Book Blogger/Reviewer

Jan 20, 2014

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling│Book Review

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♥Synopsis♥

Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck-impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence "Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I'll shut up about it?"

Perhaps you want to know more about what Mindy thinks a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is awaare of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you've come to the right book, mostly!

In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door-not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka.

♥My Review♥

Mindy is so funny!

I enjoyed listening to this on Audio because not only does Mindy narrate it, the book is full of interesting facts about her life. I really can't review this other than saying that it was enjoyable.

There were funny bits throughout the book and with Mindy narrating it, it's even that much funnier!

If you watch The Office and like the character that Mindy plays (a chapter about The Office), than you would probably enjoy this book.

I have never seen The Office and I still enjoyed this.

I would definitely recommend this book.

I gave it ♥♥♥♥ out of ♥♥♥♥♥ on Goodreads.

Jan 16, 2014

Christmas 2013 Book Haul

Jan 13, 2014

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead│Book Review

♥♥♥♥♥

♥Synopsis♥

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school- it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimer's-the very place where they're most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romances, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi=the worlds' fiercest and most dangerous vampires- make Lissa one of them forever.

♥My Review♥

How many vampire books are there and how many of them are based on the cliche' world of vampires? Too many to count!

The definition of Vampire: a dead person who leaves the grave at night to bite and suck blood from living people.

The very definition would cause you to assume that this book is about the un-dead who only come out at night and prey on humans, especially young females who are out wandering in places that they shouldn't.

Not Vampire Academy!!!!

The world that Mead created is not your typical Vampire World. She has created a world with not one, but two types of vampires and a hybrid.

Moroi- vampires that live off of not only blood, but food. They can go out in the daylight, only it makes them weak. They don't hunt humans, but have humans who willingly offer themselves to feed the Moroi, because they get off on something that is in the saliva of the Moroi.

Strigoi- vampires who feed on Moroi, hunting them down to kill them/turn them into Strigoi. They can't go out during the day and can only be killed by a stake to the heart, decapitation or set on fire.

Than you have Dhampirs (Hybrid) - part vampire, part human...do not drink blood. Most Dhampirs train to be the guardians of the Moroi. They have special abilities such has fast reflexes, keen eyesight and hearing. They are strong and are able to take on a Strigoi only after being trained at St. Vladimir's Academy.

Now that being said, it is a lot of information to take in, that's exactly what I thought! However, the way Mead wrote about these types of vampires, are easily explained. It sounds like a lot of info to take in, but she explains it much better than I can.

This has become one of my favorite Vampire Series and I have re-read it numerous times over the years.

Even if you don't like Vampire based stories, I suggest you give Vampire Academy a chance. It is full of action, fighting, romance, drama, mystery and much more.

This book was a page turner. There was not a second that went by that I was distracted because I was so involved with this book.

I highly recommend this book and the entire Vampire Academy Series!

I gave this ♥♥♥♥♥ out of ♥♥♥♥♥ on Goodreads.

♥About the Author♥

Authors Website
Goodreads Page

Scorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-times: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan and Vampire Academy.

A long-life reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.

Jan 10, 2014

Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway January 2014 Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

January Sponsors

Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway:

http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7".

Ends 2/9/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Copyright © 2014 I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, All rights reserved.

Jan 9, 2014

2014 Audiobook Challenge

I started listening to Audio books more at the end of last year since it was easier to get things done in time for the holidays and also get my books in, so I say....Challenge Accepted!

My goal on Goodreads is to read 80 books in 2014, so I am going to set my goal for this challenge is 40 Audiobooks.

Reading Challenge Details:

Runs January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014. You can join at anytime.
The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2014 than you did in 2013.
Books must be in audio format (CD, MP3, etc.)
ANY genres count.
Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, Shelfari, Facebook, LibraryThing, etc.
If you’re a blogger grab the button and do a quick post about the challenge to help spread the word. If you’re not a blogger you can help by posting on Facebook or Tweeting about the challenge.

