Sunday, September 25, 2011

In My Mailbox #8

Sunday, September 25, 2011 10 Comments

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

I only purchased a couple of books this week, and one of them was a children's book. When I was a child, I used to love watching, and listening to, the Tales of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. I saw this book, and knew it was a must buy! Wicked Lovely was on sale, and I couldn't walk past the lovely cover of Delirium.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Petter Rabbit Bedtime Stories by Beatrix Potter


What did you get in your mailbox this week? (feel free to leave your links below)

-Alisa

Friday, September 23, 2011

Top 100 YA List

Friday, September 23, 2011 2 Comments
I assume that a lot of you that follow/read/visit my blog enjoy reading YA novels. So when The Talking Teacup posted a list of the current Best 100 YA novels, I jumped at the chance to see which ones I had read.

You probably would have heard of a lot of these authors and books, but there was quite a large number that I hadn't heard of. This doesn't surprise me, as I'm new to blogging, but it certainly was an interesting list!

I have put the books I have read in bold, and I have underlined the books I own. So, without further ado:
  1. Alex Finn – Beastly
  2. Alice Sebold – The Lovely Bones
  3. Ally Carter – Gallagher Girls (1, 2, 3, 4)
  4. Ally Condie – Matched
  5. Alyson Noel – The Immortals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  6. Anastasia Hopcus – Shadow Hills
  7. Angie Sage – Septimus Heap (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  8. Ann Brashares – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1, 2, 3, 4)
  9. Anna Godbersen – Luxe (1, 2, 3, 4)
  10. Anthony Horowitz – Alex Rider (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
  11. Aprilynne Pike – Wings (1, 2, 3)
  12. Becca Fitzpatrick – Hush, Hush (1, 2)
  13. Brandon Mull – Fablehaven (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  14. Brian Selznick – The Invention of Hugo Cabret
  15. Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instruments (1, 2, 3, 4)
  16. Carrie Jones – Need (1, 2, 3)
  17. Carrie Ryan – The Forest of Hands and Teeth (1, 2, 3, 4)
  18. Christopher Paolini – Inheritance (1, 2, 3, 4)
  19. Cinda Williams Chima – The Heir Chronicles (1, 2, 3)
  20. Colleen Houck – Tigers Saga (1, 2)
  21. Cornelia Funke – Inkheart (1, 2, 3)
  22. Ellen Hopkins – Impulse
  23. Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
  24. Faraaz Kazi – Truly, Madly, Deeply
  25. Frank Beddor – The Looking Glass Wars (1, 2, 3)
  26. Gabrielle Zevin – Elsewhere
  27. Gail Carson Levine – Fairest
  28. Holly Black – Tithe (1, 2, 3)
  29. J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
  30. James Dashner – The Maze Runner (1, 2)
  31. James Patterson – Maximum Ride (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
  32. Jay Asher – Thirteen Reasons Why
  33. Jeanne DuPrau – Books of Ember (1, 2, 3, 4)
  34. Jeff Kinney – Diary of a Wimpy Kid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  35. John Boyne – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
  36. John Green – An Abundance of Katherines
  37. John Green – Looking for Alaska
  38. John Green – Paper Towns
  39. Jonathan Stroud – Bartimaeus (1, 2, 3, 4)
  40. Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – Caster Chronicles (1, 2)
  41. Kelley Armstrong – Darkest Powers (1, 2, 3)
  42. Kristin Cashore – The Seven Kingdoms (1, 2)
  43. Lauren Kate – Fallen (1, 2, 3)
  44. Lemony Snicket – Series of Unfortunate Events (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
  45. Libba Bray – Gemma Doyle (1, 2, 3)
  46. Lisa McMann – Dream Catcher (1, 2, 3)
  47. Louise Rennison – Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
  48. M.T. Anderson – Feed
  49. Maggie Stiefvater – The Wolves of Mercy Falls (1, 2, 3)
  50. Margaret Peterson Haddix – Shadow Children (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
  51. Maria V. Snyder – Study (1, 2, 3)
  52. Markus Zusak – The Book Thief
  53. Markus Zusak – I am the Messenger
  54. Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
  55. Mary Ting – Crossroads
  56. Maureen Johnson – Little Blue Envelope (1, 2)
  57. Meg Cabot – All-American Girl (1, 2)
