Blog Awards Baby!

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I've gotten a new award and I'm very pleased and grateful. Cheers to the lurvely CMash over at CMash Loves to Read who thought my blog worthy :D It means alot because I'm still working on my blog, my reviewing style AND getting to grips with it all! Thanks everyone for putting up with me anyway.

Here's the award.

And the rules for accepting this award are:

When you receive this award, you must share seven things about yourself and then pass it on to 15 blogs you have recently discovered that you enjoy!

Seven things about me? Hmmn...

1. I absolutely lurve Sushi, I think even more than my love for chocolate.
2. Bonoffee Pie is my favourite desert EVER!
3. I'm a film junkie...and not just mainstream BUT indie moves and foreign one as well.
4. I speak basic Spanish, French and Italian. In fact my Italian is probs more basic than the other two and I mean basic.
5. I'm the eldest child, grandchild and great grandchild in my family.
6. Seven is my favourite number; though I don't really care about having favourites in the numeratic (probably not even a real word) world (in fact I have problems with numbers, totally rubbish at Maths) and sometimes it feels forced when I'm asked what's my fave/luck number BUT I do enjoy the number 7; after all he ate 9.
7. Sometimes when I'm on my own...in my room I cry, laugh, dance around, jump up and down even scream. It depends on my mood.

I wish we could pick more than 7 because now I'm on a roll.

Now for the 15 newly discovered blogs I ♥

A Fanatic Book Blog

Books out of the Bookshelves
The Sweet Bookshelf
This is not my Day Job
Mindful Musings
Daisy Chain Reviews
This Miss Loves To Read
Crazy-For-Books
The Bodacious Pen
The Bibliophilic Book Blog
The Book Buff
Lori's Reading Corner
In The Hammock
A Reading Kabocha
Missy's Book Nook
Average Jane's Book Reviews
There are some more deserving blogs BUT I haven't recently discovered them, I've been following a while now...if the rules permitted I'd easily give them all


Cheers again CMASH!

Once Upon a Time Project- A Sneak Peek at MY Entry.

Who's entered Once Upon a Time Project? I have! Don't worry if you haven't this week another will begin next Thursday.
I have really enjoyed taking part in the first week of Once Upon a Time and plan to participate in many more.
It has even managed to inspire me to get cracking with my book...it won't write itself after all. It took a while writing this not to mention ages for me to send it off. It's nervy knowing my writing will be judged. I at least hope  an enjoyable read.


I must admit it's a bit over 1000 words not a crazy amount but over nonetheless. Making it any shorter would simply ruin it! C'est la vie I guess.


My story is called Breathe. Here's a snippet of it.

He can only be released by someone who truly loves him.

Running, I'm running fast. As fast as my muscles would allow. I tighten my grip on my only protection; a silver dagger, a gift from Jonathon's mother. I wish she was still here, she was stronger me. The night is still and quiet, so quiet that my footsteps are amplified filling the night's air with the thudding sounds of my feet and the crunching of the leaf covered earth.


The night is blue. She is almost every shade of blue imaginable. From the darkest to the lightest, as the heavy mist and moonlight distort her natural hues. That added to the shadows cast by the many trees in the woods, makes it even that more difficult to see.   Visual problems aside the sky seems a beautiful one.  The dogs howl in the distance; the village's men are coming for him.  He is coming for me!


I have no more time to take in anything. My movements are simply too loud. 'Should I take off my shoes? 'I contemplate, but there is no time; I must keep moving until I at least find a place to hide. My lungs are already exhausted and my chest hurts from my frantic breathing. I grab hold of my chest and stop for a quick breath. Where is he?  I hear nothing but the beating of my heart. It's drumming drowns out all chances of me being able to hear danger approaching me. I slow down, always looking behind me, always looking around me.


