Giveaway: Signed ARC of The Death Cure by James Dashner

Because I love you, and because I had an interview with James Dashner today, I've got a copy of The Death Cure to give away.

I'll have a review up early next week, but I really enjoyed the conclusion to this series. This giveaway will run until Wednesday, October 5. I promise to ship the book as soon as possible. So, hopefully you get to read it before it OFFICIALLY comes out.

If you're in a feed reader or email, you'll need to click over since I'm using rafflecopter again.

Blogger Confidential: Book Community

Have you ever been faced with an issue while reading or blogging and thought: I wonder what other bloggers think about this? No matter what genre or audience you blog for, we all face the same problems. Are you a publisher or author wondering what goes on in a blogger's (and by extension a reader's) head?

Blogger confidential is a series of 10 questions asked to 13 bloggers about the nitty gritty details of blogging. Everything from what prompts a blogger to pick up a book, to what happens when a book doesn't live up to its hype. This series was inspired by Wastepaper Prose's Author Insight series. Learn more about the Blogger Confidential series on its main page.

What does blogging add to the book community that you feel would otherwise be lacking?

"Blogging adds a personal connection and a whole lot of enthusiasm to the often isolated task of reading...." Stacy, Shannan, Nancy, and Sarah from Girls in the Stacks

"First and foremost: book recommendations! I’ve been blogging for so long that I honestly cannot remember how I used to find out about new books. I guess I occasionally went to the bookstore and browsed (but was too poor to ever buy anything), and I got a lot from the library (but they were old). Book blogs are the ONLY way I find out about books, and now it’s the only way my family and friends find out about books.

 

It also adds a TON of socializing opportunities. How did people meet other book lovers and authors before? I guess you’d go to a signing and hope that the person you were next to in line was nice, and then tell the author “I love your book!” before they moved on to the person behind you. Now I can go to an event and meet up with people I KNOW share my interests and I can say to an author “I’m Enna Isilee” and instantly we have things to talk about! It’s the best ever. My whole world would be SO DULL without book bloggers/blogging." Enna from Squeaky Books

"Blogging starts a conversation that crosses countries, ethnicities, social groups and every other boundary, physical or otherwise, that’s out there.  Word of mouth is so important to the success of any book.  If a reader is excited they are going to tell their friends and blogging increases the number of friends who will hear about a book.  But the conversation doesn’t just stop with talking about a book a reader loves, it expands to topics within a book or sharing common experiences with others.  The recent #YASaves hastag on twitter is a great example of this.  Everyone who’s part of the online book world was able to participate and share their thoughts and feelings about how YA books impacted their lives.  It was great to see this!  But all of this comes back to selling books.  Conversations leads to promotion and promotion leads to more books sold, so I think blogging  is just one more way to start or keep a conversation going. " Pixie and Stacey from Page Turners Blog

"A sense of community. I think bloggers give the average reader a glimpse of the publishing world, writing, and authors in general that they don’t get elsewhere. We are sort of the bridge between the reader and the author, in many cases." Jenn from Jenn's Bookshelves

"Honest reviews from people who love books. The synopsis on the back of a book is usually very cleverly written to entice you into wanting to read the book and yes you can read reviews in newspapers and things like that but what I like about reviews from the book blogging community is that they will give you an honest opinion. They are not being paid to do this and do not receive any gain from it which means you can trust the review. Of course, there are always going to be exceptions but it’s about finding a blog that you like and trust. I’ve gotten many recommendations from other blogs and gone out and bought the books in question." Lynsey from Narratively Speaking

"Blogging about books gives book lovers a voice in the publishing world. We have an easy and fun way to communicate with publishers, authors, and other book lovers. As the target audience for the books, we are a great avenue for word-of-mouth (or word-of-keystrokes) about books. We get the word out – Loud and Proud!" Melina from Reading Vacation

"I think that there is a definite level of excitement that bloggers bring to the book community that would be lacking without us! And connections... reader to reader, blogger to reader, blogger to blogger, blogger to author... I really think that those connections take the book community to a whole other level!" Kristi from The Story Siren