  58. Meg Cabot – The Mediator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  59. Meg Cabot – The Princess Diaries (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
  60. Meg Rosoff – How I live now
  61. Megan McCafferty – Jessica Darling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  62. Megan Whalen Turner – The Queen’s Thief (1, 2, 3, 4)
  63. Melina Marchetta – On the Jellicoe Road
  64. Melissa de la Cruz – Blue Bloods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  65. Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  66. Michael Grant – Gone (1, 2, 3, 4)
  67. Nancy Farmer – The House of the Scorpion
  68. Neal Shusterman – Unwind
  69. Neil Gaiman – Coraline
  70. Neil Gaiman – Stardust
  71. Neil Gaiman – The Graveyard Book
  72. P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast – House of Night (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
  73. Philip Pullman – His Dark Materials (1, 2, 3)
  74. Rachel Caine – The Morganville Vampires (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
  75. Rachel Cohn & David Levithan – Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist
  76. Richelle Mead – Vampire Academy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  77. Rick Riordan – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  78. Rom LcO’Feer – Somewhere carnal over 40 winks
  79. S.L. Naeole – Grace (1, 2, 3, 4)
  80. Sabrina Bryan & Julia DeVillers – Princess of Gossip
  81. Sarah Dessen – Along for the Ride
  82. Sarah Dessen – Lock and Key
  83. Sarah Dessen – The Truth about Forever
  84. Sara Shepard – Pretty Little Liars (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
  85. Scott Westerfeld – Leviathan (1, 2)
  86. Scott Westerfeld – Uglies (1, 2, 3)
  87. Shannon Hale – Books of a Thousand Days
  88. Shannon Hale – Princess Academy
  89. Shannon Hale – The Books of Bayern (1, 2, 3, 4)
  90. Sherman Alexie & Ellen Forney – The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
  91. Simone Elkeles – Perfect Chemistry (1, 2, 3)
  92. Stephanie Meyer – The Host
  93. Stephanie Meyer – Twilight Saga (1, 2, 3, 4)
  94. Sue Monk Kidd – The Secret Life of Bees
  95. Susan Beth Pfeffer – Last Survivors (1, 2, 3)
  96. Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games (1, 2, 3)
  97. Suzanne Collins – Underland Chronicles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  98. Terry Pratchett – Tiffany Aching (1, 2, 3, 4)
  99. Tonya Hurley – Ghost Girl (1, 2, 3)
  100. Wendelin Van Draanen – Flipped
Looking at this list, and the number of books I've read from it (or lack there of) I really feel like a bad reader/blogger. I know everyone has different tastes, but you'd think I would have read more of them than that. In my defence, I have read a lot of other books that are not on this list :). It was definitely fun to do, and has definitely inspired me to read more!

If you've filled out this list on your blog, I'd love to see what books you've read!

-Alisa

Sunday, September 18, 2011

In My Mailbox (7)

Sunday, September 18, 2011 7 Comments

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

I haven't posted since July, which means I have a lot of books to share that I have purchased/received over the past 2 1/2 months. To save on some time (for both you and me) I will link each of the book titles to there respective Goodreads pages, and if you want to know more, then you can find the information there. So, here they are:



Purchased
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
Trash by Andy Mulligan
You Against Me by Jenny Downham
Fallen by Lauren Kate
Torment by Lauren Kate
Passion by Lauren Kate
Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder
Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Crosst
Blue Moon by Alyson Noel
Shadowland by Alyson Noel
Dark Flame by Alyson Noel
Night Star by Alyson Noel
Everlasting by Alyson Noel
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
and a SUPER cute owl bookmark ;)

Gift(s)
Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Won
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead - I won a from @QBDTheBookshop on twitter

During August, I was lucky enough to get a few books signed by some great authors. Lauren Kate was in Australia, and although I wasn't able to make it to her signings, Dymocks was kind enough to hold copies of Fallen, Torment, and Passion and she signed them for me.

