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Girls*Heart* Books: March 2012

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Author Appreciation Day 29: Double Dose: Laurie Halse Anderson And Ellen Hopkins Doin' It Real


Author Appreciation Day 29 greet y'all with a double dose of the hardcore realness, with Ellen Hopkins and Laurie Halse Anderson.

Laurie Halse Anderson's Website
Laurie Halse Anderson is the New York Times bestselling author of Speak, Catalyst, Wintergirls, Fever 1793, Twisted, Prom, Thank You Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving, The Hair Of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes To School, The Wild At Heart series, and Seeds Of America.


To be honest I have only read Speak so far, but Catalyst, Wintergirls, Fever 1793, and Prom are on my TBR pile, and Twisted is sitting on my bookshelves. I really need to catch up.

Speak broke my heart. I would love to talk about it for hours, but I'm not sure how to do so without completely ruining the whole story. I remember I decided I needed to buy it, when some jerk who was afraid of life decided it should become banned from public schools. I thought this was a stupid thing, and decided I needed to find out what all the hubbub was about.

I was not disappointed at ALL, and I am in love with this novel so much. So hardcore...unf. Beautiful.

Ellen Hopkins Website

Ellen Hopkins is the New York Times bestselling author of Crank, Glass, Fallout, Impulse, Perfect, Burned, Identical, TricksTriangles, and Tilt.


I found Crank while on a verse kick. I was also in a what-is-so-realisticly-dark-that-I'll-be-doubled-over-bawling mood. Crank, written in verse, is the book that makes my verse-hating friends love it.

The novel is based off the real life story of Ellen's daughter, who also danced with the monster (as Ellen would phrase). Knowing this makes it all the more gut wrenching, and I adore every minute of it.

The Crank trilogy is currently the only novels of Ellen Hopkins' that I have purchased, as of yet. Ugh, I need more money.

Anyhow. I shall meet you all at the bookstore to pick up the rest of my books! I'll see you, there!


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Author Appreciation Day 28: the Marvelous Meg Cabot


Today we are showing love to the wonderfully diversified Meg Cabot! She is the author of (so) many fantastic series' for teens & adults. I love her because I can read pretty much all of her books, regardless of what age they are meant for. 

Meg Cabot's Website
I honestly don't even remember how I came across my first Meg Cabot book, but I do know which one it was. Boy Next Door, one of her adult novels.  It was hilarious and I loved the way it was written, in journal entries and phone messages and lists. It was phenomenal, in my opinion, and I have loved every book I've read by her since! But my absolute favorite series by her is the Heather Mills Mystery books! 

First of all the characters are hilarious; Heather is someone you'd want to hang out with all the time. She's sassy and sweet & funny as all get out! Then we have Cooper-Heather's hunky roommate who she wishes was more. Add some love struck college students and a few loyal friends and there you have it; a recipe for a fantastic read!





Heather Wells Rocks!

Or, at least, she did. That was before she left the pop-idol life behind after she gained a dress size or two -- and lost a boyfriend, a recording contract, and her life savings (when Mom took the money and ran off to Argentina). Now that the glamour and glory days of endless mall appearances are in the past, Heather's perfectly happy with her new size 12 shape (the average for the American woman!) and her new job as an assistant dorm director at one of New York's top colleges. That is, until the dead body of a female student from Heather's residence hall is discovered at the bottom of an elevator shaft.

The cops and the college president are ready to chalk the death off as an accident, the result of reckless youthful mischief. But Heather knows teenage girls . . . and girls do not elevator surf. Yet no one wants to listen -- not the police, her colleagues, or the P.I. who owns the brownstone where she lives -- even when more students start turning up dead in equally ordinary and subtly sinister ways. So Heather makes the decision to take on yet another new career: as spunky girl detective!

But her new job comes with few benefits, no cheering crowds, and lots of liabilities, some of them potentially fatal. And nothing ticks off a killer more than a portly ex-pop star who's sticking her nose where it doesn't belong . . .

