TGIF {4}

TGIF is a fun post created by Ginger at GReads.  It’s to recap what you’ve posted about through the week and then Ginger asks a fun question.


This weeks question is about character envy: If you could be one character from a book, who would you choose & why?


Wow.  This is a tough question.  There are so many amazing characters out there (Anne (with an E), Laura Ingalls, Bella, Deuce, Annabelle Greene, Vi, etc) so I'm just going to use the first one that popped into mind.  Tris from Divergent by Veronica Roth.  Although she doesn't always believe it she is strong minded, tough, kind.  She knows what she wants and goes after it.  While she doesn't live in an ideal world she makes the most of it.  She also earned the attention of my favorite book-boy-crush, Four.  That right there is more than enough to want to be her.  


If you have read Divergent (are you living under a rock?) go out and read it now!  Hands down favorite book of the year.

Tune In Tuesday {3}

Tune In Tuesday is a fun weekly post hosted by Ginger at GReads.  It's a great way to see what kind of music other people are loving.  I’ve seen these around and just had to join in the fun.


I think most people know the song Careless Whisper (at least most born before or during the 80s).  George Michael released it in 1984.  Seether then covered it in 2009 (there have been more over the years).  While I like George Michael's original I LOVE Seether's cover.  What do you think?

TGIF {3}

TGIF is a fun post created by Ginger at GReads.  It’s to recap what you’ve posted about through the week and then Ginger asks a fun question.


This weeks topic is a bookshelf tour.  Where do you keep your books at home? Are they organized?


My books (for the most part) are kept in the "computer room" or office.  My goal is to one day have a huge over-sized chair and walls full of books.  But right now I have two bookshelves (that I also store photo albums on).  I'd like to say they are organized, but they are not.   

I really need another bookshelf (one shelf holds two rows), but that will come with time, these two are fairly new (I also have a bunch of books at my moms house, all mine from growing up...but shh...let's not remind her of this).  There's also a few books laying around the house.  I just like to see books out in the open.  


I do have quit a few more books than what is here on the shelves b/c I own one of these...dun dun dun....

Yes...I own a kindle and I love it!  But I DO STILL BUY BOOKS (purchased Wintergirls this weekend at a certain bookstore)!  I am not a big fan of hard backs.  Never have been.  I get it from my dad.  He would always wait until the new John Grisham was out in paperback before purchasing.  They are just big, bulky and (to me) hard to read comfortably.  That's the reason I purchased my kindle.  So I can get books as soon as they come out without having to have them in hard back (I also live in a town that doesn't have the biggest selection at a certain bookstore, so this comes in handy).  Then I can buy it when it comes in paperback.  Now if it's a book I adore then yes, I will buy it in hardback so it can sit pretty on my shelf. 

Ripple

It's Ripple release day and author/agent Mandy Hubbard is having a contest!  Info here.  Can't wait to get to this book soon.

RIPPLE is the story of Lexi, a girl with a dark secret-- she's cursed to spend her nights swimming, singing her deadly song and luring in unsuspecting vicitims. To keep everyone around her safe, she has no friends, and no boyfriend-- becuase the last time she fell in love, he ended up dead. But of course, there's a new boy....

Tune In Tuesday {2}

Tune In Tuesday is a fun weekly post hosted by Ginger at GReads.  It's a great way to see what kind of music other people are loving.  I’ve seen these around and just had to join in the fun.


My song choice this week is one of my all time favorite songs!  I have loved this song since I first heard it play.  It has no special meaning, it doesn't really remind me of anything, it's just an awesome song!  ANY time it comes on the radio I turn it up and jam, singing along with the song (depending on how many cars are around I might even dance a little).  And if I arrive at my destination, yes...I have to sit in the car until it's over!


Here you go....LIT, "My Own Worst Enemy"

TGIF {2}

TGIF is a fun post created by Ginger at GReads.  It’s to recap what you’ve posted about through the week and then Ginger asks a fun question.




This weeks question is about Book Blogger Appreciation: Which book blogs have inspired you or made a difference in your blogging experience?  This is hands down the easiest question ever!  Three people quickly jumped into my mind.




Katelyn (The World of Books, Music & Life), although she makes me want to buy too many books to count, is my favorite book blogger.  I might not have a chance to comment on each and every one of her posts (I try to hit them all), but I read them all!  Her book reviews are amazing and her Tune In Tuesdays always give me new music to listen too.  But it's more than just her blogging!  She's super fun to chat with, a ray of sunshine.  I learn a little bit more each day.  She is a very caring and supportive person, not just to me, but everyone.  We also share a love for  procrastinating, mainly when faced with packing.  If you haven't checked out her blog, well...go!  What are you waiting for?  She also makes a pretty awesome (yet creepy) zombie...click here to see the picture!