"Word of mouth. We get so much information out there to everyone on a daily basis. If there were no blogs it would be like before, only if someone you saw came up to you and mention said book would you probably here of it. Blogs have taken this to the next level." Yara from Once Upon a Twilight

"I think it definitely helps spread the word about books and authors now that print reviewing is on the decline. It also just brings in a huge variety of voices and opinions on all sorts of books, and discussions that raise awareness of various issues going on with teens today. The blogging community really brings a lot to the table." James from Book Chic

"I would have to say a community where your average reader can find out about bookish things and read reviews. Before I was a blogger myself, I loved being able to find out what people my age or had my same interests thought about books. Blogs helped me decide what to read next and even presented books on their blogs I hadn’t heard of before. Even as a reader, I didn’t completely trust reviews I saw on Goodreads, etc. just like I don’t trust them now, so I turned to book bloggers to steer me in the right directions. Blogs were more of my speed as opposed to professional reviews." Jacinda and Jasmine from The Reading Housewives of Indiana

"Reading is a solitary activity. Blogging has made it to where that is no longer completely true. There are things like read-alongs where you can read a book with a group of people and then discuss it. Even if you don’t read it with a group of people, you still get this whole community of people to discuss it with. It is something I have never really seen before (other than book clubs) and I love it. I think readers really love it too." Katie from Katie's Book Blog

"One thing blogging adds to the book community is a broader community itself. Most of my friends in “offline” life don’t read – or don’t read the same books I do. But the blogging community has connected me with so many other people who love the same kinds of books that I do. I love being able to connect with others who share my passions, and be able to gush about the same books on Twitter or in blog comments. It’s a great outlet.

What’s more, blogging has really added a whole new level to reviewing and promoting books. On the reviewing side, I much prefer hearing thoughts from others who share my taste in books – rather than a “critical” approach from a traditional book reviewer. (I feel the same way about movie critics, too; I rarely agree with them.)

Likewise, blogging gives authors and publishers an entirely new way to reach potential readers. Promotional work is something I really enjoy doing on Novel Novice, and because I support books and authors, I LOVE getting to help promote their books. It’s a great feeling to hear that a Novel Novice visitor bought a book on my recommendation. I know not all bloggers are trying to sell books, but I am very open about the fact that I want people to go out and buy and read the books we recommend. (Or, hey, borrow them from the library – that’s totally cool, too!)

I think what blogging also embodies is the wave of the future. Technology is changing the way the world works, and this is just one example of an industry adapting to new technology. " Sara from Novel Novice

"Where do I start? A few things off the top of my head: 1.) Thousands more books are reviewed because of blogging than could ever be reviewed in a newspaper. 2.) Fresh relevant content is produced at a frequent pace (usually daily) which is not possible with a magazine or weekly newspaper review. 3.) Readers are able to develop a relationship with blog reviewers in a way they can't with print reviewers and are therefore able to trust blog reviews to a different (hopefully better) degree. and 4.) We've revolutionized the way many bookstore websites function now - as many of them have added their own blogs to keep up with the direction in which the industry is headed." Wallace from Unputdownables

Unforgettable by Loretta Ellsworth: Review

Unforgettable
By: Loretta Ellsworth

Format: Hardcover, 256 pages
Published: September 27, 2011; Walker Books
Received: ARC from Author

author website | author twitter

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Summary (from goodreads): Baxter Green isn’t like everyone else. While most people would forget about the little details of everyday life, Baxter never forgets—not pain, not hurt, not embarrassment. In fact, Baxter never forgets anything—not even a string of account numbers, flashed before his eyes by his mother’s criminal boyfriend, Dink, for use in a credit card scam. Years after his testimony has locked Dink away, Baxter and his mother are in a new town, trying to forget the danger Dink brought into their lives. Baxter wants to hide his unique ability, but it becomes increasingly more difficult when he reconnects with Hallie, a girl from his childhood who has lived on in his memory long after she has forgotten him. Can Baxter win Hallie’s heart? Loretta Ellsworth’s newest novel is one readers will never forget.

