Wishlist Wonders: Weekly Wanted #8

I think I might be one of the few people who have carried on with this meme, but.....what the hey! This is a meme created by Amber from The Mile Long Bookshelf and Rachel from Booktastic Reviews.

The Rules:

1. Post up 3 books that you can't wait to read or wish for.

2. Post up the synopsis/blurb.

3. Post up a picture of the front cover.

1. Sweet Hearts: Star Crossed - Jo Cotterill

"‘You did WHAT?’ screamed Mari. ‘You turned down the cutest boy ever? Are you crazy?’ Fliss isn’t exactly outgoing. But on stage she really comes alive. And this summer, she’s playing Juliet opposite her dream Romeo – Tom Mayerling. If only she could tell him how she feels! But unless Fliss finds some inner confidence, she’s going to miss her chance with Tom. Because someone else has her eyes on Fliss’s role – and her leading man . . ."

2. If I Could Fly - Jill Hucklesby

"Calypso Summer. Yeah, that really is my name. 'A girl with such a name is on a journey. She will have adventures,' my mother used to murmur in my ear. And I now I am on a journey. I'm running from something terrible - but I don't know what. It's like my brain has blocked it out. For now, I'm learning to survive: to break the System and not get caught. I've found a friend I can trust. Next stop, freedom. Somehow, somewhere..."

3. Cross My Heart Hope To Spy (Book Two of Gallagher Girls) - Ally Carter

"There I was: Cammie the Chameleon—the Gallagher Girl who had risked the most sacred sisterhood in the history of espionage. For a boy. But I was through with lying. And sneaking around. I was going to be...myself.
Despite Cammie’s best intentions to be a normal student, danger seems to follow her. Cammie and her friends must clear her name by discovering the truth about some mysterious guests...but this time the stakes for Cammie’s heart – and her beloved school – are even higher."

I hope more people will start doing this again,
- Zoe

Swapped By A Kiss by Luisa Plaja

Writer: Luisa Plaja
Publisher: Corgi

Publication date: 29th April 2010

Pages: 352

Edition: Paperback

Recieved: Gifted by Luisa =)

"Rachel hates her life and everyone in it - she even has suspicions that her on/off boyfriend David might not be entirely trustworthy. However, when David invites her to a music festival in England featuring their friend's band, she jumps at the chance for an overseas adventure. Hoping to surprise David, Rachel arrives at the festival early, where she runs into a nasty surprise of her own - she sees David kissing their friend Jo. Distraught, Rachel runs off, wishing she could leave her life behind... the next thing she knows, she's back with David. But not as herself... She's now in Jo's body! Can she keep the swap a secret from David until she can work out exactly what's going on and get her revenge? Over the course of a very weird weekend, Rachel puts herself in someone else's shoes and finds that her own maybe weren't as uncomfortable as she'd always thought. But can she ever be herself again?"

Before I start this review, I just want to say a BIG thank you to Luisa Plaja for sending me this book!! She is the author of 4 books, and this is the sequel to her other novel, Split By A Kiss. To see my review of that book, click HERE. 

"A cute, sweet and funny read" ~ Meg Cabot

That quote sums my review up, and it 100% true. This was one of the funniest reads I have ever read!

This story is told mostly by Rachel who's life is messed up. She thinks that her frenemy Jo's life is perfect and she wishes she was her. When they swap bodies, she realizes hers isn't quite so funny. It was very amusing how they coped with each others lives and tried to keep it a secret. It shows that you think you know someone, but actually they are a whole other person. Luisa's writing made me feel I was there and living their life, this book is a page-turner every teen is sure to enjoy.

This relates to a lot of teenage relationships and there are some surprising twists that make you hooked. At one point I gasped out loud without realizing when I was secretly reading it in class......whoops!

I had two favourite characters in this book. David and Tori. I liked David because he was very loyal to Rachel even though she gets moody. And Tori was hilarious! She was the ditzy creative character that is impossible not to like!

This is is one of those stories where you really want to know the ending. I didn't know who I wanted to end up with who, but it had a deserved heartwarming ending.

