Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Booking Through Thursdayand a different question is posted every week.
If you could write a book, what would it be about, and why? (Though, of course, some of you already HAVE.)
I don't think I could write a whole book. I enjoy creative writing but my A level coursework was monologues and speeches. These seem to be my comfort zone. If I could though I would like to write a humorous YA comedy, about the honest experience of school in the UK, my inspiration being Meg Cabot, her All American Girl books remain some of my favourite books, but a lot of the YA books along these lines take place in the US, and as much as I love them it would make a change to read more set where I live- adding to the ability to relate to characters that little bit more.
Received for review Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Choc Lit (7 May 2012) Language English ISBN-10: 1906931771 ISBN-13: 978-1906931773 When should you trust your heart? It's 1942 when Cassie Taylor reluctantly leaves Birmingham to become a land girl on a farm in Dorset. There she meets Robert and Stephen Denham, twins recovering from injuries sustained at Dunkirk. Cassie is instantly drawn to Stephen, but is wary of the more complex Robert - who doesn't seem to like Cassie one little bit. At first, Robert wants to sack the inexperienced city girl. But Cassie soon learns, and Robert comes to admire her courage, finding himself deeply attracted to Cassie. Just as their romance blossoms, he's called back into active service. Anxious to have adventures herself, Cassie joins the ATS. In Egypt, she meets up with Robert, and they become engaged. However, war separates them again as Robert is sent to Italy and Cassie back to the UK. Robert is reported missing, presumed dead. Stephen wants to take Robert's place in Cassie's heart. But will Cassie stay true to the memory of her first love, and will Robert come home again?
This is the third novel a trilogy. Previous novels are The Silver LocketandThe Golden Chain but work as stand alones.
This book really appealed to me. My surname is Taylor and I live in Dorset. Oh and my grandma's name was Margaret. The coincidences just pulled me to the book to make it that little bit extra special for me. The blurb made it sound like major love triangle territory but actually this was minimal and never really took off which I was grateful for as you guys know I'm not that big on love triangles.
This book is really well paced, I was practically devoured it.
I loved Cassie's spunky personality- moving to the country to work on a farm where she's never seen cows, is met with anger from Robert but she's determined to stick it out. Then joining the ATS to actively help the war effort. Her determination is so admirable that I couldn't help but admire her personality. Clearly this wins Robert round as well because he becomes her love interest. I felt I needed more from Robert in how he actually feels for Cassie because one minute he seems to despise her and the next he loves her. I wanted to see and feel more of this transformation. I really enjoyed having his point of view though, until when he is fighting in Italy towards the end of the book. Let's say there is an 'incident' or 'transgression' that while Cassie could eventually forgive him for, I could not. I became quite hostile towards him which tarnished the book a bit for me. I wish that whole section hadn't occurred.
Cassie's old granny was fun to read about- a quirky lady that is forever polishing her daughter's shrine, and Stephen, Robert's twin brother is an all round nice guy.
Over all apart from one little thing that I wish hadn't happened this book would have been perfect. So for me it's 4/5 stars. A thoroughly enjoyable historical read that once you start reading you'll find very hard to put down, due to the amazing heroine that didn't fail to make me smile.
A contemporary young-adult retelling inspired by the classic 1938 romantic suspense bestseller Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.
They call me 'New Girl'...
Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.
Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.
Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.
And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.
Q & A
Erin:What was it about Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier that made you want to re-tell it?
Paige: New Girl is basically the story of a girl being overshadowed by the presence of a missing girl. I love the spooky mood of Rebecca, and wanted to retell it in a modern setting. In high school especially, tragedies become more than just that. They become obsessions. People want to figure out the mystery behind it; they want to understand it. Put that together when high schoolers’ ability to believe the It girl has it all? High school is a world where feelings and emotions run high and rampant at all times. I wanted to take Rebecca, a truly haunting story, and put it in the minds and hands of teenagers.
Erin: What inspired you to want to become a writer?
Paige: My mom, Beth Harbison, is a New York Times Bestseller, so that should be the reason why—but really I never even thought about it. I just started writing one day, liked it, and now that’s what I do!
Erin: If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be and why?
Paige: In a world where it would ever be possible, Bill Bryson. I’d travel with him and write. He’s an absolutely brilliant author and I think he’s one of the few celebrity-types that would be a true pleasure to get to know.
Erin: Do you have any writing quirks or routines?
Paige: I write in my pajamas. When I’m stuck I find that I reload facebook and twitter about four times in a minute, forgetting each time that I just checked. I like to have snacks. Sometimes, when I’m doing a party or hookup scene, I put on the right music and mix myself a cocktail or three. I’ll have days where I sit down and make no progress at all, and other days where I pound out fifty pages. I guess what I’m saying is I am about the least consistent. Haha
Erin: Who is your dream cast for your book?
