Debut-a-Thon: Goals and Updates

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My Goal: 5 books. I know many of you think I have 19 listed as my goal but really that's in case I surpass my 5 book goal and have time left over to read more. It's a little over board but I blame it on my book nerd/hoarder self. 

Currently Reading:

A Mermaid of Brooklyn by Amy Shearn

Potential Reads: 

1. A Dying Fall // 2. The Caged Graves // 3. The Painted Girls // 4. Bronze Gods // 5.Clockwork Princess//6.City of a Thousand Dolls//7.Dance of Shadows//8.Eleanor & Park//9.Doll Bones// 10.If You Find Me // 11.Mind Games // 12.Stung // 13.Splintered // 14.The Crooked Branch //  15.The Mermaid of Brooklyn//16.The Wrap-Up List//17.Tracing Stars//18.Unravel Me //19.Scarlet//  *These aren't in any order 15 and 16 were removed because they aren't me. Sorry. 

Updates:

06.30.13 10:46pm EST

Thursday

Pages read: 399 (Unravel Me)

Books read: -

Total # of books read: .8

Friday

Pages read: 230 / 85% (The Caged Graves)

Books read: Unravel Me

Total # of books read: 1.8

Saturday

Pages read: All

Books read: Dance of Shadows

Total # of books read: 3

Sunday

Pages read: 18 (Scarlet)

Books read: Splintered

Total # of books read: 4

Challenge #3-->

A Unravel Me by me

*Please note that I did still this page from Books of Amber. If she wished for me to take it down, I will. I just like the way that she organized the page.  P.S. Don't for get to enter GIVEAWAYS! I am currently hosting two: Miss Angie of MySoCalledChaos makeup+  && My Sponsor Giveaway! So go enter for free prizes

Loves//Books Link-Up

Today is usually my Vlog day but it isn't happening this week, there is always next week...  So instead I decided to join a link-up. Only I didn't know which one so I decided to put them together.  That's right I am conjoining the two by doing 7 books I love that have an outdoor setting/theme. 1. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen 2. Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen 3. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell 4. The Hunger Games by Susan Collins 5. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder 6. Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell 7. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
The first 3 are really outside/outdoor setting. The first two are about boys that were stuck in the Wilderness and had to survive. Island of the Blue Dolphins is about a girl that survived on an island by herself.  The next four are books that have an outdoor vibe to them. I haven't read to many other books that have that outdoor theme/vibe/setting to them so these made the list. 
I would consider reading more books with outdoor themes. I really liked the first three on my list above. I even have "Into the Wild" on my to-read list. I know some people call me crazy for listing that book but I can't help. I find books about going out into the wilderness, surviving and discovering who you are fascinating  I am sure there is some deeper reason why  at work but I don't think about it much. 
I am unsure what Jessica is talking about on her blog about "share your thoughts on the sudden popularity of WILD setting"... I didn't know that they were popular. But I can see why. I could go a serious tangent now but I'm just going to let it slide. I am just happy that books with a "wild" setting are getting more attention now.    P.S. Don't for get to enter GIVEAWAYS! I am currently hosting two: Miss Angie of MySoCalledChaos makeup+  && My Sponsor Giveaway! So go enter for free prizes!

Sponsor Me // Sponsors // Giveaways June 2013

I don't have any plans for my summer but I do a Debut-a-Thon this weekend. I am excited to be reading so many new books that came out. So I got to thinking, I wonder what my sponsors are doing or reading for the summer? So I asked them and here are their answers. 

I'm Michael and I hang blog around over at CrazyTragic {almost}Magic where summer reigns supreme. After all, it is the best season! If there’s one thing I love about summer it’s laying out in the sun. Not that I need sun, but I need sun. Seriously. I’m pretty grumpy when it’s clouds for days. So if the sun is shining and I have nowhere to be you’ll find me asleep on my roof or down the shore.

Another favorite thing is making a good to-do list. This summer I'm planning on tackling my mile long list by taking in the sights around me, both in NJ (hello NJ aquarium) and NYC (nice to meet you Brooklyn Botanical Gardens); making a dent in my summer reading list; meeting some bloggers; taking a staycation with the boyfriend; redecorating my apartment; going to a concert or two, and of course, laying out in the sun! The summer months feel like one never ending weekend. When I’m not soaking up the rays or taking on a to-do list you’ll find posts on fashion, rants and raves, daily happenings and just whatever strikes me at the moment. I’d love to hear what you’ve got going on this summer so come over, stay for a while and don’t forget to BYOB – Bring your own blog that is! Beer is totally welcome too. In fact, it’s encouraged!