I'd say the only negative point about this book is at he beginning it got a bit confusing who was telling the story. Tip: the normal text is through the eyes of Rachel in  Jo's body, and the bold writing in the diary is Jo in Rachel's body.

The therapy diary was one of the most gripping parts (but there was many more gripping parts!!). There was a very unexpected twist when Jo found out and it was a big secret unraveled to us all. To sum up this book in one word it would be . . . funtasticious!

I recommend this book for all girl teenagers 11+.

RATE: 5/5 for sure!

To buy this book click HERE.

To read an extract click HERE.

- Zoe x

Which Cover? premiere

 Hi guys,

This is a new monthly feature where you debate which book cover you like best. It will be between two or sometimes three covers to choose from. Sometimes it will be completely different books, similar books or the same book.

This month it will be the book The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. I haven't actually read this book, but I want to! To buy this book click here. One cover is the UK version, one is the US. Comment below!

OR:

Personally, I prefer the UK version (first one) because I think it is really original how the clouds have the title and hearts written in the sky. I also think the quote at the top makes the reader intruiged by the storyline. However, I think the second one really stands out on a bookshelf and the colours go very well together.

MARCH: Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer, 4 covers

- Zoe

Interview with blogger, Amber

I was lucky enough to interview one of my favourite bloggers, Amber Kirk-Ford from The Mile Long Bookshelf. Her blog is amazing! She writes, recommends, talks and shares the latest news all about teenage BOOKS!! She is an ambitious, friendly person (with a good taste in books) as you can tell by her interview:

Hi Amber! I love your blog, how long have been blogging?
Since early 2007 when I started my diary blog (Lets Call It a Journey). I started Lets Call It a Journey when I left school to become Home Educated (I'm not Home Educated anymore.) I then decided to start The Mile Long Bookshelf in November 2009.

Why did you start?
I started blogging because I wanted to record my Home Educated life. Even though I'm not Home Educated anymore, I still blog on Lets Call It a Journey, because I think it will be really cool when I'm about 20 to see that blog and read my whole diary of nearly 4 years. You might think it's weird to have my diary online but I find it hard to keep a diary on paper!

Me too! What have you learnt from blogging?
Well....I've learnt quite a bit about how to write, how to capture peoples attention, I've learnt about how to make things interesting when writing....all good things! I've also made loads of new friends by blogging which is really nice. :)

What is your favourite book (I am so mean!)? 
 Hard question! So you can see how hard this question is for me, when I was 4 my mum counted every single book that I owned in the house. There was over 300. I've still got most of those and many more! To be honest, I don't think I have a favourite anymore. I love them ALL! :)

What is your favourite blog?
My favourite blog....hmm. I don't really have a favourite blog, they're all brilliant!

I agree. Can you tell us what you aim or what is coming soon for your blog?
I'm going to be starting a new meme soon (that I'll stick to this time!!) and hopfully there will be a few new interviews as well. Also I'm thinking of re-designing my blog but I'm not sure if I should...

Cool! How has blogging helped you?
Blogging has helped me in lots of ways. Firstly, it's really helped me develop a certain writing style. And from blogging, I've made loads of new friends (including you!) Blogging's also helped with my confidence...nowadays I get quite a few comments on each post which (hopfully) means people enjoy reading my writing!!

What do you want to be when you are older?
Get ready for a long list. Okay, here we go (and it's in order. The first one is what I want to be most.) Actress, author, journalist, publisher, chef, artist, baker, song writer, photographer. Quite a long list!! Hopfully I'll achieve at least one...

Wow! If you could meet anyone in the world, you who would it be?
Wow. Umm I've never really thought about this before! I know it's random, but probably Kylie Minogue. She's been one of my favourite singers since I was very little (in fact, my mum has a very embarrasing video of when I was about 4 dancing to one of her songs!!)

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Crisps or chocolate? Chocolate. :)

Luisa Plaja or Cathy Cassidy? Both!! They're both brilliant writers and they're both so nice :)

Music or TV? To be honest, I hardly ever watch TV!

