White Christmas Live: My Review!

Through Event Chaser and Razor Gator, I was able to see White Christmas live. It was my first time, so read my review to see what I thought...

http://www.eventchaser.com/2009/11/white-christmas-at-aronoff-center-in-cincinnati-ohio/

I'd love any comments but PLEASE leave them on my page at Event Chaser and not here. Thanks!

2010 Challenge that Dare Not Speak Its Name

I've never actually signed up for a book challenge before but I figured it was about time so I decided to do the GLBT Reading Challenge. I'll post the brief rules below as well as the link so you can sign up/find out more...prizes involved!! I don't have a final list of books to read (I'm sure they will change as the year goes on) but I am hoping to do the Rainbow Level (12 or more books).

http://glbt-reading.blogspot.com/2009/11/glbt-challenge-2010.html

Rules/Guidelines:


The basic idea of this challenge is to read books about GLBT topics and/or by GLBT authors.

The challenge runs year-round, and there will be three levels of participation:

Lambda Level: Read 4 books.
Pink Triangle Level: Read 8 books.
Rainbow Level: Read 12 or more books.

The Dark Divine Winner(s)

(there's the picture!)

Thanks so much for all the entries! There were some amazing picks! A lot of you picked more than one person--totally don't blame you--and there were a lot of repeats, which wasn't surprising. Some of you had unique options, and a few of you said you wanted your own street team--which is fine, and I never thought about it! I wish I had enough copies for all of you, but I don't. I would have put my copy in there, but its personalized to me, so I doubt you want it (plus I don't think I could part with it).

The winner is ParaJunkee!!!! Congrats!!!

The winners of the swag are:
----
Jo
Liyana
Just Blinded Book Reviews
Cynthia
Jessy
Travis
Jenny N
carmen alexis
Jenn M
--and--
ali

Congrats guys!!! Hope you enjoy your pretty swag--also, I'm pretty sure there are some international winners in there!!!

All winners should email me at: moviefanatic1911@yahoo.com (ParaJunkee you have 2 days to reply, and if you don't I pick a new winner!)

-Alicia

p.s. my next contest should be up soon and it *might* be international...

Review: The Everafter by Amy Huntley

Title: The Everafter

Author: Amy Huntley

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Format: ARC

From: Publisher

Pgs: 256

Release Date: Out Now

--

Review By: Alicia

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Summary:

Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this--she is dead. And alone, in a vast, dark space. The only company she has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things Maddy lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that with these artifacts, she can re-experience--and sometimes even change--moments from her life.

Her first kiss.

A trip to Disney World.

Her sister's wedding.

A disastrous sleepover.

In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and sometimes frightening truths about her life--and death.

Review:

Another phenomenal debut that I adored. Honestly, this book was so amazing. I have no idea how Huntley was able to write this book.

This book was written in an interesting way. At the beginning I was confused, but I knew that I was supposed to be. The whole book was written in a way that, as Maddy was figuring things out, you were too, which I absolutely loved.

I really loved Maddy and Gabe's relationship--it was very realistic. Their relationship was not perfect, which I appreciated, because no relationship is perfect. Plus Gabe was another fab YA boy.

Maddy's memories were really interesting, and the way she "found/remembered" them. She would find items and then become sucked into the memories that went with them. Plus I really liked how she was stuck in the "is" place.

The ending really shocked me, and I don't mean the end-of-the-book-ending, I mean the-way-she-died-ending. I most definitely did not see the way she died coming and was completely surprised by it. As for the end of the book, I loved it! It wasn't necessarily a happily ever after, but there was happiness and it ended on a hopeful note.

Cover: I like that it is purple (my favorite color) and I love the flowers they chose. It seems simple and I like that.

Overall: 5/5

Pay it Forward WAS a Book: Next Auction!

Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde (YES, it was a book before it became a movie!!) is up for auction right now at Leave a Mark. You can keep bidding until November 29 but get moving! You know you want this one. It's a classic. :)

LINK:

http://leaveamarkauctions.blogspot.com/2009/11/auction-6-pay-it-forward-by-catherine.html

Review: Jasmyn by Alex Bell (Amazing!)

Jasmyn by Alex Bell

Review by: Lauren

Website: http://www.alex-bell.co.uk/

Summary:

One day, without warning, Jasmyn’s husband died of an aneurysm.

Since then, everything has been different. Wrapped up in her grief, Jasmyn is trapped in a world without colour, without flavour – without Liam. But even through the haze of misery she begins to notice strange events. Even with Liam gone, things are not as they should be, and eventually Jasmyn begins to explore the mysteries that have sprung up after her husband’s death… and follow their trail back into the events of his life.

