TGIF, Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop (7)

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by 

Ms. Ginger @GReads . Anyone can participate. 

If you want to join, just do the following:

Re-cap your posts for the week

Answer the weekly question

Make sure to link back at the bottom of GReads TGIF Post. 

Please check this week's posts on Books4Juliet: 

Book Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Waiting On Wednesday (5)

Teaser Tuesdays (10)

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

In My Mailbox (7)

This Friday's Question: 

Banned Books: How do you feel about the censorship of the freedom to read? Do you think the education system needs to be more strict on what children are exposed to in books?

My Answer:

I'm not totally against the censorship of freedom to read. I know there are valuable reasons why certain books are being challenged or banned. Besides, not every book is for everyone. I agree that the educational system should be more strict on exposing children to books. Young minds can be easily corrupted. I am a mother and a reader. Soon my son will learn to read, and who knows, soon he'll read my books. But as much as I want to share my books with my child, I'm afraid I can't (yet). Not until, he already has a good foundation on discerning what's right from wrong. There are some books which I don't particularly recommend for younger readers. Guidance is important and should be enforced.

People have the right to choose which books to read. But of course, it should always come with responsibility on our part. I believe that every book has a reader. If for certain reasons, it doesn't fit in my shelf or in yours, I know somehow it will find its right place in someone else's bookshelf.

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Rachel @Parajunkee and Alison @Alison Can Read. If you want to join and see how this meme works, be sure to click the image above.  Happy Follow Friday!

Check out this week's Feature Blogs:

Starcrossed

The Bookaholic

This Friday's Question:

What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character?

My Answer:
I would like to see Divergent, The Host and The Maze Runner on film but they're not counted anymore since they were already optioned for a movie. So I think my next pick would be Wolves of Mercy Falls (Shiver, Linger, Forever) by Maggie Stiefvater. I want to see Grace, Sam, Cole and Isabel come to life. It's one of my favorite series and it would be great to see them on the big screen. And of course I want my all time favorite Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins! As for the cast, I can't think of anyone yet... I'll leave it to the casting crew! =)

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books. This is where book bloggers and book readers connect and support each other or just chat about books. This is super crazy fun and all readers and bloggers can join! If you want to know how to participate, just click the image above to visit Crazy for Books Blog.

This week's topic: “In honor of Banned Books Week, what is your favorite “banned or frequently challenged book”?”

My Answer: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This book (plus the entire series) is one of my most favorite book ever. Complete with action, suspense, love story, drama, and exciting twists. I couldn't asked more from this book. Another one is Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma, but I didn't find it in the list. This has been controversial for sibling incest so I guess it could be one of those  books being challenged or banned. I absolutely loved it though!

What is your favorite among the banned or frequently challenged books?

P.S. Since you're here, can you help me pick my next read? Please vote on the poll at the LEFT SIDE BAR of this blog =) Thanks a lot for taking time!

Book Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass (Hourglass #1)
Author: Myra McEntire
Publication Date: June 14th, 2011
Publisher: Egmont USA
Category: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Sci-Fi

Summary from Goodreads:

One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

My Thoughts:

The cover of this book is undeniably stunning. And as beautiful as the cover, is the story itself! Myra McEntire created a stunning debut novel that is not only unique but is also delightfully engrossing. From the beginning up to the very end of the story, I was hooked. I couldn't love this book any more than I do now. I love the strong not annoying characters she created, and it was exciting to see how the story unfolds for each of them. I easily liked Em, and I loved Michael. If you want to meet a smart and strong-willed heroine plus the gorgeous hot guy Michael, you better read this one. Plus all the other characters you'll be happy to meet.  It has always been one of the factors that make me love a book.

I am a slow reader, I admit (hehe). This is because I only read during the night, and it's very seldom that I could afford to read during the day. Unless the book is engrossing as Hourglass. It was so hard to put down. I always looked forward to reading it again every time I needed to stop. I read this book until way past my bed time and until my eyes can no longer stay open. I especially enjoyed the delicious romance between the main characters--it was quite a great ride. Without the usual huge cliffhanger ending, I felt satisfied with just the right amount of peace of mind. It ends very well for me and it gave me enough reasons to wait for the next book with so much anticipation. If you hate huge cliffhanger ending, then you'll probably like this one.

This book has the exact amount of romance, suspense, and action that will pull you  deeper into the story. A unique  compelling novel that will put you at the edge of your seat until the very end.

I know that not everyone who read this book ended up loving it. But I do. I loved Hourglass and it now has  its place on my bookshelf as one of my favorite books. I can't wait for the sequel!

My Rating:

Waiting On Wednesday (5)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My WOW this week is from one of my favorite author, Maggie Stiefvater (The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series). I enjoyed The Wolves of Mercy Falls and now I'm excited to grab her new book that will be released on October 18th. Take a peek:

SCORPIO RACES

By Maggie Stiefvater
October 18, 2011

Summary on Goodreads:

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen. It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

Teaser Tuesdays (10)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along. You just have to:

Grab your current read.

Open to a random page.