Maria V. Snyder also visited Brisbane in August, and I went to her one (and only) signing in the city. She signed Inside Out and Outside In for me! I was really nervious to meet her, and barley managed a "Hi", but she was super nice, and even posed for a photo.


What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Fever Giveaway: Lauren DeStefano

Sunday, September 18, 2011 0 Comments

No doubt most of you would have read Wither by Lauren DeStefano, and if you haven't I really suggest you do!

The cover design for the second book in her Chemical Garden Trilogy, Lauren is hosting a giveaway over at her blog: www.laurendestefano.com/blog


She is giving away proof jackets of Fever! Each jacket will have a specially selected sentence right out of the pages of Fever, hand-written by Lauren herself on the back. Each jacket will have a different sentence, making every single jacket one of a kind!!



To enter, all you have to do is visit Lauren's blog, and follow the instructions!! There are only a few days left to enter. Entries for the giveaway close on Monday, September 19th at 12:01 AM (USA Eastern time). I hope you're all as excited about Fever as I am, good luck!!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

In My Mailbox (6)

Sunday, July 10, 2011 14 Comments

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

I ordered these books online from a couple of different sites last week. Two arrived together, but I didn't want to post them until I had the whole set. The third arrived this week, so without further ado, my IMM for this week:

Purchased

Goodreads Summary Pages:
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

I also have 1 more thing to share with you this week. I visited Warner Bros. Movie World, a theme park in Queensland, Australia. When the movie for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (aka Sorcerer's Stone) was first released, they had a replica of the Hogwarts Express. Every movie since then, they have had a release party, and so it was only fitting they open a Harry Potter themed shop. I went there looking for clothing/accessories to wear to the Deathly Hallows midnight showing, but was very disappointed. All of the t-shirts were for children, and the only had Gryffindor & some Slytherin merchandise (I'm a proud Hufflepuff, lol). I did still purchase a plush Hedwig, and she now sites on my bedside table:



What did you get in your mailbox this week?


(p.s. I got a new camera, yay for IMM with photos!)

Monday, July 4, 2011

Cover Crazy: The Language of Flowers

Monday, July 04, 2011 7 Comments

Cover Crazy was created by Tawni @ The Book Worms.

The cover was the first thing that attracted me to this book. I saw it on Goodreads, and was lucky enough to receive a copy of the Australian ARC. While I enjoy arts and crafts, I wouldn't call myself an artist, but this cover has inspired me, and I really want to try and paint it!


(click image for larger view)

While the text is the main focus of the cover, it is the little things that I really love about this book.

Its use of only 3 simple colours allows you to look at the detail, without getting lost in a barrage of colour. I think the font suits the title of the book perfectly. Also, if you look closely, the pattern of the red foliage creates a profile silouette of a girl. Having only read the synopsis on Goodreads, I think it suits the storyline very well.

Simple, yet classic. I love it!


I’m really excited to read it. What do you think of this cover? Leave a comment below, and don't forget to post a link to the cover your crazy about this week!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

In My Mailbox (5)

Sunday, July 03, 2011 12 Comments

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

This week I bought some more $5 books, and my local Angus and Robertson was closing down (aww!), so they also had some YA fiction for 50% off. I've told you before, I just can't resist a book sale!


Goodreads Summary Pages:
Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Elixir by Hilary Duff

I also entered a Goodreads giveaway a few weeks ago, and I won. I'd had a bad day, so when I arrived home and checked my email, I was super surprised to find an email from Goodreads advising me to expect my book in 4-6 weeks.. Well, it arrived 5 days later, and I'm very excited to get the opportunity to read it!