But the mysteries are deeper than Jasmyn expects, and are leading her in unexpected directions – into fairytales filled with swans, castles and bones; into a tale of a murder committed by a lake and a vicious battle between brothers; into a story of a lost past, and a stolen love. She’s entering a magical story.

Jasmyn’s story.

Review:

This review is long overdue (once again) but it's an amazing book that should be read by many. It's targeted to adults but it's just fine for young adults, in my honest opinion. This is a mix of fairy tale, mystery, romance, and immense surprises. Unlike other fairy tale books, this one isn't really a re-telling. It plays on a particular one, but it has its own story which is great.

Alex Bell is a phenomenal writer. She drags you into this world and makes you believe, makes you feel for these characters she has created. I will definitely be checking out some more of her work in the future.

I don't want to say too much about the book as there isn't a ton given away in the summary and I think it's good that way. You will definitely be thrown for some twists and turns while reading. Close to the end was particulary shocking for me, but just made this book all the more exciting!

Read.This.Book. It's phenomenal. Believe me.

And the cover is gorgeous!

Getting To Know...Me!!!

I know you are just dying to learn more about me...haha...but hopefully you will go and check me out at Sarah Ockler's blog for Flip it Friday, all about the author interviewing a book blogger.

My Link: http://sarahockler.com/2009/11/20/flip-it-friday-lauren-shooting-stars-mag/#comments

By the way, since Sarah called me out on it, Philosophy and Sexuality was an amazing class that I really loved. It was very interesting and I recommend looking into it if you have one at your college (though of course you won't have my professor, which is a bit sad!)

Calling All 2010 Authors!!

I am calling all 2010 authors!! I'm thinking mostly along the lines of Young Adult, but it can be Middle Grade or Adult books too if you think Young Adult readers would enjoy them as well.

I can't say WHY I'm looking for these authors/books, but believe me, it'll be a lot of fun when you find out. So if you know of some authors, please tell them to contact me if they want to be part of a big promo event in December (yes, I know the timing is soon...) of if you're a 2010 author yourself, get in touch ASAP!

It's easiest if you email here: lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

I'd really appreciate it, so thanks in advance! And you can write, find out what's going on, and decide not to participate. It's totally fine!!

Willow by Julia Hoban + EXTRA Giveaway Entries

For all of you Willow fans, you don't want to miss this. Check it out and spread the word:

http://leaveamarkauctions.blogspot.com/2009/11/auction-5-willow-by-julia-hoban.html

PLUS, every time you bid on a marked up book you can get FIVE extra entries into giveaways. Stick them all in one or break them up...and that's each time you bid, so you can bid more than once on one book and gets lot of entries for giveaways on here. You can't beat that, right?

Twilight Giveaway: Become Jane!

My Magic Me's Twilight Giveaway

My Magic Me Main Site

Want to be turned into Jane from the Twilight films? It just so happens you can now become a part of the Volturi...if only in pictures.

I finally got the picture to post above but you can see more here:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32999915

My Magic Me is a great etsy shop full of fun things if you want to get another picture altered...zombies, fairies, and more! It's such fun so definitely give her a look. The prices aren't too bad either. Remember though: she won't print them and mail them. You simply get sent the photo and you can do what you want with it then.

Giveaway-

Prize: One Volturi Photo (you need to submit a photo if you win)

Open To: International!

Ends: November 20 (the day New Moon is released of course!)

To Enter: What else do you love about the My Magic Me site?

Extra:

+1 follow (leave a new comment)

+1 post somewhere about this (leave a new comment)

Gifts in 24 + Great Holiday Giveaway

Gifts in 24 Review + Giveaway

Review by: Lauren

Link: http://www.giftsin24.com/

Review:

I was lucky to recieve a few differnt items to review and I honestly loved them all. One such items was the Mr. and Mrs. Wedding laser frame.

I had this particular item personalized for a family friend who just had her wedding. She really loved it and I heard she was even gushing about it when I wasn't around. I, personally, really liked it as well and think it would make a great gift for those who will be married in the future. I know I'd like to have something like it in the future for my own home. It's beautiful and mongramed to fit you and your spouse. Everyone can use a frame and who doesn't love when something fits exactly who they are?

I also got some simple note cards with envelopes. It has a pink border with the recipients name on the front of the card. The note cards have their address on the back as well so all they need to do is right out who the card is for and voila! They are ready to go. I got this item for my sister-in-law because my brother will be entering the army in the new year and through the mail is the only way they can talk to each other for awhile. It's cute and necessary, plus she loves the color pink!!

