tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79442453953124696032024-03-13T21:43:24.737-07:00The Book NookThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-36313685062811160732014-01-20T20:23:00.000-08:002014-01-20T20:23:04.055-08:002014 Reading Resolutions and DirectionGreetings Internet!<br />
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2013 proved to be an eventful year for me and among the many life changes (I graduated from college in May and married in August, just to name a couple), there was less (but some) reading going on at the Book Nook. I'm back, again, and I have some resolutions that I'm hoping to keep up in 2014.<br />
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1. Blog! And regularly. I've devised a blogging schedule that is low impact to start. I'm hoping that minimal commitment will enable me to keep to a regular posting schedule that is small but consistent. I'm never absent from the blogging world, but I'm easily overwhelmed in life and blogging is the first of the things that is neglected. My schedule is a Tuesday/Thursday post every week with fun days on the weekend. Tuesdays will always include a tag (Top Ten Tuesday, which I loved doing in the past) and potentially a haul or review. Thursday will always be either a review or reflection on a book. On the weekends, I'm hoping to blog posts that complement my YouTube channel videos. This will fall in several categories but most common will be the "Things from Books," a spin on the Vlogbrothers "Thoughts from Places." It will be a place where I share the things I find in books, whether they be physical remains left from previous owners, thoughts, quotes, or anything else from a book. It's been an idea living in my brain for a while and I'm finally in a place where I can implement it.<br />
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2. Read! This should probably be first in the scheme of resolutions. In 2013, I really let reading fall to the side so that I could focus on major projects in my life. This allowed me to accomplish all of the things I needed but also took one of the main sources of my enjoyment. I'm proposing a reading challenge of 50 books for myself. The challenge is not going to be enforced strictly as I kind of need to work myself back into the scene. I'd like a portion of these books to come crossover with the Sequels and Series portion of the blog. I really need to clear some series off of my shelf. So, here's to lots of reading in 2014.<br />
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3. Donate! I have managed to amass an astonishing number of books in the three and a half years that I have lived in my own home. While I'm not planning on donating all of the books, the Great Purge of 2014 is in full swing. Many of the books have been given to me or are from a inheritance following the death of my grandmom. As a result, they are not my particular style, genre, type of book and I'm in a space where I'm comfortable enough to pass them along to other readers. I will be donating them to three book charities: Books for Africa, Books for Soldiers, and Books through Bars. Whatever is not acceptable at these will be donated to the library or a local not-for-profit thrift store.<br />
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Those are my main reading/book resolutions. Be sure to check me out on YouTube, too!<br />
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Happy reading,<br />
xoxo The Book NookThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-38882994270310190972012-03-22T20:14:00.000-07:002012-03-22T20:14:17.338-07:00How do you shelf?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_LDZzl8O1Q/T2vpPvjCpII/AAAAAAAAAEk/smHWb7emCSg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_LDZzl8O1Q/T2vpPvjCpII/AAAAAAAAAEk/smHWb7emCSg/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a>I have my three Billy Bookcases in a row. It saves room and it actually creates the illusion that I have more space than I do. This is great for small rooms, like my library. Also, it makes a nice background for my videos and makes me feel very scholarly, which motivates me to do work.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY76pvRUizg/T2vpTcF3r-I/AAAAAAAAAEs/PsWikSSMeb4/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rY76pvRUizg/T2vpTcF3r-I/AAAAAAAAAEs/PsWikSSMeb4/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I also make sure to use the space on top of the bookcases. If you get stackable totes and organizers, you can make the most out of the space that you have. You can also put pictures on top, which adds a nice ambiance to your room. <br />
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I hope that my shelves provided some inspiration for you! There are great resources out there for how to organize your shelves and StumbleUpon and Pinterest are good places to go to for bookish inspiration. Happy shelving!<br />
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TheresaThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-16083267433899436312012-03-16T21:47:00.000-07:002012-03-16T21:47:03.900-07:00Daniel Marks Cover Reveal ContestDaniel Marks is collaborating with book bloggers to give readers three chances to win an ARC of his debut YA novel, <em>Velveteen</em>, the cover of which was revealed today.<br />
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Check out the following sites for information on the contests:<br />
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<a href="http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2012/03/cover-reveal-contest-velveteen-by.html">http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2012/03/cover-reveal-contest-velveteen-by.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://themodpodgebookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/03/velveteen-cover-reveal.html">http://themodpodgebookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/03/velveteen-cover-reveal.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.novelthoughtsblog.com/2012/03/cover-reveal-velveteen-by-daniel-marks.html">http://www.novelthoughtsblog.com/2012/03/cover-reveal-velveteen-by-daniel-marks.html</a>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-44585575259866370452012-03-09T20:56:00.000-08:002012-03-09T20:56:54.386-08:00The Book Nook Presents: The Book Haul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkIXMJmIBxE/T1relM7EqAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/VmYRPqvKhEM/s1600/BNT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkIXMJmIBxE/T1relM7EqAI/AAAAAAAAAEU/VmYRPqvKhEM/s320/BNT.jpg" width="320" /></a>Until recently, I have been on a very strict book buying ban. Weddings are expensive and so are books when you buy as many as I do. Alas, I knew it would not last and I am proud of myself for making it this long. On a routine trip to the book store on campus (it's called book buying ban not book looking ban, to those of you who raise your eyebrows at the word routine), I spotted some of my most anticipateds and one of them was signed! So, needless to say, I made a purchase. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below are the books that I now call mine:</div><ol><li> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11112619-fever" target="_blank">Fever</a>- Lauren DeStefano</li>