Melanie (A New Kind of Ordinary) is one of my favorite twitter tweeps/bloggers/writing buddies ever!  Her tweets are thoughtful and hilarious, her posts about books and writing are amazing, and she's a great critique partner with tons of helpful tips!  Because of her blog I'm participating in the Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Challenge and couldn't be happier about it.  Check out her blog, it's beautiful FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.  


Jamie (Writers Write, Right?) is one my newer blogger buddies.  He started following me on twitter when he noticed I was from Alabama (small world).  After encouraging him into going to ALA in NOLA I checked the blog for his updates and started following.  I found so many of my favorite things there!  His (along with Katelyn's) are the reason I started participating in this weekly meme.  Jamie also has a book, "Blood Born" (book one in The Blood Born Prophecy Trilogy), due out spring 2012.  Be sure to check out his blog.


Ashley (Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing) is another favorite.  I love her honesty.  I know that if I'm curious about a book she's read she will tell me exactly what she thought of it.  She's kind, always willing to answer questions, and funny, always a laugh to be had chatting on twitter.  We found out that we share a few similar pet peeves, so that's always fun.  The most incredible thing is her love for books and how much she encourages others to read, it really is amazing.  Make sure you check her out. 


There are many more out there but these would be my top three!  Happy Friday!


This week:
Tune In Tuesday {1}
Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Challenge
The Goat Says...? (a meme)
Stand Up and Fight

Stand up and fight!

Lindsay is hosting a giveaway on her blog to raise money for a cause that touches is all! It's closing soon so be site to stop by and helps spread the word. There is a cure, we just have to work harder to find it.

Stand up and fight against cancer!

The Goat says...?

The lovely Cherie tagged me in this crazy meme...although I can't blame her for it's wackiness!  She just passed it along.  So here goes....

1.  Are you a HOT rutabaga? 

At first I was going to say no, but after thinking about it…HECK YES!  Cause then I don’t have to eat said rutabaga, cause you know, that would be cannibalism and we won’t even go there.

2.  When was the last time you ate lion meat? 

Way back in the day, I think it was a Wednesday.

3.  Upload a heartwarming picture that makes you smile.

This is one of my favorite pictures of my son.  He's three and a half , so I don't mind posting it.  He looks nothing like this now.  And he moves a lot more.  A.  Lot!  He's currently learning how to ride a skateboard, squishing his toes along the way.

4.  What songs would be playing when you go back in time to beat the crap out of someone, and who, may I ask, would be this someone unfortunate enough to be in your time traveling dimensional line? 

I Will Not Bow by Breaking Benjamin and oh, I have a few people in mind.  They shall remain nameless.

5.  Name one habit you want to change in yourself because it makes people plot your demise. 

That I have OCD tendencies.  Espicially when playing cards or board games.  My cards, game pieces, whatever, HAVE to be lined up perfectly and in some type of order (shape, size, denomination).  It annoys people, mainly my family.

6.  How many goats, stacked atop one another like Yertle's Turtles, would it take to reach the moon? 

88,888…I like the number 8, so...yeah...

7.  Describe the people who tagged you in obscure Latin words. 

Comicus-she makes me laugh.

8.  Where da muffin top at? 

Panera Bread…they are called muffies.  Chocolate chip and pumpkin are awesome!

9.  Do you have nicknames? 

Of course…Mandie is one of them!

10.  What the fudge were you thinking as you were doing this? 

These goat ladies are ca-ray-zie!

Now, tag as many people as you want. (Oh, yeah, time for me to pass on the craziness.)

1. Anna

2. Melanie

3. Cheyanne

4. Heather

5. Jamie

Pick a funky nickname for #1 – Anna Banana

Write a rhyme for #2 - Melanie committed a felony...not really, but she can be silly.

Leave a lovey-dovey message for #3:  Thought you could use a little craziness to brighten your day!

Where would #4 hide in the event of an apocalypse? The beach on a boat, cause zombies can't swim (this is a zombie apocalypse, right?  Well, now it is).

#5 dreams about... Disney!  ;0)

Post-Apocalyptic/ Dystopian Challenge

I'm joining in the fun of the Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Challenge!  The challenge is to read 15 Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian books between June 27th 2011 and June 27th 2012.  The challenge was started by Books Ahoy  It's my first book challenge (well, aside from the one I set for myself on good reads).

I can’t even begin to tell you how super excited I am to post this.  My good twitter/blogging/writer buddy Mel posted about this challenge yesterday and I thought it was the neatest thing!  Then I kind of got sad.  When I first saw this I was so excited, then I read the dates.  REALLY?!  I JUST finished reading six dystopians - Wither, Divergent, Across the Universe, Delirium, Enclave, Possession - in April and May.  How am I supposed to come up with 15 more? Then it hit me...ALL THOSE BOOKS ARE GOING TO HAVE SEQUELS!  I quickly went to work checking to see when those sequels were going to be released.  All but one, maybe two (Possession companion book is out June 2012 so it's cutting it close and Outpost, the sequel to Enclave, isn't out until September 2012) will be out in time!  So there are four.  