Finally, we got a nice clear holder with some notes inside. Each page is good for writing something down while on the phone or leaving a quick note for yourself or someone else. It's practical and cute. It can go by the phone, in your office, or like my family, right in the living room. Our last name is on the top as would yours so it would read "The (last name) Family" and then all the way around it (except for the very bottom) our everyone in the family's first names. I put my parents, mine, and my sister's as we are the ones living at home right now. You have a few color choices but I went with green as it's a neutral enough color. My mom absolutely loved this when it first arrived. It's very handy and a great gift for those that have everything or a big family or just to give someone something cute and thoughtful.

Overall, this is a great new site that you should definitely check out. The holidays are fast approaching and I'm sure you can find at least one item for someone on your list at Gifts in 24, so be sure to check it out. For now, enter the giveaway and maybe win a couple awesome items!

Giveaway-

To Enter: Go to the site and let me know what item or items you like!

Prize: Couples Monogram Note $49.95 retail value and also a Couples 7-Tablet set $34.95 retail value with your own personalization.

Links: http://www.giftsin24.com/personalized-stationery/Couples-Monogram-Note

http://www.giftsin24.com/personalized-stationery/Couples-7-Tablet-Set-with-Holder

Open to: U.S. only I'm afraid!

Ends: November 30

Extra-

+1 if you follow (leave a new comment saying this)

+1 for any giveaway you enter on this site during the run of this (leave a new comment for each one)

The Dark Divine: Street Team/Contest

Hey guys, Alicia here!


Today I want to tell you all about an absolutely fabulous book by an amazing new author, The Dark Divine by Bree Despain.

If you all remember, I actually met Bree at the tenner/blogger lunch I went to in August (link here). I have also talked to Bree numerous times, and when I found out she was making a street team, I jumped. So I am proud to say that I am one of the members of The Divine Underground, aka: The Dark Divine Street Team!

As a member of the street team, it is my job to promote the book in any way possible, which I am doing now! :) I also have a ton of swag to give away, and I received an ARC and soundtrack. Now, I got my own pretty, personalized ARC a long time ago--(which I loved) and Bree was nice enough to send me one after we met--so, I thought I'd give this one away to one of you guys!

First of all though, you should visit Bree's website and blog. Oh, and talk to her on twitter! She is very nice! There is also an amazing soundtrack to the book that you should check out!

Here's the official synopsis:

A prodigal son

A dangerous love

A deadly secret...

I stood back and watched his movements. Daniel had that way about him that could shut me down in an instant...I kicked the gravel a couple of times and worked up my courage again. "Tell me...I mean...why did you come back? Why now, after all this time?"

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she'll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

---

Sounds good, right? Well, it is! Which is why you should enter the contest and check out the first chapter here!

CONTEST TIME!!!!

Prize: One lucky winner will receive a signed ARC of The Dark Divine, bookmarks, stickers, the soundtrack, and The Dark Divine nail polish!**

Deadline: Ends on November 21

Open to: US only! Sorry! I *might* send swag out overseas, so leave a comment if you're not in the US.

To enter: Simply leave a comment saying which author/book's street team *you* would like to be on--it may or may not exist. (Be sure to leave your email address! Not sure if I'll email the winner or make a post, so check back on Nov 22 to see if you won.)

**If over 20 people enter, a few random people will get some TDD swag!

Good luck guys! Oh, and would you like me to post a picture of the prize?

-Alicia

RENT Live: Read My Review

"It's right that today's Halloween. It was Angel's favorite holiday."

If you know the play or even saw the movie version of RENT, I hope that quote stands out to you. I use it because I went and saw RENT live on Halloween for the third time and it was just as amazing as always.

It even had Broadway's original Mark and Roger, played by Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal (that's them in the picture above...in that order if you don't know!).

My full review, however, is here:

http://www.eventchaser.com/2009/11/rent-at-procter-and-gamble-hall-at-aronoff-center-in-cincinnati-ohio/

Check it out and leave a comment there if you read it!! I'd really appreciate it and be sure to see the play if you can. Totally worth it.

Want a Marked Up Copy of If I Stay?!

The next auction over at Leave a Mark is for the YA hit If I Stay by Gayle Forman. You know you want this one. It'll be a one-of-a-kind collector's item some day...I can see it, oh yeah!

Just go here and start bidding: http://leaveamarkauctions.blogspot.com/2009/11/auction-4-if-i-stay-by-gayle-forman.html

I will love you for life if you spread the word on your blogs too. Pleaseee?

