In My Mailbox (28)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers post about the books they have received in the past week whether for review, purchased, or checked out from the library. ^_^

For Review: 

ARC of Fated by Alyson Noel

Thank you so much St. Martin's Press and Library Thing!

Bought: 

Katana by Cole Gibson

Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick 

(I'm hoping this one will be like Lauren Myracle's Internet Girls trilogy.)

Lord of the Abyss (Royal House of Shadows #4) by Nalini Singh

What did you get in your mailbox this week? ^_^

TGIF (17): Book Blogger Retreat

TGIF is a weekly meme created and hosted by Ginger of GReads! that recaps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

In My Mailbox (27)

Shopping for Book-Lovers

Waiting On Wednesday: The List by Siobhan Vivian

***

If you could gather up a handful of book blogger friends to spend a weekend away talking books, where would you go?

My Answer: There are three different places I would want to spend a weekend away with my blogging friends.  Now, I have to do my home state proud with one selection.  The first is to rent a cabin in Fredericksburg, Texas, one of the most beautiful, quaint, and relaxing towns in the state.  And Austin (*ahem* Book People) is just a 90-minute drive away.  

The second is to go to a lodge in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, a rural area that I had the pleasure of visiting last Thanksgiving.  It's gorgeous, is within wonderful driving distance of both the Rockies and Durango (home to Maria's bookshop), and in winter, would be a great place to huddle around the fireplace talking books.

Last but not least, if there was any really civilized area I would want to have a book blogger retreat it would be to Seattle, Washington.  With coffee shops and plenty of independent bookstores (such as Seattle Mystery Bookshop, Magus Books, and glory be, a Half Price Books), there's no way book bloggers wouldn't be happy here!

Where would you go on a group book blogger retreat? ^_^

Waiting On Wednesday: The List by Siobhan Vivian

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

This week's "Waiting On" Wednesday selection is:

The List

By Siobhan Vivian

Publish Date: April 1, 2012 by Push

From Goodreads~

It happens every year.  A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest.  Nobody knows who makes the list.  It almost doesn't matter.  The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly."  And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection between the two.

A fabulous local blogger wrote an amazing review about The List, and that really cinched my decision to read it.  Multiple POVs are definitely one feature I enjoy in both books and movies, so I'm hoping this one will deliver a well-rounded story as told by the eight girls.  And lucky for me and other eagerly waiting readers, it's being released this Sunday!  

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? 

Shopping for Book-Lovers

Who doesn't love to shop?  I can't imagine many people (especially my fellow bloggers) saying that they really don't like to shop.  Because even if you hate hitting the mall or boutiques, I know there's at least one store that always catches your eye as it does mine.  Ah, our beloved bookstores, where would we be without them?  

Ever since I entered the field of library science, I've been on the lookout for anything that helps promote reading, libraries, and books in general.  Lucky for me, I've been able to find a few go-to places and recently been introduced to a new website.  So here are my top three book-lover shopping sites.

Unshelved Store

If you've checked out the online comic Unshelved (and if you haven't, you really should as it is hilarious), then you're definitely aware of their store.  They have quite the variety especially in the way of pro-reading T-shirts, which makes me jump up and down like a schoolgirl.  Below are a couple of my favorite items, Book Club T-shirt and Intellectual Freedom Fighter messenger bag: 

They even have onesies for future readers, too cute!

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Gene Ambaum and Bill Barnes in April as well as snagging a couple T-shirts. 

Stop Falling Productions

This website has some of the most adorable book and reading T-shirts and jewelry you will ever find.  I cannot get over the Super Librarian T-Shirt or the Book Socks, two of my most favorite items here.

Then, there is this adorable Scrabble Pin that makes me think of the creative Tevya at Reading Lark.

If you are a Children's Librarian or you know one, definitely check out their line of SkippyJon Jones items.