My Review:  This is a book that hasn't received a whole lot of buzz, which is really a tragedy. Unforgettable is a sweet, understated love story that absolutely swept me off my feet. Like Sean in Sean Griswold's Head, I really loved the unassuming Baxter and his quirky manner.

Baxter's ability to remember everything makes him feel like a freak. He tries hard in school not to stand out, but on occasion blurts out a random fact or memory that surprises those around him. Especially after his ability is used to aid in a crime, Baxter is extremely nervous and protective of his gift, though he doesn't see it as one.


Another reason I was endeared to this story, is it reminded me a little of my husband. See, we knew each other in high school. I remember him as a very sweet, but kind of weird guy that was a senior when I was a sophomore. I would have described him very much as Halle described Baxter in this story.  When I went to college and we met again almost 5 years later, he remembered many things about our interactions in high school that I completely forgot. (Apparently I was quite a flirt, who knew?)


So, you can bet that I was rooting for Halle and Baxter every step of their journey. I loved Halle's passion for her cause, and her courage to stand up for something that mattered to her. I loved that she was kind and smart, but still a little bit vulnerable, because Baxter needed to do some saving.


This book is pretty darn near perfect for me as contemporary YA goes. Because heaven knows that this fiction universe needs more nerds getting the pretty girl. Because those of us who love nerds know just how wonderful they are.


My Rating:

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Giveaway

Thanks to Loretta, I have a signed hardcover copy to give away to one lucky winner! And, I'm trying out a new giveaway system. If you are in a feed reader or viewing in email, you'll need to click over and enter. You'll also have the option for the first time to do some multiple entries.

Seven Realms Winners

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in the Seven Realms week. It was great to see all of you that are fans, (and some of you who soon will be).

Here is the finished puzzle for those of you that are interested. (Thanks to Anna Rose for the completed puzzle, since I didn't actually have the original file)...

The word is AEDIION. Which might confuse you if you haven't read The Exiled Queen or The Gray Wolf Throne yet. But, it's an important thing in those books.

Now, on to the winners. I am still waiting to hear back from both of these people. They've got 48 hours to send me a return email or I'll pick someone new.

Emilie

and

Janelle G.

Congratulations to the winners! If you didn't win, don't lose hope! I'm still giving away a signed copy of the Demon King to one random commenter on any post this month. Check here for more details!

Thanks again to everyone who entered. You are all awesome!

Two Years Ago

I would ask for your indulgence today so that I can divert all of the book talk to some personal matters.

Two years ago my husband sent me a text message telling me that he was going home sick from work. This was the second time in a week. He had been throwing up, having headaches and had a general feeling of being unwell. As I sat in my office contemplating the fact that my husband who never took sick days was at home for the second time this week something deep down inside my gut did not feel right. About 10 days prior, he had hit his head on a steel beam while working at our local high school on a community musical. As crazy as it sounded, I connected the two in my head and had the very serious impression that he needed to see a doctor.

"Something is wrong with Daniel," I said to my boss. "He's gone home sick for the second time this week. He's been throwing up with no nausea, and has terrible headaches. I don't know if this is something serious or not, but I don't know what to do."

"Take him into the emergency room now," my boss said.

I made no further argument, and went home.

"Get your shoes on and get in the car, because we're going to the urgent care," I said to Daniel. He resisted at first, but I had my mind made up. They were going to do a scan of his brain, no matter the cost.

We drove up to the local urgent care facility. Immediately a nurse came out and took one look at him and said, "I can tell from just looking at him that he has some neurological problems. Take him to the emergency room for a CAT scan, we can't do that here."

So, off to the hospital we went. As I sat in front of the admissions nurse, doubts began to surface. "He hit his head 10 days ago, and I'm bringing him in for that?" I thought. But, despite how utterly stupid I felt, I insisted that they run a CAT scan. If it was just a concussion, I could deal with the fact that I overreacted.