Paige: Saorise Ronan could do a very good job I think playing the new girl. She is sweet looking, but has a kick to her.
Chloe Grace Moretz would be a good Becca. She’s pretty and is capable of looking like she’s going to kill you in your sleep.
Logan Lerman can look very dark in the right light. He’d make a good Johnny.
Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Booking Through Thursdayand a different question is posted every week.
Do you have any pet that has a name inspired by your readings? If not, what would you pick if you DID? Do any of your friends have book-based names for their pets? (Or their children?)
Umm no I don't. My dog is called Rosie but that was her name when we got her so we didn't get to pick but it suits her and we didn't want to change it. And our goldfish have names purely because my best friend is a HUGE fan of the movie Step Brothers so she named the fish Brennan and Dale. As far as I know no one I know has named their pets based on anything they've read, but in the future I probably would, I want a tortoise called 'Augustus' from TFIOS by John Green.
Paperback: 544 pages Publisher: Arrow (26 April 2012) Language English ISBN-10: 0099579928 ISBN-13: 978-0099579922 ***ADULT***
Romantic, liberating and totally addictive, the Fifty Shades trilogy will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you for ever ...
Daunted by the dark secrets of the tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Ana Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a US publishing house.
But desire for Grey still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, she cannot resist. Soon she is learning more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades than she ever thought possible.
But while Grey wrestles with his inner demons, Ana must make the most important decision of her life. And it's a decision she can only make on her own ...
Cover: Again, love the simple ad relevant cover! I actually collect venecian masks so I kinda love them and this cover.
I picked up Fifty Shades Darker as soon as I'd finished Fifty Shades of Grey, because the end completely killed me! I NEEDED to know what happened next. Oh. My. Gosh. Again I freaking loved this book. So much happened in this book- Christiam trying to change so he doesn't lose Ana, tenson with an ex-sub and Ana trying to work on her career whilst coping with an over-friendly boss. There were so many sweet moments. I know Christian is a control freak, and yes that would probably drive me nuts in a relationship, but you know with his past (which we do get to find out a little more about in this book) why he acts the way he does and I just can't help but find it sweet, especially how he worries she'll leave him again. Christian comes across the confident, controlling executive one moment, and the next we see his vulnerable side and it's very appealing. Once again I just wanted to keep turning pages, to sit and emerse myself in this book and do nothing else for hours. Again if you're not keen on books with a lot of sex in then this is probably not going to be a series you'll be too keen on, but if you don't mind it or even like it then I definitely recommend giving these a try. I can't put my finger on exactly why, but these books really do captivate you to the point of obsession. I suppose my being a hopeless romantic helps. I actually said to a friend that I was reading them, and at the time she said 'OMG YOU'RE READING PORN?!?!' But then I convinced her to at least try the first book (telling her a US library won't stock it because of the content also piqued her interest) and now she LOVES them. Lesson- Don't knock it til you've tried it.
‘If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’ Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.
When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.
Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.
Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again
To celebrate the upcoming blogtour of Saving June by Hannah Harrington (my day is June 10th), MiraInk thought it would be a cool idea if bloggers posted their favourite track from the books playlists.
This was easy for me as it included one of my all time favourite songs.
What's your favourite?
Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum
1) Start Me Up- The Rolling Stones
2) O Sweet Nothing- Velvet Underground
3) Nights In White satin- the moody blues
4) Stairway To Heaven- Led Zepplin
5) Gloomy Sunday- Billie Holiday
6) Where Is My Mind- The Pixies
7) Asking For It- Hole
8) Boom Swagger Boom- Murder City Devils
9) Train In Vain- The Clash
10) Under Pressure-Queen feat. David Bowie
11) If Six Was Nine- The Jimi Hendrix Experience
12) American Girl-Tom Petty
13) Tangled Up In Blue- Bob Dylan
14) Don't Know Much About History- Sam Cooke
15) Michelangelo- Emmylou Harris
16) Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)- Nancy Sinatra
17) God- John Lennon
18) Where Did You Sleep Last Night- Nirvana
19) The Sounds Of Silence- Simon & Garfunkel
Jake's "Say My Name" Mix
1) Me and Bobby McGee- Janis Joplin
2) Come On Eileen- Dexy's Ridnight Runners
3) Demon John- Jeff Buckley
4) Stephanie Says- Velvet Underground
5) Daniel- Elton John
6) Layla- Eric Clapton
7) A Boy Named Sue- Johnny Cash
8) Ruby Tuesday- The Rolling Stones
9) Peggy Sue-Buddy Holly
10) Joey- Concrete Blonde
11) Charlotte Sometimes- The Cure
12) Jacqueline- Franz Ferdinand
13) Gloria- Patti Smith
14) Deanna- Nick Cave
15) Allison- Elvis Constella
16) Clementine- Elliot Smith
17) Hey Jude- The Beatles
Saving June
1) Going To California- Led Zeppelin
2) This Time Tomorrow- The Kinks
3) Thunder Road- Bruce Springsteen
4) Take a Chance on me- ABBA
5) Falling is Like This- Ani DiFranco
6) Let it be- The Beatles
7) Southern Cross- Crosby, Stills and Nash
8) You Can't Always Get What You Want- The Rolling Stones
9) Never Argue With a German If You're Tired or European- Jefferson Airplane
10) Rebel Girl- Bikini Kill
11) Touch Me- The Doors
12) California Love- Tupac, feat. Dr. Dre
13) God Only Knows- The Beach Boys
14) On The Radio- Regina Spektor
15) Fix You- Coldplay
16) I Am Trying To Break Your Heart (Wilco Cover)- Nickel Creek
Romantic, liberating and totally addictive, Fifty Shades of Grey is a novel that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you for ever.