Reading or writing? Hmm....probably reading.

Facebook or Twitter? Definitely Facebook! I go on there about 3 times a day LOL. I do have a Twitter but I don't really go on it anymore.

Same. Love FB! Lol. Thanks Amber!
Thank you so much for interviewing me, Zoe! Your interview really made me think, you're great at interviewing people :)

Amber also interviewed me on the same questions. To see mine, click HERE.

Links To Follow Amber . . .

• The Mile Long Bookshelf (blog) 
• SPICE (blog)
• Let's Call It A Journey (blog)
• Facebook
• Twitter

Zoe x

Weekly Wanted: Wishlist Wonders #7

This is a weekly meme hosted by Amber and Rachel who both have fantastic blogs.
The Rules:
1. Post up 3 books that you can't wait to read or wish for.

2. Post up the synopsis/blurb.

3. Post up a picture of the front cover.

 

 

 

This weeks are . . .

 

1. STOLEN - LUCY CHRISTOPHER

 

"Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in th planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back? The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist - almost."

 

2. GIMME A CALL - SARAH MLYNOWSKI

 

Devi Banks can suddenly talk to her future self - via her mobile! The older Devi is over the moon - she can stop her younger self falling for the boy who just broke her heart. But is changing the past really that easy? Ever wished you could change the past? Be careful what you wish for . . .

 

 

 

3. WITHERING TIGHTS - LOUISE RENNISON

Laugh your tights off at the (VERY) amateur dramatic antics of Talullah and her bonkers mates. Boys, snogging and bad acting guaranteed!
Picture the scene: Dother Hall performing arts college somewhere Up North, surrounded by rolling dales, bearded cheesemaking villagers (male and female) and wildlife of the squirrely-type.
On the whole, it’s not quite the showbiz experience Tallulah was expecting… but once her mates turn up and they start their summer course things are bound to perk up.
Especially when the boys arrive. (When DO the boys arrive?)
Six weeks of parent-free freedom.
BOY freedom.
Freedom of expression…
cos it’s the THEATRE dahling, theatre!!

 

I am pleased I have kept going with this challenge of posting every week but I guess its because there are so many books I want to read!

Check back here some time next week for the 8th post :-)

 

Zoe x

Theif! by Malorie Blackman

Writer: Malorie Blackman

Publisher: Doubleday

Publication date: 1995

Pages: 360

Edition: Paperback (liabry binded)

Recieved: Libary book

"Lydia’s last thought before darkness closed over her mind was that the strange, swirling storm had trapped her. Would it ever let her go? Fleeing onto the moors when she is unfairly accused of being a thief an extraordinary storm suddenly whirls twelve-year-old Lydia into the future – a computer-dominated future where her home town is ruled by a cruel tyrant. As Lydia struggles to get back to her own time, she discovers she must face a terrible confrontation . . ."

Before I knew about Malorie Blackman's amazing writing, I probably wouldn't have picked this up. But after reading her books in the past, I knew straight away this would be fantastic . . . and it was!

This is a brilliant idea for a book about going back in time, and was very gripping. You would think it got confusing after meeting people she knew older, but actually it was really clear.

Lydia's best friend, Frankie, is in a gang called the Cosmics.For Lydia to join her, she must hide the sports cup in her locker for a day. She decides not to, but it somehow ends up in their and she gets accused of being a thief. It gets to far as she becomes bullied, hate letters and graffitti on her Mum and Dad's new car. She runs away to get away from it all and ends up 37 years into the future. Tarwitch sudenly isn't the town anymore. It has turned into Hensonsville - a place ruled by her forty year-old brother, now called Tyrant. What happened to her little brother Danny?

Hensonsville is a horrible place where you can easily get killed. After curfew, you can get shot by the Night Guards. She meets Fran, who helps her in their adventure.

My favourite character was Fran. She was loyal, friendly and supprotive. I would tell you more about her, but that would ruin the story!

This novel sends out a good message about how a gang can change you, and do not let bullying get to you. Stay close to your real friends, because they are what count.