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser Tuesdays is one of my most favorite meme because I get to read exciting teasers from different books that my fellow bloggers are currently reading. It never fail to increase my TBR pile tremendously! ((grin))

So now, for my teaser, something from Hourglass by Myra McEntire. Here it goes...

He bent down, burying his face in my neck. I reached back to grab onto the iron bars behind me to hold myself up. My jacket slipped off my shoulders. I was pretty sure I was on fire, and at that moment I would have sworn that bursting into flame was a glorious way to go.

p.105, Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
Publication Date:may 26, 2011
Format: Kindle Edition
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Summary on Goodreads:

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

My Thoughts:

The first time I saw this book, I told myself that this wasn't for me. I don't like the cover at all. This is something I don't usually pick from the shelf. But after my friends talked about it, I decided to give it a try. I was so curious to see what they've been blabbing about: who's Travis? who's Pigeon? Who's Jamie McGuire? These questions have been answered the time I finished this engrossing book.

Who's Travis? He's Travis "Mad Dog" Maddox--the smart and bad... the sexy and bad... the strong and bad... the sweet and bad... I might be exaggerating, but yes, he's the bad yet the sweetest guy you'll ever meet in this book. You'll love him! 

Who's Pigeon? she's the girl the Travis fell in love with over and over again. He's tough, but this girl's tougher. Travis is strong, but what happens when he finally meet his weakness? You have to find out for yourself...

From the time I started reading Beautiful Disaster I was hooked. I read it even during the times that my eyes were so tired to stay open. If I wasn't so busy, I could have finished this book immediately. I like the characters the author created--from Travis, Abby, Shepley, America, and Finch... up to the Maddox loud boys... Though there are times that I get annoyed with Abby, it doesn't lessen the enjoyment especially when Travis was there. I admire America--it would be amazing to have a friend like her. She's so loyal and she's willing to give up anything... and anyone for Abby.

I enjoyed this book, but not the occasional use of obscene words that made me skipped them from time to time. The story contains so much complications, thus unhealthy relationships are so prominent. I didn't like the the environment, but the story was really good. For me, reading this book is like a roller coaster ride from the beginning to end. There was no dull moment and there are lots of steamy ones. 

And so, who's Jamie McGuire? She's no other than the talented author of Beautiful Disaster. 

Warning: Contains obscene language.

My Rating:

In My Mailbox (7)

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

Everyone is welcome to participate.

If you want to know how you can join, you may visit IMM Page at The Story Siren's website.

Hello everyone! How's your week? I didn't post an IMM last week but I'm back now. Here's what I got recently:

These are the books I received from my fellow blogger friend Lis of nox-invictus (who is also one of my Facebook BFF). I forgot to include these on my recent posts, so better late than never! THANKS again Lis for these books! =)

Thanks to Thomas Nelson via NetGalley for the review copy of THERE YOU'LL FIND ME and Author Ann Marie Frohoff for SKID OUT (A Novella Prequel of Heavy Influence Trilogy):

And last but never the least, a few grabs from the bookstore plus one from Amazon Kindle:

There goes my IMM! Where's yours? =)

Thoughtful Thursdays (2)

Thoughtful Thursdays is a new meme hosted by sweet Kristin of Better Read Than Dead. Every Thursday, she will post a question for us to ponder and everyone is invited and welcome to participate. Let's start the fun by answering today's question:

Q. What single thing in my working life would make me stand up and walk out of my job today, right now, even knowing that I would burn that bridge and never be able to go back?

A. I previously worked in an IT Department as a system engineer, and in my field of work, majority are men. I think my answer would be--any form of sexual threat, attempt or harassment will definitely push me to resign.

Book Review: VARIANT by Robison Wells

Variant (Variant #1)
Author: Robison Wells
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins / HarperTeen
Genre/Category: Young Adult, Sci-fi/Thriller, Dystopian

Summary on Goodreads:
Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.
He was wrong.
Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.
Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.

My Thoughts:

What will you do when you are sent to an enormous school with no teachers, no principals, no guards--no adults at all? A school surrounded by forest and walls and a 24/7 surveillance cameras? Where the students are not allowed to get out--breaking the rules means punishment, escape means detention, and detention means death? TRUST NO ONE.

Variant is a gripping story of alliance and survival.  It started with Benson (the protagonist) as he told the story in his POV—starting on the day he arrived at the Maxfield Academy. Though I am not much impressed with Benson's character, I like him enough to accept and understand his behaviour. He's not the super strong, super smart hero but I admire him for his motivation and courage to stand up against the injustice when the majority couldn't.

Reading Variant reminded me of Unwind and The Maze Runner. It was suspenseful and thrilling at the same time. Though the story was a bit slow in the beginning, it was never boring. I started to really enjoy the book during the second half where the turn of events put me on the edge of my seat as I discovered secrets and the questions were slowly being answered.

The twists are surprising, even the characters are unpredictable. I liked how the author made me so curious about each them. I’m loving a character and then I hated him afterwards. There are some whom I loved and hated them in the end. You'll never really know whom to trust when the first instinct of everyone is to survive no matter how.

