Let's Celebrate

Get your streamers out and let’s celebrate! Not only has someone won themselves a book, but I have been blogging for over a month. To be exact 34 days. Woo-hoo! I have enjoyed my blogging adventures so far and have already hosted a giveaway! I think I’m off to a great start! What do think? How are my blog posts? Are they too boring, too preppy? Was my first giveaway a winner? Do you enjoy my reviews? .... Why don’t you leave me a comment and tell me what you think of me and my blog? I Love Comments and hearing what you have to say. :)

The giveaway is over and we have ourselves a winner! Be sure to check your email as you may have snagged yourself a book. The giveaway may be over, but don’t fret my lovely followers, I love giveaways and putting a smile on people’s faces, and there’s no better way to show some love than through books or anything bookish! So hopefully, it shouldn’t be too long before another one comes your way! 

Thanks so much for following!

Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

Looking For Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

For as long as Josephine Alibrandi can remember, it’s just been her, her mom, and her grandmother. Now it’s her final year at a wealthy Catholic high school. The nuns couldn’t be any stricter—but that doesn’t seem to stop all kinds of men from coming into her life.
Caught between the old-world values of her Italian grandmother, the nononsense wisdom of her mom, and the boys who continue to mystify her, Josephine is on the ride of her life. This will be the year she falls in love, the year she discovers the secrets of her family’s past—and the year she sets herself free.

Told with unmatched depth and humour, this novel—which swept the pool of Australian literary awards and became a major motion picture—is one to laugh through and cry with, to cherish and remember.

Review:

When I first cracked open the book and read the first couple of pages, I was already chuckling and smiling to myself. I loved the way the book began, it was funny and entertaining, and made a great first impression. I liked how it started; as it gives you an inside look on the main character, Josephine, through a quiz. However, she is interrupted by no less than an angry nun. Doesn’t that make for an interesting beginning? J

This book displayed so many emotions. It was funny, bubbly, passionate, cultural, a great coming of age story, heartfelt and overall just so good! I really enjoyed it, and think that Melina Marchetta did an excellent job on her debut. Just look at her now and all her books that have been published!

Melina Marchetta writes characters, that are both real and relatable, resulting in making a connection with the reader.  Josie reminded me of Francesca, from Saving Francesca, as they are both strong, real characters. Not to mention Italian.

Whilst reading the book, Josie admits to being one of those pass-the-parcel hoggers. When I came across this I thought to myself, ‘Aren’t we all!’

‘Well, I was one of those “pass the parcel” hoggers. I used to hold on to the parcel for five seconds more in case the music stopped. The same for “musical chairs”. I’d stand in front of the chair and not move. I was banned from parties after that.’

This reminded me of exactly what I used to do. Shameful, I know. Luckily I wasn’t banned from parties!

Even though I’m not Italian, I am Portuguese and the European similarities rang true. Like the forbidden lounge and force feeding.

Rating 5/5

Kirsty Eager Week!!

Guess what! Kirsty Eager week is on. And I thought I better get the word, incase you don't already know , cause' it's gonna be totally awesome. There are going to be reviews, giveaways and much more so stay tuned and make sure to visit Irresistible Reads and Bibliophile Brouhaha, as they are the hosts!

I have read Raw Blue and if you care to read my review, follow the link.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/185981230
If you haven’t read this book I would suggest you get yourself a copy. You can thank me later. J

I am really looking forward to Kirsty Eager week, and I am sure you are too!



Irresistible Reads:
http://irresistiblereads.blogspot.com/

Bibliophile Brouhaha
http://bibliophilebrouhaha.blogspot.com/

Missy's Amazing Giveaway

Guess what guys! Missy’s Epic 1000 Follower Giveaway is on, and your all invited!

There are going to be FIVE themed prize packs that you can choose from. It's up to you how many you'd like to enter to win, so enter just one... or a few... or all of them! Each one has a specific theme and all the books in the prizes will come brand-spanking-new from Book Depository, which makes each and every one eligible to be INTERNATIONAL.

The themed prize packs include:

*Prize Pack #1: The Beach Bum Prize Pack

*Prize Pack #2: Bitten & Smitten Prize Pack

*Prize Pack #3: Boys, Boys, Boys Prize Pack

*Prize Pack #4: Everything In-Between Prize Pack

*Prize Pack #5: Surprise Prize Pack

*PLUS a Bonus Prize Pack: Ultimate Follower Prize Pack

To check out the amazing giveaway just head to her site:

http://missyreadsreviews.blogspot.com/#

Great Giveaway at LC's Adventures in Libraryland

Found a giveaway I think you'll all enjoy. Read on to find out more and how to enter.

LC's Adventures in Wonderland has reached another blogging milestone by reaching 500 wonderful followers! To celebrate reaching the 500 mark she will be giving away TWO (2) BOOKS to a first place winner, and ONE (1) BOOK to a second and third place winner!!

To enter this giveaway just head to the site before it's too late!

