I didn't make it

Hi guys, I guess I wanted to update you about that contest I entered my novel for a couple of weeks ago? I made it to semi-finalists but I didn't win. I'm a bit angry but I'll get over it. You know what this had made me do? Work even harder. I can't imagine myself NOT writing. I won't give it up ever. So I'm just going to work with what I have now and keep on trying. Thanks to all those who wished me well.

Amazon Kindle

After three months of having the Amazon Kindle, I finally come around and do a review/article about it. Since it was a Christmas present, my parents opened the major packaging for me so I don't know how hard it was. The packaging of the product itself was very sleek but not over-the-top.

It comes with a nifty manual that I think it's made out of recycled paper. Although it's not very big, it just helps with the basics and start up. There is a much more extensive manual on the Kindle itself.

Configuring it was very easy. No problems at all there. What I really liked is that I didn't have to go through the whole manual of the Kindle. Since I usually don't read instructions for everything, I just used the little search tool on the menu and looked for keywords, much more easy!

The look of the screen is amazing. Almost no glare or blurry images and it's super sharp. When I saw it I gasped because it looked like REAL paper. My dad was also surprised. We both thought it was the plastic sheet protecting the screen but it was actually the e-ink itself.

Downloading and buying books is super easy. You go on Amazon on your Kindle or Store (I have found some books that appear on the online store are not on the Kindle Amazon store but I could make this look like I'm too lazy to search through all of the books that come up). You can either buy (most under $10) or get a sample which is great when you're not so sure if you want to read the book. It downloads so fast that when the "Thank you for buying" screen pops up immediately, I hit the Home button and it's already on my Home screen. What I wish it had was a better organization for the books but I don't mind so much about that now.

The pagination is so fast, almost like a real book if not faster. And I like that if you touch the outsides of the buttons, it doesn't click, that way if I accidentally touch the outside, I won't lose my page.

The Kindle also has a Text-To-Speech feature which converts the text into an audio. The voices of these are robotic and annoying but I don't use it much anyways. Also, the changeable font size and direction of the screen (horizontal or vertical in all four ways) makes it really practical for older adult readers.

All in all, the Kindle hasn't given me ANY problems at all and I'm so happy with it, I wouldn't change it.

Challenge Update: March

Here are the books I've read this month.

1. Girl At Sea by Maureen Johnson
2. Arson by Estevan Vega
3. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
4. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and The Olympians, #1) by Rick Riordan
5. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins*
6. The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and The Olympians, #2) by Rick Riordan
7. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
8. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and The Olympians, #3) by Rick Riordan
9. Take Me There by Susane Colasanti
10. 3 Willows by Anne Brashares

Progress so far: 25/100 (1/4 through!)

*Re read from last year.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Okay, I'm going to say this book was entertaining. I read it fast and I liked it a lot. That said, I have a few things to say about it and the topic of 'bad romance'. I read a post (and a few follow-ups) at In Which A Girl Reads. This post, among other things, is the sickly nature that some YA books have taken recently, especially Paranormal.

I liked Nora, I think she was realistic yet I also think she was weak. She was also a walking contradiction. Even though she clearly felt uncomfortable by Patch's stalking and creepy behavior, she didn't want to 'be rude' to him. I get it fine. But here's the thing:

Patch wants to kill her but oh, wait! He's in LOVE with her too. I don't believe this one bit. He's not in love with her, he's just super turned on by her. The difference is monumental. While the attraction between them is one of the things that are very entertaining, there were a few hints and there that were too creepy and to unacceptable in my opinion. Nora was having bad feelings about a guy but so suddenly she turns those around because he doesn't want to kill her anymore...because he's IN LOVE with her.

I'm sorry, but I don't get that. Why would you want that? I've always told myself: "The second that a boyfriend even implies violence on me, he's so gone." So why did it somehow become acceptable in literature? I know this is a rant/review and it's not exactly what you wanted to hear, but hey, I'm here to express my thoughts and concerns after reading a few articles and agreeing with them. My eyes were definitely open.