It doesn’t have the typical romance flavor you’ll find in other books, but it didn’t lessen the excitement. From the beginning, I waited for the right girl to come out. The author kept me guessing! Just when I thought I figured it out already, the story proved me wrong! I am so anxious to know the real girl for Benson and I’m so excited to know what will happen next especially after the HUGE CLIFF HANGER ENDING! I was totally surprised! It made me even more excited to read the next book. I am almost sure that the story will just keeps getting better once it comes out. I can’t wait!

My Rating:

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins / Harper Teen and Author Robison Wells for the copy of the book. 

Waiting On Wednesday (4)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My WOW for today is none other than the most anticipated sequel of DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth. Now who wouldn't be excited for this book?

INSURGENT (Divergent, Book 2)

By Veronica Roth

May 28, 2012

HarperCollins

Summary on Goodreads:

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. 

Which book do you anticipate the most today?

Teaser Tuesdays (9)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along. You just have to:

Grab your current read.

Open to a random page.

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teasers are from VARIANT by Robinson Wells which I just finished, and from Beautiful Disaster which I immediately started after Variant =) 

Beautiful Disasters have lots of highlights and I wanted to quote everything but that would be against the rule. So I just picked up in random. Sorry, it's a bit longer than 2 lines... Here it goes:

What's your teaser? I've always been excited to peek! =)

Blogs That I Like (Week 2)

Here's a new meme hosted by Kristin @ KristinCanRead

Every Sunday, Kristin will highlight three (3) blogs that she's following and that she likes. 

I, on the other hand, feels like today is the best time to post mine.

RULES:
1. Choose three blogs that you like.
2. You must follow them and they must follow you.
3. Link their blogs in your post & comment for them to come visit.
4. They are not obligated to respond or repost, but it's just a nice jester that "Hey, I'm following you, and I like your blog. Thanks for following me too." Basically, a pat on the back for fellow bloggers.
5. It doesn't have to be a book blog. It can be ANY blog that you really LIKE!
6. If someone posts about you, you don't have to repost you like their blog, but you can if you want.

  

So, for this weeks' Blogs that I Like, I chose:

(alphabetically)

Please take time to visit these amazing blogs. It would be so much fun to be connected. Do you have other blogs that you really like and wants to reach out? I would love to know =) Let's stay connected! Have an awesome bloggity hop day everyone!

TGIF! Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop (6)

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by 

Ms. Ginger @GReads . Anyone can participate. 

If you want to join, just do the following:

Re-cap your posts for the week

Answer the weekly question

Make sure to link back at the bottom of GReads TGIF Post. 

Please check this week's posts on Books4Juliet: 

Book Review: CRAVE by Melissa Darnell

Thoughtful Thursday (1)

Spoiler: My Notes on Divergent

Teaser Tuesday (8)

Waiting On Wednesday (3)

In My Mailbox (6)

This Friday's Question: 

Book Disappointments: Have you ever come across a book you were so stoked to read, but it failed miserably in your eyes?

My Answer: 

I don't hate these books, I actually liked them. I just feel that I could have enjoy these books more if not for some tiny itchy concerns I have... But don't let these few issues stop you in reading these novels. We all have different tastes in books, and what I didn't fully enjoy might be one of your favorites =) 

Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox

I bought this book together with book 2: Dreamquake, and I was so excited to read them. But it's almost 2 years now and I haven't even finish book 1. It's a bit difficult for me to understand and I can't get into the book emotionally... It seems to be a really good series but right now, I'm not sure when I would be able to finish these books.

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

With a book with so much potential, all I get are handful of questions instead of rightful answers. This book has lots of whys and hows, and I didn't get explanations at all. So it's a little frustrating for the reader like me to fully understand the story. I could have enjoyed this book more.

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Rachel @ Parajunkee and Alison @ Alison Can Read. If you want to join and see how this meme works, be sure to click the image above.  Happy Follow Friday!

Check out this week's Feature Blogs:

Alaskan Book Cafe

Librarian Mouse

Q. It's that pesky magic book fairy again! She has another wish: What imaginary book world would you like to make a reality?

A. The first thing that comes to my mind when I was asked this question is the Summer Beach at the Summer Series by Jenny Han. Ok, I don't know if this place really exist, but probably it's real. But it's too impossible for me to be there right now, so I think it would be great to have the Summer Beach here. It's not only the beach, but the atmosphere. It would be so much fun if I could spend my summer there with my family and friends. So, yeah, I choose the Summer Beach. I know it's not magical and there's nothing paranormal about it, but I want to experience those awesome summers just like Belly when she spend hers with Conrad and Jeremiah.

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books. This is where book bloggers and book readers connect and support each other or just chat about books. This is super crazy fun and all readers and bloggers can join! If you want to know how to participate, just click the image above to visit Crazy for Books Blog.

This week's topic:

“As a book blogger, how do you introduce yourself in your profile?”

My Answer:

You can read my "About Me" tab to see what's in my profile. The basic is there--my real name! I think that is one most important thing to include in my profile, since I myself would love to know the real name of my fellow bloggers especially when I visit and talk to them online. The rest are small pieces about me--my passion, books I enjoy, some hobbies, some of my views in life... =)