New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

Quiet mailbox this week. This is great because I am trying to get ahead before I leave at the end of the month for New York for BEA.

I have one book this week, and I didn't even technically get it this week. I forgot to include in a previous mailbox.

It's an eARC of a book that has a movie coming out VERY soon

 The Bling Ring by Nancy Jo Sales (goodreads)

The trailer looks pretty good, and I am sort of curious about the real story behind the movie. This one expires soon so expect a review within the next few weeks.

I also got the seasons 2 - 5 of Friday Night Lights. These will be watched as soon as possible and I hope to to have them done once most of my usual shows end for the summer.

Big thank you to Emilie for lending me these!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOK

Cover of Unhinged by AG Howard

I am in love with this cover. I haven't read Splintered yet, but that will be changing this summer (once I am out from under my review pile). I want to get my hands on this immediately. Yes, for purely silly reasons that the cover is STUNNING. It screams dark fairytale, and that is one amazing looking Mad Hatter. I obviously haven't checked out the synopsis due to possible spoilers for Splintered, but it's available on Goodreads.

Cover of Univited by Sophie Jordan

The synopsis sounds amazing for this one, but the cover also caught my eye. Mainly because...there is DNA in her hair! The end strands look like DNA (helix models). Clever considering the synopsis. Dying to get my hands on this one when it's released in winter 2014.

TV

Friday Night Lights

I finished season one and have started season two. I have no idea why I never watched this series before now. It's amazing. If you haven't started it, DO SO IMMEDIATELY. One season in and I am pretty sure I am Riggins girl. #TexasForever

OTHER

Book Expo America

It is officially BEA month. I can not wait for May to fly by. Lots to do before heading to New York City. I will be posting a list of my personal 'MUST GET' list for galleys at BEA sometime in May so be in the look out for that.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham

Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
Release Date – April 30, 2013
Publisher Website -  Random House Canada
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  352 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A charming and laugh-out-loud novel by Lauren Graham, beloved star of Parenthood and Gilmore Girls, about an aspiring actress trying to make it in mid-nineties New York City.

Franny Banks is a struggling actress in New York City, with just six months left of the three year deadline she gave herself to succeed. But so far, all she has to show for her efforts is a single line in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters and a degrading waitressing job. She lives in Brooklyn with two roommates-Jane, her best friend from college, and Dan, a sci-fi writer, who is very definitely not boyfriend material-and is struggling with her feelings for a suspiciously charming guy in her acting class, all while trying to find a hair-product cocktail that actually works. Meanwhile, she dreams of doing "important" work, but only ever seems to get auditions for dishwashing liquid and peanut butter commercials. It's hard to tell if she'll run out of time or money first, but either way, failure would mean facing the fact that she has absolutely no skills to make it in the real world. Her father wants her to come home and teach, her agent won't call her back, and her classmate Penelope, who seems supportive, might just turn out to be her toughest competition yet. Someday, Someday, Maybe is a funny and charming debut about finding yourself, finding love, and, most difficult of all, finding an acting job.

Someday, Someday, Maybe is the perfect summer read. Quirky, cute, and fun. Lauren Graham's debut into writing both surprised me with it's heart, humour and a main character who endears herself to you immediately.

I found myself wondering how much of Lauren Graham's real life went into the characters personalities, and experiences. It is not hard to imagine her encountering the people Franny meets along her journey. It's part of what makes the story so immersive. It feels real. I am still unsure if this because I know the author is an actress who would have beginnings that mirrored Franny's, or if it a case of an author writing what they know. I think the answer is most like a happy medium. Ms Graham took the notion of 'writing what you know' and pulled from real life for inspiration.

The novel is peppered with fantastic secondary characters. The sweet and loyal Dan, the fun and sassy Jane, the classic mean boss. Even the agent Barney Sparks is what I immediately think of when I picture an agent. All these characters add a layer to Franny's story and often add humour. I found myself giggling throughout the novel. Lauren Graham's humour is more subdued, but delightfully funny.