They say animals can smell fear; there's no point running in that case because I reek of it. I'm sweating it...and every drop of it that falls to the ground, marks a direct path to me...to my potential end. So I stop, why bother, I have no place to hide. I am not quick enough and I have no idea where I am. This part of the village is completely beyond my knowledge. If I am to save him, it is now. I quickly make peace with God for I know that I may die trying. 


Grrrrr! He's close. I turn to face the direction of the sound. He lunges towards me. I scream.

That's it! Cheers for reading.

Waiting on Wednesday: Night & Tokyo

Waiting on Wendnesday is hosted byJill over at Breaking The Spine and is a weekly event all about upcoming releases we can't wait to get into!
I've got two books this week. One that I have a feeling will be VERY popular and the other for the young ones in your family.
Sorry I've not been posting much lately; I'm not very well...again!

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer has caught my eye. The cover does two things: 1) it hones an unsuspecting reader in and 2) the title carries it's own level of intrigue. I am both a totally honed in unsuspecting reader with a high level of intrigue.
Release Date: October 2010
Goodreads
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.
Sounds like one for film adaptation!


One for the Kids

T is for Tokyo by Irene Aiko is a. I lurve all things Japanese and am looking forward to reading this to the little ones in my family.
Release Date: June 2010
Goodreads
As a father tells his daughter about her birthplace, he describes Tokyo in language as colorful as the glowing watercolors that showcase this vibrant city. His story is both tender and descriptive, complemented by full- and double-paged illustrations. From making wishes with daruma dolls and flying kites shaped like caterpillars to discovering the two-toed shoes of construction workers and nibbling on roasted chestnuts, Tokyo springs to life in a way guaranteed to enchant young readers—and their parents. Bilingual text enhances this cultural immersion for language learners of all ages.


That's it from me!

The Jeremy-Snaps of the Dragon by Jo S. Wun

When the author asked me for a review I was very surprised because my blog's still fairly new and I don't think of myself as an amazing book blogger yet. I was also very unsure whether he was even the author and inquired whether he was some crazy stalker man...he's not so I decided to read and review it. I wanted the book anyway so it a win-win all round.

So what exactly is The Jeremy all about? I did write my own synopsis but I give too much away in every version I write so I'v decided to stick with the one on Goodreads.

The story of an English boy's life in Britain during the 50's and 60's.  Born into a Catholic household in the Year of the Dragon his progress is revealed through snapshots of the milestone events which forge his character. Life's oddities, including family, religion, education and sex, regularly present themselves for attention during his quest for that elusive thing called 'enlightenment', but fortunately, he is not alone. Help arrives in the form of Mrs Bulging Bosoms, the Colonel, Professor Melchior Da Maven and Lewd Rude Dude, to name a few of his advisers, who endeavour to guide him in the ways of the world. Unfortunately, they don't always agree.

This book is a story about a boy and his life told from his POV, including all the funny characters in his head who help with his thinking process and decision making. Because of this it is not the essential page turner, thriller, paranormal, coming of age drama etc. etc. etc. This does not mean it's not a great book. It is. It effectively has it's own page turning quality courtesy of Jo himself. His sense of humour and great wit is what pushes the read to keep on chugging. Jo is a comedic genius or at least dancing on it's borders. His sense of humour is similar to mine and I had a good chuckle while reading.

I totally related to this story. I grew up in a religious home and went to a Catholic primary school  just like the Jeremy. I'm no Catholic but have met a scary nun or three. It's a book that allows you to relive your childhood as you step into the Jeremy's head and live his. To quote the author this book is a bit like puberty...it appears, takes over your life for a little while and then leave you in a place you didn't expect to be.

VERDICT: This is a charming, funny, witty, warm coming of age story, told from conception...yep you heard me. It starts off with the 'Spermatazoan Olympics'. I would recommend this to anyone who loves coming of age stories. It's perfect for a sunny day at the park, where you could sit in the shade of a tree and read...provided you're not prone to crazy hay fever like me.