After some time (I have no recollection of whether or not we were in the hospital for a couple hours or several), the ER doctor came in and said, "There is no brain swelling, however, I did notice something on this CAT scan that has me concerned. Do you notice his ventricles in his brain? They are over twice the size that they should normally be. There is also a small mass in between them that I imagine is blocking the drainage of that fluid. My best guess is that it is calcification that formed some time ago. I want you to see my friend that is a neurosurgeon tomorrow and get an MRI."

Through some connections that my mother-in-law had and with the help of this ER doctor, we were able to get Daniel in for an MRI and an appointment with a neurosurgeon that was booked out for 6 months the next day.  When I walked into the doctor's office, my husband was already there with my mother in law. When I sat down he said, "My mom has already seen the MRI, and it looks like a tumor."

I think my stomach dropped to the bottom of my feet. A tumor? Like cancer? Was he sure, he's only 24?! What do you do for brain cancer? Is it treatable? Will you have to do chemo? A million questions raced through my head all at once. One question hung like a big dark cloud, "Are you going to die?"

As we walked in to the neurosurgeon's office, he said that he was pretty sure he knew what kind of tumor this was and how to treat it, but it would be best to do a biopsy first. He said they could do the biopsy the next week. Not wanting to delay, we immediately booked the appointment. The doctor pointed out things like the fact that my 6'4" tall husband weighed somewhere around 140 pounds. His pupils were paralyzed and did not dilate. He couldn't look up with his eyes and had to move his head to look up. The nausea was caused from increased pressure in the brain, as were the headaches. His vision was blurry, and although he had seen an optometrist earlier in the summer, no one had caught on that my husband had a serious problem. Cancer.

Sitting in the doctor's office was a surreal experience. I was 20 weeks pregnant with my first baby. We had just learned a couple weeks prior that it would be a girl. I didn't know if my daughter would grow up knowing her father. I was scared. Terrified even.

The next few months passed like a blur. A biopsy was done. Seven days of recovery in the ICU. I slept on a friend's couch and went to the hospital every day. Daniel withdrew from the semester at school. He began radiation treatment.  I'll never forget that feeling of running my fingers through his hair and having a huge clump come out in my hand. I shaved his head. He went on steroids and gained 30 pounds in 4 weeks. His entire physical appearance was altered. I was pregnant, tired, and sick.

Daniel 1-Month prior to diagnosis

Daniel during treatment

During the time of his diagnosis and treatment, I didn't blog about it much. Though I am not a very private person by nature, I felt like Daniel and I needed to get through this together. We had the support of our family, church, and my work, of course, but his treatment was private.

It has been two years since his diagnosis. Daniel has been in remission since February 2010. Looking back, I don't know how I held everything together as well as I did. I suppose I didn't have any other choice. I am so appreciative of everyone who helped me through that difficult time in my life.

And here is where I get really really personal (i.e. spiritual). I firmly believe that my feeling to take my husband into the ER for a CAT scan was a direct message from God. And that it saved my husband's life. And that is something, on this September afternoon that I am very grateful for.

Seven Realms Puzzle Pieces

Thank you for everyone who has participated in Seven Realms week so far. Winners for the prizes will be chosen on Tuesday, September 20 at 10 pm MST, so you have some time to get your #sevenrealms tweets in and to comment on the Provo City Library's Facebook page.

In case you missed it, here are the locations for all 6 puzzle pieces.

Bites
Reading Teen
Emily's Reading Room
One Librarian's Book Reviews
Candace's Book Blog
Provo City Library's Facebook Page

Once you find all the pieces and know the secret word, send me an email at emilysreadingroom@gmail.com with the subject: SEVEN REALMS WEEK.

Thanks again and good luck!