There are some really unexpected twists in this book. You don't want to tear your eyes away and you want to read this in one single read.

I loved this book and I recommend it for ALL AGES and BOTH GENDERS. That's what is great about Malorie's writing, it is sutiable for everyone to enjoy.

To buy this book click HERE!
To read the fist chapter click HERE!

-Zoe

Happy Valentines Day!

Who is your valentine?

Mine is my bed and a good book - we are very happy together!

My recommendations for love stories from different authors...

• Split By A Kiss - Luisa Plaja
• Love And Kisses - Jean Ure (this book is dedicated to me!)
• Cherry Crush - Cathy Cassidy
• Love Ya Babe - Chris Higgins
• Kiss - Jacqueline Wilson

It was hard picking just five because their are so many more amazing romantic novels out there..
The following five are love stories I want to read (a lot!):

• Naughts & Crosses - Malorie Blackman
• Delirium - Lauren Oliver
• Broken Soup - Jenny Valentine
• My Rocky Romance Diary - Liz Rettig
• Entangled - Cat Clarke

That was even more hard! There are so many brilliant books out their I could list hundreds...

Don't forget to check out the Love Month over at Fluttering Butterflies! Includes giveaways, reviews and interviews.

Happy Valentines Day! :)

- Zoe x

Weekly Wanted: Wishlist Wonders #6

It is the 6th week already of Amber and Rachel's meme! Rules:
1. Post up 3 books that you can't wait to read or wish for.

2. Post up the synopsis/blurb.

3. Post up a picture of the front cover.

This weeks:

1. THE DOUBLE LIFE OF CASSIEL ROADNIGHT - JENNY VALENTINE

Two boys. One identity. He can change his life if he says yes…
An explosive new mystery from the award-winning author Jenny Valentine, The Double Life of Cassiel Roadnight is the story of a boy who assumes the identity of a missing teenager and in-so-doing unearths a series of shattering family secrets – and the truth about who he really is.
With all the classic hallmarks of a Jenny novel – a fantastically strong, sensitive and memorable first person narration; themes of loss and betrayal, family secrets and personal identity; truly quality writing that is 'literary' but never inaccessbile or pretentious, this is the thrilling new novel from the author of Finding Violet Park.

2. EXTREME KISSING - LUISA PLAJA

Carlota and Bethany are best friends. Bethany is the sensible one with a long-term boyfriend, Carlota is the crazy one with a wild past and rebellious nature. All is fine in their world - apart from Carlota hating her stepdad and longing for a old flame. And apart from Bethany thinking her boyfriend is about to dump her and that her period is late... Carlota comes up with a plan to put all their troubles behind them and go on a girls-only wild day out, with only their favourite magazine to guide them through the day. If they open it on a fashion page they have to get hold of a fabulous new outfit and pretend to be models. If they open it to a page on snogging, they have to find a boy to snog. The magazine will take them everywhere they need to go - but will it help them to reveal the secrets they are keeping from each other?

3. A.NT.I.D.O.T.E. - MALORIE BLACKMAN

The words exploded from me in a burst of white-hot anger. 'It's a lie.' It's a normal Friday evening for Elliot - until the police knock on the door and tell him his mum's in serious trouble! A security video clearly shows her breaking into a giant pharmaceutical company on behalf of the environmental action group A. N. T. I. D. O. T. E. Elliot can hardly believe it. His mum's a secretary, isn't she? Not a SPY! And even worse - now she's gone on the run . . .

Look back here for next week's weekly wanted!

-Zoe x

Stylish Blogger Award

Thank you Rachel for giving me my first award! You can visit her blog HERE.

THE RULES:
On a post...thank the awesome person who gave you the award.

Post 7 random things about yourself.

Give the award to 15 other blogs.

Contact the blogger and let them know they have won!

MY 7 RANDOM FACTS:

I have a fish called Bobby!

I want to be a vegetarian but I love meat :-(

I am an aspiring writer...