Your can find Michael on Blog ||Twitter || Facebook || Pinterest

What is on my summer reading list you ask? Well my list is looking a little slim at the moment. I’m really big into paranormal thrillers and romance novels with strong female characters but I think I have read the majority of the main stream ones. Lucky for me Affliction by Laurell K. Hamilton is coming out in the beginning of July, that is one book that has been on my must read list since I heard she was writing it. I just can’t get enough of the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series, so good! I have been thinking about reading The Mortal Instruments series since I saw the trailer for the movie they made for it, seems interesting. Perhaps the Beautiful Creatures Caster Chronicles because I’ve been told the books are way better than the movie.

 I did just finish Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris but I must say I was quite disappointed by how it ended! I am a huge fan of her books and the True Blood series so I was hoping for mind blowing but that was not what I received… I don’t want to give anything away for those who haven’t read it so my lips are sealed on that one. Other than that I don’t have much else on my summer reading list, tweet me if you all have any recommendations for me I’d love to hear them!

You can find Ashley at: Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

My Summer Plans:  This summer I am working as a Nanny for two little boys, full time!  I am going to see Monster's University, eat ice cream far to often, and go to a Christian Music Festival called Kingdom Bound, but I'm trying to save  money since I am Manhattan bound in August for college!  As a Fashion Major, saving money is probably the hardest thing for me. I even go to school and hear about clothing, shopping, and shoes ALL DAY LONG!  My shopaholic tendencies tend to provide a lot of blog subject matter though, so feel free to check it out at www.clearingpreppysname.com.  I am also a Rent the Runway Intern at the Fashion Institute of Technology, so I'm spending my summer prepping materials for the fall.  Stay tuned for a video promotion on Clearing Preppy's Name of my FAVORITE RTR dress!

You can find Allison at: Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram

As for summer plans, it's winter here in Sydney so the swimsuits and shorts are hidden in the bottom of our drawers... for now! As an expat from America, I'm planning for an exciting trip back to the States to visit family and friends. Time for a taste of summer in the middle of this chilly winter!
You can find Allison at: Site // Etsy 

Aren't they adorable? I love my sponsors and their plans/reads for the summer. So join them next month on my sidebar so you can be featured too! Just click 'Sponsor' to join. Oh! and all options are FREE!

WAIT!

The title says giveaway so giveaway there is.  *end Post ad a Rafflecopter giveaway   My stats are updated once a month on the 30th. 

Book Mail and Literary Junkies

1. The Phoenix Girls by Brian Knight // 2. How to Find God's Will by Josh Wood // 3. Darkin: A Journey East by Joseph A Turkot I love Goodreads a tad to much. Every Friday I am on there, entering my reviews and entering giveaways.  Of course my entries don't go completely to waste. I have received several books from the giveaways. I thought that I would should you what I got in the mail last week.  By now I am sure you have heard me talk about Literary Junkies Book Club. They are seriously the best book club I have been in. I am so proud to be apart of it. Anyways, they once a month they do a monthly link up with questions that are book related. I haven't participated yet because I was doing my Introduction Series and I have schedule my post ahead of time. This month has been a pretty free month so I am joining in this go around. Though I do have plans for continuing posting about my life soon. 
1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it. I post what I am currently reading to the right---->  But for those to lazy to look the the right I posted it to the left. I am currently reading "Silver Linings Playbook". This book is for the Literary Junkies twitter party on Tuesday. If you read this, you should join us. Anyways, so far, it's strange. Not good, not bad  but I am only on page 83. It will be sometime before I know how I feel about this book.

2. Who is your favorite book character and why? I think that my favorite book character is Mia from my favorite book "Music of the Dolphins". She grows and learns throughout the book. Yet at the end, she still remains herself. She didn't let go of who she was. One day I will do a whole post dedicated to the book and how it has affected and changed me. 


3. What would the title of your memoir be? I always thought about writing a book about my life. And in way, that's what a blog does. Also, with the help of this blog, I am slowly writing my story. One night about a month ago, while laying in bed the name of my book came to me "Even if She Fell in Love".  Of course you would have to read my book (or follow my blog) to find out how that fits me. ;]


4.You be the director! Cast your favorite book character for the movie version that has not been made yet. Oh man is that hard. I guess I will do my favorite book "Music of The Dolphins" because if Kim links up she will doing "Redeeming Love"  (me and her have that in common 'like big time gotta happen') and my third favorite book is already becoming a movie, "Mockingjay".   I choose Christina Ricci to play as the main character Mila in the book. I think that she has the perfect look and personality to be able to play her. 