For Review:
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (ARC) - from Pan Macmillan Australia on Goodreads
The Victorian language of flowers was used to express emotions: honeysuckle for devotion, azaleas for passion, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it has been more useful in conveying feelings like grief, mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings.

Now eighteen, Victoria has nowhere to go, and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. When her talent is discovered by a local florist, she discovers her gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But it takes meeting a mysterious vendor at the flower market for her to realise what's been missing in her own life, and as she starts to fall for him, she must decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness. - (Goodreads)

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Thursday, June 23, 2011

J.K. Rowling Announces- Pottermore!!

Thursday, June 23, 2011 0 Comments

So, we've all been waiting, and speculating for the past week about what magic J.K. Rowling had instore for us at pottermore.com. Well, the wait is over and J.K. Rowling has just announced that:

"Pottermore is a free website that builds an exciting online experience around the reading of the Harry Potter books."
- pottermore.com


"Pottermore, an online experience where you can explore the stories like never before" - @pottermore on twitter

As well as the video, screen captures of the Pottermore world have been released.
"Pottermore will be the exclusive place to purchase the digital audio books and, at last, eBooks of the Harry Potter series." - @leaky on twitter

While the website is not 100% active yet, one million fans will have the opportunity to access the site early on July 31st. Those of us who aren't as lucky will have to wait until October 2011 to explore this amazing new Potter related feature.

If you haven't already, visit the JKRowlingAnnounces youtube page for yourself and watch the video there, it's magical. Also, don't forget to follow @pottmore and @jk_rowling on twitter to keep up to date with the latest Harry Potter and Pottermore news.

What do you think about the new Pottmore?

Monday, June 13, 2011

Cover Crazy: Beautiful Malice

Monday, June 13, 2011 11 Comments

Cover Crazy was created by Tawni @ The Book Worms.

I wasn't planning on participating in Cover Crazy this week, but while searching around the internet, I came across this cover. The book sounds really interesting (Goodreads). This is the Australian cover, check the Author's website for other international covers (Author Website)


(click image for larger view)

The broken glass and the girl's hand is what draws me to this cover. While only half of her face is visible, she looks sad. Almost like she is contemplating something; whether or not to touch the glass shard perhaps. She also has this 'old world' look about her too, with her lip colour, hair style and clothing.

The colours are beautiful, and I really like how the title colour is a contrast to the rest of the cover. The font almost looks like it could have been written in blood, but upon closer inspection, I think perhaps lipstick.?

I really want to know more about this book! What do you think of this cover? Leave a comment below, and don't forget to post a link to the cover your crazy about this week!

Sunday, June 12, 2011

In My Mailbox (4)

Sunday, June 12, 2011 27 Comments

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

I told myself I wouldn't buy any more books until I've read the ones I already have. But alas, I gave into temptation and purchased another book. Only one, and it came highly recommended by, well, just about everyone..

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Summary (goodreads): When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Phew, that was a long summary. So, what did you get in your mailbox this week? Feel free to comment on what I received, and also leave the links to your IMMs below and I'll check them out!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Evermore by Alyson Noël

Thursday, June 09, 2011 3 Comments

Evermore by Alyson Noël

Release Date: AU October 2, 2009
Series: The Immortals [Book One]
Publisher: Macmillan
Pages: 356
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3/5

Sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom is the sole survivor of a car accident that killed her family. Exiled to sunny California. Ever is haunted by her little sister and by the ability to see people's auras, hear their thoughts and know their entire life story by touching them. She wants to hide from the world, but when a stunningly handsome guy arrives at school, she can't seem to keep away. Falling in love with Damen is dangerous - he's not what he seems. But if Damen is her destiny, how can Ever walk away? - Goodreads

My Review:
Evermore is the story about a young girl named Ever. Her family was killed in car crash, and she is the only survivor. She seems pretty normal on the outside, the only visual sign of the accident is a scar on her forehead. However, Ever can now see spirits, mainly that of her little sister, see people’s auras, and hear their thoughts.