It's a fantastic series and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book, due out in July!
A delectable comedy mystery that proves once more that the much beloved author of The Princess Diaries rules in the realm of grown-up women’s fiction as well. Heather’s got her hands full when a pop star and her reality TV camera crew invade the dorm—bringing with them a summer camp-full of adoring teen admirers—only to have an inconvenient homicide spoil the fun. There’s romance, treachery, merry mayhem and music—just the ticket for readers who like to rock out on the hip contemporary singleton fiction of Sophie Kinsella, Jennifer Weiner, and Jane Green.

I can't wait!! Have you guys read Meg's books? Which was your favorite?



"Waiting on" Wednesday: Insurgent by Veronica Roth


"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're super excited about! My pick for this week is: 

Insurgent (Divergent series Book #2)
by: Veronica Roth
Publication Date: May 1,2012

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature. (Goodreads)


I cannot begin to tell you how very excited I am to read this book! I love the characters & Roth's writing style! I have this one pre-ordered & I know I'll start reading the moment it comes in the mail! What are your picks for this week? 



Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Author Appreciation Day 27: The Spectacular Simone Elkeles


Author Appreciation Day 27: The Spectacular Simone Elkeles

Simone Elkeles's Website!
Simone Elkeles is the New York Times bestselling author of Perfect Chemistry, the How To Ruin series, and Leaving Paradise. She has a new series, entitled the Fullriders.


Perfect Chemistry is a novel about Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes, who are basically at each others throats until they figure out they are in love. The novel is written very well, and it is so dang funny and yet angsty and I just love it. When it comes to contemporary, I love when the couple is just tiptoeing around each other, with NO triangles involved. Well, a two-way triangle, but the other parties really kind of suck in my opinion (not written badly, just don't have ANY chemistry with Brit or Alex) so I see no competition. The series continues onto Alex's younger brothers, Carlos and Luis. So far, I am liking Carlos best out of all three, but...to each their own, I suppose? hehe 


The How To Ruin series is about 16-year-old Amy Nelson, who is drug off to Israel to "reconnect" with her estranged father (or Sperm Donor, if you want to be real with me). Based on the cover, and the continuation of the series, you just HAVE to guess she meets a cute boy there. Obviously. How to Ruin a Summer Vacation is sitting on my bookshelf, but I haven't gotten to it yet. I'm a bad person like that. Hehe


Leaving Paradise is a novel about Caleb Becker, who left a party and, while drunk, hit Maggie Armstrong, leaving her with a limp. I'm not sure about most of this book, but it's Simone's, so I must purchase it and read it.

Simone writes in a lovely blend of angst/humor, and it is just my style for "human" books. I am super excited for her Fullriders novels, even though I have no idea what it's about yet. Anyhow!

See you at the bookstore!


Teaser Tuesday: Oh. My. Gods.




Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can participate! All you have to do is:

Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



Today's teaser is from "Oh. My. Gods." by Tera Lynn Childs. If you like demigod stories and humor with drama, you'd love this!


'I feel myself burst through the wall, demolishing it with a mental sledgehammer. Energy - or adrenaline or endorphins - flows through me and all my pain fades away.'


It's very dramatic. Fun fun. Hehe I recommend this definitely!



Monday, March 26, 2012

Tammy's Two Cents/Author Appreciation Day 26: Jana Oliver

Author Appreciation day 26; Jana Oliver
The Demon Trapper’s Daughter series Interview, Review and Giveaway!
Buy Now on Amazon.com!
Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.



2018 Atlanta, the city and the United States as a whole is pretty much bankrupt, demons are everywhere, and trappers and hunters are hard at work to keep demons off the streets so they won't kill people or claim souls for Hell. Riley Blackthorne wants to be a Demon Trapper like her father, Paul Blackthorne. Riley does as much as she can to prove that she's capable of taking care of herself by holding her own against the demons and the males that dominate the Trapper world she chooses to live in. Enter Beck, Paul’s partner and once apprentice, I really enjoyed his character. He's funny, Fiercely loyal, and protective of Riley. Throw in fellow apprentice Simon and you’ve got yourself a nifty little love triangle! This book really has a lot going on an I love the way Jana kept it all cohesive and flowing throughout the read; demons, angels, zombies and necromancers keep Riley quite busy. My favorite character (you get a brief glimpse in this book but, more so in the next book) is the little Ninja Cat Burgler demon that Riley keeps in a sippy cup in her cupboard… he is just so darn cute! This book is a well paced, action packed, captivating read… a must read not only for anyone that loves paranormal but, anyone that is ready for a strong female character lead. (Be sure to check out all Jana’s works on Amazon.com)
Now on the the good stuff! Jana Oliver was kind enough to answer some questions for me and offer up some freebies for you, her loyal fans… here is my Interview with the Marvelously Talented Jana Oliver (contest details to follow)…