<li><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9593911-pandemonium" target="_blank">Pandemonium</a>- Lauren Oliver</li>
</ol>In addition to that, I also have three items that my future MIL gifted to me:<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/111218.Innocent_Traitor" target="_blank">An Innocent Traitor</a>- Alison Weir<br />
4.<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1759481.The_Lost_Memoirs_of_Jane_Austen" target="_blank"> The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen</a>- Syrie James<br />
5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anna-Karenina-Leo-Tolstoy/dp/1565111915" target="_blank">Anna Karenina</a>- Leo Tolstoy (Audiotape)<br />
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I am very excited to read them and will be starting the first of them as soon as I finish the Fault in Our Stars so stayed tuned. <br />
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Happy reading!<br />
The Book NookThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-12414953362064545332012-03-06T19:53:00.000-08:002012-03-21T20:32:26.416-07:00Book Nook Reviews: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzvydr90jw4/T1bbbL2S6QI/AAAAAAAAAEE/YSVJWgmG7yo/s1600/Iron+King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzvydr90jw4/T1bbbL2S6QI/AAAAAAAAAEE/YSVJWgmG7yo/s320/Iron+King.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Title</strong>: The Iron King<o:p></o:p></span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Author</strong>: Julie Kagawa<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Publisher</strong>: Harlequin Teen<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Publication</strong> <strong>Date</strong>: February 1, 2010 <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Summary</strong>: </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Note: This is the first written review that will incorporate my newly developed review formula. I’m sure that it will be less than spectacular as I try to work out the kinks in my process. With time, my reviews will become stronger. I appreciate your continued support and hope my review is helpful to you.</strong> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a novel about self-discovery, first love, and friendship. It is beautifully written in a distinct prose that is unique to Julie Kagawa. For me, it took a few chapters to become comfortable reading it without being distracted by the diction and sentence structure. But, much like Burgess’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Clockwork Orange</i>, after a short time it flowed nicely. After becoming more akin to the writing style, I was able to focus on the plot, which was very enjoyable. The build of the plot was thorough and I felt like it developed nicely. The story line didn’t feel rushed but I also didn’t feel like I was waiting for something to happen. Each plot development occurred in what seemed like a natural pace. I liked the presentation of exposition and found it very interesting to learn about the characters, setting, and the general theme of fey. I will say that other than the Artemis Fowl novels, I’ve never encountered a novel or series that was set in the world of fey so I was totally new to it. Personally, I feel like this a great series to read if you’re new to the idea because the Meghan is also new to the fey world so you’re able to learn the intricacies along with her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition to the great plot, I also really enjoyed the characters. Meghan is a very likeable main character. She is written very realistically and I felt like she could be an actual person (except for the whole her being a fairy princess and all). Her character development progresses nicely throughout the novel and I look forward to seeing her grow more in the remaining novels. The two male leads, Puck and Ash, have me conflicted. I won’t go into too much detail so as not to spoil the novel for anyone but there is a bit of a love triangle that has developed. As to their characterization, I can’t give a final determination yet because I’m still reading the series but at first glance, I thought that Ash’s character was pretty well-developed but inconsistent (which actually fits the story because he himself isn’t sure of who he is or how he should feel). I would have liked to see more of Puck but I have a feeling that his place is better served in further novels and that we will definitely be seeing more of him. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, I thought this was a great first novel and I am definitely going to read the rest of the series. In fact, I can’t wait to read the sequel. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="http://www.juliekagawa.com/books.html" target="_blank">Author Website</a></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Iron-King-Harlequin-Teen/dp/0373210086" target="_blank">Amazon</a></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6644117-the-iron-king" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> The Book Nook</div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-74898360625657559052012-03-04T12:43:00.002-08:002012-03-21T20:32:26.418-07:00Books Nook Reviews: The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3w5W5Tbu9sI/T1Oer_Ps-BI/AAAAAAAAAD8/eJHhSDv_vb8/s1600/The+Name+of+the+Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3w5W5Tbu9sI/T1Oer_Ps-BI/AAAAAAAAAD8/eJHhSDv_vb8/s200/The+Name+of+the+Star.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Title:</strong> The Name of the Star<br />
<strong>Author:</strong> Maureen Johnson<br />
<strong>Publisher:</strong> Putnam Juvenile<br />
<strong>Publication: </strong>September 29, 2011<br />
<strong>Summary:</strong><em>The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it’s the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.</em><br />
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<em>Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn’t notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.</em><br />