Levels:

Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5
Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10
Stenographer (can listen while multi-tasking) 10-15
Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20
Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30
My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30+

Audio Resources:

FREE audio resources:

Overdrive through your local library

Audiobook Jukebox audios for review

Bout of Books 9.0 Update

Hey everyone, so in my last post I shared with you what my TBR was for the Bout of Books 9.0 Read-a-thon. Well, if you have been following me on Twitter or Goodreads, you know how well I have stuck to it!!! SHOCKER!!!

I have yet to put up a video on my YouTube channel, but I am working on it!! The video is sitting in my files on my pain in the neck computer...waiting to be uploaded. Go figure!!
So, with that be said, I thought I would give you all an update of what I have read so far.

Books Completed:

Currently Reading:

Day 1: 319 pages read.

Day 2: 167 pages read.

Day 3: 347 pages read.

Count to-date is 833 pages so far. I am happy with this!!

Leave a comment or let me know on Twitter how you are doing, what you are reading, and would you recommend them?

I hope everyone is enjoying themselves and don't forget if you signed up, you can participate in the challenges at Bout Of Books.

Jan 6, 2014

My Bout of Books 9.0 Read-a-thon TBR

As I have stated in a previous post, I am participating in the Bout of Books 9.0 Read-a-thon.

For some reason, my computer will not upload my video that I made, so until I figure out what is going on with that mess...I thought I would let you know what I am planning on reading.

I will do daily updates with the books I read and the total page count for each day.

Here is my TBR for Bout of Books 9.0:

and If I finish these, I added another two for options

So, if all goes as planned, I will read at least five (5) books.

Follow me on Twitter to see my updates @booktalkwjess and say hi, let me know what reading and how you are doing meeting your goals!

Bout Of Books 1/6 Challenge #1 Hosted by Bookish Comforts

The Challenge:
Imagine if you will: you've just received some FANTASTIC news!! You have won a $100 book buying spree! Now comes the hard part though: what books do you buy?! For this challenge, you'll be creating your book buying spree wishlist, and sharing it in the comments.

The Prize
Book(s) from your wishlist worth up to $15 from The Book Depository!

Check Bout Of Books
Check Bookish Comforts

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!

Stay tuned for next Challenge!!

Jan 5, 2014

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White│ Book Review

♥♥♥♥♥

♥Synopsis♥

Evie's always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormal glamours.

But Evie's about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

♥My Review♥

After reading nothing but New Adult, this was a nice turn back into Young Adult/Paranormal.

If you are a fan of Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Vampire Academy, I would say there is a good chance you will like this. No, there is no "Slayer" or "Dhampir", but it's similar nonetheless.

The writing and creation of characters and the world they live in is almost believable, if mythical creatures such as Vampires, Fairies, Werewolves any many other mythical creatures actually existed.

This book is filled with mystery, romance, suspense and action. It's fairly fast paced and a nice escape.

I would recommend this book and I plan on continuing with the series.

I gave this ♥♥♥♥♥ out of ♥♥♥♥♥ on Goodreads.

♥About the Author♥

Authors Website

From Goodreads Page:

Hi, I'm the New York Times best-selling author of Paranormalcy and Supernaturally. I also give the most awkward hugs in the world. You should probably opt for one of my books over one of my hugs, but then again, maybe you like awkward hug.

As for me, I like writing flirting scenes, and fighting scenes, and sometimes I write scenes that fall somewhere in between the tow, but only if I can't avoid it.

Jan 4, 2014

Bout of Books 9.0 Read-A-Thong 1/6 - 1/12

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team.

I plan on taking part in the Read-A-Thon. Once I determine what books I plan on reading, I will post a video on this post.

Let me know if you are participating and what books you plan on reading!

Follow my updates on twitter! My Twitter handle is @booktalkwjess

Pages

Jan 20, 2014

Jan 16, 2014

Jan 13, 2014

Jan 10, 2014

Jan 9, 2014

Jan 6, 2014

Jan 5, 2014

Jan 4, 2014