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima: Review

The Gray Wolf Throne
By: Cinda Williams Chima

Format: Hardcover, 528 pages
Published: August 30, 2011 by Hyperion Book CH
Received: ARC from BEA
Series: The Demon King (review), The Exiled Queen (review)

Author Facebook | Author Blog

Summary from Goodreads (some spoilers from earlier in the series): Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.

My Review: This is a fantastic addition to a series that has become one of my all-time favorites. Excellent, well-written and engaging YA high fantasy is rare, but this series just nails it on the head.

There is so much to love about the book. Han and Raisa's complicated relationship is so full of deliciously palatable tension that I could just slurp up with a straw. (How's that for a visual?) Han himself is one of the few "bad boys" that I just want to root for. His sad and rather broken past, and the fact that he's being used by those around him just makes me want to run to his comfort. Not that he needs or wants me.

Raisa is a proud, strong-willed girl that has grown through the series from kind of a bratty princess into a elegant queen that means business. This book contains a lot more of the court intrigue that may bore some readers, but I loved it! One thing that keeps me coming back to a story is a compelling backstory, and this series has it. There is a lot to keep track of with the Clans, The Queen's Guard, and those conniving Wizards. (Including a death that made me gasp, and shake the book just a little). But, it makes the story so rich and lovely. But, rather like a piece of rich dark chocolate cake, the taste isn't for everyone.

Let me put it this way. It's not every book that makes me a shaking blob of jello. I recommend this book highly to everyone that I know who likes fantasy. It's a series worth investing in. I have great hopes that The Crimson Crown is going to be a thrilling and epic end to the series. And, may I suggest that you try the books out on audio or reading aloud? It adds another element to the story that I think you'll really enjoy.

My Rating:

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And the moment you've all been waiting for! Here's today's puzzle piece! Read the details on Seven Realms week, and enter to win a signed set of the series so far!

BBAW 2011: Community Part 2

This week is Book Blogger Appreciation Week. I'll be posting according to the prompts all week.

The world of book blogging has grown enormously and sometimes it can be hard to find a place. Share your tips for finding and keeping community in book blogging despite the hectic demands made on your time and the overwhelming number of blogs out there. If you’re struggling with finding a community, share your concerns and explain what you’re looking for–this is the week to connect!

Okay, here's a post where you're going to get the gospel according to Emily. The YA blogging community is huge, and it gets bigger every single day. I think there's room for as many bloggers as want to do this, however, I think a lot of it depends on what you want to get out of it.

When you start your blog, it immediately becomes clear that it's a time suck. Somewhere around 4-6 months you will realize that you spend about as much on your blog's design, content and reading as you with a part time job! You will have a small-ish number of followers, maybe a few comments on each post. But, it will not be where you want it to be. At this point, you'll be at a cross-roads. You can go one of several ways.

Stop posting all together because it's just too much
Only check out books from the library or buy books and review those. Who needs review copies?
Cut back on the number of reviews, host contests, participate in memes and features
Dig in your heels and figure out creative ways to balance your life and blog

Option number three is a trick option. If you are really serious about being a part of the blogging community, don't engage in this behavior. Content every day is not as important as quality content less often. Trust me. With the number of blogs and readers out there, it's not as critical to have something up every day as it is to have some really good reviews and discussions twice or more a week.

I'm not saying that all memes and features are bad. They can add greatly to the blogging discussion and community, but do not use them as a crutch. It is tempting when you link up to another blog and the influx of "Hey! I'm a new follower follow me back" comments come rushing in. But, it's short-lived. I'm not sure what the best mix of reviews/memes is. That's something that is up to each individual blogger. But, I suggest you always keep your quality as paramount.

It's rather like when authors say the most important component of being a best-selling author is writing a great book. I guarantee that if you take the time to carefully craft your content, readers will come.

Now, not all of my stuff is carefully crafted. I'm still learning how to balance my full-time job, young family, and blogging, but the longer I do it, the better I get at it. And it's totally worth it.

Getting involved in the community is easy. Come join in the conversation and be genuine. There isn't a blogger that can't smell a spam-like comment from a mile away. But, good, honest discussion is the way to really get involved, and we'll welcome you with open arms.