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In a word, this book is awesome. It contains all the elements of a great book: mystery, instrigue, and well-developed characters. To describe the plot in detail would spoil it, but know that one of the best portions of the story is experiencing the details along with Rory. The mystery surrounding what's happening really makes the story come alive. Maureen Johnson is a master at crafting a story that will keep readers guessing and the Name of the Star is definitely one of those stories. From the first page to the last sentence, this story is full of suspense. What's better is the characterization is well-developed and each character feels like they have a purpose in the story. Rory, the main character, is one of my favorite MJ leads. She is spunky, interesting, and developed. I definitely recommend it for fans of MJ and those who like a little mystery. <br />
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<a href="http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com/books/the-name-of-the-star/">http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com/books/the-name-of-the-star/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Name-Star-Shades-London/dp/0399256601">http://www.amazon.com/Name-Star-Shades-London/dp/0399256601</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87vaqqmSgkg&feature=colike">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87vaqqmSgkg&feature=colike</a>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-34901844483740627602012-03-04T08:50:00.001-08:002012-03-04T08:50:22.695-08:00March 2012 TBR List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jodm0X5IEfo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-36050598965843993262012-02-28T16:54:00.000-08:002012-02-28T16:54:00.063-08:00Egypt Month: Reading Ancient Egyptian Literature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PNspstbtRbA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-66833523762413456172012-02-28T16:53:00.000-08:002012-02-28T16:53:11.363-08:00Egypt Month: Ancient Egyptian Literature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsthhbF2NXU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-25017030351650869332012-02-09T15:50:00.000-08:002012-02-09T15:50:20.842-08:00Book Nook Reviews: Five Fierce Females of Ancient Egypt<span style="font-size: large;">5.</span> <span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Tetisheri</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee3tmaXR_t0/TzRTyJ663iI/AAAAAAAAADU/6LWciaM3l2A/s1600/Tetisheri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee3tmaXR_t0/TzRTyJ663iI/AAAAAAAAADU/6LWciaM3l2A/s200/Tetisheri.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tetisheri statue (from the British Museum). </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Credited with being the "Mother of the New Kingdom," Tetisheri was the grandmother of Ahmose, the 18th Dynasty pharaoh who expelled the foreign enemies, the Hyksos, and founded the New Kingdom. Ahmose took great pride in being Tetisheri's grandson and built a mortuary temple in her honor at the site of Abydos. She cared greatly for the Egyptian people and initiated many projects in their favor during her long life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Cleopatra VII </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4l1cHO96Vrw/TzRW4vTc8TI/AAAAAAAAADc/Bjg8IZn5IfI/s1600/Cleopatra+Vii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4l1cHO96Vrw/TzRW4vTc8TI/AAAAAAAAADc/Bjg8IZn5IfI/s320/Cleopatra+Vii.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleopatra VII on the wall at the Temple of Denderah</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Cleopatra VII ruled over Egypt during the Ptolomaic Period. Although many queens were named Cleopatra, she is the one who is most famous. She was at the center of a nasty love triangle and is said to have committed suicide using an Egyptian Asp. She is popularly depicted in Western culture as a beautiful woman, but not much is known of the real Cleopatra least of all what she looked like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Nefertiti</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bg8M5PCvs18/TzRZHvDO8hI/AAAAAAAAADk/MlYpe3577y4/s1600/Nefertiti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bg8M5PCvs18/TzRZHvDO8hI/AAAAAAAAADk/MlYpe3577y4/s200/Nefertiti.jpg" width="114" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bust of Nefertiti.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Nefertiti, who name means the "Beautiful One Has Come," was the Great Royal Wife of the pharaoh Akhenaten. She is known best from her bust, a statue that was most likely used to teach sculptors. She disappeared from the historical record about fourteen years after her husband took the throne and yet she still has managed to captivate audiences for centuries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Hatshepsut</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJFulGzq_wg/TzRaNOuhqiI/AAAAAAAAADs/p0oXpYvXL7Y/s1600/Hatshepsut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJFulGzq_wg/TzRaNOuhqiI/AAAAAAAAADs/p0oXpYvXL7Y/s320/Hatshepsut.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Hatshepsut from Djser Djser</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Hatshepsut was the first female pharaoh of the early 18th Dynasty. She declared herself king and initiated many temple building projects. During her reign, she was responsible for the proliferation of the cult of Amun. She built her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri in a terraced format and commemorated her divine birth and the expedition to Punt. In ancient and modern times, there has been speculation that she was consorting with her chief advisor, Senmut. After her death, the Egyptians attempted to erase her memory through the process of proscription.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Sekmet</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 254px; width: 131px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfZgV-QqsvQ/TzRavzo4nnI/AAAAAAAAAD0/LIhJ1Qmn5Lw/s1600/Sekmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfZgV-QqsvQ/TzRavzo4nnI/AAAAAAAAAD0/LIhJ1Qmn5Lw/s200/Sekmet.jpg" width="124" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Sekmet.<br />