Reading it was like listening to one of my uncle's favourite stories about his childhood. You know at a family get together where stories are shared and you find yourself laughing along not only for the jokes but the level at which you relate. Because you do/did similar things or had similar experiences growing up too.

It was difficult deciding what to rate it as I found myself dancing between Ooh la la (9/10) and Giggity (10/10). Why? 

I cannot guarantee that everyone would relate to it like I did. This would affect the extent to which you'd enjoy it. I wasn't able to read it in one full go but that's not a regular occurrence for me either. Reading often takes a couple of days even weeks for me. 

It was also difficult reading in some parts...I thought I had a wide ranging vocab but Jo's vocabulary is quite extensive so I had to keep my dictionary on hand; just to make sure I really 'got' what he was saying. This negative however is a plus- I've learned some new words...so this book is educational too :D

I'm scoring it a Quagmire's giggity...for me it was that good and I'm not just saying that. At first I didn't want to give it such a high rating because I know it won't appeal to some and I wanted to take in consideration how others would perceive it. Some  people would pass this book by because there's no "I just couldn't put it down" magic but it is an enjoyable feel good book and I felt good.

If you love books like this...you will lurve this book!

I heart this book...total lurve and thank you Jo for sending it to me. It was truly my pleasure.

The Jeremy-Saps of the Dragon

Jo S.Wun

Release Date: Dec 2009

Publisher: Epic Press Ltd.

324 pages

I was sent this book by the author for my honest review.

Mail on Sunday: Luxurious like Egyptian Cotton

AKA In My Mailbox is a meme inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie and hosted by the lovely Kristi over at The Story Siren. It's a look at all the Lit related items...books or otherwise, we've acquired during the week.

I'm all about historical fiction this week. I decided not to get any more books because I'm a little behind n my TBR list but my sister needed to get her new libe card so a visit to the library meant I didn't come home empty handed.
Antony & Cleopatra by Colleen McCullough is the only book I've gotten this week.
Goodreads


I think I mentioned before I'm a bit of a culture vulture and I lurve learning more about different society, cultures. One of my fave cultures and yes there are a few is Egyptian. I was totally obsessed in my teen years and stalked many an exhibit at various museums in different countries. So when I saw this book on the shelf I was hooked. The cover is gorgeous and I thought I should really buy it BUT I'd have to wait for the delivery and I want it on my shelf nowish.


Off now to Kirsti's Linky!

Changes, other happenings and new things

Well you may have noticed my blog looks a little different lately. I decided to change it; it's not totally what I want but the thing is I'm not sure what I want or how to eve do that....I probably never will. I'm weird like that. I have some ideas for it but not an overall look. So expect it to change again...SOON. Like in a couple of weeks...I'm getting a custom one...YAY! I figure I better leave it up to the experts. For now this is a little more me-ish! Can't wait till I pimp my hide!


Also it's been four months since I've started blogging and I think 3 since I've gone public...exciting! I've not been on here since Wednesday...I have really bad hay fever; I lurve it when it gets warm, I'm an island chick after all but the pollen index kick my ass everytime; so I've been checking out other blogs and sleeping, of course reading and adding to my music collection...I heart MiniViva.


I have a new feature planned for this blog as well as the revival of my Filmage Friday feature...

Not writing which I should be doing considering I want to get some work published and I'm taking part in the Once Upon a Time Project...another story or rant if you will. I think I spend all my time thinking about what I want to write and never seem to actually write it....for shame! There's a scientific term for that- procrastination...I'm considerably good at that.


What else has been happening....I'm rereading a book that should have already been reviewed The Jeremy...I've even written the review but I want to make just right because....well when you read the review you'll get why.


That's about it for now. I'm off to post a review not that one above that one will be up tomorrow.

Waiting on Wednesday: Wimpy Vampires and Werewolf fighting Sisters!

Waiting on Wendnesday is hosted byJill over at Breaking The Spine and is a weekly event all about upcoming releases we can't wait to get into!