If you visit my blog regularly, but rarely comment, this is my open invitation to you to leave a comment and say hi! Come out of those lurking shadows just for a moment, and let's get introduced.

The Breaking Dawn Trailer, aka, there's only one more

So, today the theatrical trailer for Breaking Dawn, Part 1 was released. I couldn't be happier. We're one step closer to November, which means that this franchise is about done. But here is the trailer for your viewing pleasure.

First of all, if you've seen the trailer, you really won't need to see the movie. It's pretty much all right there in the trailer. And I guarantee that they only included the parts of the movie with discernible dialogue. (Seriously Bella, take the cotton ball out of your mouth or whatever it is that makes you mumble)

But, I'd like to highlight some of my favorite parts.

Good thing Bella's dad is there with her. She doesn't open her eyes the whole way down the aisle. And the expression on Charlie's face is pretty much what I'll be wearing the entire movie.

The Bella simper. Couldn't even manage a smile on your wedding day?

Ah! Now I understand the disgusted look. Edward got a little carried away with the powder and looks like a mime staring at a tasty snack.

Ick.

Bad gas or something more sinister?

His hair color and make-up gets worse and worse every movie. I thought this guy was supposed to be gorgeous? I think he's taking make-up instruction from Edward.

YOU ate the last waffle!

Kibbles and bits

Random creepy vamp subplot

Careful Edward, your face might get stuck that way.

And on that high note, that's your wrap up of Breaking Dawn! So, who's excited to see it in theaters?

BBAW 2011: Interview with Unfinished Person

This week is Book Blogger Appreciation Week. I'll be posting according to the prompts all week.

Today's topic for Book Blogger Appreciation Week is getting to know another blogger. Today I have a Q and A with Unfinished Person. I hope you'll go check out his blog. I really enjoy his diversity of posts, and insights on a variety of topics. You can also check out his interview of me at his blog today.

Your blog is an eclectic mix of fitness, reading, and spirituality. Can you expound a little more on the merging of your three previous blogs into the blog that you have today?

I could expound A LOT as my wife, who also has a blog, http://northernoutpostpa.blogspot.com, could tell  you as much as I've talked about it with --at-- her. I actually had four blogs: on the subjects of body, mind, soul and whatever I wanted to write about. While two of those blogs, the reading and the rambling ones, were just starting to pick up momentum in terms of page views, hits and all the other statistics, I was losing momentum from trying to keep up with all four blogs. I started with a running blog, but this blog here is where my -- well-- body, mind and soul-- are, at least in theory. As the rambling was a part of who I was, and is a part of who I am, I decided to move that blog to here and merge the persona, Unfinished Rambler, that I had created for that blog...into the persona, I have here: Unfinished Person.

What have you enjoyed most about the blogging community?

I know it's going to sound corny, but what I've enjoyed the most about the blogging community are opportunities like this, Book Blogger Appreciation Week, to interact with other bloggers, some of whom you might not know or with whom you might only be acquainted, such as yourself. I had met you through a Christmas book blogging swap event last year, but didn't really get to know you there. I've also been acquainted with you through Bloggiesta, I believe. I initially met a good group of book bloggers here through Weekly Geeks (just was retired) and then The Sunday Salon (now on Facebook -- ). Along the way, I've met other bloggers through Humor Blogs, Humorbloggers (both no longer in existence, at least in the latter case, to my knowledge), Tribal Blogs (http://www.tribalblogs.net) and StudioThirtyPlus (http://www.studiothirtyplus.com) to name but a few of the key blogging communities with which I've come in contact.

You recently participated in several blogging events promoting reading books already on your shelves. Any of those books that made you wonder, why didn't I read these sooner?