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</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">While not technically a woman, Sekmet is the fiercest of the fierce females in Egypt. The feline goddess of protection and pestilence was in charge of keeping Egypt save from disease and also for causing it. She has developed a very popular cult in the modern year, as evidence by the fact that it was impossible to find a normal picture of her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That, Book Nooks, is the list of the top five fierce females of ancient Egypt. Please check the side bar lists for some great books on the ladies above. The book on Hatshepsut, Hatshepsut: From Queen to Pharaoh, is particularly delightful. </span>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-26713730003932212592012-02-08T17:33:00.000-08:002012-03-21T20:32:22.793-07:00Book Nook Reviews: Kane Chronicles Trilogy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvlXGIwd03o/TzMbGKqRsCI/AAAAAAAAADM/3q3hdjQ5Rgo/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvlXGIwd03o/TzMbGKqRsCI/AAAAAAAAADM/3q3hdjQ5Rgo/s200/053.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graffiti in the Seti I Temple in Abydos. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Egypt Month is underway! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I just uploaded the first video of the series! It includes a discussion of the Kane Chronicles Triology--a series focusing on two siblings who suddenly find out that the Egyptian myths they learned are real. Check out my video for more information about the series and check back tomorrow for more of Egypt Month!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for watching! </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">xoxo The Book Nook</div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-69957658084510602332012-02-01T14:48:00.000-08:002012-02-01T14:49:51.165-08:00Book Nook Reviews: Egypt MonthAhlan Book Nooks (that's Egyptian Arabic for Welcome)!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emhg-mdQflk/Tym_m1U3LGI/AAAAAAAAADE/ca1ugZoI4Xs/s1600/New+Camera+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emhg-mdQflk/Tym_m1U3LGI/AAAAAAAAADE/ca1ugZoI4Xs/s320/New+Camera+001.JPG" width="320" /></a>This month at the Book Nook we are going to be exploring the wonderful world of Egyptian (themed) literature. For the next month, I will be reading academic, general, young adult, and middle grade novels that have Ancient Egypt as a theme, setting, or focus point. Ancient Egypt has been the center of books since the twentieth century because of the many facets of the culture. I've chosen four books that I think best represent the fields of literature in which I am reading. In addition to book reviews, I'll also be doing some really fun crafts, discussions, lessons, and topic videos that deal with Ancient Egypt.The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-90278519374114295362011-12-02T18:26:00.000-08:002011-12-02T18:26:44.788-08:00Christmas Book Haul 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/R-mb5c-0vFU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My Christmas book haul is now available for viewing on YouTube! If you're interested to see what books I got this season, go check it out. Link above.<br />
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The Book NookThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-36449597844324403712011-12-01T01:09:00.000-08:002011-12-01T01:09:44.241-08:00The Year that Christmas Came EarlyHello book nooks!<br />
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As some of you may know, I will be travelling to Egypt to conduct field work. It just so happens that I will be there over the holidays. As a result, my fiance and I are celebrating Christmas early. I will, therefore, have my Christmas book haul (my first one as a blogger) up sometime this weekend! I'm so excited to see all of the books that I received this Christmas.<br />
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What books were on your Christmas/holiday list this season?<br />
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The Book NookThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-32251585501820103612011-11-28T03:00:00.000-08:002011-11-28T03:03:28.972-08:002011 Reading Challenges- Update and Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJZRIdumM5g/TtNqeEwyE_I/AAAAAAAAACk/KCGJU4hpK_M/s1600/reading-challenge-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJZRIdumM5g/TtNqeEwyE_I/AAAAAAAAACk/KCGJU4hpK_M/s320/reading-challenge-2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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For 2011, I challenged myself to seven reading challenges. Below I will list the challenge and my progress so far.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><ol><li style="text-align: left;">50 Books in 2011- This challenge is complete as of September 2011! I managed to read 50 books. I'm not stopping yet, though. I am going to continue reading to see how many I can read. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Debut Author Challenge (12)- This challenge is not complete. In fact, I haven't been keeping up with this one all that well. I know that I've read at least 2 debut novels possibly more.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">To Be Read Challenge (4)- This challenge is complete. My four TBR books were: <i>The Sweer Far Thing, Pretties, Uglies, </i>and<i> The Lightening Thief.</i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Classics Challenge (5)- This challenge is not complete. I have read one book and started one.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Shakespeare Challenge (6)- This challenge is not complete. I have read no books toward it.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Dystopian Challenge (15)- This challenge is almost complete. I have read 14 of the 15 books toward it. My reviews of them may be found by searching for the label Dystopian or 2011 Reading Challenge.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sequel Challenge (6)- This challenge is complete. Toward it I read: The Uglies series (4), the Gemma Doyle Trilogy (2), the Percy Jackson series (5), The Hunger Games (3), Harry Potter (7).</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, I completed four of my seven challenges. With the end of the year closing in quickly and the increasing pressure of school and work I don't anticipate finishing the other challenges completely. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Look out in the next few days for my post on the 2012 reading challenges. I don't think that I will be quite as ambitious in the number I join but I would like to try for 100 books in 2012.