Franny is immediately a character you root for. Her self deprecating, and sweet nature made her relateable. You wanted her to succeed and make it in the end. She seemed like the girl next door who just happened to want to be an actress. She didn't have confidence in herself, but rather than being annoying, it was endearing.

An honest look at starting out in the business. I found it a perfect balance between those who wanted to work for the sake of the craft, and those whose ambition was simply to be famous. No story set in this world is complete without those who want to use others to claim their way to the top. I found myself surprised at a few of the characters developments, especially Penelope. She wasn't at all what I was expecting. I give the story credit for taking a classic 'mean girl' and turning that idea on it's head.

Lauren Graham's voice is a fun, fresh take on the genre. A feel good story about finding yourself, finding your way, and not compromising even when it's the easier choice. Fans of Gilmore Girls will devour this, but as someone who has never seen an episode, I loved being taken on Franny's journey.

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends. This weeks question is:

Q: Give us a sneak! What are you reading? Tell us about a fun or fail scene in your current read.

I am currently reading Reboot by Amy Tintera. Loving it a lot more than I expected, and am fully engrossed in it. Totally staying up until I finish this one tonight.

Fun scene? Hmm....there is a pretty romantic/sweet scene where a certain swoon-worthy male character cleans blood off our heroine. Otherwise the book is filled with kick ass action scenes, and surprising humour.

Happy Weekend!

Levitating Las Vegas by Jennifer Echols

Levitating Las Vegas by Jennifer Echols
Release Date – May 7, 2013
Publisher Website -  Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  300 pages
My Rating- 3/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Nothing up her sleeves...or so she’s been led to believe.

Showgirl Holly Starr is sick and tired of assisting her dad, a celebrity magician, in his Las Vegas casino magic show. As soon as he keeps his promise to her and shares the secrets to his tricks, she can break out on her own. But can she really make it? For years Holly has taken medication to stave off crazy hallucinations that she can levitate objects. Just when she thinks she’s ready to make a career and a life for herself, her medicine—and her luck—run out.

Elijah Brown suffers from a similar delusion—that he can read minds—and he’s out of medicine too. Determined to save himself and his old flame Holly, he kidnaps her and takes her straight to the source, a town high in the Rockies where their medicine is made. What they discover there leads them to suspect their powers are not imaginary after all...and neither is the intense attraction they feel for each other.

They make a pact to stick together as they return to Vegas to confront the people who kept them in the dark so long. But soon they’re pitting their powers against each other in a dangerous world where the nightlife is seductive, domination is addictive, the sex is beyond belief...and falling in love is murder.

Exciting nightlife, seductive powers, and sexy magicians. Mix them all with a Las Vegas setting and I had high hopes for Levitating Las Vegas. The potential was there, and there were some delightful moments, but sadly, it ended up just being an alright read for me.

The characters started out great. Holly Starr, the somewhat sheltered and protected magician assistant, was perky, fun and a little naive. Elijah seemed to be a swoon worthy boy whose forbidden quality made him all the more appealing. I did enjoy the romance and felt the sparks between them, especially early on in the novel. However, I quickly became disenchanted because we don't really get to know the characters. They stay just on the cusp of the reader really getting to know them. It made it hard to connect with the characters and distracted me from the story.

Elijah's rapid descent into madness was one of my favourite parts of the novel. A young man who thinks he is suffering from delusions is suddenly forced to confront the idea of not having his medication. Predictably he does not react well, and his abilities do not lend themselves to a stable mind. Seeing him suffer made the betrayal and lies all the more enraging and left me angry at the people responsible.

The setting of Las Vegas immediately intrigued me. However, I wanted more of the setting than I got. I felt Las Vegas was used to it's full potential, especially in a story with this tone. The entire ideal of magic, with a paranormal twist, set in Las Vegas is something I would love to see more of. Magicians, mixed with paranormal, regardless of setting is something that has a lot of potential and hope is explored. This book did show me that I want more of this type of story, and setting.