I liked that book, I said that before and I still say it. But I also understand that it is DANGEROUS and CREEPY and NOT LOVE. I feel like many females today, including Nora, give themselves up because they can't handle stuff. What happened to sticking with your own believes? This does not really ring well with me.

Okay, that short rant said, the book is mysterious and there is a sense of danger that you didn't get in - okay - Twilight (which is one other example of these kinds of books) which made me keep myself at the edge of my seat. I WILL be reading the next installment and I'm not against 'bad romance' per say, it's more of the way that lust is confused by love and that people try to justify it as, "Well, it's okay because he's hot and he did THIS ONE THING."

In one sentence:
"Entertaining and mysterious, yet, cliched and creepy."


Plot: 4
Characters: 3
Writing: 3
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 4
Average: 3.8

The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and The Olympians, #2) by Rick Riordan

Sea Of Monsters
SPOILER WARNING

After a summer spent trying to prevent a catastrophic war among the Greek gods, Percy Jackson is finding his seventh-grade school year unnervingly quiet. His biggest problem is dealing with his new friend, Tyson, a six-foot-three, mentally challenged homeless kid who follows Percy everywhere, making it hard for Percy to have any normal friends. But things don't stay quiet for long.

Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half-Blood: the magical borders that protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters, the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millennia. Only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name: The Bermuda Triangle.

Together with his friends, Percy must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes or Camp Half-Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family, one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

What an awesome sequel! Let me say, I've always been a bit reluctant to read the series because, well, it's for younger kids. But it's such a fantastic adventure full of myths, humor, and the kick-ass action.

Percy Jackson is a funny kid, he's believable and his action, although intensified because of his demi-god statues, are real and right for his age. He and his friends embark for a new quest that's even harder than the one before.

The family secret, I don't want to spoil it, but it adds a new spice to the books. It makes the stakes higher and at first, I wasn't glad for it (like Percy) but then I saw how it made sense and appreciated it.  And the finish, oh, my god(s) it will leave you wanting the next book, and fast!

Although it's a bit slower paced than the first, you can tell that the story is taking a very constant pace and everything starts to happen pretty quickly (contradiction? ay me, I never know what I'm talking about). It has some pretty intense parts, too.

In one sentence:
"Percy Jackson has me in love with mythology!"

Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 4.8

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire

SPOLER ALERT

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

You have all heard me talk nonstop about Catching Fire and The Hunger Games series in general but I hadn't actually DONE a review on either of them. So, since I recently re-read Catching Fire, I'll review it today.

Although Catching Fire is a bit slower than The Hunger Games, so much more is at stake that the suspense is breath-taking. I have to say that I liked Catching Fire more because it's more political and much more like a rude awakening at what is happening in these districts.

Katniss is one of my favorite female protagonists in literature so far; she is strong, rash, and a fierce female who you wouldn't want battling against you.

Peeta is as adorable and sweet as any other. But I won't say much more because I am, in the end, a Gale fan. Where Peeta is sweet and talkative, Gale is rough around the edges, dark, serious, but so loyal to Katniss.

Suzanne Collins's writing flows off the page. It's amazing how vivid and real she makes everything: the details, the action, everything!

Even though I read it for the second time, it had me at the edge of my seat and just gasping with surprise at every turn. I can't wait till the next book, Mockingjay.

In one sentence:
"Best series next to Harry Potter."

Plot: 5
Writing: 5
Characters: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

In My Mailbox (12)

IMM is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and it explores the contents of my mailbox.

This week:

• On Kindle

Fallen by Becca Fitzpatrick

Author Appreciation Week

For this special week in which we honor the wonderful people who have written wonderful books, I have listed my top five favorite authors. There are many more authors whom I love but I could recite these authors' work on my sleep.

5. Suzanne Collins- She is definitely my favorite sci-fi author. I've never liked a sci-fi series more than I love The Hunger Games. And I know, again, that I mention it too much but I can't help it. Her next book, Mockingjay, is a culmination of this best selling and popular series for young adults.