Ends 31st of August.

http://lcsadventuresinlibraryland.blogspot.com/2011/07/lcs-500-follower-giveaway.html

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

Review:
When I first stumbled across this book, I mistakenly took it as cutesy novel, something I wouldn’t be interested in, but with all the RAVING reviews , I decided to buy a copy and see what all the golly fuss was about. And I am so glad I did! I only wish I had of found this adorable book sooner.

I want to sing from the roof top how bloody brilliant this is. I want to start a group and discuss everything I loved about it. And I wan’t to tell those who haven’t yet read this book, to Run, not jog, but bolt, to your nearest bookstore to get a copy to read...like NOW!

If you STILL need convincing read on to find out everything I loved about Anna and the French Kiss. J

As soon as opened and read the first couple of pages, I already wanted more – more story, more Anna, more Paris, more everything . Within minutes Stephanie Perkins had already managed to put a smile on my dial. ;)

I loved the gang - each and everyone one of them. I became completely invested in the characters and I loved learning about them as they were all so interesting and cool. I liked that the characters were real  - not fake and bolony. Eveyone has faults *gasp* and I am glad that Stephanie Perkins included them in her characters, as I found it easy to relate to the them, and I am sure a lot of other readers did too!
Loved St. Clair – he was swoony-licous

I loved Stephanie Perkins writing style, it was easy to read and. I also loved the way she described Paris, it was beautiful, especially on Anna’s first night out. She made the scene come right off the page and I felt like I was there. It was torture reading about all the delectable, delicious food. My mouth was watering, and it made me want to jump on a plane to Paris to go eat with Anna and St. Clair.

I can’t count the times that this book had me bursting out laughing. :D 

I loved the pacing! There was never a dull moment in this book.

Basically I adored every word, sentence, paragraph, page and chapter. In whole, I loved this book.

Rating 5/5

First Ever Book Giveaway!

Hey Guys,

Have I got some news for you! I am hosting my first ever Book Giveaway and your all invited – as long as the Book Depository ships to you. J

One follower will have the chance to win one of the following books:

*Gimme A Call – Sarah Mlynowski

*Invincible Summer – Hannah Moskowitz

*Sixteenth Summer – Michelle Dalton

*The Extraordinary Secret of April, May & June – Robin Benway

*Everything Beautiful – Simmone Howell

All you have to do is be a follower and fill out the form below.

Runs from the 14^th of Aug – 30 of August.

Goodluck! :)

This giveaway is open internationally (to where Book Depository delivers)

You must be over 13 years of age to enter

The contest closes on the 30st August 2011 at 6pm AWST (Australian Western Standard Time)

The winner will be contacted via email

Reading Wishes is not responsible for any issues with delivery

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dHdmUGFib0g4ZnFJX01OTFFZcmh3OVE6MQ

Black Painted Fingernails by Steven Herrick

Black Painted Fingernails by Steven Herrick

How about we toss a coin? Heads, it's west and a lift. Tails, it's still west, but no lift.'
James is heading into the country on his first teacher-training round when a mysterious girl asks him for a ride. Sophie has him all worked out: 'You live with your parents and they bought you this car, and a very nice car it is too...' At first James can't see past her wild hair and attitude, but then Sophie trusts him with a secret she's been keeping too long.Steven Herrick masterfully reveals the essence of his characters in this tough and tender story about opening up to love and living a life that's true. Black Painted Fingernails is a captivating novel by the author of By the River and other popular, award-winning books.

Review:

When I read the blurb I was like ‘Awesome!  I’ve heard great things about this author and I love road trip books! What could be better! ’ While I did enjoy it, I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would.

The book is mainly told in James’s and Sophie’s POV, however is sometimes told through the parents eyes.

My favourite aspect about this book was how, the author, Steven Herrick, described the scenes, characters and surroundings.

A snippet from the book:

*She enjoys driving; the creases around her mouth are deeper, more pronounced. Her hair falls in tangled dreads across her shoulders and down her back. Her skin is smooth and pale.   pg. 68

I liked Sophie and James, the main characters, especially Sophie. There was something about her and her black painted fingernails that attracted me. I found her to be an interesting character and I wanted to know more about her.

I enjoyed this book and will be sure to check out some of his other titles.

Rating 3/5

Do you have a favourite Steven Herrick book, that you would like to recommend me?Feel free to leave a comment. J

A Straight Line to my Heart

A Straight Line To My Heart by Bill Condon

School is over, not just for the year, but forever. Tiff and Kayla are free, which is what they've always wanted, but now summer is nearly at and end and that means life decisions. Tiff is hoping her job at the local paper will lead to something more... But 'The Shark' soon puts her straight on what it takes to become a hard-nosed reporter like him. At home, Reggie - the o...moreSchool is over, not just for the year, but forever. Tiff and Kayla are free, which is what they've always wanted, but now summer is nearly at and end and that means life decisions. Tiff is hoping her job at the local paper will lead to something more... But 'The Shark' soon puts her straight on what it takes to become a hard-nosed reporter like him. At home, Reggie - the only grandad she's ever known - has quit the smokes and diagnosed himself as cactus. Then Kayla hits her with some big news. And into all this stumbles Davey, the first boy who has ever really wanted to know her.

