Countdown: 2012 Releases (10)

In order to get my mind off the upcoming release of The Hunger Games on the big screen, I've thrown myself into catching up on my reading and hopefully pouring out some long overdue reviews, as well as scouring the Internet for fabulous future new releases in 2012. Have you guys come across any good ones lately that you haven't seen on one of my countdowns? I'd love to hear what you guys are looking forward to reading in 2012 and most especially if I somehow missed those or skipped over them accidentally...I hate when that happens. So be sure to leave a comment or shoot me an email with some suggestions if you've found any interesting sounding reads lately, or anything you've read that you think I might like as well.

I always appreciate the help and most importantly the distraction from the REAL countdown to be able to see how they've transformed Suzanne Collins' masterpiece, The Hunger Games to the big screen. I know we're all crossing our fingers that the movie holds true to the book, and that it lives up to our expectations (or at least as much as any film can) so that we can have yet another excuse to relive the amazing novel over and over again!

Countdown Pick #1: Unbreak My Heart by Melissa C. Walker (05/22/2012)

Sophomore year broke Clementine Williams’ heart. She fell for her best friend’s boyfriend and long story short: he’s excused, but Clem is vilified and she heads into summer with zero social life.

Enter her parents’ plan to spend the summer on their sailboat. Normally the idea of being stuck on a tiny boat with her parents and little sister would make Clem break out in hives, but floating away sounds pretty good right now.

Then she meets James at one of their first stops along the river. He and his dad are sailing for the summer and he’s just the distraction Clem needs. Can he break down Clem’s walls and heal her broken heart?

Told in alternating chapters that chronicle the year that broke Clem’s heart and the summer that healed it, Unbreak My Heart is a wonderful dual love story that fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Susane Colasanti will flock to.

I'm already on Clem's side aren't you? I know it happens more often than not, but there's always some kind of love triangle going on and relationship drama sprouts up everywhere no matter how badly everyone tries to avoid it. But regardless of the reason and the regularity, someone always gets hurt and unfortunately most of us have been there ourselves. So while I'm rooting for Clem to mind her broken heart and hurt feelings, I'm already liking the idea of a sailing trip. Who wouldn't want the opportunity to sail away your summer? I would for sure, so if anyone's looking for someone to stand in for them on a future summer long sailing trip please let me know and I'm on board...pun intended!

Countdown Pick #2: Lost Girls by Ann Kelley (07/10/2012)

No parents. No rules. No way home.

Fourteen-year-old Bonnie MacDonald couldn't be more excited for a camping trip on an island off the coast of Thailand with her fellow Amelia Earhart Cadets-the daughters of the men and women stationed there during the Vietnam War. But when a strong current deposits the girls on what their boatman calls the "forbidden island," things take a turn for the worse: A powerful storm comes to destroy their campsite, the smallest of the junior cadets is found dead, and their boatman never returns. What once seemed like a vacation in paradise has become a battle against the elements.

Peppered with short, frantic entries from Bonnie's journal, Lost Girls is a page-turning, heart-pounding adventure story about a group of teen girls fighting for their lives.

I am all about a nice vacation on some remote island...but let's be serious here, there's no way this sounds like any trip I'd want to take part in at any point in my life. Not to mention an island full of girls doing whatever it takes to survive...scary much? Let's not kid ourselves, girls can be vicious when necessary...and some just because they like it. But I've just got to say it, has everyone run out of places to have bad things happen around...I mean Thailand has been getting a bad rap as far back as I can remember. I hope at some point in the future someone writes a book or a movie where good things happen in Thailand, because at the moment, I'm not sure how many people put that destination at the top of their list for vacation spots despite how beautiful and wonderful I'm sure it is.

Countdown Pick #3: The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland (05/10/2012)

Elizabeth Margaret—better known as Em—has always known what life would contain: an internship at her father’s firm, a degree from Harvard and a career as a lawyer. The only problem is that it’s not what she wants. When she gets the opportunity to get away from it all and spend a month with the aunt she never knew, she jumps at the chance. While there, Em pursues her secret dream of being a chef, and she also learns that her family has kept some significant secrets from her, too. And then there’s Cade, the laid-back local surfer boy who seems to be everything Em isn't. Naturally, she can’t resist him, and as their romance blossoms, Em feels she is living on her own terms for the first time.