(Review) The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
Review by: Lauren

Summary from Amazon:

Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power.

The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole -- a charm that keeps her alive -- and they want it badly enough to kill again.

Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase...and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is des-perate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.

Ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Nick starts to suspect that his brother is telling him lie after lie about their past. As the magicians' Circle closes in on their family, Nick uncovers the secret that could destroy them all.

This is the Demon's Lexicon. Turn the page.

Review:

I am a horrible person. I recieved this book to review quite awhile ago and I actually read it fairly fast, so why didn't I do a review long before now? Well, that's why I'm a horrible person. I just kept forgetting to get this posted so I want to apologize to Sarah for that and it's not because I hated the book by any means.

Actually, I really loved this story. It was very readable and the characters all came alive for me, making me feel as if they were real. The main ones I connected with were the two brothers, Nick and Alan, because they are so complex and interesting. Though they are vastly different, they are there for each other and will do anything to make sure the other one is safe and alright.

Secrets begin to weigh on their relationship though and Nick suddenly isn't so sure who he can trust and he resents Alan for keeping him in the dark...but in the end, is it for his own good or is their brotherly bond going to be a continuous state of disrepair?

It's an imaginative book that is sure to please both genders and it gives you realistic characters in a unique story. The Demon's Lexicon had me flipping these pages as fast as I could until I reached the end...and then I simply wanted more! You'll definitely be surprised by some of the twists and turns throughout this novel so pick up a copy this holiday season for you or someone you know.

Want to Win It?

Well, do you? I'm afraid you're going to have to work for it...and that involves money, HOWEVER it's worth it! All the money you bid for this book, if you win, will go to the charity First Book.

Jeri Smith-Ready is super awesome that she's even going to throw in a NON-marked up copy of Wicked Game if you don't already own this so that you get the regular book to read as well as a behind-the-scenes "collector's item" of a copy. Sounds awesome, doesn't it?

Go and check it out: http://www.leaveamarkauctions.blogspot.com/

Guest Post from the author of Jesse's Girl

THE BLANK PAGE – AND OTHER HORRORS
By Gary Morgenstein/Jesse’s Girl

There is nothing more terrifying to a writer than facing the blank page. Yet every day, a writer confronts the Herculean task of translating ethereal thoughts and vague characters and hazy scenes into something coherent.

But what you hear in your head in that parallel universe where writers stumble around, often bears little resemblance to the brick and mortar world of creating a novel that real human beings who don’t share your consciousness would understand.

When I started Jesse’s Girl, I only knew that the novel would begin in the middle of the night with a phone call. The main character, Teddy Mentor, learns that his 16-year-old son Jesse has run away from a drug treatment wilderness program in Montana. Then I was off to the races. Not only did I have a blank page, in parts, I had a blank mind.

I’d gone into the book with the pre-conceived notion that it’d be a small novel focusing primarily on the father-son relationship, hooking around the adopted teenager’s battle with alcohol and search for his biological roots. Yeah, and what about something called plot and character development? For me, the ultimate moment for Jesse’s Girl was when a transformative crime hit the page, carrying my characters along in a tsunami-like nail-biting thriller.

I didn’t realize that at the time because every day I thought I knew what I was going to write. Writers practice delusions as a way of motivating themselves. Even when you’re about to scribble rubbish, you tell yourself, at least it is something! Ah, for the good old days when you could therapeutically yank paper out of the typewriter and hurl the crumpled ball across the room.

A trick I learned is keeping a little something in the gas tank from the previous day. Don’t write yourself into exhaustion. Even if you begin with a paragraph, sometimes that’s enough to give you the momentum. It’s like pushing a car in neutral down a hill. Then you have to jump in and grab the writing wheel. Without a seat belt.

I always thought it’d be wonderful to have a gizmo hooked up into your thoughts where it would write the book exactly as you see it. Maybe if I’m reincarnated in the 24th Century.

About the Author-

Novelist/playwright Gary Morgenstein is the author of four novels. In addition to Jesse’s Girl, a thriller about a widowed father’s search for his adopted teenage son who has run away from a drug treatment program to find his biological sister, his books include the romantic triangle Loving Rabbi Thalia Kleinman, the political thriller Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and the baseball Rocky The Man Who Wanted to Play Center Field for the New York Yankees. His play Ponzi Man performed to sell-out crowds at the New York Fringe Festival. Morgenstein’s other full-length work, You Can’t Grow Tomatoes in the Bronx, is in development. He can be reached at www.facebook.com/people/Gary-Morgenstein/1011217889.