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Book Nook</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-46311889461076944112011-11-27T21:36:00.000-08:002012-03-21T20:32:22.795-07:00Divergent-Veronica Roth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sR8G9_o7mKQ/TtMNCYyktMI/AAAAAAAAACY/jWTRXkLSOTo/s1600/Divergent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sR8G9_o7mKQ/TtMNCYyktMI/AAAAAAAAACY/jWTRXkLSOTo/s1600/Divergent.jpg" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Title</b>: Divergent</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Author</b>: Veronica Roth</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;"><b>Publisher</b>: HarperCollins</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;"><b>Publication</b>: 2011</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Summary</b>:<i> In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris</i></span><span id="ps-extra-desc" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><i> and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Let me start my saying that I have been on such a dystopian kick this year! The majority of the novels that I have read for my 2011 challenges have been in the genre of dystopia. With that being said, this review is going to be a little different in terms of format compared to my other ones. One of the things that I really enjoyed about this novel, other than the amazing plot and characters, was the language. Everything that Roth wrote I wanted to have as a tattoo or put on my walls. Therefore, my review will consist of both my thoughts and some of my favorite quotes. Without further ado, my review of <i>Divergent</i>.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;"><i>Divergent </i>is both a novel and a work of art. Veronica Roth is able to create such beautiful and vivid imagery which is an ideal writing technique for dystopian because so much of the world is unimaginable for the twenty first century reader. Likewise, her imagery really sets the mood for the novel. Roth uses the environment and the character's surroundings as a vehicle for her message. I also really like the way that she built suspense especially through the use of one-liners. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"My mother was dauntless."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;">Roth really put an emphasis on building her world. I loved how caricatured the factions were because when they are that extreme it is easier to see their ideals and processes. Within that, I enjoy the use of the initiation as a vehicle for plot and character development. As the characters go through their initiation, we are learning about them. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;">"I believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that causes one person to stand up for another."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;">"Somewhere inside of me is a merciful girl who tries to understand what people are going through, who accepts that people do evil things...you coward."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;">What's more is that the novel really stresses the need for personal diversity and temperance. People are not one-sided! That is what is beautiful about our own society and what Tris is hoping to get out of hers.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 18px;">"I feel like some one breathed new air into my lungs. I am not Abnegation. I am not Dauntless. I am Divergent."</span></span></div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-69187228580009182602011-11-27T00:50:00.000-08:002011-11-27T20:10:28.122-08:00Series Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians-Rick Riordian<div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"> When I encounter a series after all of the books have been published, I try to read the novels one right after the other. With the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, however, this was not the case. I purchased the first novel, <em>The Lightening Thief</em>, in January of 2010 for my fiancé because he really enjoyed the movie. It sat on my shelf for months-my fiancé is really not a reader. One day in January of 2011, a year later, the book called to me from the shelf. I felt bad that it had been sitting on my shelf all by itself so I picked it up and started reading it. Now, almost a year later, I’ve finished the entire series. In July 2011, I read book two and then books three through five I read in September. Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, I present my review of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOUdplV7ZfM/TtH4OJf_QPI/AAAAAAAAABw/yC2Nss6n84M/s1600/Lightening+Thief.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOUdplV7ZfM/TtH4OJf_QPI/AAAAAAAAABw/yC2Nss6n84M/s200/Lightening+Thief.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div align="justify"> <em> The Lightening Thief</em>: The first installment was a great opening novel. I loved the way Riordian introduced us to the world of the demigods and gods. He put a lot of thought into how he could bring the ancient myths to a modern audience and it shows in the creative and unique ways he connects the past and the present. I also really enjoyed the characters, especially the main three: Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. They had great depth and personality even though it was the first novel. Riordian has given us a really great first novel and I’m really looking forward to the sequel. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCMwEcuhUjY/TtH4RDUICQI/AAAAAAAAAB4/eGMMG4-9oxI/s1600/Sea+of+Monsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCMwEcuhUjY/TtH4RDUICQI/AAAAAAAAAB4/eGMMG4-9oxI/s200/Sea+of+Monsters.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div align="justify"> <em>The Sea of Monsters</em>: Following the first novel, it took me awhile to finally pick the sequel up. The characters remain enjoyable but I didn’t really like the plot as I was reading it. It felt like the story line was just an unnecessary filler used to bridge the first and third book. I still enjoyed it as a stand alone but it was my least favorite of the series. Now that I’ve read the rest of the books, though, I see that the story was definitely needed as it introduced some very crucial plot points- the rest of the series simply could not have happened without this one. So overall I enjoyed the story and there was some great humor and I saw its necessity but it was far from my favorite. </div><div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChKo2fST8GI/TtH4UuA5JpI/AAAAAAAAACI/q2sDFT7LrpE/s1600/The+Titan%2527s+Curse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChKo2fST8GI/TtH4UuA5JpI/AAAAAAAAACI/q2sDFT7LrpE/s200/The+Titan%2527s+Curse.jpg" width="131" /></a><em> The Titan’s Curse</em>: This novel was my very favorite of the entire series! The story of Thalia and Artemis and the Hunters really revived the story for me. I really enjoyed the fast pace and the constant action because it moved the story and the series along nicely. I also liked the increasing interaction with the gods. In this installment, we really learn a lot more Greek backstory. Another aspect I enjoyed was the character growth. Each of the characters is learning about their world and themselves and in reaction to it-growing. Above all, I am enjoying watching Percy grow as a character. This is definitely a must read!