4. Melissa Marr- Her books are wonderful. She has reinvented the fey world for me. The imagery of her books is astounding and her stories are very original and unique.

3. Kristin Cashore- Both Fire and Graceling are a couple of my favorite books ever. The action, the world, the characters...everything. Fantasy is definitely taken to a whole new level with this author. I can't wait for Bitterblue, her third book that takes place in the same world as Fire and Graceling.

2. Sarah Dessen- It's enough to mention her name. She is one of the most fantastic YA authors today and her books are all so real. I have them all. Her characters are so unique and resonating, you won't ever forget them.

1. Meg Cabot- I'm an official Meg Cabot stalker. I check her blog every day, I'm in love with The Princess Diaries Series (and the movies based on it), I read every other book she's ever written. And she's the one who inspired me to write. In just ten years she has managed to publish around 50 books for adults, teens, and tweens alike. And they keep on coming! Can't wait for Insatiable and Runaway this year.

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and The Olympians, #1) by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school...again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

When they started announcing the movie I said, "I want to read the book first." But then my friends wanted to go out and see it so I agreed to go along. I liked the movie a lot but this isn't a movie review, it's a book review.

I am so mad at myself for not reading this book sooner. The book is fantastic and it can never be compared to the movie. It has been such a long time since I've enjoyed a middle grade/fantasy series. I can't even begin to do a small synopsis of the book so I will leave the above synopsis and I hope it suffices.

The story, the mythology, the characters. It's amazing how everything told in here rings with such honesty and truth. You truly believe everything that's happening there could happen around you. Thanks to the first person POV, I was completely submerged in all of the action and sometimes it was even too fast to almost keep up!

Percy and the rest of the characters are unique and very distinctive. There is also a mix of humor in this book so I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times. It's such a fun and light read, perfect for the beach! (I do not intend any sort of pun here).

In one sentence:
"Mesmerizing! It would have you googling Greek Mythology for a while."

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5

An Abundance Of Katherines

An Abundance Of Katherines

When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton's type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact.

On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy-loving best friend riding shotgun - but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl.

Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself by Printz medalist John Green, acclaimed author of Looking for Alaska.

It would be a good assumption to say that I loved this book. Although it is not my favorite John Green book, it is still entertaining and hilarious. I was surprised to find it written in third person as other John Green's books  are written in first. It took a bit of getting used to but then I realized the characters were as well played as if they were written in first.

Okay, let me stop getting too technical. Colin is the prodigy and he feels like he doesn't really matter so he goes on a road trip with Hassan who is HILARIOUS. Unfortunately, Colin just broke up with Katherine XIX and it has affected him much. He gets an idea that a relationship can be graphed and therefore, predicted.

Although I understood most of the math as it's one of my best subjects, it might prove a bit confusing at first, especially with all the footnotes* that make the book a bit scarce and distracting. I did not necessarily hate the footnotes, I just don't like them that much. It worked in some places to add humor but at one point it became tiring to flip next some pages to get to them.

The supporting characters are very unique and the whole tampon string factory element added to the uniqueness that is everything John Green.

Overall, I liked this book a lot and I think it's not as graphic as other John Green books so it's definitely better in that sense for younger audiences.

In one sentence:
"John Green's AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINE delivers the witty and humor style of his past books."

Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Writing: 4
Cover: 4
Overall Feeling: 4
Average: 4.2

*Footnotes like this, see?

Settings [Writing Feature]

Settings

Since writing and reading are two big parts of my life, I'm going to be doing these monthly 'Writing Features'. I hope you enjoy them :)

Settings are where all of the action takes place. This is one of the most important parts of story telling because it makes the action be placed in a real time and real place (by real place I mean concrete, of course, if you're writing a fantasy story, it doesn't have to be exactly real but I you know what I mean).

Personally, settings are really hard for me. I have trouble describing the world around me because a) I feel that if my characters have been there for so long, they should know how the place looks and b) I am inconsistent with details.

A setting can be anything, from a small place you knew as a little kid or a totally made-up world. I have yet to learn the latter one as it's very hard to build a world but you can search online for many world-building articles so I won't get into detail with it here.