*Tell me a bit about yourself. Let’s see, what would you like to know? I’m married and have been for a very long time. I am an amateur photographer who rarely gets time to enjoy that art form nowadays (boo!). I like to travel and I enjoy good chocolate and single malt Scotch.
*Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Dubuque, Iowa but currently I call Atlanta home. So I’m still a Midwesterner who is also a Southerner.
*What was your inspiration for The Demon Trappers Daughter series?
Lots of things gave me that spark of inspiration. The first spark came from GOOD OMENS, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s excellent tale about the End of the World and how an angel and demon are desperate to prevent armageddon. That got me thinking about how I’d write a story about Good vs. Evil and all the gray areas in between. I was also fascinated by Lucifer’s story, how initially he is an unnamed servant of God and how we changed his role over the centuries.
*Was there a particular person that was the inspiration for Riley?
No. I didn’t base her on anyone I know. She’s totally unique. She is most definitely not based on me because I was nothing like Ms. Riley when I was seventeen.
*What was it like when you got the call that TDTD had been accepted and would be published?
I got “the call” from my literary agent while I was in a hotel parking lot in Orlando. I danced around a lot which made some folks stare. I was so jazzed!
*Thus far we have 2 books in the series (The Demon Trappers Daughter and The Soul Thief), we are anxiously awaiting book 3 (Shameless plug! Forgiven out on March 27th) do you know yet how many books will be in the series? There will be four total. I’ll be turning in the final manuscript to my US editor the end of March. I’m hoping we’ll see it available for readers in Fall 2012.
*Whom in your life would you say has influenced you the most? Probably the most influential person has been my husband. From the moment we married he told me that I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to. Sometimes what I do ends in failure, but he never criticized those blunders. Instead, he would just tell me to keep on going. I did and that’s why I’m where I am today.
*What has been the most interesting comment (or review) about your book?
I once had a reviewer write a poem to Simon after he broke up with Riley. The reviewer was way steamed and the poem was darned hilarious.
*Tell us your latest news.
The French edition of Demon Trapper’s Daughter (DEVIL CITY) is being published on March 9th. That just rocks my world.
*What book are YOU currently reading?
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.
*Please, do tell why we should read your series.
Because it’s a young girl’s journey through some really rough times and how she overcomes all that to find herself and the one guy who loves her.
Or… you should read it because it’s butt-kicking demon action and some kissing. How’s that??
*Finally, i must ask, you have another series titled "The Time Rovers"... i feel the need to read it just because you wrote it. Give us a tidbit, something to send us dashing to purchase these books as well!
I’ll make this easy: Time Travelers. Shape-shifters. Jack the Ripper. This is not a young adult series and it’s set in 1888 London (during the Ripper murders) and the future of 2057. It’s all about the adventures of Jacynda Lassiter, a Senior Time Rover who escorts “tourists” into various time periods. She’s snarky, take-charge and no-nonsense. In short, she’s a lot of fun. The series is complete in three books: SOJOURN, VIRTUAL EVIL and MADMAN’S DANCE. And yes, there is some romance, as well. ;-)
Okay, here are the goodies up for grabs (and a hearty Thank You to Jana for this swag!)….
First Place - signed copy of Forgiven with swag
Second Place - tee shirt with swag
Third Place – swag
*Swag could be any 1 or combination of the following: Atlanta Demon Trappers iron-on patch
Demon Trappers winged logo sticker
Demon Trappers Demon postcard (Grade One Magpie)
Demon Trappers temp tattoo*
* * To enter 1.you MUST like Mel’s Book Blog on Facebook 2.you MUST like The Demon Trapper’s Daughter on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Demon-Trappers-Daughter/195652060467006) 3.you MUST leave a comment here on the blog. Good luck to you all! * *


Book 2; The Soul Thief

Book 3 (out March 27th) Forgiven