Gone Reading International

Last but certainly not least is the most recent reading-related shopping site I've seen on others' blogs.  What is especially great about Gone Reading is that their mission is to promote readership AND they donate their profits to help create and build new libraries in developing countries and raise money for public libraries in the US.  If that's not a good enough reason to check them out, definitely look at their merchandise.

For those of us who love our libraries, it truly is "Home Away From Home" and I love the T-shirt stating that fact.  Considering the books I've read, and the genres I lean towards, I would probably be pondering about answers to the It Was A Dark & Stormy Night Game About Books... but I'm still willing to try. 

And for those that I know love Jane Austen there is a line of products featuring her works.  Personally, I just adore the Read 'em and Weep T-shirt.

I have a special surprise for everyone courtesy of Gone Reading Founder and CEO, Brad Wirz.  He has given a coupon code for 25% off any purchases EXCEPT bookends from Gone Reading for the next month, through April 22nd.  To use, enter the code: DJL25 in the coupon code bar once you click Checkout.  Enjoy, dear readers!

Do you have any go-to book-lover shopping sites?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments and would definitely love to get a link. ^_^

In My Mailbox (27)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers post about the books they have received in the past week whether for review, purchased, or checked out from the library. ^_^

Library Stash:

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Quite possibly one of the most controversial YA books, and I just received it through interlibrary loan. We shall see if I can get through it.

A Flight of Angels
Yes, I know I'm supposed to back off graphic novels, but seriously, the art is beautiful!

Ebooks:

Bonds of Fenris by S.J. Bell

So happy about a new werewolf book!

Another small but enjoyable mailbox. What did you get this week?  ^_^

TGIF (16): Bookish Trends

TGIF is a weekly meme created and hosted by Ginger of GReads! that recaps the week's posts and has a different question each week.

This week on Denim-Jacket Librarian Dishes:

In My Mailbox (26)

Top Ten Tuesday (40): Books on my Spring TBR List

***

What are some bookish trends you are noticing in the literature world today? Is there a particular trend you'd like to see more of?

My Answer: It seems as though mythology, particularly Greek mythology, is becoming a popular bookish trend.  I will never complain about having more Greek mythology in literature, though it's also nice to see other cultures' mythologies and legends, such as Egyptian and Native American, being used in books, too.  That seems to be one of the most prominent trends at least in the books I'm noticing.

While there are some, I would like to see more dragon-featured books, and not the snarling, field-razing kind (though they have their place).  There should be more intelligent, yet powerful dragon-featured titles.

Top Ten Tuesday (40): Books on My Spring TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR List

(In no particular order)

1. Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey

This one is perfect for spring, especially looking at the cover!

2. Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

It's high-time I started on my other mythology-related school series.

3. Across the Universe by Beth Revis

I feel like... exploring new horizons. Space, here I come!

4. Fated by Alyson Noel

The cover has more of an autumn feel to it, but I still want to read it.

5. The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams

What happens in Spring? Spring fever and romance!

6. The List by Siobhan Vivian

I'm just eager to read this one since Siobhan Vivian is coming to Teen Book Con.

7. Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter

Another beautiful springtime cover just puts me in the mood to read.

8. Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs

While I hesitate to read this one (because I'm sure it'll be just as funny and light as Oh. My. Gods. and I love to savor my funny reads), I simply must know how Phoebe gets herself out of this pickle.

9. Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Sequels, sequels, I'm surrounded by sequels that I must read!

10. Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Just proving my reason for #9 is true.

In My Mailbox (26)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where bloggers post about the books they have received in the past week whether for review, purchased, or checked out from the library. ^_^

Bought:

Lord of Rage (Royal House of Shadows Book 2) by Jill Monroe

This one was such a bear (pardon the pun) trying to find in any bookstores, so I snatched it up once I spotted it!

Soulless Volume 1 by Gail Carriger and illustrated by Rem

I'm actually more inspired to read the series now that I've read the first volume.