When literature student Anastasia Steele interviews successful entrepreneur Christian Grey, she finds him very attractive and deeply intimidating. Convinced that their meeting went badly, she tries to put him out of her mind - until he turns up at the store where she works part-time, and invites her out.
Unworldly and innocent, Ana is shocked to find she wants this man. And, when he warns her to keep her distance, it only makes her want him more.
But Grey is tormented by inner demons, and consumed by the need to control. As they embark on a passionate love affair, Ana discovers more about her own desires, as well as the dark secrets Grey keeps hidden away from public view .
Cover: I like the simple, relevant cover. They could so easily have plastered some smutty image on the cover but have instead made it tasteful. And I love that the spine is numbered-more books in a series need to do this!
As I'm sure you're all aware this book has been everywhere! All over twitter, facebook, talk shows - even our national newspapers here in the UK. Naturally when there is this much hype over a book my interest is piqued, and thought that I would give it a try - even though erotic fiction is not something that I would normally consider. Then when I found out it started life as a Twilight fanfiction (I know a lot of people aren't keen on Twilight, but I still enjoy it) that made up my mind. "Obsess and Posses you". Boy it really does! I didn't expect to like this book half as much as a did. I've now become one of those crazy fan girl types.
It's true that dialogue throughout the book is very 'British' considering it's set in the US, (the author is British) but being British this didn't overly bother me, but I can see that for US readers this could be rather peevish.
It's also true that if you don't like over-bearing alpha-male type 'heroes' then you won't be keen on this book. Ok so there are things that I could criticise if I wanted to but the truth of the matter is that my enjoyment of this book simply overshadows and criticisms that I might have found. Yes I found myself hooked on the plot, not wanting to put it down, just wanting to turn page after page after page.
However I would say that if you've seen all the hype and been curious or tempted, then give it a go (as long as you are able & old enough to handle the mature content), I was skeptical but am now completely obsessed (am moving straight on to book 2 Fifty Shades Darker). This genre is not something that I would have ordinarily picked up, and I would have missed out big time on a book that a thoroughly enjoyed and couldn't put down!
Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Booking Through Thursdayand a different question is posted every week.
If you had to choose to live within a novel, which would it be?
Oh this is tough. I mean I like historical fiction but realistically Regency or Victorian times weren't always as rosie as Pride and Prejudice would have us belief (Yes I LOVE Jane Austen). Knowing my luck I'd be one of the children in Jane Eyre that died of typhoid. So...no historicals. Dystopians...again no. I would be the first tribute in The Hunger Games to die at the cornucopia. To be honest, I don't think I'm the brave, tough kinda person you need to be to survive a dystopian novel. I think when it comes down to it I'd like to live in a contemporary romance novel. You may have some problems to overcome but in the they're trifle when compared to the horrors of history and struggling to survive, and well...I'm a romantic. I'd like to find the true love you only find in novels.
Every night for thousands of years, he has been murdered and sent to the fires of hell… Cursed by the gods, bound to a rage-filled spirit he can barely control, Maddox has all but forgotten his humanity – until Ashlyn Darrow comes to his prison in Budapest seeking help. Maddox finds his anger is soothed by her presence. But he can’t help question why a beautiful innocent has come looking for the Lords of the Underworld. Ashlyn is tortured by voices from the past – and her knowledge might be enough to free Maddox from his death-curse. When an extreme sacrifice is demanded, will Maddox’s superhuman strength be enough to save them both?
Cover: I'm not overly fussed about the cover- typical romance cover, hot, shirtless dude on the cover. Enough said really.