</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aB-n-mEpWW0/TtH4TFEyBiI/AAAAAAAAACA/4Yh_CepM80M/s1600/The+Battle+of+the+Labyrinth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aB-n-mEpWW0/TtH4TFEyBiI/AAAAAAAAACA/4Yh_CepM80M/s200/The+Battle+of+the+Labyrinth.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div align="justify"><em> The Battle of the Labyrinth</em>: The Battle of the Labyrinth was a very enjoyable read. What I enjoyed most was the fact that many of the subplots from the first novel were finally resolved, which really is important for penultimate books because it allows the final book time to focus on the important, main storyline. Another aspect that I enjoyed was the character growth. The characters are continuing to grow up and we as readers get to experience that. Percy is really changing and developing who he is. I also really liked how Riordian used the setting of the labyrinth to advance the plot. Through the twists and turns of the labyrinth we find out a great deal of expository information. Finally, I thought this was the first novel where you really encounter the reality of the novel. In it, we get the first glimpse of the loses and sacrifices of life that happen during war. For me, its reminiscent of the fifth book of Harry Potter in its tone and voice yet Riordian is still able to keep the humor that he is so well known for. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read. </div><div align="justify"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6XGzEn29Po/TtH4WYSJceI/AAAAAAAAACQ/Et2-Q-9e5Zk/s1600/The+Last+Olympian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6XGzEn29Po/TtH4WYSJceI/AAAAAAAAACQ/Et2-Q-9e5Zk/s200/The+Last+Olympian.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div align="justify"> <em>The Last Olympian</em>: The final book was the perfect ending to a great series! I won’t say too much because I don’t want to give away anything but the novel wrapped up everything very nicely and still left the option of continuing the story. <br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"> I recommend checking this series out. Also, Rick Riordian has continued the story of Percy and all of his friends in a brand new series. Let me know what you thought of the series, if you've read it, and whether or not you like the follow up books.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div></div></div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-12851377796074609652011-10-22T17:11:00.000-07:002011-10-22T17:11:48.770-07:00October Reading Plans<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> At the end of last month, I set out with big plans for my October reading list. I was really excited to spend the entire month lost in creepy, eerie, and spooky books. I love being scared around Halloween and I think that books can really get you into the holiday mood. I took to the interwebs and begged for suggestions from my subscribers/followers and managed to get together a list of 10 books that were perfect for the month and, for the most part, that I already learned. For the last few days of September, I could barely contain myself and not start my list early. Yet, as soon as October arrived, I suddenly had no time or energy to read. My October Spooktacular List has not one title checked off, which is really disappointing because I put a lot of thought in picking out the books. I still haven't announced my winners from the Kick-Off October giveaway, either. Plus, I have two scheduled posts (that are already written) waiting to go up on the blog. One is a series review of Percy Jacjson and the Olympians and the other is my review of Divergent. Hopefully these will be up tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> So, what happened in this month that prevented me from accomplishing my goals? To start, the beginning week of October was the last week of school before Fall Break so I was swamped with last minute work. Certainly not a situation conducive to reading. The second week of October, which was Fall Break, wasn't a very good reading week either because I spent the entire week picking up overtime at work so I could officially start the Theresadan Wedding Fund. Then this last week, when there was finally nothing standing in the way of me and my TBR list, I got sick. I don't get sick very often and on the rare occasion that I do get sick it's usually nothing bad, just a small head cold or something like this. This time, however, I got really sick. I was simultaneously fighting a double-ear infection, five-day migraine, and the flu. I can't remember a time that I felt so bad. I ended up missing half of my classes and suffering through work. My throat was swollen so much that I couldn't eat and I ended losing ten pounds, at last count. Thankfully, I seem to be getting better. My throat isn't as sore and my headache is completely gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> For the rest of the month, therefore, I will be playing catch up. I still have my plans set to finish my list from the beginning of the month in the next eight days. Eight days to read my books, and review them! I think that I probably won't accomplish this but I like to set my goals high. With that said, I'd like to list out my reading goals for the rest of the month:</span><br />
<ol><li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dracula (for the readalong at A Literary Odyssey)</span></div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Dead Tossed Waves</span></div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter</span></div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">30 Days of Night</span></div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Grimm Brothers, select stories</span></div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Edgar Allen Poe, select stories</span></div></li>
<li><div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Frankenstein ( I'm about half-way through this one)</span></div></li>