A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang
Yep, I just had to get this one since I enjoyed A Brush of Darkness so much.

Won:

Mozart's Last Aria by Matt Rees

Won from Reading Lark's Emptying the Nest Contest

That's all for me this week. What did you get in your mailbox? 

Happy St. Patrick's Day AND Happy Birthday!!!

Top o' the mornin' and Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!  

And I'd also like to wish a very Happy Birthday to two wonderful and special people in my life... my mom and my beau!  I'm celebrating my beau's birthday with him this weekend and I already celebrated my mom's birthday a couple of weeks back.  Here's hoping everyone will have a great St. Patrick's Day!

Lunar Love Giveaway Hop Winner!!!

 

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest, and definitely be on the look out for another giveaway next month!

We have a confirmed winner of The Savage Grace by Bree Despain!

Review: Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

Title:  Radiant Darkness
Author:  Emily Whitman
Pages:  270
Genre:  YA Mythology
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Summary:  He smiles. "Hello."

It's a deep voice. I can feel it reverberate in my chest and echo all the way down to my toes.

I know I should leave, but I don't want to. I want to keep my senses like this forever. I'm all eye, all ear, all skin.
Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more--something dangerous and exciting--something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself.

In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who--and what--she really is.

The Quick Dish:  Retellings have always fascinated me, especially in the way of myths since so many of them seem to be told within so few pages. The myth of Persephone and Hades is rather popular, especially with the number of YA books that have pulled inspiration from their story. However, this is the first actual retelling I have read, and I have to say, it's good for readers to hear Persephone's voice. Most readers will know their story as Persephone being dragged down against her will into the Underworld by Hades in order to become his queen. Not so in this case.

Emily Whitman offers a different type of story in which the young spring goddess was stifled by her mother's constant sheltering. I really enjoyed this rendition of Persephone and how strong she became by the end of the story. It was troubling how she could not find her voice first with her overbearing mother, Demeter, and then with her (lovingly) possessive husband, Hades. Both of them felt they knew what was best for Persephone, though I have to say Demeter's overprotectiveness was far more trying than Hades' concern about her being taken from him.

Speaking of the god of the Underworld, I really wanted to see more of him in this story since the myth was originally called "Hades and Persephone." While I was a bit disappointed by this, I realize that this is Persephone's story, so her growth and development must be the focal point.

Overall, Radiant Darkness was an enjoyable retelling of a favorite myth that definitely puts the original story into a matter of perspective. Readers who enjoy Greek mythology should definitely add this one to their reading pile.

 

Book 3                                     Book 2

Top Ten Tuesday (39): Top Ten Contemporary Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list will be posted by one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. Everyone is welcome to join, just make sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so everyone can check out other blogger lists. Have fun!

Top Ten Contemporary Books

(This list includes both YA and Adult fiction and read and to-be-read.)

1. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

I just cannot sing this book's praises enough, such a big story inside a small form.

2. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

While I haven't read this one yet, it's definitely near the top of my to-read list for contemporaries.

3. The Bake-Off by Beth Kendrick

Baking in books = win for readers who love to bake

4. Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer

I love this one for the nostalgia it brings me.

5. The Internet Girls Trilogy by Lauren Myracle (ttyl, ttfn, l8r g8r)

These absolutely cracked me up overall, and I love books that tell the story using different means.

6. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Not quite contemporary, but it's still one of my favorite and most powerful reads. Melinda could be any girl of today, which is why it's so timeless.

7. Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald

The summary reminded me a little of an Asian film I watched recently, Sophie's Revenge, and it sounds like a fun read.

8. The List by Siobhan Vivian

After reading an amazing review, I was inspired to add it to the to-read list. 

9. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

While I still haven't read this one yet, I've seen it praised on so many other blogs that I have to include it here.

10. The Outside of a Horse by Ginny Rorby

I have to include my newest to-read horse book especially since I miss reading horse-featured stories.