I also have Blood Red Road and the Uglies Series (four total) that I have yet to read.  So I'm up to 9.  I've wanted to read Matched, but since Crossed is out in November I've been putting it off.  Eleven!  I started racking my brain and realized Shatter Me is out this fall also!  Twelve! 

This is where I got stuck.  I googled dystopian books (because what else is there to do) and wiki had a list!  It never even crossed my mind to add zombie books!  There's a few I've had on my to-be read pile.  On the wiki list was Hollowland (which I own) and The Forrest of Hands and Teeth series (which I've wanted to read)!  That puts me up to sixteen, seventeen if Possession companion is out in time (My full list below, not sure what order I'll read in though, this is just done by what I own, what's out, and then in order of release)! 

I can't wait to get started on this challenge.  I have a few books lined up to read first, plus some crit's to do, oh, and writing, but after that it's on!

My List for the challenge:

Blood Red Road – Moira Young – Own

Uglies – Scott Westerfeld – Own

Pretties – Scott Westerfeld – Own

Specials – Scott Westerfeld – Own

Extras – Scott Westerfeld – Own

Hollowland – Amanda Hocking – Own

The Forest of Hands and Teeth – Carrie Ryan – Out Now

The Dead-Tossed Waves – Carrie Ryan – Out Now

The Dark and Hollow Places – Carrie Ryan – Out Now

Matched – Ally Condie – Out Now

Crossed – Ally Condie – November 1 2011

Shatter Me – Tahereh Mafi – November 15 2011

A Million Suns – Beth Revis – January 2011

Fever – Lauren DeStefano – February 2011

Pandemonium – Lauren Oliver – March 2011

Insurgent – Veronica Roth – May 2011

Possession Companion – Elana Johnson – June 2011

*Release dates were found on goodreads so don't quote me on them

Tune In Tuesday {1}

Tune In Tuesday is a fun weekly post hosted by Ginger at GReads.  It's a great way to see what kind of music other people are loving.  I’ve seen these around and just had to join in the fun.

There's this song going around and it's crazy popular and I finally broke down and bought it on iTunes last night.  I’m not going to lie; I wasn't a fan of this song when it first came out.  I know crazy, right?  Apparently everyone on the planet loved it but me. 

Why didn't I love it?  Because it's one of those crazy songs that gets stuck in your head and you can't get it out for days on end!  Now I don’t listen to the radio much, when I do it’s usually a rock station, but my husband would sing parts of this song around the house and it would just get stuck in my head!  It would make me so mad because I’m going around singing two lines to a song I don't even know.  That's annoying!

So why did I break down and get the song that I only know two lines to from lack of radio listening yet it keeps getting stuck in my head?  Well, I was watching a show and one of the characters was listening to it on her *insert whatever musical playing device she was listening to here* while walking and she was listening to it loudly and I was listening to it loudly too and I was all like “wow I do like this song!”  Just seeing the power it had on the character, the way it transformed her, I wanted that.  I wanted to be the girl power walking to the song down the road.  It also gave me ideas and motivation for my current WIP.  I love songs that are motivational!

Without further ado I give you "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele

I started this blog for writing purposes so I’m going to try to post songs that inspire my writing.  And if I come up short, well I’ll just post songs I’m really loving at the moment!

P.S. Kudos to anyone who can guess what show I was watching!

TGIF {1}

TGIF is a fun post created by Ginger at GReads.  It’s to recap what you’ve posted about through the week and then Ginger asks a fun question.  I enjoy reading Katelyn's so much I had to find out how to join.

This is my first attempt, so I hope I’m doing it right!

Blogger Confession:  What's the last book you could not finish?  (or had a hard time finishing?)

There have only been 3 books that I've had a hard time finishing or wanting to finish and none of them have been YA!  Go figure. 

The first was Revolutionary Road.  I struggled getting into the book and ended up watching the movie when I was about half way through.  Knowing how the movie ended I could not finish the book.  I gave it away. 

The second was The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  It took for. Ever! to read through that book.  Once I got 3/4 of the way in it picked up and became interesting but it was just so long in the beginning.  I have yet to read the second in the series.  I'm not saying I won't, just not right now.

The last book I read and struggled finishing was "Red Riding Hood".  I haven't seen the movie, but in my opinion they should have left well enough alone and not ventured into book format.  I'm a firm believer in reading a book before watching the movie, it blew up in my face.  One lazy Sunday I decided to give it a whirl, hoping to finish it that day.  Lucky me it didn't take long at all to read.  Why?  Because I skimmed.  After a few chapters of confusing point of view and an absurd amount of over abundance descriptions—yeah, like that—I stuck to dialogue and skimming.  I just could not make myself read it word for word.  Then you get to the end.  Except, it's not the end.  You have to go online to read the last chapter!  It took me a month before I went online to read the ending.  I just didn't care enough how it ended to rush right over.  I read it and that was that.

The only book I would recommend of these three is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but with a huge disclaimer saying it's tough to get into.