Before the accident, Ever was popular and dated one of the best looking guys in school. Now, she avoids social situations, dresses in baggy clothing and listens to loud music on her MP3 player. All of this, to drown out her new supernatural ‘gift’. It’s not all doom and gloom for Ever though. She has two friends, Haven and Miles who are also considered school misfits, and they keep each other company. But even Ever hasn't told them about her powers, she can’t tell anyone.

Then one day, a new boy arrives at school. He’s good looking, charming, talented and smart. Basically he’s too good to be true, and he’s interested in Ever. But all is not what it seems with Damen; and Ever isn't sure if she should trust him. Certain things happen (or don’t happen) when Damen’s around, and when an old friend of Damen’s shows up in town, things get interesting and dangerous. I'm not going to say any more, but Ever must decide whether she wants to stay with Damen, or if she should let him go. The consequences of her choice are great.

And even though I can think of a million good and valid reasons why we absolutely should not ditch, why the weekend should wait until three o’clock just like any other Friday, when he gazes at me, his eyes are so deep and inviting, I don’t think twice, and dive right in.

~ page176, Evermore by Alyson Noël

Rating:
I thought the idea of a girl who had a near death experience and then discovered she had these psychic abilities was interesting. She coped the best way she knew how, by withdrawing within herself, and blocking out the world as best she could. Her relationships with her friends were delicate, and at times where stretched to their limits. However, her relationship with Damen was fascinating. Damen had this magic about him, and Ever could feel it. I enjoyed reading as their relationship developed. While reading, I felt like I was on a roller coaster with them, experiencing the ups and downs of their relationship. The ending blew me away, I was not expecting what happened (but in a good kind of way). It did leave me with a few questions, about Damen and his 'friends', but I’m hopeful these will be answered in the next books in the series.

Overall, I liked the book. It was well written, and included romance, magic, comedy and suspense. I rate it 3/5.

So, now you've heard my thought on Evermore by Alyson Noël, I'd like to hear your thoughs on the book. Have you read it? What are the other books in the series like, if you've read those? Would you consider reading it now, after reading my review? Thanks.
-Alisa
P.S.
This review was a little bit differnt to the ones I've done before. I included a quote from the novel, and I structured it a little differently with more focus on the story itself, and I tried to give a more detailed rating. Also I don't like calling it a rating, any other ideas? Hope you liked it, feel free to comment below.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

New Layout & Questions

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 6 Comments

First things first (cause it surely can’t be second. Not sure why, but that reminds me of Alice in Wonderland). Anyway, if you visited my blog before, you’ve probably noticed that I changed my layout. If you’re new, guess what?! I’ve changed my layout!. The previous one I had was only temporary, as I always wanted a more custom layout for the Novel Nook. After a few days of searching, I found some templates and some images and put together the layout you see now. I like it because it’s simple. I would have preferred it to be not so pink, but it’s still ok. Do you like it?

Now, onto the second point of this blog; I have a few questions I’d like to ask you all. If you have a few minutes to spare, I’d really appreciate the feedback/advice.
  1. Do you like the header images at the start of each of my posts? (eg. Cover Crazy, In My Mailbox, I.R.L, etc).
  2. For In My Mailbox, do you prefer photos of the books, or internet covers?
  3. What kind of Teaser Tuesday teasers do you like? (ie. plot hints, fun quotes, thought provoking).
  4. What would you like to see more/less of here at the Novel Nook?
  5. ----------
  6. Most bloggers are posting a review a week. I enjoy reading, but consider myself on the slower side. How can I improve my reading speed?
  7. Books are expensive, where do you purchase your books from?
  8. There are a lot of big book conventions in the USA. I live in Australia, are there any big events/signings here? (I have only been able to find a couple of local signings so far this year).
  9. And finally, are you a cat or a dog person?
The first set of questions were more about the blog, and the others more about reading and books in general (except for the last one, that one is just for fun :P). I’m really interested in hearing your thoughts. Feel free to leave any comments or feedback in the comments below (or email me if you'd prefer).

