Book Depository, I will open this giveaway internationally to any place that BD offers free shipping to.

First, I want to apologize.  I was sick yesterday and did not get to post my question.  I am posting two questions today.  Please use the form below twice to submit an answer to each question.  Please put some kind of key word from the question in either the answer or the question about the characters/book mentioned so I will know which question you are answering.  :)

1) Katniss describes how District 12 handles the Hunger Games as?
A) "We grit our teeth and watch because we must and try to get back to business as soon as possible when they're over."
B) "It's funny, because even though they're rattling on about the Games, it's all about where they were or what they were doing or how they felt when a specific event occurred."
C) They celebrate their tributes with a sincere and longing to see the tributes from District 12 win.
D) They hope that their tribute will get in with the career tributes so they will have the best chance.

2) Which of the following is the last line of The Hunger Games?
A)"And they lived happily ever after."
B) "And right now, the most dangerous part of the Hunger Games is about to begin."
C) "I take his hand, holding on tightly, preparing for the camera, and dreading the moment when I will finally have to let go."
D) "'Stop! Stop! Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present the victors of the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark!  I give you--the tributes of District Twelve!'"

Please fill out this form to submit your answer.

Follow Friday (16) and Hunger Games Movie Countdown Trivia and Giveaway

Q: What book would you love to see made into a movie or television show and do you have actors/actresses in mind to play the main characters?

As we enter March, the month where my most anticipated movie of the year is coming out, I have been thinking a lot about a lot of the books I would love to see as movies:

Anyone who knows me well--yes Jen I am talking to you--know I have a little bit of a literary crush on Valek.  Him on the big screen...all I can say is *sigh.*


Veronica Rossi created a world of such vivid visual details that I would love to actually see it on the screen!


I have been sharing this one with everyone I work with (who is a big reader) and now we all want to see it on the big screen.

And Now To Announce:

My blogging buddy, Jen, and I have been working on a sequel to our Valentine's day celebration (the Famous YA Couples Trivia Quiz). 

So everyday I will post a trivia question about either a YA dystopian novel in general or the Hunger Games in particular.  Everyone gets one opportunity a day to answer--and it does not matter if you are right or wrong.  Any answer is worth a chance to win a prize!  This contest will continue until March 16.

The prize:
1) The Girl Who Was on Fire
2) The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook
Since these books are available from the Book Depository, I will open this giveaway internationally to any place that BD offers free shipping to.

What is the first line of The Hunger Games?
A) "Look what I shot," Gale holds up a loaf of bread with an arrow stuck in it, and I laugh.
B) When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold.
C) One time, when I was in a blind in a tree, waiting motionless for game to wander by, I dozed off and fell ten feet to the ground, landing on my back.
D) When I was younger, I scared my mother to death, the things I would blurt out about District 12, about the people who rule our country, Panem, from the far-off city called the Capitol.

Please fill out this form to submit your answer.

Follow Friday (15)

Q: Activity!!! Take a picture or describe where you love to read the most...

Since I just woke up--my bed is not made.  I am not going to post that picture on the internet for the world to see (*gasp*).  But when I am at home, I get most of my reading done in bed.

But I read on my way to and from work.  I commute about 45 minutes each way which gives me a lot of uninterrupted reading time. 

I also love audiobooks because then I can "read" while I am walking.  The university I work at has quite a few buildings that are pretty far from the building I work in--so when I have to walk to another building I usually have my iPod with me. 

Do you like audiobooks?  Can you read on your way to work or school?

Follow Friday (14)

Q: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What's the most unique character name you've come across?

First, I want to go on record as saying that unique names can sometimes frustrate me. If I cannot easily pronounce the name (or easily determine how to pronounce the name) then it throws off my reading rhythm and slows me down. Rather quickly I translate the name in my mind to something that is easier for me to pronounce as I am reading. So rather than seeing Eglantina, I call the character E or Atlanta. The advantage is that my reading rhythm is not affected. The disadvantage is I have a hard time talking with people about the books because the character names (in my head) are not the ones in everyone elses. Or I spend a lot of time ensuring that my reviews include the correct spelling for the name--not my shortened or simplified version.

But I do like names that are not necessarily common but still very easy--such as Jace. When any of us say Jace, we typically know what character (and consequently what book) without a lot of explanation. Names like John or Mary are so common that we need to be very clear about which John or which Mary or which book that includes John and/or Mary we are talking about.  And I have found that people are really good at picking out these names (and identifying them) as I have been running my YA Couple Trivia Quiz.  

What character names do you find really identify the specific book in your mind without a lot of extra information?

Please stop by my 300 follower giveaway before you hop on through.  :)

Follow Friday (13)

Q: What would your prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

Umm.  This is a hard question.  I am not a big re-reader.  I love to experience new books--and there are so many new books and new-to-me books that I want to read.  But I do not often find them mediocre--and if I do not like the book that much I will quit and move on.

But at the same time--I have books that I have read, re-read, and will re-read over and over again.



Please visit my giveaway.

Follow Friday (12)

Q: Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kickass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?

My favorite books all:

1) Were written in a way that absolutely drew me in.  When I first read Gone With the Wind (I was in middle school), the story and the writing enthralled me.  I could not put the book down which absolutely shocked me (and my friends) since it was by far the longest book I had tackled at the time.

2) Have a timeless story that can transcend time.  I have read and watched many re-interpretations of Pride and Prejudice and while nothing trumps the original--they always draw me back to Elizabeth and Darcy's story!