I think I'm just in the mood for summer novels because it seems like I've come across quite a few lately that are all about vacations, summer getaways, and adventures that take place outside of the dull and chilly fall and winter seasons. When I found this one I was excited for Em and all the fun she might end up having during her Summer trip to visit her aunt. I have been lucky enough to have two great parents that have always been supportive whichever direction the tides took me and whatever passions I wanted to explore. But it doesn't sound like the case for Em. So I'm hoping for her fictional sake that she has some fun and that as a reader I'll get to enjoy the ride right along with her.

Countdown Pick #4: Reached (Matched Trilogy, #3) by Ally Condie (November 2012)

Cassia faces the ultimate choices in the long-anticipated conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy

After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising–and each other–Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.

In this gripping conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without.

I just love love love this series! I can't wait for November to roll around and get the chance to see how Condie is going to continue this series and then of course wrap things up. Now that I've gushed about how much I've come to love this series...it was instantaneous, I'm now able to say how sad I am that it's ending. I can't believe it's going to be over and only wish she'd decided to extend the series instead of just making it a trilogy. Three books just doesn't seem like enough, right? So while I really wish this wasn't the end, it was such a stellar series I'm sure I'll be coming back to it again and again and can only hope Condie writes another series equally as amazing.

Countdown Pick # 5: The Diviners (The Diviners, #1) by Libba Bray (09/18/2012)

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."

When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

Again, not always instantly drawn to the historical novels but this one I'm give a shot for one reason; Libba Bray. Her writing just has this romantic and flowing quality about it that makes it so you readers feel as if they're transported to the very place she's writing about. You'll feel as if you're right there beside the characters she's woven her world around, and it amps up the fun that her writing brings to the table. For the same reason I was a fan of Midnight in Paris, I think I'll equally enjoy The Diviners, simply because the era represented has always pulled me in and left me wishing that I had grown up then instead of now.

Clearing the Shelves (1)

So I was looking at my bookshelves last night and realized that I should be ashamed of myself. Without realizing it was happening, my shelves have become overrun with books I haven't gotten the chance to read yet. Like I said...shameful. I've been lucky enough to have been sent so many books in the past year to check out and review, but I never could seem to catch up. Now I'm determined to correct this situation. So here are just a few I'm thinking of starting with, but I need opinions help, advice, etc... Which do you think I should read first? Have you read any of these titles? Did you enjoy them?

Pick #1: Shine by Lauren Myracle

When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.

I've fallen into a bit of a rut as far as my reading selection in the past year goes. Sticking closely to fantasy and paranormal romances, I'm thinking it might be a good time to change things up and go with a different genre. Having never read any of Myracle's work before I went in search of reviews and critiques. Los Angeles Times said Shine was, "dramatic in both content and presentation." Can't argue with that right? Have you guys read this one? I do love a mystery, but will I need to be extra prepared for sad scenarios and serious issues?

Pick #2: A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle Trilogy, #1) by Libba Bray

It’s 1895, and after the suicide of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma’s reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she’s been followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence’s most powerful girls—and their foray into the spiritual world—lead to?

I picked this one up last year due to an author friend's recommendation. I figured that since I loved her work, I'd likely have a good time reading something she, herself enjoyed. The odds were in my favor at least. For one reason or another I was never quite in the mood for this one when I was ready for a new read. Has anyone read this trilogy? Likes or dislikes about it? Again I went in search of critiques and found that Booklist said, "...the mystical elements, along with a touch of forbidden romance, will draw a large, enthusiastic audience..." Are they right? You guys know I can't usually resist a good romance, not to mention if it also comes with a touch of a paranormal element or two. So do I have any thumbs up on giving this one a try? Knocking it off my shelf sooner rather than later?

Pick #3: Recovery Road by Blake Nelson

Madeline is sent away to Spring Meadows to help with a drinking and rage problem she has. It's a pretty intense place, but there is the weekly movie night in town--where Madeline meets Stewart, who's at another rehab place nearby. They fall for each other during a really crazy time in their lives. Madeline gets out and tries to get back on her feet, waiting for Stewart to join her. When he does, though, it's not the ideal recovery world Madeline dreamed of. Both of them still have serious problems. And Stewart's are only getting worse....

While this doesn't sound like your typical happy-go-lucky plot, there's something about it that draws me in. I know going into it that I'll have to make sure I don't expect the romance to play as the central issue, but I'm more curious about the character dynamics than anything else. Critics all over seem impressed with Nelson's writing. The New York Times said his book, Destroy All Cars was, "smart and entertaining." Have any of you read this one yet? Would you say the same applies to this book? I'm looking forward to checking it out.