The setting of the story includes the time, space, and place. You can put a story in a historical moment (called Historical Fiction), a moment in the future (usually science fiction but many stories today are called 'dystopian' for post-apocalyptic worlds), or even modern time.

Settings, especially the weather and atmosphere play a big role when it comes to characters and foreshadowing. I have prepared a small example for you:

How Weather Affects or Tells The Character's Mood
The rain poured all over Faire County and the clouds covered the sun light from touching the fields. Malcom Gutter stood inside his house, both hands pressed to the window as he watched the gloomy outside world.

In this example we see a picture: a rainy - maybe stormy - day and a boy who's looking from inside his house. Just by the action of his pose and the weather you can tell that he's not in the best mood, in fact, he might be saddened. We don't know why but already there's a question forming, Why is the boy sad? Why does he long to go outside?

How Weather Affects The Foretelling Of A Story
Claudia Tensil walked along the paved road on her way to her father's house. She hadn't seen him in years but know she was finally ready to confront him. Thunder roared on the skies and the clouds indicated a rain coming soon. She had to hurry.

In this example, although the weather is similar to the last, we see that it's telling a different thing. It's telling how the coming meeting with Claudia's father might go.

We have seen how atmosphere and weather create different meanings and mood for a story but how do we actually describe it?

First, of course, you have to imagine the place. It might help you to sit back and close your eyes (of course, you might want to read this before doing this ). Imagine a white room. There's nothing in it. Now, in that white room imagine: day or night? Out or in? Urban or Rural? Imagine a place you knew, want to go to, or totally make up. What does it look like? If you were telling this to a friend, how would you say it.

Here's a small example of how little words (and not too much description) can set a setting without feeling overwhelming and still leaving a reader wondering and making up his/her own landscape:

Caden ran across the dirty street, the skyscrapers way overhead felt like they would fall on her at any minute. She stopped in the middle of the busy street, cars all around her hurried to their destinations, they didn't know what was happening. She saw a dark alley and ran to it, keeping herself pressed against the brick wall, she would find the exit soon enough.

So you see, I am describing while keeping the action moving, I'm not really saying "There are streets, and cars, and buildings. It is dark and dirty." No, I am making the character work with the setting instead of keeping them separated.

Arson by Estevan Vega

Arson

ARSON GABLE FEELS LIKE A FREAK. HE CAN CREATE FIRE. HE NEVER ASKED FOR IT. HE NEVER WANTED IT. BUT HE CAN'T SHUT IT OFF.

Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl-who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin-moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. Using what he fears the most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Dark, moody, and breathtakingly relevant, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated boy with unimaginable ability, is sure to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

I'm not really sure what to say about this book, it was good, I liked it, but... I don't know. ARSON is dark and sinister and a bit weird. There's no question that Estevan's writing is beautiful and flowing and the imagery is amazing.

I have a feeling that this will be a short review, I hope it's enough, though. Anyways, one thing that I have to say that I did not like was Arson's and Emery's relationship. I know, I know, but for me it didn't feel real. I didn't believe it and I didn't feel it. I don't know why this happened since all of the characters per say are so believable and complex.

I liked the different points of view, it really allowed the fleshing out of the story. The least character that I liked was Aimee, she just seemed so immature and frustrating.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and it only needed a bit of umph in some specific places but I would recommend it to older YA audiences. I also loved how original it was. I'm all for originality.

In one sentence:
"A dark and sinister read for older YA audiences"

Plot: 4
Writing: 5
Characters: 4
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 3
Average: 4.2

Girl At Sea

Girl At Sea

Sometimes you have to get lost . . .

The Girl: Clio Ford, seventeen, wants to spend the summer smooching her art-store crush, not stuck on a boat in the Mediterranean. At least she'll get a killer tan.

The Mission: Survive her father's crazy antics. Oh, and also find some missing underwater treasure that could unlock the secrets of civilization.