Right now I'm making my way through the Charlie Chan series, of which there were only six written by author Earl Derr Biggers, whose last one The Keeper of the Keys was published in 1932, a year before his death in 1933. A couple of years ago, a friend had mentioned the series to me and then I read Charlie Chan: The Untold Story of the Honorable Detective and his Rendezvous with American History by Yunte Huang (http://books.wwnorton.com/books/Charlie-Chan/) in which I learned about the "real" Charlie Chan: Chang Apana, a sergeant on the Honololu Police Force, on whom the character of Charlie Chan was based. About six months ago or so, my friend was nice enough to mail me four of the series and I bought the other two from a local bookstore. I'm on the final book in the series now, which have been restored wonderfully by Academy Chicago Publishers (http://www.academychicago.com/newsite/charliechan.html). I shouldn't have let them sit so long. On the other hand, at least, I didn't "gobble" them up either and have been savoring this last one, even though it's just a little over 200 pages.

How would you like to see your blog develop in the coming year?

Well, back to that answer for the first question: about "at least in theory," I'd like to make it more practical in terms of sharing who I am body, mind and soul (always with the intent of helping others find who they are, body, mind and soul, toward becoming "complete" people or as complete as we can be in this life) than it has been. Specifically, I'd like to update my Motivation Monday posts on a more regular basis than I have been (meaning...ahem...at all). I'd also like to develop more "soul" posts than I've written in the last year. I've been neglecting the spiritual side of myself for a while and need to get back to nourishing that part of me, and maybe in turn, nourish that part of my readers. As for carving out more time to do all this, I'm already cutting back on some things in my schedule that while helpful to others are becoming less and less helpful to my own state of well-being,so I hope to be able to focus on the blog and --not to sound narcisstic or anything, but really it's true-- me. The caveat is that I hope somehow readers of my blog can learn from my experiences, both the good and the bad...what to do and what not to do as they too work toward making themselves more complete people than they might be now.

Thank you, Emily, for your questions, because they made me think (again) about why I do this thing I do. As bloggers, we always should be thinking about why we're doing what we're doing --and even once in a while, share our thoughts on the process, to help us and again --not to sound too altruistic, but really it's true-- others.

BBAW 2011: Community

This week is Book Blogger Appreciation Week. I'll be posting according to the prompts all week.


I started my blog in June 2009. At that time, I had no idea that there were other people doing what I was doing. Since then, I've been drawn into the community of book blogging, and quite simply, it's the reason that I won't stop blogging for the foreseeable future.

We've got a great community of bloggers here in Utah, and I love going to signings because it means that I've always got a friend to stand in line with. I can usually count on seeing Suey, Natasha, Jenni, or Angie at most everything. Over the past couple years, we've developed friendships that I am so glad that I've made.


This year I had the opportunity to go to BEA and room with some fantastic bloggers. The whole week was a blur of fun and meeting with people that I have long admired in the blogging community. It was not uncommon to meet someone and have them say, "Hey! I love your blog!" If I named every person that I met and loved, this blog post would be too long.



In addition to the blogging community, I have met some fantastic authors. I helped with Bree Despain's street team. I followed Brodi Ashton and Natalie Whipple as they went through their publishing journeys to FINALLY getting book deals. I met James Dashner before The Maze Runner, and see him at events all the time. (He even made me look like a rockstar to my younger brother, which is always appreciated). I talk to Jessica Day George on twitter frequently. I met my author crush, Shannon Hale. I've interviewed Gail Carson Levine and Scott Westerfeld.


No matter what books you love, or how or where you read, I am so grateful for so many people that promote a love of literature. Here's to many more years of blogging.

Seven Realms Week

If you haven't read The Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima (The Demon King, The Exiled Queen, and The Gray Wolf Throne), you are seriously missing out.

Which is why I'm teaming up with the Provo City Library and several other blogs to tell you about how excited I am about The Seven Realms.

From September 12-16 we'll be running two contests with some great prizes up for grabs.

First, if you are into twitter and facebook, I've got some fun pictures that you can use as avatars to support your favorite faction in The Seven Realms.

The Wizards

The Queen's Guard

The Clans

Download one of these pictures and change your twitter or facebook profile picture. Then tweet using the #sevenrealms hashtag. Each time you tweet, you get an entry!