</ol><div align="left"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'd also list to get up my reviews for Percy Jackson and Divergent.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Oh, boy! I do have quite the week ahead of me. Wish me luck!</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Happy Halloreading!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The Book Nook</span></div><div align="left"></div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-83425585229462516132011-09-19T19:47:00.000-07:002012-03-21T20:32:22.797-07:00The Maze Runner by James Dashner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPT7l7-Y8Ec/Tnf8gj2d_HI/AAAAAAAAABs/poNomTOuyP4/s1600/The_Maze_Runner_cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPT7l7-Y8Ec/Tnf8gj2d_HI/AAAAAAAAABs/poNomTOuyP4/s200/The_Maze_Runner_cover.png" width="137px" /></a></div>Title: The Maze Runner<br />
Author: James Dashner<br />
Summary: Thomas is the newest arrival to the Glade in this <em>Truman</em>-meets-<em>Lord of the Flies</em> tale. A motley crew of half a dozen kids is all he has to guide him in this strange world. As soon as he arrives, unusual things begin to happen, and the others grow suspicious of him. Though the Maze seems somehow familiar to Thomas, he's unable to make sense of the place, despite his extraordinary abilities as a Runner. What is this place, and does Thomas hold the key to finding a way out?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This book was the perfect hybrid of dystopia and mystery. There was just the right amount of suspense to keep me going. I literally had to keep reading because I needed to know what was going to happen. If you're looking for a page-turner, this is a novel I highly recommend. I've been on a dystopia kick this past year and of the many dystopia novels I've read, this one is definitely up there in terms of favorites. The plot is amazing and is always moving, the characters are versatile and fairly well devloped, and the setting is frickin' awesome. The characters and the Glade were definitely the best part of this book. Also, the mystery surrounding the whole plot keeps the book moving along nicely. I can't wait to read the sequel, <u>The Scorch Trials</u>, and the conclusion to the trilogy, <u>The Death Cure</u>, which is out next month. This is definitely one to pick up!<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
Theresa<br />
The Book NookThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-37104772407275774952011-09-19T19:28:00.000-07:002011-09-19T19:28:21.641-07:00Top Ten Tuesday (7)<h3 class="post-title entry-title">The Book Nook's Top Ten Books That:</h3><div class="post-title entry-title">I Need to Read Already!</div><div class="post-title entry-title"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBQOW9gjWIU/TkCBynbxL3I/AAAAAAAAAzM/HrAvDYtxbJo/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_opv3mz="3" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBQOW9gjWIU/TkCBynbxL3I/AAAAAAAAAzM/HrAvDYtxbJo/s1600/TTT3W.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">This week's Top Ten Tuesday features the Top Ten books that everyone has read but me. There are many so be prepared. </span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">1. Divergent- Veronica Roth (Don't worry its on my immediate TBR).</span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">2. Bumped- Megan McCafferty</span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">3-6. The Mortal Instruments Series- Cassandra Clare</span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">7. Beauty Queens- Libba Bray (Some stupid spoiler spoiled the ending so now I'm waiting until I forget what happened to read it).</span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: black;">8-10. The Iron Fey Series- Julie Kagawa</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">What books are you out of loop on?</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Theresa</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">The Book Nook</span></div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-3074315646447109732011-09-19T19:05:00.000-07:002012-03-21T20:32:22.798-07:00The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuzvCKsP9fA/Tnfxq_HA5lI/AAAAAAAAABo/04mTjuwTa2c/s1600/592089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuzvCKsP9fA/Tnfxq_HA5lI/AAAAAAAAABo/04mTjuwTa2c/s200/592089.jpg" width="123px" /></a></div>Title: The Bar Code Tattoo<br />
Author: Suzanne Weyn<br />
Summary: <br />
Individuality vs. Conformity<br />
Identity vs. Access<br />
Freedom vs. Control<br />
The bar code tattoo. Everybody's getting it. It will make your life easier, they say. It will hook you in. It will become your identity.<br />
But what if you say no? What if you don't want to become a code? For Kayla, this one choice changes everything. She becomes an outcast in her high school. Dangerous things happen to her family. There's no option but to run...for her life.<br />
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I actually really enjoyed this book and the style in which it was written. It had a vague similarity to XVI by Julia Carr and my feelings for the two novels are alike. The premise was interesting but in some parts the execution feel thorugh. For me, the biggest issues I had were the idea of showing versus telling and last minute plot developments. Throughout the beginning hlad of the novel, Weyn relied more on telling us about the world she invented rather than slowly revealing it to us throughout. At times, this was distracting because I was more worried about what the slang words meant than the development of the plot. Weyn also throws in rather large plot points that should take the whole novel in a few paragraphs. Even with the fact that there's a sequel some of the points are too much for one novel. A little suspense could have taken the book farther.<br />
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This is a great dystopia novel for the younger half of the young adult reading group. There's not much violence, no bad language, and no thematic elements. It still has the dystopia themes but its packaged in a lighter form. <br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
Theresa<br />
The Book NoolThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-21442151813572560432011-09-14T22:24:00.000-07:002012-03-21T20:35:28.219-07:00Book Nook Reviews Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PY3waO5in1s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Want to win either Across the Universe by Beth Revis or Plague by Michael Grant? Click the link for more information.<br />
<br />
Theresa<br />