This Wednesday I have found 2 books. One I found on another blog *can't remember which SORRY! If/when I do I'll give kudos properly* and the other's title as oppose to my usual cover addiction caught my eye. These books being Sister's Red by Jackson Pearce *I lurves her name!* and The Diary of a Wimpy Vampire: The Undead Have Feelings Too by Tim Collins, respectively.


Sister's Red not only sounds riveting it has one of the best covers I have seen this year.so far. It's like those visual puzzles where there's more than one picture in a picture...I HEART it!
Release Date: June 7 2010
Goodreads

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak,  Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead. Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for.

The Diary of a Wimpy Vampire...like I said the tittle caught my eye and made me chuckle. I lurve The Diary of a Wimpy Kid and it instantly reminded me of it though it's from two different authors and about to completely different things.I don't even like Twilight *Yeah I know everyone in the world does...but I do have a thing for vampires* I hopes its as funny as it suggests. What's even better...it comes out tomorrow :D 
Release Date: May 20 2010
Goodreads

Like Edward Cullen in "Twilight", Nigel Mullet was transformed into a vampire when he was still a teenager, and will remain this age forever.  Unfortunately, Nigel became a vampire at the awkward age of fifteen, and must spend eternity coping with acne, a breaking voice, and an ineptitude with girls...In this, his excruciatingly funny diary, Nigel chronicles his increasingly desperate attempts to be noticed by the love of his life, Della Sparrow, the constant mortification caused by his vampire parents (not to mention the worry that they might accidentally eat one of his friends), and the frustration one feels when you've got the whole of boring eternity stretching out in front of you and you can't even have a lie in (vampires don't sleep). Forced to hang out with the Goths and emo kids due to his pale skin and social awkwardness, and constantly battling his embarrassingly overwhelming desire to sink his fangs into Della's neck, will Nigel ever get his girl? Fantastically witty and hugely enter taining, this fun and accessible diary will appeal to any fan of "Twilight" or "Adrian Mole", teenage or otherwise...

Well that's what I can't wait to read this week...I lurve it when I find more than one :D

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #4

This is a weekly event, where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It's hosted by One Persons Journey Through a World of Books.

Well not much has happened in the last week. I've been crazy busy...I take care of my bro before and after school...while my parents are at work and while I'm job hunting- I volunteer; to keep my CV updated. I'm still reading the books from last week so the plans of last week are pretty much the plans for this one.


I'm rereading bits of The Jeremy-Snaps of the Dragon by Jo S. Wun so I can write a proper review...and other reasons but if I said here it would spoil my review.
I'm also reading Fudoki and My Championship Year by Jenson Button.


I also have some changes in store for my blog....there are some thing it needs and I want to sort that ...so look out Change is coming...teehee. Not to mention my lack of reviewing, I haven't reviewed a book in a while so expect at least 3 this week.
I hope I have a better lit week this week and I hope all your books treat you well :)

Linger's BOOK TRAILER!

So I've posted book trailers within different memes etc but have never dedicated an entire post to one...Now I am. I lurve this trailer the music and the ambience it generates.


Shiver by Maggie Steifvater  is high up on my wislist and so too it's sequel; Linger and with  trailer like this there's no doubt in my mind that this book would be a real treat!

What do you think? I lurve the smurf I want to say it's werewolf-esq but kinda looks vampy!

EReader GIVEAWAY...for those of you who know not!

I came across the Bibliophilic Book Blog because I saw it on another blog's Link list and thought..."Ooh there's a blog I've never seen before...." so I checked it out.


I lurve the blog...wide range of books too and....this awesome giveaway...of the gadget variety. I figured I'd post about it...not because it gives me added entries which admittedly is a bonus but mostly my interest in reading ebooks. It would be cool to have one. I'm sure some of you would prefer reading ebooks from ereaders than off the monitor (for those of you without ereaders).


So if you want to Click Here! Good Luck!