3) Have characters that stay with me long after the last page.  Aria and Percy both intrigued me--and I cannot wait to have another installment so I can read more.

What prompts you to claim a book as one of your favorites?

Follow Friday (11)

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

I do not have a genre that I avoid at all costs, but I do notice that my favorite genre seems to swift from time to time.  I will go through phases where I read almost exclusively YA and then a lot of classics and then a lot of different adult books.  So many books catch my attention that it is hard to say that I would not find at least one book in that genre that I like!

Lately, it seems to be a lot of YA books.  And I am hosting a giveaway for one of the books that I think will be my favorite for 2012:



What book has surprised you the most?  Maybe you thought you would not like it and did or maybe you thought you would love it and did not?

Follow Friday (10)

Question of the Week: Go count the number of unread books sitting on your shelf. How many?

I wish my books were sitting neatly on a shelf.  They are in piles and in boxes.  But if I had to make a guess, I would say that I have at least 100 books.

This is a big part of the reason I have set the TBR Intervention as one of my big new years resolutions for 2012.  I want to get some of the books I have on hand cleared out (maybe then I can justify buying more books?)

I would also like to finally finish some of the series that I have started, that I liked, but that I have not been able finish:







Do you have any series that you started and liked but have not finished the books that are out?  If you have read the series above, which one would you recommend I finish first?

Follow Friday (9)

Question of the Week: The New Year is here -- and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

Since I had my unplanned hiatus not too long ago--I had set some new goals/resolutions for myself then that I intend to continue with through the new year:
1) Review at least one book a week (and so far this goal has been going well so I think I have gotten into a groove that I can keep up with--I am however taking two college classes next semester so I will have to see what that does to my reading-for-fun time!)
2) Bring back my To The Movie posts which focuses on the movies based on books that I have already read.  I have been having a lot of fun going to the movies or renting movies I have been meaning to watch based on books that I loved (or at least liked as the case may be). 
3) Review more short stories and/or novellas.  This has been a genre that I have enjoyed exploring more and more but I have found that it is harder and harder to find stand-alone options that fit into these categories.  I have found quite a few anthologies--but I would love recommendations on short stories or novellas that you loved.
4) The TBR Intervention.  My TBR pile is ridiculous!  I have to get a handle on it in the new year.  So I am making a pledge to get focused on my TBR pile in the new year by participating in this challenge/intervention all year long.  Hopefully, I can get through some of the really great books that people recommended for me!

Challenges...as of right now I think the TBR Intervention is going to be my only reading "challenge" for 2012, but I am interested to see what you all have set for your blogging resolutions and/or challenges.  I may find one that I cannot resist.  :)

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Q: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to books? Maybe you don’t like love triangles or thin plots? Tell us about it!

Ironically--I put my literary pet peeves on my about me page because I think it is important to be open and honest about them.  So here they are again--I am looking forward to see what some of my blogging buddies put down.  
•NEGATIVE EXAMPLES:

I do not like when borderline abusive or controlling or unhealthy relationships are portrayed as good or valuable. Or when one character has to change everything about him/herself to appease or keep the other person. I do not want to see these types of relationships presented as something to aspire to.

However, I do not want to insinuate that I mind vampires and mythical beings (I love them!). I appreciate open and honest dialogue about sex and relationships in the stories (regardless of whether it is internal dialogue or not). I like to see the characters grow, test the boundaries, and explore, but I want to see them learn to value themselves.


•SERIES, SERIES EVERYWHERE

It seems that almost every new book I pick up or learn about is a part of a series, but it is not the overwhelming number of series that peeves me. I love series. I love the complexity that an author can explore when he/she has the freedom of many books. BUT if it feels like the story could have been told in fewer pages or fewer books, then it seems like such a waste.

Also, the book I am reading in a series should be a complete story. Yes, I understand that there will be a cliffhanger; something to compel me to read the next book in the series. BUT the book I am reading right now should be a complete story. It should be more then a feeder into the next book in the series. 

Follow Friday (7)

I want to thank Parajunkee and Alison Can Read for the opportunity to be one of the feature blogs for Follow Friday. And I wish everyone a slightly belated Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Q: It's Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. so we want to know what you are Thankful for - blogging related of course! Who has helped you out along the way? What books are you thankful for reading?

I am thankful for my friend, clb.  She was the person who most supported my idea of having a book blog.  And when I got overwhelmed and started neglecting the blog, she was the one that reminded me how much I loved blogging.  She brought me back.  

I am thankful for my daughter, although I am not sure that I would say she has helped with the blog.  Currently as I am writing (or more accurately trying to write) this post she is demanding my attention to help pack her backpack to go to our cousin's house for Thanksgiving.  But she is a huge source of joy in my life--and reading with her before bed reminds me everyday of the importance of reading and how much fun it can be.

Books that I am thankful for reading...now that is a tough question.  

Pride and Prejudice is one of the books that I can read over and over and over again.  And every time I fall back in love with Darcy and Elizabeth!
I read Gone with the Wind in middle school--it was my first taste of an "adult" book (or at least what I thought of as an adult book at the time).  I was hooked--who could not love Rhett Butler. 
Revolution is one of the books that I read this year that really stuck with me.  I could not get it out of my mind the way that Jennifer Donnelly brought the music alive in words and the way that she intertwined the French Revolution-era story with the modern-day story.  I cannot wait to read it again!
And last but certainly not least--I have to list Outlander because I have been talking about it non-stop since I started it.  It took me a while to get through, but it was worth every second!