I loved this book! I can't believe it has taken me so long to start this series - Greek mythology rewritten into sexy adult paranormal romance was right up my street! The Lords of the Underworld were cursed thousands of years ago when they opened Pandora's box and unleashed a series of demons that now live inside of them. Maddox is cursed by the demon of Violence. Oh how I fell for Maddox- when he falls for Ashlyn she tames his demon too (strongly reminding me of Rhage and Mary from J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, similar scenario). 5/5 stars! Ok so it may be a little cheesy in places but I couldn't help but love it and I resented any interruption to my reading, I was just absorbed by it. I loved it and can't wait to read the other books in the series- and I wonder how I can possibly love any of them more than I love Maddox and Ashlyn?!?! A fab paranormal romance that had me completely engrossed and swooning!
My Vampire Creator Told Me This: Sometime in your life, Allison Sekemoto, you will kill a human being. The question is not if it will happen, but when. Do you understand?
I didn't then, not really. I DO NOW.
In a future world, vampires reign.
Humans are blood cattle.
And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.
Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who killed her mother and keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked - and given the ultimate choice.
Die...or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must work with her vampire creator and learn the rules of being immortal. Including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.
When Allison is separated from her creator, she flees into the unknown, the world outside her vampire city, beyond the wall. There she joins a ragged band of humans who don't know what she is, seeking a legend - a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.
Cover: I am a big fan of this cover. Eerily beautiful and a brilliant visual match for our heroine, Allison. Plus extra for the buttery soft cover!
4.5/5 stars! I loved this book. As you guys know I thought The Iron Fey series was ok but they were not my favourite books, but The Immortal Rules was amazing! I know many readers that loved The Iron Fey but I haven't had much luck with faerie/fey type books, I just can't seem to find one that makes me fall in love with that aspect of the paranormal, but from the start the premise of this book drew me in- a dystopian with vampires! Vampires are more my thing that fey...
It was much darker than I expected, I mean to give you some idea the book opens with a public execution. The darkness made the read that little more intense, and seeing the lengths humans would go to survive was fascinating.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the vampire hierarchy,ranging from master vampires to rabids.
There is some romance but it's not in anyway the focus of the book. I'm really interested to see how the romance develops because the end of the book made me go 'Oh my gosh NOOOO!' So if you want something romance light you should enjoy this.
I definitely recommend this book both for fans of paranormal and dystopian reads. Julie Kagawa has seamlessly blended the two genres to create an action packed thrill ride that I couldn't put down and has left me eagerly wanting more! I can't wait for the next book.
Interview
Erin: The Immortal Rules is a very different kind of Vampire story, what was your inspiration for it?
Julie: Vampires have been popular since before Bram Stoker's Dracula, so creating something completely new and unseen was pretty much impossible. When I did decide to write about vamps, I didn't want to go down the well-tread upon "girl meets vampire, falls in love" route. Though there have been many stories lately about moral, good vampires, I wanted to bring them back to their original roots as scary, bloodthirsty killers. I didn't want my humans to think they could befriend or have a romantic entanglement with a vampire. These vampires were monsters; I wanted them to be feared.
Erin: There are so many vampire myths or stories out there, which is your favourite and why?
Julie: Okay, I’m not sure if this counts, but my favorite is Joss Whedon’s Buffy-verse. I own all of the Buffy and Angel series, and even some of the comics. I love the quirky humor, but even more, I love the underlying themes. It’s all about redemption and sacrifice and perseverance in the face of the overwhelming odds, and how love and friendship can overcome those problems. When you combine that with humor, I think you get the key ingredients to a wonderful story.
Erin: What was the hardest part of writing The Immortal Rules? The easiest?
Julie: The most difficult scene to write was probably the stay at the Archer farm. I knew something had to go down, something big, for the repercussions between Allie and another character to happen. The easiest (and most exciting) parts were anytime Allie was fighting something, be it rabids, raiders, other vampires, ect. I love a good fight scene, especially if there is a katana involved.
Erin: Do you have a writing routine or any writing quirks?
Julie: In general I try and get at least 1,000 words down per day. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes less, but that’s what I shoot for. If I’m doing something like NaNo (National Novel Writing Month), that jumps up to 1,667 words per day. And the business side of writing can make that number less sometimes… I love doing signings and marketing and interviews, but all of them take time away from the word count thing.
Erin: Is there an author that you could see yourself collaborating with in the future?
Julie: I honestly haven’t thought much about collaboration. I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea, but I also wonder how people do it. Not like, “Oh my god, I could never work with someone” but more the mechanics. Would there be different points of view and I’d write one and someone else would write the other? Or would we both sit at a keyboard and type out bits and pieces? That might drive me a little crazy… and I might drive the other person more than a little crazy.
A huge thank you to Julie for answering my questions.
Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Booking Through Thursdayand a different question is posted every week.
Do you have siblings? Do they like to read?
I have a younger brother and he can't stand reading. I know right!!! I can't believe it either. He just hates it. I get my love of reading from my Mum, but he clearly doesn't. He loves the Lord of the Rings movies and did try to read the first book. He didn't even finish the prologue. He just sticks to graphic novels.
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