Pick #4: Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison

“I don’t want him to love me because of a potion,” she said.

Izzie loves Mark, and why shouldn’t she? As the captain of the basketball team, he is kind and loving and he’s everything she’s ever wanted in a boyfriend. Her BFF loves . . . somebody, but she won’t say who. So when a hot new guy, Tristan, shows up at school, who better for Izzie to fix up her friend with? And what better way to do it than with a love philtre?

But even the best of magic has a way of going awry—and Izzie finds she’s accidentally fallen in love with Tristan herself. And that’s a problem. First of all, there’s Mark. Second, Tristan comes with baggage—like the supernatural creatures that keep attacking whenever he’s with Izzie, and the fact that he comes from the place where Izzie’s father was killed, years ago, by an enormous, evil serpent that’s still around—and it knows Izzie is out there.

I think I'm ready for a new twist on this old tale. The movie version, left me (and I'm sure a lot of others) so sad that I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this one right away. On the other hand I'm a big advocate for retellings. So I'm thinking it's time to give this one a chance. The new spin sounds wildly unique and I'm always in the mood for a fun read. I checked out the official website, and the "Dear Izzie" section sold me. The potions she's got available lead me to believe fun is in no short supply in this retelling.

Pick #5: The Trust (Secret Society, #2) by Tom Dolby

Who can you trust when everything is secrets and lies?

It's a new semester at the Chadwick School, and even with the ankh tattoos that brand them, Phoebe, Nick, Lauren, and Patch are hoping for a fresh start. Each day, however, they are reminded of their membership as new Conscripts in the Society. The secret group that promised to help them achieve their every dream has instead turned their lives into a nightmare.

Exclusive membership lost its luster as the Society revealed its agenda to them and two of their classmates were found dead. Now they can't help but wonder: Who's next? While they search for the elusive truth about the Society, the Conscripts are forced to face their darkest fear—that they truly can't get out.

Will Nick and Phoebe's new relationship endure this strain? Can Patch and Nick's longtime friendship survive the truth that will come to light? The deceptions of the group's leaders, once trusted friends, and family will test these four as they fight to leave the Society behind.

This was a gift from a friend with good intentions but maybe a lack of information as well. I'm not sure my friend realized this was the second book in a series. I'd never heard of the series before receiving this installment as a gift but I'm thinking I should start with the opener first. Right? I checked out the description of the series opener, The Secret Society and admit to being intrigued. It seems to have gotten mixed reviews, but I'm still anxious to see for myself. So while I'd like to just dive right into this one, I'm going to hold off until I get the chance to read the opener and then go from there.

Countdown: Backtracking Edition

During my blog hiatus I didn't stop reading but the amount slowed down for sure. There are quite a few books that either slipped under my radar or have been sitting on my shelf just waiting to be cracked open. So if you see any that aren't on my list and I haven't previously reviewed them, leave me a note with your recommendations and I'll add them to my ever growing TBR pile. I hate to miss out on any great reads, but I know I'm going to need some major help to get caught up. So leave a comment and I'll check out what you've read and think I should follow suit.

Countdown Pick #1: Beauty Queens by Libbra Bray

From bestselling, Printz Award-winning author Libba Bray, the story of a plane of beauty pageant contestants that crashes on a desert island.

Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to email. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.

I love the idea of a survivor type setting with beauty pageant contestants as the castoffs. I'm picturing drama, cattiness, blood spilled and broken nails. Definitely not somewhere I'd want to be but totally entertaining to witness from afar. There's talk of mysteries and body counts and it sounds to me like its got the makings of a wild ride for sure. I'm sorry I haven't gotten to this one yet, but I'm excited to check it out in the future.

Countdown Pick #2: Bumped (Bumped, #1) by Megan Mccafferty

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

While this one is currently sitting on my shelf, I've unfortunately not had the chance to dive into it yet. In a world where teen pregnancy is encouraged, not to mention paid handsomely for, I'm interested to see what this fictional society is like. Is the process complicated? Is love completely frowned upon as a distraction? The questions have piled up and I'd really like some answers. It's my own fault my curiosity hasn't been appeased and I'm thinking it's time to rectify this situation.