The main issue with the novel, for me, was that it did not quite have enough detail regarding certain things. There is a pill that is unique to this group of individuals, and we're told of the effects and what it can do. However, it's never described how it was discovered, or how they knew to use this particular medication to get the results they wanted.

The Rez, home to a powerful group of young people with varying abilities, is shown to be dangerous, and intoxicating. The brief glimpse we are enticed with was not enough. I found myself curious about the inner workings, and how this establishment even came to exist  These people can't help but use their abilities on each other, and you would think that control would be easily lost and chaos would reign. I wish it had been explored more, instead of being teased with how unsettling it is.

This novel made me want to explore the 'new adult' genre more, and see what else it might have to offer. I loved the setting, and premise behind the plot. It had a lot of great elements that could have worked well as a story. I wish it had explored some areas a little more, but otherwise it was an okay read with a few magical moments.

Waiting On Wednesday... All The Truth That's In Me

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

My pick this week is All The Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last.

Sounds chilling, and a little spooky. I am hoping it's as good as the synopsis makes it sound. The cover is also really eye catching. I like it alot.

Expected release date - September 26, 2013

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Release Date – May 17, 2013 

Publisher Website -  Raincoast Books Canada

Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages -  356 pages

My Rating- 3.5/5

**Borrowed from fellow blogger**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Darkness and light come together to create a perfect blend of grey. Shadow and Bone exists in such a colour. It’s characters are a mix of both heroic and villainous behaviour and even the brightest light can be tempted by the darkness.

This novel wavered between a 3.5 and 4 for me. I was captivated by the magical aspect of it, the darkness that haunts the pages, and it’s set up for future installments. However, I found the novel moved a little slowly. It crept along and it made the pacing feel off. The ending was rapid and filled with reveals, game changing moments, and what I had been hoping for the rest of the novel. I left me intrigued for what is to come.

Alina fascinated me. She's strong, much stronger than she gives herself credit for, and yet so unsure. She is thrust into a world she never expected to be part of from her humble orphan origins. I liked that she wasn't sure where she fit in, and what her power may mean. She grows, and becomes more self reliant as the story goes on and yet, her character never becomes something unexpected. Often characters who start out average and have this great purpose instilled upon them change and become different characters. Some hard lessons are learned, and it does change her character in ways I am hoping will be fully explored in any sequels, but she is still manages to remain Alina.

The Darkling loomed over everything. I had heard so much hype about him, and how I was going to fall in love with him…well….perhaps it was a case of over hype because that didn't happen. I disliked him immensely. He was nice enough to Alina, at first, and when it suited his needs. I am pretty sure the ending decimates any and all goodwill he may have earned. He may be charismatic, but darkness surrounds everything he does. I can see where he is a perhaps a compelling villain, but he is totally someone I love to dislike.

Mal is a true and loyal friend. The type of friend who you fall in love with even it it means loving from afar. It’s obvious why Alina wants something more than friendship from him. Their bond is something that is built due to shared experiences, and relying on each other from a young age. It’s believable that they would form a strong attachment to each other. 

The fantasy elements are quite well done. The way darkness is in every aspect of the novel from the Darkling, to the Shadow Fold leaves a lingering eeriness. Every single person in the story has been touched by darkness. It's interesting that light plays an equally large part in the story, and it creates a hope that it can chase away the darkness, even if things seem bleak.

Nothing is more terrifying than a character doing something evil for what they consider righteous reasons. The novel looks at what someone will do for power, and how that power can corrupt something that started out in good intentions. It’s all in the way you view something, and someone whose been driven to darkness can take things to the extreme, as they say absolute power can corrupt absolutely. 

I enjoyed this novel, but found myself not as immersed as I wanted to be. I know that there will be those who love it (and there are) and it is certainly an engaging story. I think this was a case of me going in with too high expectations. A fine debut that teases the darkness in all of us, and one that certainly has me interested in seeing where the next novel leads.