The Book NookThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-31983456866067800542011-09-14T22:21:00.000-07:002012-03-21T20:35:28.221-07:00Book Nook Reviews on YouTube<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qhM7gRlQj0Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is me, Theresa. </div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This link will take you to my YouTube.</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">If you click it, you can see me talk about books.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think you should click it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just do it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You'll be happy that you did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, I'm done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still think you should click it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you click, yet?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Theresa</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Book Nook</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-22357691704835616122011-09-14T18:44:00.000-07:002012-03-21T20:32:22.800-07:00Jane by April Lindner<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uPKxfTn5Cg/TnFApNC2BPI/AAAAAAAAABk/luGojtFcqMM/s1600/Jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uPKxfTn5Cg/TnFApNC2BPI/AAAAAAAAABk/luGojtFcqMM/s320/Jane.jpg" width="209px" /></a></div>Title: Jane<br />
Author: April Lindner<br />
Publisher: Poppy<br />
Publication Date: October 2010<br />
Summary: Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love? An irresistible romance interwoven with a darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.<br />
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When I read modernizations or retellings of fairy tales or classic stories, I try to go into them thinkthat they are different, unique tales. That is, I don't compare them to the stories on which they are based. First, its unfair to both the original and the retelling. More importatly, however, it is unfair to me. In doing that, I close myself off to experiencing a novel. For these two reasons, I try not to compare retellings with the originals. With that in mind, I went into <em>Jane </em>viewing it as its own novel <u>not</u> as a retelling of <em>Jane Eyre.</em> In this case, however, it was very difficult to separate the novels because they were so similar. Lindner really stayed true to Jane for the most part. <em>Jane </em>stays true to the tone of <em>Jane Eyre.</em> The gothic nature, the beautiful prose, and the sweeping romances of Jane and Nico were all exactly the same. Sometimes, however, the similarity was to a fault. At times I felt like <em>Jane </em>was just the paraphrased <em>Jane Eyre.</em> There were whole conversations that were almost verbatim. <br />
In all, I enjoyed the book as a stand alone when not comparing it to the original. Plus, if you've wanted to read the classic version but are afraid or intimidated, this version is much more accessible.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
The Book NookThe Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7944245395312469603.post-31289444806707116542011-09-12T19:38:00.000-07:002011-09-12T19:38:43.755-07:00Top Ten Tuesday (6)<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="color: black; font-family: 99a7175f718d812513b56358#842300; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Top Ten Tuesday: A Word of Gratitude</span></span> <div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfzitLQMDqU/ThkelCEnXXI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jwLLpP0rh9o/s1600/new+ttt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfzitLQMDqU/ThkelCEnXXI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jwLLpP0rh9o/s1600/new+ttt.jpg" /></a></h3><div class="post-title entry-title">For this week, the wonderful ladies at <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #001999;">The Broke and the Bookish</span></a> have dedicated the Top Ten Tuesday meme to those books that we read because of other bloggers.This topic was fairly easy for me because I have looked to some of my favorite blogs for recommendations often this year.</div><div class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</div><div class="post-title entry-title">1. Delirium- Lauren Oliver (Thanks to Bonnie @ <a href="http://abackwardsstory.blogspot.com/">abackwardsstory.blogspot.com</a>)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"> </div><div class="post-title entry-title">2. Anna and the French Kiss- Stephanie Perkins (Thanks toMelanie)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"> </div><div class="post-title entry-title">3. Linger- Maggie Stiefvater (Thanks to multiple bloggers)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</div><div class="post-title entry-title">4.Hush, Hush- Becca Fitzpatrick (Thanks to Jessica and Stacy @ <a href="http://chapterchicks.com/">chapterchicks.com</a>)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"> </div><div class="post-title entry-title">5. The Maze Runner- James Dashner (Thanks to Priscilla from The Readables, okay so that isn't technically a blog but, oh well)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"> </div><div class="post-title entry-title">6. Nevermore- Kelly Creagh (Thanks to Maxie Magyk)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</div><div class="post-title entry-title">7. The Forest of Hands and Teeth- Carrie Ryan (Thanks to Jessica and Stacy @ <a href="http://chapterchicks.com/">chapterchicks.com</a>)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</div><div class="post-title entry-title">8. Jessica Guide to Dating on the Dark Side- Beth Fantaskey (Can't quite remember but I know it was recommended by someone, so thanks!)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</div><div class="post-title entry-title">9. Wither- Lauren DeStefano (Thanks to Bonnie @ <a href="http://abackwardsstory.blogspot.com/">abackwardsstory.blogspot.com</a>)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"> </div><div class="post-title entry-title">10. The Hunger Games Trilogy- Suzanne Collins (Thanks to Miss Marm @ SparkLife)</div><div class="post-title entry-title"> </div><div class="post-title entry-title">What great/not so great books have you picked up thanks to other book bloggers?</div><div class="post-title entry-title">Happy BBAW, ladies and gents!</div><div class="post-title entry-title"> </div><div class="post-title entry-title">The Book Nook</div><div class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</div>The Book Nookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646150121058964626noreply@blogger.com2