The Crew: Dad's wacky best friend Martin, his bizarre research partner Julia, her voluptuous daughter Elsa . . . and then there's Aidan, Julia's incredibly attractive, incredibly arrogant assistant.

What's going on behind Aidan's intellectual, intensely green eyes, anyway?

As Clio sails into uncharted territory she unveils secrets that have the power to change history. But her most surprising discovery is that there's something deeper and more cryptic than the sea—her own heart.

. . . to find what you're looking for.

From GoodReads

Clio is invited to Italy for a trip with her dad. I don't know about you but I would jump in on that no matter what! Except Clio doesn't. She hates to leave her home - especially art store cutie Ollie - behind and go on a trip with her irresponsible father in search of...who knows? Clio doesn't even know that she's going on a yacht with her dad's partner, Julia, his friend, Julia's daugther Elsa and the hottie of the season - also arrogant and at times annoying - Aidan.

I LOVED this book. Clio is a hilarious character that you can relate to. I want her to be my best friend. At first, I was a bit reluctant because of the third person POV BUT it didn't make a different once I started. She had a very unique voice and you sometimes got frustrated at her but you still loved her. Although she does mention Ollie a bit too much, I liked her bluntness and her attitude.

Aidan was Oh So Hot! I'm claiming him as my new literary boyfriend. He seems a bit arrogant and annoying at first but once you get to know him, you feel a bit sorry for him. He's a bit helpless at times and he tries really hard to do his job and not mess things up. Every time that he was in a scene, I would start screaming...yeah, weird, that's me.

Elsa, the cheese goddess, was super cool, too. I want her to be my friend so bad, even if she is a bit blind to what is happening around her. The rest of the characters were all funny and distinctive.

The mission/mystery is not revealed until after half the book but even then it kept me guessing and it wasn't boring at all. Everything at the end just happened so quickly! I wished I had more time and more of a conclusion. The plot was original and intriguing.

Can I mention again that I screamed? Of joy and OMIGOD-ness? It was awesome. It takes a real book to make me scream like I did yesterday. AHHH!

In one sentence:
"A real mystery with real humor for all readers!"

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 3
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 4.6

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and it features the latest in my mailbox.

On Kindle

• An Abundance Of Katherines by John Green
• Girl At Sea by Maureen Johnson

What I Want In YA Books

What makes me pick up a book? Here's a little list (in no particular order) of my interests and things that I consider when picking/reviewing a book.

1.Cover. Yes, I'm a cover whore. If a book has a great cover, I'll pick it out first. It needs to catch my attention and make me stop and look at it from amongst the hundreds of other books.

2.Romance. Even if it's a bit. I am a very crushy-crushy type of person and I love it when a book has a little bit of romance in it. Again, I've read really good books without this but it's still a HUGE part of a book for me.

3. Un- Cliche-ness. I don't like when everything sounds the same so I love a book with a bit of personality and originality.

4. Authors. If I've read any other works from the same author and liked them, I'll trust her/him and pick out his/her books first.

5. Blurbs. Not hype, per say. But the thoughts of the people that have read and reviewed the books helps in making my decision.

6. Characters. I'm a very character-driven reader. If I don't relate to the character, I won't like the book, no matter how good the plot is. It just won't happen.

What do you look for in books?

Going Bovine

Going Bovine

Cameron Smith, 16, is slumming through high school, overshadowed by a sister “pre-majoring in perfection,” while working (ineptly) at the Buddha Burger. Then something happens to make him the focus of his family's attention: he contracts mad cow disease. What takes place after he is hospitalized is either that a gorgeous angel persuades him to search for a cure that will also save the world, or that he has a vivid hallucination brought on by the disease. Either way, what readers have is an absurdist comedy in which Cameron, Gonzo (a neurotic dwarf) and Balder (a Norse god cursed to appear as a yard gnome) go on a quixotic road trip during which they learn about string theory, wormholes and true love en route to Disney World. Bray's surreal humor may surprise fans of her historical fantasies about Gemma Doyle, as she trains her satirical eye on modern education, American materialism and religious cults (the smoothie-drinking members of the Church of Everlasting Satisfaction and Snack 'N' Bowl). Offer this to fans of Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy seeking more inspired lunacy. From GoodReads

Going Bovine starts with Cameron who's hallucinating some weird stuff like fire giants and such. Then he is diagnosed with Mad Cow disease. He then meets a punk-rocker angel called Dulcie who tells him there is a cure and he has to go in an adventure with the dwarf, Gonzo. Along the ride joins Balder and the three of them have the time of their lives as the clock ticks for the cure and the end of the world.