Countdown Pick #3: Falling Under (Falling Under, #1) by Gwen Hayes

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

When I read the book's description I'll admit it seemed like the mystery would be an easy one to solve. But after coming across the title more than once since its release, I'm thinking I may have jumped the gun. Most reviews lean more towards the positive, both in regards to Hayes' writing and the book in general. The cover is compelling and the evidence seems to be stacked in the favorable side so I've added it to my TBR pile. I'm hoping to not waste any more time.

Countdown Pick #4: Darkness Becomes Her (Gods and Monsters, #1) by Kelly Keaton

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

Yet another novel sitting on my shelf after I got it as a gift that I've yet to open. I'm a sucker for paranormal genres and this one sounds like its flirting with those elements. As I also traveled down to New Orleans for the first time last year I think it would be fun to read a book with the city as its backdrop. Maybe I'd be able to recognize a few of the street names, store fronts, etc... I think Ari's story and the mystery surrounding her existence sound right up my alley. I'm not familiar with Keaton's writing and in some ways that is getting me more excited to try this one out. I'm not sure what I've been waiting for, so no more excuses...this book's getting read.

Countdown Pick #5: Haven (Winterhaven, #1) by Kristi Cook

Destiny brought them together. Now it will tear them apart.

Violet doesn’t understand why she feels drawn to the Winterhaven School, she just knows it’s the right place for her. When she discovers the school’s secret, it all makes sense: everyone at Winterhaven has psychic gifts. For the first time in her life Violet doesn’t have to hide her visions. She’s always seen them as a curse, but now she can hone her ability and try to control it.

But she’s thrown completely off balance when she meets the most alluring—and most mysterious—boy in school. She’s never connected with anyone the way she does with Aidan, and the intensity takes them both by surprise. But as their relationship deepens, she begins to have visions of Aidan’s death—and sees that she’s the one who’s fated to kill him.

Violet’s never been able to prevent her visions from coming true. But this time she’ll do whatever it takes... even if it means sacrificing herself for the boy she loves.

This was a book that seemed shrouded in mystery and suspense. Violet is psychic and experiences premonitions of people's deaths. Yikes is all I can say! That is not a gift I'd want to touch with a ten foot pole. But other than knowing of her gift, any other details about this book seem sparse. So while I would like a little more information or background before I hit the ground running, I'm pretty sure my curiosity will get the best of me.

In My Mailbox (30)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board.

Here's what I got, what did you guys get this week?

For Review:

Possessions (Possessions #1) by Nancy Holder (thanks Nancy)

Lindsay is hoping for a fresh start, to get out of San Diego, where everyone remembers when she had her breakdown, and get away to boarding school, even if it is a boarding school as creepy as Marlwood Academy. But Lindsay is happier, and even manages to make a great new friend, Julie. Then, the school's most popular girl, Mandy starts acting super creepy. Rumors abound, but it's becoming more and more clear to Lindsay that something else is at work...something darker and more dangerous than just a houseful of mean girls.

How freaky is that cover? Yikes!

The Evil Within (Possessions #2) by Nancy Holder (thanks Nancy)

Evil is a lot harder to fight when it comes from within In this sequel to New York Times bestselling author Nancy Holder’s Possessions, Lindsay finds out that she, too, is possessed, and must return to creepy Marlwood Academy in order to rid herself of the spirit. Lindsay’s afraid of what the spirit is telling her to do—kill Mandy! But the secrets of Marlwood go much deeper than Lindsay thought. Sometimes the girls who seem like enemies are actually on your side. And the voices you trust the most—the voices that come from within—are the ones that want you dead.

So if I thought the first book's cover was scary, this one was so much worse, lol!

The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald (thanks Candlewick Publishing)

Three unlikely allies team up for a night of rebellion, romance, and revenge in a high-stakes dramedy from acclaimed young author Abby McDonald.

They’ve spent years at the same high school without speaking a word to one another, but that’s all about to change. Popular Bliss was having the perfect prom until she found her BFF and boyfriend making out in the back of a limo. Bad girl Jolene wouldn’t be caught dead at the prom, yet here she is, trussed up in pink ruffles, risking her reputation for some guy - some guy who is forty minutes late. And shy, studious, über-planner Meg never counted on her date’s standing her up and leaving her idling in the parking lot outside the prom. Get ready for The Anti-Prom, Abby McDonald’s hilarious, heart-tugging tale about three girls and one unforgettable prom night.

Bought:

A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle #1) by Libba Bray

A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy--jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.

Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order.