I play the violin ♫

I hate maths >:(

My heroine is Anne Frank :)

My birthday is 30th December

15 BLOGGER AWARDS: (drum roll please...)

Amber from The Mile Long Bookshelf

Cliona from Bookster Reviews

Ria from The Beaucoup Review

Jasmine from Read it. Write it. Dream it.

Iffath from Love Reading X

Kate from Welcome To My Life

Luisa & co. from Chicklish
Clover from Fluttering Butterflies
Stephanie from Books Are A Girl's Best Friend
Jess from Jess Hearts Books
Rhanna from Rhanna's Reading Room
Sophie from So Many Books, So Little Time
Naledi from Talking, Blogging Stuff From Your Noggin
Julie from [bloggers [[heart]] books]
Anonymous* from Bookalicious Ramblings

*if you know the name of the owner from this wonderful blog, please tell me! sorry..

Thank you once again Rachel!! :)

-Zoe

Daizy Star series by Cathy Cassidy

In this post I am going to write about the brilliant series by Cathy Cassidy, Daizy Star. There are two books so far in the series, and the third one should be coming out shortly.
I recommend these to 8-11 year olds, or a mini read for teens! Everyone is sure to love them. You can easily relate to Daizy's life.

FIRST BOOK: Shine on, Daizy Star

"She’s quirky and cool and loving life in Year Six with her best friends Willow and Beth. But when Dad hatches a mad plan that will turn life upside-down, Daizy is too horrified to tell anyone at all . . . and pretty soon she finds herself tangled up in a knot of secrets and lies. Will Daizy realize that even when she’s sinking, her friends and family are there to help her swim?"

Publisher: Puffin

Publication date: 2009

Pages: 185

Edition: Paperback

This book is a fun and quirky read that we will all enjoy. Daizy is growing up and has a lot going on. Her dad wants to sail around the world (leave home), her best friends have gone loopy, she has to cope with the most annoying boy ever (which we can all relate too!!) and she is determined to find her talent. My favourite charcter was Mrs Moon, as was friendly, quirky, oringinal and inspiring. Or Pixie her ADOREABLE little sis! This a fast read that you will enjoy with all your heart.

SECOND BOOK: Daizy Star and The Pink Guitar

"Daizy is ready to dazzle everyone with her brand-new pink guitar – maybe she’ll even find her star quality!
But the Dad comes up with another crazy idea, which means swapping happy family life for milking African goats. Eeeek! Daizy needs a clever plan. . .
She’s got to win the Battle of the Bands, or she can say goodbye to all her friends, sleepovers and – worst of all – custard doughnuts. . ."

Publisher: Puffin

Publication date: 2010

Pages: 184

Edition: Paperback

I thought the first one was good, but this one is even better! In this one daizy recieves a pink guitar for her birthday...could this be the beginning to her new talent? But then her Dad comes up with another plan to move to Africa, and she is determined not to go. However her Dad goes by himself. She is very worried about him, but she has to focus on the Battle of the Bands. If she wins this, all her problems will be solved. My favourite character in this story is Spike, her goth girl sister's boyfriend. He has green hair and a pierced lip and looks scary. But he is actually really nice! this gives out a good message how don't judge people by their cover.

THIRD BOOK: Strike a Pose, Daizy Star

Daizy’s finally found her star quality - modelling!

Will Dad's latest crazy scheme ruin her big break? Can Daizy save her family from becoming castaways on a remote island AND discover how to be a top model in time for the class Fashion Show? Or will she be one big catwalk catastrophe...?!

review up soon.


I am looking forward to more Cathy Cassidy books in this series.
I will edit this page to add my reviews when I read the next ones!

Click HERE  to buy Shine On, Daizy Star-click HERE to read an extract
Click HERE to buy Daizy Star and the Pink Guitar-click HERE to read an extract.
Click HERE to go to the website.

-Zoe

The Dragonfly Pool by Eva Ibboston

Writer: Eva Ibbotson

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication date: 2 May 2008

Pages: 416

Edition: Paperback

Recieved: Bought from 'WH Smith Books' bookstore

"Tally Hamilton is furious to hear she is being sent from London to a horrid, stuffy boarding school in the countryside. And all because of the stupid war. But Delderton Hall is a far more unusual and interesting place than Tally ever imagined, and she soon falls in love with its eccentric staff and pupils. Now she’s even organizing an exciting school trip to the kingdom of Bergania . . . although Tally never expected to meet the prince.