Let me say that I have wanted this since it came out but I was a bit worried. I LOVED Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle Trilogy (so much I haven't ever found a historical fantasy-ish book better than it. Yeah, THAT awesome it was) and I didn't know if she could pull off such a different type of book. I mean, talk about a big 180. I was so so wrong.

Going Bovine starts and ends in a note of hilarious-ness. It's amazing how a woman author, Libba Bray, can convey such a realistic and loyal male voice a la John Green. It's super honest and super entertaining. Cameron is such a loser, in whichever sense. He likes getting high on the school bathroom, is socially awkward, and is way into funny sounding music. But you know what I loved most? He grows throughout the book. He didn't change, he grew. And I admire the ability that Libba Bray has to create such a real and heart-touching character.

The other main characters, Gonzo and Balder are amazing. I mean, how can all three be hilarious without being tiring and sounding the same? It is true characterization. These three make a weird pair and a weird book, for sure. But I can't think of it in any better way.

Going Bovine has a few hints of Don Quixote and it made it so fun! I mean, hello? Classic Don Quixote made modern, it's the weirdest, ballsiest yet most AMAZING thing ever.

I also loved how you don't know if this is all real of it's happening inside Cameron's mind in the hospital until the very end. Oh, and the end DID confuse me but then I got it. I was not shocked or SURPRISED per se, I also didn't expect it. So it was that, oh, yeah it happened kind of mood. Nevertheless, it didn't disappoint me at all.

In one sentence:
"Libba Bray has proved that she IS the master of versatility. Going Bovine is fun, funny, and amazing."

Wait...that was more than one sentence...I'VE NEVER DONE THAT BEFORE*.
Oh, and may I also add that this has been the BEST book I've read this year? It's just been that awesome.

Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Writing: 5
Cover: 5
Overall Feeling: 5
Average: 5




*I write in CAPS when I'm excited :)

Breaking* News!

I JUST received news that I'm a semi-finalist in Sourcebook Fire/#YA Lit Chat writing contest. I'm in such a shock, I'm shaking. Here is the list from Georgia McBride's blog.

1. Kristen Yard
2. Ethan Marcantel
3.  Gail Zerrade
4.  Lisa M. Basso
5. Alyssa M. Kirk
6. Carolyn Grace Matteo
7.  Durga Walker
8. Courtney Alameda Lowe
9.  Bethany K. Dellinger
10. K.M. Walton
11. Christina Lee
12.  Mary Danielson
13.  Kimberly Mitchell
14. Candace Ganger
15.  Cathy C. Hall
16.  R.C. Lewis
17.  Morgan Baden
18.  Jessie Harrell
19. P.G.K. Hanson
20. Laura Perdew
21.  Mark Freeman
22. Patricia Perez
23. Eli Ross
24.  Erin Richards
25.  Kristi V. Helvig
26.  Sandi Greene
27.  Nikki Katz
28.  Chris Shanley-Dillman
29.  Lisa Magedler
30.  Joelle McClure
31.  Amitha Jagannath Knight
32. Tiffany Truitt
33.  Rebecca Lees
34. Mariah Abotossaway
35.  Steve L. Edwards
36.  Lori Sowell
37.  Lacey Boldyrev
38. Jordan Elizabeth Mierek
39.  Julie Moffett
40.  Annie McElfresh 
41.  Kym Balthazar Fetsko
42.  Pam van Hylckama Vlieg
43.  Elle Strauss
44.  Dean Hardy
45.  Jodie Meadows

*I am so shocked I couldn't even spell this right the first OR second time. Now it's corrected :)