Thanks,

Teaser Tuesday #2

Tuesday, June 07, 2011 11 Comments

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading.

I've only read the first chapter of this book, so it's hard for me to pick a "teaser" that doesn't have spoilers for me or you. So I'll post something from the opening chapter, that I think some people might be able to realate to. It made me giggle.



At the last second, my eight-year-old sister, Izzy, tugs at me.
"What?" I whirl around. She has little-sister radar for when I'm busy, late, or on the phone with my boyfriend. Those are always the times she chooses to bother me.

~ page 7, Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver




I'd be interested to read your teasers, so feel free to leave your links below.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Cover Crazy: Christian the Hugging Lion

Monday, June 06, 2011 8 Comments

Cover Crazy was created by Tawni @ The Book Worms.. It allows bloggers to share which cover(s) that they are going crazy over.

Because I've spent the past four weeks in a year 2 classroom, I have been reading a book to the students every day after lunch. I fell in love with this cover, and the students fell in love with the story as well. This is the heart-warming true story of a lion cub named Christian, known through the popular YouTube video.

(sorry the image quality isn't to great, i promise it's a lot nicer in person)

The lion cub is adorable, and the title font isn't too overbearing.

I also like the use of blank space around the illustration and the title.

What do you think of this cover? Are there childrens books that you love the covers for? On a side note, have you seen the video of Christian the Hugging Lion? (if not, click Here).

Sunday, June 5, 2011

In My Mailbox (3)

Sunday, June 05, 2011 13 Comments

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

Really hoping to start reading all these new books soon. In my last IMM I mentioned that my local shopping centre was having a sale on books (All Books $5 Each). When I went back a few weeks later, the sale was still going, so I picked myself up a few more deals. The first two sounded interesting, and the third was an autographed copy, so I think that's mostly why I bought it :).

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Summary (goodreads): What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.


Miss Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker
Summary (goodreads): A feast of romance and laughter featuring a delightful and courageous heroine that you can relate to no matter what your size.

Convinced that her larger size relegates her to wallflower status, Freddie Heinz hides behind the wedding cakes she creates as a professional baker. But life is about to change for Miss Invisible.

First of all, Freddie's found a new friend who encourages her to come out of her shell. Then Hal, the cute veternarian, starts showing interest in the woman behind the delightful cakes. And when Freddie decides to break every rule in the "big girl's" book and find out who she really is, life gets even more exciting--and hilarious.

Cinderella, look out! Miss Invisible is becoming the belle of the ball--and having a ball in the process. Because when you finally find God's call for your life, any size is the right size--and love can see what the rest of the world passes by.


Homework by Suneeta Peres da Costa (signed)
Summary (goodreads): The narrator of Suneeta Peres da Costa's Homework was born with antennae on her head, and no matter what surgery doctors attempt, they keep growing back. One doctor doesn't see much of a problem, though he does admit that Mina Pereira "might be a little sensitive, that's all, there are enough nerve endings in those things for lightning to strike them!" Over time Mina comes to think of them as her "feelers," through which she receives a heightened perception of the emotions flowing through the atmosphere around her. And what a highly charged atmosphere the Pereira house holds: Mina's mother is suffering a breakdown that leads her to become obsessed with birds--to the point of trying to become one. Her father has responded by donning a miner's helmet and retreating into the basement. Meanwhile, Mina's child-genius sister scorns her and her schoolmates consider her a freak of nature.

What did you get in your mailbox this week?