5. What book or series do you remember reading as an Elementary/Middle School age? Obviously,  "Music of The Dolphins" was one I read in Elementary school but since I talk about the book to much I thought I would share another book I remember reading in third grade. I remember my teacher  reading out loud to us.  I remember her taking us outside to read to us one day. It was such a nice day. I still remember her reading to us "Holes".  It's a great book and movie! If you haven't read or seen it yet do so. I also hear there is a second one... I am going to have see about that.

Book Haul #1

Yesterday's post I talked about how I am a book nerd/hoarder. I also mentioned in yesterdays post that I want to open up more about my book nerd self. I want to not only do just the once a month post about what I am reading but do many post about books.  Today I thought I would share my book hoarder side. It's true. I get it from my mother, although, I think she is worse. From the time that I could remember to now, my mother and I would buy TONS of books. We have been know to go out and buy boxes-yes boxes- of books. Of course granted since I have been out of Middle School these boxes are bought at a thrift stores. Usually the store gives us GREAT deals for the boxes, like $5 a box or free. Ah I love free books. I love books so much that when James said that I could use his library card (my mother owes money on mine) that I ordered 20 books! Of course, I didn't read them all by the time that they were due so I had to give many back. I have realized that I only need to have about 4 for the week. Yes, sometimes I read one a day, other times I read 2 or none. It really just depends.  Anyways, at the local library here, they have a HUGE book case that they sell books. Most of them are just old Mystery books that they have too many copies of but sometimes they have a good selection. Well about two weeks ago I happened to come in on the right day. 

Cody's bookshelf: bookhaul



More of Cody's books »

There should be books here.
 If not, visit here to see what books I got on my book haul.

GIVEAWAY: Tickets TheNotWedding

  About a month ago, I entered a contest from another blogger to win tickets to TheNotWedding Event of my choosing. Unfortunately, due to the tropical storm and some other personal reasons I wouldn't be able to attend. I contacted them asking if there was something I could and you know what? I am able to pass on my tickets to You and your friend CAN GO!
Just Enter Below: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Note: I won these tickets from another blogger and TheNotWedding. I was allowed to host a giveaway for these tickets. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. 

The Book Ends: May 2013

My month link-up that where I talk about all the books that I have read this month. 

May 2013

Goodreads Summary:  Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. What — or who — will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin? For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself — forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

My Thoughts:  It was a little haunting and of course...
A CLEFT HANGER!!! Oh how I hate. Lucky me I have the fourth book.
Rating:  2 stars 

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Goodreads Summary: Ethan awakes after the chilling events of the Eighteenth Moon, he has only one goal: to find a way to return to Lena and the ones he loves. Back in Gatlin, Lena is making her own bargains for Ethan's return, vowing to do whatever it takes -- even if that means trusting old enemies or risking the lives of the family and friends Ethan left to protect. Worlds apart, Ethan and Lena must once again work together to rewrite their fate, in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series.. 

My Thoughts: I really liked the series but I was disappointed in the last book. It didn't seem worth it after readig three other books. You really could have skipped 1 or even 2. Find out why on GoodReads.

Rate: 2  Stars.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Goodreads Summary: A sweeping story told in letters, spanning two continents and two world wars, Jessica Brockmole’s atmospheric debut novel captures the indelible ways that people fall in love, and celebrates the power of the written word to stir the heart.

My Thoughts: **I received this from Goodreads contest.
To be honest, it's not my kind of book. It is a good read and I would recommend this to someone if it was in their realm of books. 

Find out more on Goodreads.

Rate: 5  Stars. (I rated it a 3 on goodreads but I realized how much I liked this. It plays in my head alot)

    ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Goodreads Summary: In this Christian allegory, sixteen-year-old Archibald Zwick is vacationing with his family on a remote island in the Bermuda archipelago.Taking his Kayak out, he is caught in freak storm. Suddenly, he comes upon a mysterious city inhabited by a strange but friendly people. Archie, however, wants only to return to his parents, something that the inhabitants of this mysterious city seem unable - or unwilling - to help him do. Instead, Archie becomes the center of a struggle that plunges the city into a deadly civil war, and he finds that his own fate is inextricably linked to that of his strange new world.

My Thoughts: **I received this book in thanks to the Author.*
I was surprised how good this book is. It was a little more detailed then I could handle but there was pictures so it really helped. I still play it over and over in my head. I am working my way through the workbook too.  If you get a chance, read it.

Rate: 4  Stars.

 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

CURRENTLY READING:

Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Currently on page: FINISHED

(Since I finished this book yesterday, you will have to wail til next month to read my review or join me on GoodReads.)

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