Prince Karil hates his life at the palace and he is only truly happy when he escapes to the dragonfly pool, a remote spot in the forests of Bergania. Then Karil meets a feisty English girl who brings the promise of adventure. But his country is under threat, and the prince soon looks to his new friend Tally for survival as well as friendship . . ."

This book is amazing. It is a really creative, original storyline which leaves you wanting more. The Dragonfly Pool is about Tally, an eleven year old girl who gets sent to a boarding school because her father wants her to be safe from the war. It shows her journey as she copes with being away by herself at Delderton Hall with her comforting friend, Matteo. She finds the beauitiful dragonfly pool where she spends her peacful time with nature.

I love the school she goes to! As it says in the blurb above: eccentric, crazy and inspiring. Tally is annoyed at first and nervous, but she soon realizes that this school is like another comforting home.

Tally is the ideal heroiene in this book. She is brave, intelligent, and friendly. Everybody needs a friend like her! This is another reason why this book is so powerful. I think character's are important in books, and Eva didn't let me down.

The book basically tells us their adventures and discoveries of Delderton Hall. Then there is the prince, Karil which Tally meets. It really opens our eyes as he longs to be a normal boy and live a normal childhood. It tells us everyone has a different upbringing and different education style. I love the fact that Tally and Karil become good friends, this sends out a good message about people being different can come together.

You can also learn about WWII. The Nazis apear in the story as they destroy their festival, which is the exciting part of the novel which cleverly done contains love and friendship, wisdom, misunderstanding, adventures and exploiting.

This novel drags a bit as it is so long. I say the only weak point is that most children will be put of by it's thickness and a lot of pages. But to be honest, the Harry Potter books are bigger and ther're a hit, aren't they?

This really gives me a good impression on Eva's other books as her work in so inspiring.

If you want a relaxing, uplifting read, this book is for you! I definitely recommend it.

RATE: 4.5/5

Click HERE to buy it.

-Zoe

Weekly Wanted: Wishlist Wonders #5

This is the 5th one to Amber and Rachel's meme! 5 weeks go fast!
Rules:
1. Post up 3 books that you can't wait to read or wish for.

2. Post up the synopsis/blurb.

3. Post up a picture of the front cover.

Here are mine for this week...

LILY ALONE - JACQUELINE WILSON


"Lily isn't home ALONE - but she sort of wishes she was; looking after her three younger siblings is a lot of responsibility.

When Mum goes off on holiday with her new boyfriend and her stepdad fails to show up, Lily is determined to keep the family together and show they can cope without any grown-ups. But taking care of 6-year-old twins, her 3-year-old sister and the family's flat feels overwhelming and Lily is worried that school or social services might discover their situation and break up the family. What could be better than to take all the little ones for a camping adventure in the park? Plenty of space to run about, no carpet to vacuum, and surely no chance anyone will guess they're there . . ."

KISS, DATE, LOVE, HATE - LUISA PLAJA
Cover not released yet.

"Lex Murphy's group of friends have all dated, hated, ignored and lusted after each other for the last few years. If only there was a way of matching people perfectly to avoid all the unrequited love, dumping and drama! Then Lex's friend George is given a mysterious Sims-like game by his software-testing dad which involves building character profiles in the categories of Life, Looks and Love. Lex and George populate the game with avatars for all their mates, making a few 'wishful thinking' adjustments to the settings - and find that the next day these tinkerings have come true! But how long can this new calm, loved-up atmosphere continue...?"

JESSIE HEARTS NYC

"Jessie’s just arrived in New York, hoping to forget about her awful ex.
New Yorker Finn is in love with his best friend’s girlfriend.
They might be perfect together, but in a city of eight million people, will they find each other?"


That is this weeks, look out for the next one :-)

Zoe x