If you're on facebook, comment on the Provo City Library's facebook page, and you'll get an entry. While you're there, be sure to enter their photo contest.

Or, if you're into puzzles, we've got chances for you to win as well.  Throughout the week, different blogs will be posting their reviews of The Gray Wolf Throne, and their love of The Seven Realms. Each blog will have a different puzzle piece. Put the pieces together, and you'll get the secret word. Once you've discovered the secret word, email it to emilysreadingroom@gmail.com with the subject SEVEN REALMS WEEK. If you guess correctly, you'll be entered to win.

Here is the schedule of puzzle piece posts:

Tuesday, September 13: Donna at Bites
Wednesday, September 14: Reading Teen, Emily's Reading Room (watch for my review of The Gray Wolf Throne!)
Thursday, September 15: One Librarian's Book Reviews
Friday, September 16: Candace's Book Blog

These will all be posted in the blog, easy to find. You can also watch my Twitter feed and Facebook page for updates when these posts go up!

So, what are the prizes?

We have TWO set of SIGNED copies of the entire Seven Realms Series, personalized to you, if you wish. I'm going to be extra generous, and allow this contest to be international. Thanks to the Provo City Library for providing one of the prizes.

Also, if you are in the Provo/Salt Lake City area, don't forget to come to Cinda's signing on September 20 at the Provo Library!

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James: Review and Tour

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars
The Skyship Academy #1
By: Nick James

Synopsis (from Goodreads): A devastated Earth's last hope is found in Pearls: small, mysterious orbs that fall from space and are capable of supplying enough energy to power entire cities. Battling to control the Pearls are the Skyship dwellers—political dissidents who live in massive ships in the Earth's stratosphere—and the corrupt Surface government.

Jesse Fisher, a Skyship slacker, and Cassius Stevenson, a young Surface operative, cross paths when they both venture into forbidden territory in pursuit of Pearls. Their chance encounter triggers an unexpected reaction, endowing each boy with remarkable—and dangerous—abilities that their respective governments would stop at nothing to possess.

Enemies thrust together with a common goal, Jesse and Cassius make their way to the ruins of Seattle to uncover the truth about their new powers, the past they didn't know they shared, and a shocking secret about the Pearls.

My Review:  The Pearl Wars is a fast-paced, engaging science-fiction novel that is reminiscent of The Scorch Trials and Ender's Game.

Despite his description in the synopsis, Jesse isn't so much a slacker as just untalented. He's picked on, and coddled by other members of the ship. And he knows it. When he meets Cassius on the surface, something happens inside him and he is sent on an adventure to figure out who he really is, where he came from, and how he is connected to Cassius.

I loved this book's unique plot and interesting characters. The setting isn't so distant in the future, and many of the trademarks of Earth's culture shine through in the story. I also liked seeing Jesse's development from an untalented, scared boy, into someone that takes charge of his own destiny.

The writing isn't flawless, and there are a few rough spots where dialogue seems cheesy, or I would have preferred to have had a little more subtlety rather than being told exactly what was going on. However, I think that overall the book was incredibly solid and will be a great book to give kids that are into science fiction. This book would even be suitable for younger audiences, and there isn't any content in the book that would make me hesitate to give it to a  younger teen.

My rating:

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The Pearl Wars Giveaway

Enter to win a supplemented copy of The Skyship Academy with a bonus Skyship diagram and bonus chapter or annotations.

Head on over to each blog on the tour for a different clue. These clues spell out a secret coordinate. You'll need the coordinate to enter the giveaway at the end of the tour.


Clue #4:

You can read the first three chapters of the book online. At the beginning of chapter two, a small group of lanky Fringers dart from an alleyway to cause trouble for Jesse Fisher. They are described as having the “Surface Tan.” How many Fringers are in this group? This number is today’s piece of the coordinates.

READ ONLINE

Check out tomorrow's tour post at Poisoned Rationality