Tiff is smart with words and rarely does tears, but in one short week she discovers that words don't always get you there; they don't let you say all the stuff from deep in your heart.

Review:

I had heard about A Straight Line to my Heart, and read good reviews about it. It was on my to-read list, but I wasn’t urgent to read it, but when I came across it in a bookstore, I picked it up and decided to buy it. And I am very glad I did.

Awesomely Aussie is how I would describe it. It’s heartfelt, completely down-to earth and a great coming of age story.

Top notch Characters. I loved them all. Real and enjoyable to read about. I also liked that the author introduced the characters slowly and not in a big lump. It gave you a chance to get to know them - their quirks and personalities.

So uniquely grafted. I loved the author’s prose, it was easy to read and had me flipping through the pages. So many good scenes that had me smiling, too. Pick it up, and I think you’ll discover what I’m talking about. J

I thought it would be good, but never did I ever imagine it being this brilliant. I was hooked and enjoyed it from start to finish. I loved every minute of this book. This book is an example of why I love read!

Rating 5/5

And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky

And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky

Keek’s life was totally perfect.

Keek and her boyfriend just had their Worst Fight Ever, her best friend heinously betrayed her, her parents are divorcing, and her mom’s across the country caring for her newborn cousin, who may or may not make it home from the hospital. To top it all off, Keek’s got the plague. (Well, the chicken pox.) Now she’s holed up at her grandmother’s technologically-barren house until further notice. Not quite the summer vacation Keek had in mind.

With only an old typewriter and Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar for solace and guidance, Keek’s alone with her swirling thoughts. But one thing’s clear through her feverish haze—she’s got to figure out why things went wrong so she can put them right.

Review:
Basically this book is a daily account, like a diary, of how’s she feeling, random thoughts and filling you in on what’s happening and how things began to fall apart.
Unfortunately, this will be my first book review on my new blog where I won’t boast or gush.  I  read about 60 pages and then just abandoned it. I am not one who like's to abandon a book. Who does?

Anyone who loves books and adores reading knows how disappointing it is when you don’t enjoy a book. Especially one that you think is going to be awesome and you pre-order.

But sadly this book just wasn’t for me. Reading time became more like a chore, something I wanted to put off. However, just because I didn’t enjoy this book doesn’t mean you won’t! It is only my opinion. Anyone who can write and publish a book that they’ve written is awesome and takes a lot of dedication and patience. That task alone deserves to be acknowledged.

Rating 1/5

Awesome Aussie Book Giveaway!!

Hey Guys,
Have I got some awesome news for you!
It's Aussie August month, and do you know what that means?
Heaps of giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts, and more. Which means, it's going to be a very awesome month!

To check out an awesome Aussie book giveaway, open internationally!!, check out In the Good Books, before the 30th of August, to be in the running for to win some great Australian titles, that aren't yet available overseas.
Check out the website below:
http://inthegoodbooks.blogspot.com/
:)

Good Luck!!

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley

A summer of friendship, romance, and songs in major chords. . .

CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music, and she knows she's good at it. But she only sings when she's alone, on the moonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record and CD Store. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, surrounded by ghosts and grieving family, and serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod, her guitar, and all her recording equipment, but she wants more: A friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she's not entirely unspectacular.

ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway and hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke but can't wait to leave their small country town. And she's figured out a way: she's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in. Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out.

Told in alternating voices and filled with music, friendship, and romance, Charlie and Rose's "little wanting song" is about the kind of longing that begins as a heavy ache but ultimately makes us feel hopeful and wonderfully alive.

Review:

A Little Wanting Song is told in both Charlie’s and Rose’s POV. Alternating each  chapter.

I liked how their lives became entwined and their stories came together. I loved that they became friends and that Rose gave Charlie a chance, even if in the beginning it wasn’t for the right reasons.

I love how the author described each scene with such descriptive, figurative language, making me feel like I’m seeing it first hand and not written between the pages of a book. 

Just two examples below of what to expect.

*Because Rose had red silk for hair. Becuase she laughed like a trumpet, mellow   and sweet as a mango.

And another, I’m sorry I couldn't resist.

*The leaves blew off the trees and scattered colour. In the light from the gym they looked like tiny pink tounges.

Wowish and so magical. Just a few teasers of what this book has to offer.

I love Cath Crowley’s style of writing it captures the reader and is written in such a beautiful , lyrical manner.

Great Characters.  Loved Charlie, she was a great character and in a word, real. Dave is a guy worth writing songs about, as Charlie says. He is sweet, caring and just a great guy in general. Then there was Rose, who I didn’t really like at the beginning, but as the story progressed and I got to know her, that changed. Also, can’t forget  troublemaker, Luke, who turns out to be not all that bad in the end. J

Recommend it to: People who like music and those who enjoy reading anything Aussie.

Rating: 3/5